The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on January 08, 2009, 03:16:12 PM
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Hey All,
Here's what Mike has as of 1/08/2009.
These are the first two prototypes, and as you can see the as yet unchromed pup covers. The pick ups themselves are due today or tomorrow being held up by Washington's absymal weather. The last shot is of my single pick version ;D
They're off to NAMM!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Line6007.jpg)
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Line6008.jpg)
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Line6010.jpg)
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They look beautiful!
Can I ask how much the pickup covers cost?
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those body curves show up a lot better here Mark. i like that a lot.
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Nice of him to add one more unreachable fret. ;D
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Beautiful...
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Bolt on necks? :o
Pricey Epis these then will be. (ducking ...)
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I kinda doubt they'll sound like Epi's...............I'm throwing a shoe!
There's alot of pride in those two basses, it's pretty cool to see how excited both Mike and Roger are about them, especially the pick ups. But you're right about them being pricey, I could buy a '76 and alot (I mean alot) of girly clothes for the price of this bass.
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They look sharp Mark, it's so cool you are in on the ground floor of these ! Is that my bridge I see in the pile 'O parts ?
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Nice Mark, you should get yours in Sea Foam Green
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If the price is right, they'd be a good deal IMHO. For my money, I still like the look of Gibson TBs a little better, except for the black plastic pups! ;)
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I have trouble with the headstock, which is always a huge deal for me. Somehow a Thunderbird, even the latter day Gibsons, just doesn't look right to me without that big ol' paddle. That's why the Fenderbirds are acceptable - the size of the headstock makes it look okay. Not crazy about the contours either, but that 'stock is the deal breaker. At least he used the big shaft tuners...
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I'm sure this will be an excellent instrument and I don't have issues with the look at all, BUT: A bolt on neck with a TBird is like a neck thru-bass in P Bass shape. It just doesn't go together. The way sustain develops relatively attackless on a TBird (which is of course also due to the maho content) is its key characteristic just like you need snap attack on a Fender.
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I was going to mention the neck-thru thing, but I figured that alone would make the bass more expensive to build - and sell. One question though, Uwe - Taking that into account, are you less enamored with the construction and resultant sound of the NRs?
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I'm sure this will be an excellent instrument and I don't have issues with the look at all, BUT: A bolt on neck with a TBird is like a neck thru-bass in P Bass shape. It just doesn't go together. The way sustain develops relatively attackless on a TBird (which is of course also due to the maho content) is its key characteristic just like you need snap attack on a Fender.
But aren't these supposed to be Fenderbirds in concept anyway? I mean, he obviously can't call them that, but I thought the whole idea here was to build a high-end Fenderbird, not a high-end Thunderbird.
Maybe I'm remembering wrong. Mark?
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I was going to mention the neck-thru thing, but I figured that alone would make the bass more expensive to build - and sell. One question though, Uwe - Taking that into account, are you less enamored with the construction and resultant sound of the NRs?
Generally, all my set neck TBirds (the sixties Non-Revs, the Orville, the Epi Elitist and the Gibson Studio) all have enough sustain that you won't miss anything in 99 % of all playing situations. But there is something inherently sweet in the sustain development of the neck-thrus, especially in the upper registers.
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Supposedly an excellent modern bolt on neck should be as good/sustain as a set neck, or, gasp, a neck through, or so I am told.
:-\
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Very cool. Mark, do you know if Mike's pickguard stays white or is a logo coming too?
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Well if Mikes are not white with the bird I know someone who can help ;D
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Supposedly an excellent modern bolt on neck should be as good/sustain as a set neck, or, gasp, a neck through, or so I am told.
It's not sustain. Bolt on neck have it. It's also decay and overall tone,
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It's also decay and overall tone,
I guess one can argue that tone woods are equally important
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FWIW,
The idea really is more along the lines (soundwise) of a Fenderbird, making neck thru instuments is not something Mike could easily do, so these basses will likely have some characteristics of bolt on neck instruments. Mine is going to be metallic orange you can see a small bottle of paint in the pup cavity........that's my paint sample, much like the color John suggested in the hot rod truck pic he posted. If you look carefully at the pic of the two basses together ( under bad fluorescent lighting - there's my job coming thru!) you'll notice the pickguards are different colors, one White, one Parchment for a bit more vintage look. As for a logo design I actually suggested they contact John (Barkless Dog) I really hope they do!
My bass will have Scott's bridge on it!, ;D
while Mike had actually gone ahead and done his own thru Hipshot before I knew of the project, I'll be using Scott's, and buyers can specify the bridge of their choice - I'm proud to use Scott's.
