The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on October 08, 2009, 03:16:41 PM

Title: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 08, 2009, 03:16:41 PM

I finally have this put back together!
briefly, it has Lull pups, a new Gibson 3 point, Hipshot clovers, chrome plated laser cut pickguard and TRC..........And because I could............a chrome plated Opti - Grab  ;D

I'll have some in process shots for the mods forum later.

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiII002.jpg)


(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiII004.jpg)


(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiII006.jpg)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: ramone57 on October 08, 2009, 03:27:39 PM
looks good Mark, nice and shiny!  8)    I did the same thing to my LP studio, you can't beat the look.

(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/rsteiner/blackchromegd9.jpg)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Aussie Mark on October 08, 2009, 03:41:53 PM
What's the little thingy at the end of the bridge?  Is it some kind of retainer for your instrument lead?
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: lowend1 on October 08, 2009, 04:16:33 PM
Quote from: Aussie Mark on October 08, 2009, 03:41:53 PM
What's the little thingy at the end of the bridge?  Is it some kind of retainer for your instrument lead?

Mark's "little thingy" is an OptiGrab! :o
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Lightyear on October 08, 2009, 04:36:12 PM
Awesome!  Couldn't look any better!

And , thank God, the only thing I see refelected in all of that chrome is a chin, ears and a elbow! ;D  
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: chromium on October 08, 2009, 04:47:40 PM
Looks niiiice with bright shiny objects!  (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/smilies/homer.gif)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 08, 2009, 04:58:41 PM
Uhum.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Highlander on October 08, 2009, 05:19:20 PM
Very shiney... I could use that pickguard for polishing my dome...  ;D

... but just what is an "opti-grab"...?
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 08, 2009, 05:20:47 PM

Sorry Uwe!
Didn't know you where going to be SO sensitive about it  ;)

Opti Grab as in the Steve Martin movie "The Jerk"
Really I've always thought this to be a bit of fun on Nikki's part, but who knows?
He hooks his pinkie on it while playing, mine is not that long so it goes unused, chrome plating it just makes it that much sillier.


Quote from: Lightyear on October 08, 2009, 04:36:12 PM
Awesome!  Couldn't look any better!

And , than God, the only thing I see refelected in all of that chrome is a chin, ears and a elbow! ;D  
Here's a recreation of a "famous" Bass Outpost pic.................
Thanks George ;D
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Nikki%20Sixx/NikkiSixx016.jpg)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 08, 2009, 06:25:59 PM
We've had people sent to the Ostfront for lesser crimes.

Trying to teach taste in this forum of fora is not so much frustrating as it is pointless. We should rechristen it The Chrome Home.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: OldManC on October 08, 2009, 06:30:10 PM
Looks much thicker than mine. I'm feeling a bit inadequate...  :o














:mrgreen:
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 08, 2009, 06:38:12 PM
Small caliber love guns have their place too, George. Good aim shouldn't be underestimated and that is not always Mark's forte.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Dave W on October 08, 2009, 06:55:11 PM
The chrome is thicker, George? That is what you're talking about, right?  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 08, 2009, 07:28:11 PM
Quote from: uwe on October 08, 2009, 06:38:12 PM
Small caliber love guns have their place


You're killin' me!   ;D
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Aussie Mark on October 08, 2009, 08:07:59 PM
Oh, so it's a "thumb rest" for pick players.  I get it now.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: lowend1 on October 08, 2009, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: TBird1958 on October 08, 2009, 05:20:47 PM
"mine is not that long so it goes unused"

Ya can't make this stuff up, folks ;D
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: OldManC on October 08, 2009, 09:09:06 PM
By the way Mark, beautiful bass!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Nocturnal on October 08, 2009, 09:11:41 PM
That bass looks great Mark!!!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Daniel_J on October 08, 2009, 10:00:45 PM
Great job! It's so shiny and... bloody!

