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Gear Discussion Forums => Bill's Shop: Projects, Mods & Repairs => Topic started by: godofthunder on June 15, 2008, 08:47:46 AM

Title: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 15, 2008, 08:47:46 AM
 With the finishing of my my Model G NRbird  I have decided to start building Fenderbird bodies. I plan to offer three body styles, JAE Thunderbird, JAE Extreme Cutaway Thunderbird and a Nonreverse Thunderbird.  I will sell bodies outright or do complete builds. I am also compiling a list of those who make after market Thunderbird parts as a resource for those who want to build or need parts. I believe Uwe coined the phrase " Thunderbird Garage" and that will be my shops name.  We are moving Aug. 4th I won't be set up to build till fall but I am working on getting everything in place to start being able to take orders. If anyone is interested please contact me and we can talk about what you'd like. Thanks, Scott  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/001.jpg)
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Dave W on June 15, 2008, 09:20:56 AM
Sounds like a good plan, especially if you're able to carry some of the hardware and electronics.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 15, 2008, 09:51:54 AM
 I will be able to supply bridges and tailpieces, pickguards etc.. If pickups are needed the person ordering will have to buy covers from Tony Carl or '76 covers from greattdealz on ebay and send them to the Seymour Duncan custom shop, I just can't manage that kind of overhead. That is one reason I want to make a list of parts suppliers available to people, they can get the hardware together and either have me build or do it themselves or have another builder do the final assembley.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Nocturnal on June 15, 2008, 10:47:39 AM
Keep us posted on when you are ready to start taking orders. I would love to pick up a body or 2 from you once you get going.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: ramone57 on June 15, 2008, 12:30:32 PM
an NR would be pretty cool.  you gonna use mahogany?
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: sniper on June 15, 2008, 03:45:12 PM
absolutely great idea Scott.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: SKATE RAT on June 15, 2008, 06:09:12 PM
very cool,i may want one
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 15, 2008, 06:16:28 PM
I plan to use Honduran Mahogany but I will consider other woods, with a painted body Alder is a close match tone wise and  a lot less expensive.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: drbassman on June 15, 2008, 06:55:59 PM
I agree, I think alder sounds similar and is a lot easier.  No grain filling!  Yeah! 
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 15, 2008, 07:29:43 PM
Quote from: ramone57 on June 15, 2008, 12:30:32 PM
an NR would be pretty cool.  you gonna use mahogany?
I used Honduran for this build.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Chris P. on June 16, 2008, 12:58:47 AM
I have a black blocked jazz neck (copy) somewhere. Could be nice on a white body.

Great plan, BTW!
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: drbassman on June 16, 2008, 05:44:26 AM
I might have to buy one too!  A Fenderbird is definitely in my future!
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Blazer on June 16, 2008, 08:36:50 AM
An eccelent innitiative, but as a fellow luthier I think I'll stick with making my own bodies and necks.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/guitarman91/100_0589.jpg)
The routing template I made for my own Fenderbird project.

Because I love working with powertools like a table router to make my own instruments. I'm sure you'll understand, right?
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: SKATE RAT on June 16, 2008, 08:56:27 PM
Quote from: Chris P on June 16, 2008, 12:58:47 AM
I have a black blocked jazz neck (copy) somewhere. Could be nice on a white body.

Great plan, BTW!
i thinking the same thing.blocks.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Barklessdog on June 17, 2008, 04:47:41 AM
Like this one?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/blackbird.jpg)
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 17, 2008, 04:52:08 AM
 That is a beautiful bass !
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: Blazer on June 24, 2008, 06:17:29 PM
Heh, I'm gonna have to swallow my own words here because it seems that this years holiday will make it impossible for me to work on my own fenderbird bass.

So err. how much do you charge for a NR body with J-J pickups routing in white?
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: SKATE RAT on June 24, 2008, 07:22:31 PM
oh yeah.
Title: Re: Thunderbird/Fenderbird bodies for builds
Post by: godofthunder on June 25, 2008, 05:18:29 AM
 Blazer we are moving in the middle of July, my shop is all packed up, I won't be building anything till fall. Price in large part depends on the type of wood used. I am be tooling up for JAE Style Fenderbirds with Thunderbird pickup routes. I'm not really interested in doing stuff with Fender pickups.