As an aside the black bass actually has a pre amp and battery cavity on the back side, so you can even have an "active" 'Bird if you want to order it that way.
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That's what I thought. He's making a Lull-style Fenderbird, not Thunderbird. Nothing wrong with that.
As for sound, the whole neck joint sustain argument is an old wives tale. But as Uwe and Chris pointed out, there's still a difference in tone.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Car/ist2_1824099-orange-metallic-classi.jpg)
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Why would anybody buy an expensive copy (or lookalike) if they can buy the original Thunderbird for the same price? (I guess).
Obviously these instruments are wll made but I don't know if there is any market for this.
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Before Entwistle died Lakland was also busy with developing a Fenderbird kinda bass. Maybe some people just want the sound of it?
Metallic orange... If I win the lottery I want to order a Warwick Stryker Entwistle sig (with beak headstock) in metallic orange. Shall we start a two bass band than, Mark? Playing Big Bottom all the time?
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To be honest, the hardware is the main feature. The headstock doesn't do anything for me as well as the bolt-on neck is a less desirable feature.
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Why would anybody buy an expensive copy (or lookalike) if they can buy the original Thunderbird for the same price? (I guess).
Obviously these instruments are wll made but I don't know if there is any market for this.
For the same reasons that people buy a Sadowsky or a Lull Fender copy. For the money, you get a solid instrument, and generally don't have to worry about whether you got a parts piece being passed off as all original. As much as I love the look and sound of vintage stuff, not all of it was great to start with, and a lot of pieces haven't survived. In the case of the Thunderbird, I'd think that the Lull would be of similar quality to a vintage T-bird at a much more affordable price.
It's kind of like asking why someone would buy a Sadowsky or Lull when you could get a MIM Fender for a lot less.
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For the same reasons that people buy a Sadowsky or a Lull Fender copy. For the money, you get a solid instrument, and generally don't have to worry about whether you got a parts piece being passed off as all original. As much as I love the look and sound of vintage stuff, not all of it was great to start with, and a lot of pieces haven't survived. In the case of the Thunderbird, I'd think that the Lull would be of similar quality to a vintage T-bird at a much more affordable price.
It's kind of like asking why someone would buy a Sadowsky or Lull when you could get a MIM Fender for a lot less.
Exactly. It will have its own appeal. Some people will prefer it to a new Gibson in the same price range, some won't. People who like Lulls and Sadowskys will like the concept and the bass. Others will prefer a much cheaper neck-through Epi to a bolt-on Lull. Nothing wrong with that, either.
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I don't think there's going to be a huge market for these basses..........They are expensive.
They are more likely the outgrowth of Mike's longtime love for vintage Thunderbirds and his own regrets about selling his! For me its a once in a lifetime thing to do, kind of like when Scott ( Godofthunder) had his Jimmy Lea bass made. Who gets to order a custom bass from a great builder? Not an everyday thing for me! Mine is #1, I'm pretty excited about that and I know already that it'll be a rare, fine instrument that will play really well because Mike takes great care in what he puts his name on.
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WHAT ARE THE PICKUP COVERS MADE FROM AND CAN YOU GET ANY MORE?????? I'D LOVE TO GET A SET OF THEM AND HAVE THEM NICKEL PLATED!!
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Joe, according to Mark's earlier thread from November:
"Perhaps the most exciting part is Mike's attention the pick ups, first the new ones will have chrome plated stamped brass covers, made by the same supplier Gibson used for the original 1960's production!
The internal parts of the pickup will be just like the originals too, Mike paid great attention to the metals and plastics used and there will be both a bridge and neck version produced that will have 7k and 8k output, again just like the '64 prototype. The metal pickup rings are also being made."
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How much are they? Is there a list price yet?
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They haven't priced those parts yet guys............They know some of you want them. Roger, Mike's office manager regularly visits our site here, they know about the BaCHbird and that there's interest in these components.
Please be patient, it's something new for them. The focus is to get the prototypes to NAMM, they've promised to keep me informed about availabilty - at which point you should be able to order parts directly from them, give it 3-4 weeks okay?
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AW, MAN, THAT IS SO DARN COOL!!!!!! NEW 60's style PICKUP COVERS!!!!!!!! Must be the Second Coming????
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Mark I can't tell you how pleased and honored I am that you are having one of my bridges installed on you bass !
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For the same reasons that people buy a Sadowsky or a Lull Fender copy.