But although I love chromey stuff myself, I think there are aesthetical situations that call for black hardware better than chrome, and I think this is one of those situations.
Don't get me wrong, it looks great, but I don't think that in this bass, with this particular color scheme, shiny is better.

There, I said it!
Sorry, that's just me...
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Chris P. on October 08, 2009, 11:54:00 PM
Like it!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Basvarken on October 09, 2009, 01:50:03 AM
Gimme that, gimme that chromium leg!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6dUX5MNcY


See the chrome feel the chrome touch the chrome heal the chrome


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFdiDif8_5U
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: exiledarchangel on October 09, 2009, 02:08:41 AM
Me-likes-shiny!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 09, 2009, 02:46:12 AM
Quote from: Daniel_J on October 08, 2009, 10:00:45 PM
Great job! It's so shiny and... bloody!

But although I love chromey stuff myself, I think there are aesthetical situations that call for black hardware better than chrome, and I think this is one of those situations.
Don't get me wrong, it looks great, but I don't think that in this bass, with this particular color scheme, shiny is better.

There, I said it!
Sorry, that's just me...

It was about time that the traditional and historic German-Brazilian friendship was rekindled! Speak up, son, speak up!

I'll say that about Mark's new creation: He's chromed it up nicely. But I miss the red and black contrast of the Sixxnature bass. For me, that bass' look basically lives and dies by that fires of hell-inspired combination. Will Mark wear a red and silver skirt with it?
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Chris P. on October 09, 2009, 03:46:51 AM
Time to make an ODESSA forum, Uwe?
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 09, 2009, 07:01:49 AM
OMG, when did you read that book, Chris? I did in the early seventies, you should devote more time to literature of your age group! Not a great piece of literature. Actually, the real ODESSA (Organisation der ehemaligen SS Angehörigen) i.e. Waffen-SS veterans' organisation is called HIAG (Hilfsgemeinschaft der ehemaligen Waffen-SS Angehörigen auf Gegenseitigkeit), thankfully, they are dying out. Never really a political organisation, they certainly preferred to paint a rosy picture of the Waffen-SS as "just another army". Which it wasn't. Not every guy who volunteered for or was conscripted into the Waffen-SS was automatically a war criminal or a genocide henchman just as not everybody in the Wehrmacht was a saint, but serving in the Waffen-SS certainly increased your chances of being involved in something vile. As well as being killed in action, SS Divisions had the reputation of being casualtiy-ridden, they'd win battles, yes, but be so depleted in their ranks afterwards they had to be rebuilt from scratch.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: gearHed289 on October 09, 2009, 12:17:44 PM
Looks great Mark! Shiny goodness.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 09, 2009, 01:34:21 PM


Thank Guys!
While that much chrome might not be everyone's cup of tea ( and that's cool) I felt like it worked well with body's satin finish, (I love the wood of this bass) while the black hardware did nothing to give the bass any *life*, in other words no sparkle. In some past incarnation of the 'Pit there was discussion of a custom 'Bird in cherry stain with chrome hardware ( George I think!) and that really intriged me, thus this result. I do have a red and black dress to go with it and will be out on the road with it, and you have to remember that I want something that goes with my stage persona ( probably not a vintage sunburst here!) and be more *mine* and less Nikki Sixx.
Lull's pups are so good (not that these sounded bad) there was never any doubt in my mind that I'd change them out, basically I've got the same tone as a 60's 'Bird in a bass that I can take out of the house ( never do that with a 60's bass!)  the rest of the parts just followed suit. 
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: PWV on October 09, 2009, 01:37:58 PM
Wow Mark!  Looks great - I bet the Lull's sound killer in there.   

*Nice 3-point bridge btw.  ;D  *
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: OldManC on October 09, 2009, 01:41:35 PM
Quote from: TBird1958 on October 09, 2009, 01:34:21 PM
In some past incarnation of the 'Pit there was discussion of a custom 'Bird in cherry stain with chrome hardware ( George I think!) and that really intriged me, thus this result.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/Thunderbirds/9d_1-1.jpg)

Yes Mark, I remember that well. I think you nailed and then surpassed this one. Very nice results.  ;)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Pilgrim on October 09, 2009, 05:35:17 PM
Me Likey Chrome!

Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Daniel_J on October 09, 2009, 10:27:00 PM
Mark, after reading your post I went and checked www.thenastyhabits.com .

Well, I keep my opinion that I like what you did, but in MY point of view I like the original black hardware better and I think all chrome does no look right.

But then I saw your band... well... I think there's no other way your bass should look like!
Only in your hands the red stain satin finish and all shiny chrome hardware would look right! Only you and your outfits can pull that off!

I'm new here and I don't know much about you guys, so sorry about that, but if I had seen your band before I probably wouldn't have said anything about MY taste. This is all about YOUR bass! And I'm sure it will look awesome on you!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 10, 2009, 01:16:50 AM

Hey Daniel

No worries! the best part about this place is that we all are respectful of each other - your honestly stated opinion means a lot too. 
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 10, 2009, 01:27:18 AM
Daniel just defected - us huns always end up surrounded by traitors, sigh ...
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Daniel_J on October 10, 2009, 10:41:23 AM
Sorry, Uwe!

But when I see long purple hair, long boots and fishnet stockings with shiny acessories...

And Mark, I also saw a picture of you with the bass in original conditon and I see what you mean. With all the production you invest on your looks, that bass with black hardware definitely looks a bit "lifeless".
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: OldManC on October 10, 2009, 11:11:21 AM
Quote from: Daniel_J on October 10, 2009, 10:41:23 AM
And Mark, I also saw a picture of you with the bass in original conditon and I see what you mean. With all the production you invest on your looks, that bass with black hardware definitely looks a bit "lifeless".

Context is everything!  ;)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: godofthunder on October 10, 2009, 01:10:03 PM
 Looks great Mark ! That bass suits you !
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Highlander on October 10, 2009, 02:12:34 PM
Chromosexual...  ;D

"I finally discovered what my "special purpose" is for..."
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 11, 2009, 03:45:53 AM
Sigh  :-[ , with the "more is more" penchant of you yanks, it is pointless to teach you that such a thing as "subdued elegance" exists.  :rolleyes:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/uwehornung/100_1110.jpg)

In contrast, Mark has turned his Sixxnature into a Dolly Parton of chrome ...  :mrgreen: ;D :mrgreen: ;D  :rimshot:


PS: Just don't tell anyone that my Sixxnature is meanwhile strung with DR Red Devil coated strings, that is tasteful, not garish!  ;)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Barklessdog on October 11, 2009, 05:06:06 AM
QuoteWell, I keep my opinion that I like what you did, but in MY point of view I like the original black hardware better and I think all chrome does no look right.

I agree. It was trying to go for an overall dark richness, chrome kind of overpowers it. But chrome is nice.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: drbassman on October 11, 2009, 07:02:12 AM
I'm sorry, but having grown up in the 50-60's, chrome was "middle-class gold" where I came from.  It's ingrained in us to love it! Heck, if the average car from Detroit didn't have 1,000 lbs of chrome plated metal on it, it wouldn't sell!
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Dave W on October 11, 2009, 07:19:14 AM
Uwe thoroughly enjoys fighting a losing battle.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: godofthunder on October 11, 2009, 07:51:13 AM
I really like the finish and the flamed wings on that bass, If it didn't have the x inlays on the neck I would even buy one.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 11, 2009, 10:41:03 AM