To some point you are right. But I think the jazz bass is a 'generally more accepted' model than the Thunderbird model. Somehow I associate the thunderbird more to Gibson than the jazz bass to Fender. I see the jazz bass more as a model bass than belonging to one brand name. I think people are more likely to buy a jazz bass copy than a thunderbird copy. Who of you prefers a Mike Lull Thunderbird to a Gibson Thunderbird? I also know this sounds stupid.
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Actually I was wondering about the list price of the whole bass, not just the pickups.
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I don't yet Andrew, I have a pretty substantial *downpayment* on mine.
If I didn't say it earlier, I'm figuring on doing this once in my lifetime - I'm not a wealthy person.
By doing this I get the bass I want, and can somewhat afford - I'd never consider refinning a '60's 'Bird into metallic orange (sacrilige!) but a new custom one for me, yeah. Mike could never make lots of anything tho, his place is a small, high quality shop, he works with all clients famous or not (like me) and takes a lot of pride in that. I have no problem supporting his efforts, and I know all of us that love 'Birds will benifit from this just from the parts standpoint alone.
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If he's going to debut it at NAMM next week, I would think he'll announce the pricing then too.
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I think these basses look awesome! I have no idea what they will cost, but I know they won't be cheap. I've never had the chance to play a Lull bass before, but I've heard great things about them. I would love the chance to try one of these and dream that I could afford to pick one up someday. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the headstock, which would not stop me from buying the bass if I loved the bass. As far as who would buy these over a Gibson, who knows without trying one out? I would bet any amount of money that the QC put into the Lull's will far excede what passes for QC at Gibson these days. That would make it worth spending more $$ to me. A custom shop Thunderbird is way cooler than a custom shop Jazz or Precision IMO. But I am prejudice when it comes to that.
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I would KILL to buy a set of pickups!!! Or even just pickup covers!!!!
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I would KILL to buy a set of pickups!!! Or even just pickup covers!!!!
Baz,
You're much too pretty for prison! Just wait a couple weeks!
They really did take apart the pups from a '64 to do this, it's very faithful to the original. ;)
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I know, I'd for sure be on the bottom with Bubba!!! Yes, I will learn patience...patience... Yes Ohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. No but seriously, that sounds fantastic. Maybe I can build another 8 string bird???
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Joe and all!
As of 1/13/2009 they've officially annouced the bass!
I got an email from Roger saying that folks are contacting him for pick up covers................ ;D
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Hey All!
Here's my official email from Roger at Mike Lull's guitar works regarding the Lull Birds as of 1/14/2009.
You can email with them @ <guitarwk@mikelull.com> but please keep in mind that they are leaving for NAMM and will be away.
"Mark, I have attached a promo photo for you and the guys at The Last Bass Outpost. Tell the guys that the pickups and covers will be available after the NAMM Show which starts this Thursday. The basses have a retail price of $4199 single pup and $4399 for two pups. The pickups sound KILLER! I don't have a retail price on the pickups and covers yet, but should have that next week. The covers are not brass. They are nickel silver as were the original 60's pickups. We will sell them in chrome or leave them as they are like Gibson did. You saw the raw nickel silver covers while you were here. We are getting great response from our dealers and this is looking like it could be big. Remember that the headstock isn't the same as Gibson, and these basses balance perfectly. There is no headstock dive at all. You can also sit down and play this bass very comfortably with out a hint of headstock dive. This bass played with a pick will kill whoever is in the first five rows. They will die with a smile on there face."
Here's the promo!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/LullT-BassBrochureFrontMedium.jpg)
Here's the pups again.................they'll be along very soon! ;D
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/Line6008.jpg)
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When Bionic Joe sees this, better have the smelling salts ready. :)
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Great bass. A lot of money, but a great bass!
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Remember that the headstock isn't the same as Gibson, and these basses balance perfectly. There is no headstock dive at all. You can also sit down and play this bass very comfortably with out a hint of headstock dive.
I really like the headstock design once you see a full shot of it. Was not sure before, but now I like it.
I wonder how they make it balance?
The price I would expect as much, as Mike Lull is a premiere brand as much as Sadowsky & Lakland USA. The problem lies in that it has to be better or offer something more than the real deal, as the price could be somewhat close to an original 60's bird, far more than a 70's one.
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I'm not posting that pic of me in *boy* clothes again! ;D
It balances perfect, and as you can see the headstock shape is very sympathetic with the body shape. Send them some 'Bird logos John!
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I'm not posting that pic of me in *boy* clothes again! ;D
It balances perfect, and as you can see the headstock shape is very sympathetic with the body shape. Send them some 'Bird logos John!
Only if they want them.
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I think I am going to have a heart attack!!!! WOW!!!!!!!
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Considering the builder I don't think the price is crazy at all. It's not a Gibson Thunderbird and isn't meant to be. While a non mint 60's bird may be priced in the same ballpark, could you realistically expect to buy one or two and take them on the road with a touring band? No (only if you're Tom Petersson ;)), but these would fit that bill perfectly, so I can see them making quite an impact with the market segment who buys Sadowsky, Lakland, etc.
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I want some pickups. ;D
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And Mike is not a mass market builder, period. He's not trying to take on Gibson or to be an alternative to the vintage market, although a few buyers will buy for those reasons. He's just trying to put out an excellent take on the Thunderbird for those who can appreciate it (and afford it).
The pickups being offered separately is a bonus for certain chrome obsessed persons. ;)
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Question perhaps more for Mark, but if anyone knows, please chime in..
1) Will the chrome pickup covers work on a regular 2002 Gibson Thunderbird?
2) Will those chrome tuning keys work on a 2002 T-bird???
Thanks!
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Prices on the pickups yet?
I have to imagine they will cost at least $150 each as Lakland Chisonics and Dark Stars do
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Question perhaps more for Mark, but if anyone knows, please chime in..
1) Will the chrome pickup covers work on a regular 2002 Gibson Thunderbird?
2) Will those chrome tuning keys work on a 2002 T-bird???
Thanks!
Both good questions!
The tuners are Hipshot Ultralite Clovers, I've put them on a post '88 "modern" 'Bird before, be very careful tho. the exsisting holes need to be redrilled slightly and they will come very close to touching each other.
You'd have to skin the black plastic off the pups to get chrome covers to work, I've done it.
Mike's pup's and rings would be a nice easy alternate.
The 'Bird in question.........My '89.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/purplewhite2-1.jpg)
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be very careful tho. the exsisting holes need to be redrilled slightly and they will come very close to touching each other.
You'd have to skin the black plastic off the pups to get chrome covers to work, I've done it.
Mike's pup's and rings would be a nice easy alternate.
The 'Bird in question.........My '89.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/purplewhite2-1.jpg)
Mark,
The holes in the headstock line up with Grovers, just a bigger hole?
And IIRC, taking off that plastic is a bit of a nightmare???
....and nice Bird! Think that's my fave (aside from the orange one you have on the way)
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Yup!
The holes in the headstock just need to enlarged alittle.
Taking the plastic off the pups isn't too hard really, I used a pair of Xuron wire cutters, they're strong and sharp to grasp at the edge of the plastic and peel it off in bits . ( Sorry Uwe! ) it took maybe 10 minutes each. It's drilling new mounting holes that require some care......the ends of the coils are very near where you need to drill.
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I put the Ultralites on my 2003 TB and didn't have to do anything to the holes. I did have to be very careful as they just clear one another by the tiniest fraction. I actually had to tilt the e and g-string tuners just slightly to get the clearance I needed. If you look closely at the back shot you can see it. Not a big deal really since you can't tell from the front and they only require one screw to hold them in place. They are great tuners and well worth it.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1937.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/2003%20TB%20Project/100_1938.jpg)
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My '89 originally had Grovers on it, they must be a slightly different size than what was on your '03 Bill, I didn't have to do that.
Regardless, they're way cooler than the little ones ;)
When I first tried them I used a black set.............. A mistake on the color to be sure, I saw the CHROMEY light soon after.
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/neck_front.jpg)
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My 2001 all modded and chromed out, still gotta get rid of that black plastic pup !(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/IMG_4460.jpg)
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here is a better pic of the bass, note the Badass bridge and deep cutaway ;) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/IMG_4465.jpg)
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My '89 originally had Grovers on it, they must be a slightly different size than what was on your '03 Bill, I didn't have to do that.
Yeah, it's interesting how the specs gradually change over time. I could enlarge the tuner holes just slightly and move the tuners away from one another, but this was easy and the bass is fine. I play it all the time and it sounds great. Gotta love that chrome!
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here is a better pic of the bass, note the Badass bridge and deep cutaway ;) (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/IMG_4465.jpg)
I hate it when Scott "rubs" his wretched experiments "in" like that! It's like a family album of third generation incest being passed around proudly ("little Kenny's sister was also his mother, and they have children together too ...") at a birthday party and you don't know what to really say ... :-[
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: ;)
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From Thunderbirds to incest..............
Only here! ;)
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LMFAO Posted almost exclusivley for you Uwe ;D I wondered how long it would take to get a rise out of you. all this from the man who paints a EB3 blue and orange. One would think you would be more accepting of diversity.
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My T-Bird's appointment for that cutaway mod and a new bridge (warwick) is now only a month or so away. Thank you for that inspirational content, Scott.