Truely I do enjoy "subdued elegance" ( since when is anything involving Nikki Sixx subdued?) on certain things  i.e. black hardware on a natural finish Zebra Bird,it looks great.............. Mr Sixx, if you recall likes his basses to look like badly repainted sometimes not primered cars, all good for him, he can do whatever he wants. I like glammy stuff, my early musical influnces include Slade, T-Rex, Bowie, Kiss and early Alice Cooper............It only follows that I'd want to emulate my heros and Fraulein Rommel gets to do that ( No I'm not some bi - polar nut!) by having some things that are kind of my trademark - including Thunderbirds in lots of colors and one that's covered in chrome, including the Opti-Grab, which equates to a chrome plated dipstick........... ;D
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: jmcgliss on October 11, 2009, 12:56:18 PM
Subdued elegance describes the following bass should satisfy the chromophobes. If you'll excuse the 'F' word:
Fender Midnight Wine P-bass body
Ebony fretless neck (unlined)
Black pickguard
Chrome hardware

The black p/g made the fretless neck look endless. Plus, black brought out the midnight wine color better than a white p/g would because the dark colors make your pupils dilate. A little bit of chome said 'machine' rather than 'gumdrop'.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Pilgrim on October 11, 2009, 01:35:13 PM
This thread has yielded possibly the best band name yet:  Chromosexuals!

(Could even be the name of a car club.)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Highlander on October 11, 2009, 03:24:10 PM
... and I'll auction it to the highest bidder (not) ...  ;)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Aussie Mark on October 11, 2009, 03:35:51 PM
Quote from: Dave W on October 11, 2009, 07:19:14 AM
Uwe thoroughly enjoys fighting a losing battle.

Culturally ingrained.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Dave W on October 11, 2009, 03:48:40 PM
Quote from: Aussie Mark on October 11, 2009, 03:35:51 PM
Culturally ingrained.

:mrgreen:

That also explains why he rehashes the losing battles in his mind.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 12, 2009, 04:36:14 AM
"Culturally ingrained." :mrgreen:


(http://projects.brg-schoren.ac.at/nationalsozialismus/frames/images/surrender_Keitel_big.jpg)


(http://www.museum-karlshorst.de/html/sammlung/img/Kapitulationsurkunde_Reims1.jpg)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: TBird1958 on October 12, 2009, 09:39:28 AM

Nice how we always seem to end up here..................


You guys are the best  :)
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 12, 2009, 10:00:10 AM
You C(h)ro-M(e)agnon girl ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j44XyHF3yAg&feature=related

(http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=tbn&q=http://l.yimg.com/eb/ymv/us/img/hv/allposters/97/1800048197p.jpg&usg=AFQjCNFRviS9fUIuxVcMkneFv7jbbL_AkQ)


Come to think of it, that style wouldn't look bad on you either! Even with (too much) chrome.  :-*
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Highlander on October 12, 2009, 04:25:40 PM
Show me the way to go chrome, I'm wired and I wanna chromey head, I had a little custom job an hour ago, and my chrome-habit needs to be fed...
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Chris P. on October 13, 2009, 12:45:59 AM
I believe Holland and Germany only have a cease fire and they never surrenderd to us officially.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: uwe on October 13, 2009, 03:38:48 AM
Was the Dutch surender of 1940 ever superseded by any other relevant binational treaty? ! - )
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Pilgrim on October 13, 2009, 09:02:30 AM
Probably, according to the highly authoritative movie 1941

(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/200px-1941_movie.jpg)

Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Dave W on October 13, 2009, 09:27:36 AM
Quote from: Pilgrim on October 13, 2009, 09:02:30 AM
Probably, according to the highly authoritative movie 1941

(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/200px-1941_movie.jpg)



Probably more accurate than Wikipedia.
Title: Re: My very CHROMEY Thunderbird
Post by: Denis on October 14, 2009, 10:55:00 AM
Quote from: uwe on October 12, 2009, 04:36:14 AM
"Culturally ingrained." :mrgreen:
(http://projects.brg-schoren.ac.at/nationalsozialismus/frames/images/surrender_Keitel_big.jpg)

Can I have that walking stick?

Quote from: Pilgrim on October 13, 2009, 09:02:30 AM
Probably, according to the highly authoritative movie 1941
(http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/200px-1941_movie.jpg)

"Look! A baby wolf!"