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Besides i really do need the access to the upper register ;D (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/JS_0031_fx.jpg)
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i have no idea what lies beyond the fifteenth fret. in my case probably lots of dust.
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i have no idea what lies beyond the fifteenth fret. in my case probably lots of dust.
In my case it's called "The Undiscovered Country" ;D
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Is there really anything "undiscovered" with you?
In my case it's a disciplinary factor. And as a kraut, I'm a glutton for discipline.
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Is there really anything "undiscovered" with you?
In my case it's a disciplinary factor. And as a kraut, I'm a glutton for discipline.
I know how to use a cat o' nine tails..................... so like that kind of discipline?
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To freely quote my favorite character from Hellraiser, Pinhead: "We are all explorers of pain."
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Germans
Discipline
Uniforms..................... ;)
Come hither!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/l_eb626c98336157b4cc2500dc232fad7e.jpg)
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Did he really say: "Come Hitler!"? :-o
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For the uninitiated, here at the Outpost it is always advisable to carefully guard one's nether regions - sometimes "reverse body" is a command, not a Gibson bass configuration. :o
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Did he really say: "Come Hitler!"? :-o
Jawohl, Herr Oberst!
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A guy at Talkbass posted sound clips
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518612
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I got an email from Roger about that too, but the links didn't seem to like my computer very much, it would freeze up and that's never happened before.
I'm passing thru Bellevue this afternoon so I'll drop past Mike's shop with my camera.
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So both of the prototypes are gone now, mine should come back from the paint shop in about 10 days, Mike says they'll do one more sound clip witha 100watt Hi Watt and a Sunn 2x15 in a couple weeks.
Here's the Black prototype as it left the shop
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/PursegloveTbass2.jpg)
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Wow, that looks amazing!
Chrome is so needed on this bass, and lots of it.
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I've never cared for those covers on any bass. But all that chrome does look great on there!!
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They look cook but I pull them off the min. I get a bass with 'em. Beautiful bass btw
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Agreed it takes away so much of your playing area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Thanksadd.jpg)
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Does Mike sells those covers too?
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Agreed it takes away so much of your playing area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/Thanksadd.jpg)
John Where did you find that picture ? lmao
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I found it as someone's "thanks" thing on My Space during a random music search.
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The covers on the black bass are original Gibson pieces the owner supplied, there's a guy in Texas that makes nice repros too. I picked up a couple of his off of Ebay for a great price - thinking that since the bass isn't an original Gibson but uses parts patterned after one including Scott's bridge, they'd make more sense.
I happen to really like the chrome covers, (CHROME = SEXY) aside from their contribution to a 'Bird's overall aesthetic they don't cramp my (admittedly bad!) pick playing style at all - and usually the outside edge of my pinkie finger ends up resting or contacting the bridge cover.......and that doesn't make for such a large callous there like the saddles and strings of an uncovered 3 point can do.
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At the time I was mentally ready to pay 60 dollars for one, I couldn't find them on eBay anymore. Any links/ideas?
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Here you go Shatzi............
Same guy and part that I picked up, I pm'd him about the pup cover.
http://cgi.ebay.com/GIBSON-EB-2-EB-0-EB-3-THUNDERBIRD-RIPPER-BASS-COVER_W0QQitemZ280313313616QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item280313313616&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50
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Thanks! I have the bridge one, but I need the other one. I'll PM him!
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Article about it here-
http://www.bassgearmag.com/web/industry_news_detail.php?noticia_id=113
Interesting that it has a bolt on mahogany neck.
What would it take to make the T-Bass really fly? More articulation in the upper range, better balance and durability. Durability? Yep. Mike’s seen his share of broken headstocks due to its angle and location of the trussrod. Add in the heavy tuners, and the large size of the headstock, and quite a few went south for the winter. The Lull T-Bass has less headstock angle, lighter tuners and the trussrod is adjusted at the body. It’s also a bolt-on. Why? More articulation on the upper end as well as being easier to work on. Any low-end shift is easily offset by the thicker body cut.
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He's a little optomistic on his pricing, but otherwise ;D
My Orange thingy is just a couple weeks away................
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My Orange thingy is just a couple weeks away................
They have shots for that, y'know...
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They have shots for that, y'know...
gee doc, why is my penis turning orange?
i don't know, what do you do all day?
jeeze doc, all i do is sit around playing bass and eating cheetos
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:rimshot:
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gee doc, why is my penis turning orange?
i don't know, what do you do all day?
jeeze doc, all i do is sit around playing bass and eating cheetos
Man, that would be the life! I loves the Cheetos. :)