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Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on January 12, 2008, 01:44:56 PM

Title: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 12, 2008, 01:44:56 PM

Soo.....

 I recently changed my white '89 'Bird over to all CHROME hardware (yes, in defiance to you Uwe!)
Its pretty much back together and to give it a new look I'm wanting a new pickgaurd for it.
So I'd enjoy everyone's thoughts, links to sellers, websites whatever.
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: rockinrayduke on January 12, 2008, 01:49:30 PM
A clear pg with the Bird logo on it..........mmmmmm. ;D Or black.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: drbassman on January 12, 2008, 03:08:10 PM
Hey, how about a picture? I have a white TB that I've been thinking about changing over too, although the tuxedo look is a nice change from my other chromed birds.

I bought the pickguard for my 2003 TB projetct off eBay.  I think I paid about $35 or so.  A good deal for a Gibson product!  WD makes nice guards but no logos.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Bass VI on January 12, 2008, 11:16:36 PM
 Speaking of pickguards....does anyone have a line on the 'bird logo ( transfer? hotstamp? ) there was talk a few Pits ago (sorry), and then more talk of copywright issues.
 I've got a nice blank guard ( correct thickness from jeannie pickguards ) but no bird for my pelham blue Orville. I have a pretty nice late model guard which won't fit any of my Orvi, if anyone needs a replacement ( Dave & Uwe feel free to remove this to a gear for trade/sale section if needed )
 Mark, you could always put a black ( plastic  ;D ) guard on, for Uwes' sake, it would look pretty cool on white/chrome. A chrome applique' bird would be nice. Or I can see the clear with a chrome bird........hmmmmm.

S.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 12, 2008, 11:36:18 PM
 
 I'll have some in-process shots to post in a day or so, I was thinking to at least try to get a black Gibson one like those on the Zebrabird's. I'd also thought of trying (with John's permission) to mask off and airbrush one of his original bird designs that he had posted on DPv? .......So I'm still lookin'  :)
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Dave W on January 12, 2008, 11:37:01 PM
I wonder, is the Thunderbird image available as clipart? If not, you could probably find something very close.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Bass VI on January 12, 2008, 11:55:41 PM
I wonder, is the Thunderbird image available as clipart? If not, you could probably find something very close.

I think so, most logos are, vinyl sign companies have all the Gibson and Fender logos, maybe not the 'bird though. I've used them before as paint masks for redoing the gold silkscreen logos on some repairs. If you are in good with someone at a vinyl sign shop, they may be able to do a mask from an image.

Here would be an example..... Paint masks over silver flake

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/AnnaFinalLayoutGroupTwo003.jpg)

Trans pink coat masks removed

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/AnnaPinkwithSilverStarsKitty004.jpg)

Mostly finished more trans pink overall

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/bassVI/AlmostThere001.jpg)

Sort of extreme examples, but you could certainly get a vinyl mask to do a 'bird or iron cross or ????????

Keep us posted.

S.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 13, 2008, 12:03:23 AM
 That Rick....effn' rules!, I wondered how you did that, its a great easy way to mask something...crap I was gonna cut something out by hand.......I'll get some machine to do it!
When you've got time I'm sooo sending you my Greco TBII
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: uwe on January 13, 2008, 05:35:03 AM
John allowing, we could use his brilliant Buzzard logo for a couple of pickguards from Jeanies. I'd certainly have an interest in two or three. That would take care of any intellectual property issues there might be with the original TBird logo and if we order a larger number we might get a discount on them.

Uwe
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Lightyear on January 13, 2008, 09:15:08 AM
I believe that Gibson's Tbird logo is a hot stamp?  How I don't know.  I do know that Jeanine's said that there were legal issues with an exact reproduction - I would think especially if sold for profit.

As far as vinyl goes - if someone made an accurate scan - say as a TIFF format , then this could be taken to sign shop that would convert the TIFF format (raster) to VECTOR type format ( think Autocad or CNC langauge ).  Once the file is converted it's ready to cut.  If someone has this done make sure that you get the VECTOR file format - some places will keep this file and force you to only use them.  If you had the file the vinyl could be cut anywhere.

You may have to hunt for someone that has the application to convert Raster to Vector - many sign shops just have tons of preloaded images and fonts that they use.  When you see a minivan with sticker on the back glass that says "Bubba" under a soccer ball then you know what I'm talking about.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: rockinrayduke on January 13, 2008, 10:52:23 AM
All I know is, I can't find the logo as clipart to save my life. I wanted to find it and send it to my tat guy ahead of time so when I'm ready for my TB tat he is too. But like Mark told me I'll just have to scan one of my pickguards I guess.

Or I could get a tat that says "Bubba" under a soccer ball........ ;D ;D



OK, I did find this......on the Gibson Bass page IIRC.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/rockinrayduke/thunderbirdlogo.gif)
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: the mojo hobo on January 13, 2008, 02:52:16 PM
Speaking of pickguards....does anyone have a line on the 'bird logo ( transfer? hotstamp? )

I have an old blank pickguard that needs a bird logo too.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Nocturnal on January 13, 2008, 09:44:06 PM
This is the Ebay store where I bought my carbon fiber pickguard & trc.

http://stores.ebay.com/The-Guitar-Parts-Center_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm

He told me he would do one with the bird in any material he had. The bird on this one is done from underneath. Based on mine, if he uses the same way on all of them then the bird could be any color. Of course mine might be made different because of the materials.

BTW, he sell Epi & Gibson trc's for other models as well, so if you don't like the $$$$ bass trc, you could get a repro from him.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: drbassman on January 14, 2008, 05:38:18 AM
This is the Ebay store where I bought my carbon fiber pickguard & trc.

http://stores.ebay.com/The-Guitar-Parts-Center_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm

He told me he would do one with the bird in any material he had. The bird on this one is done from underneath. Based on mine, if he uses the same way on all of them then the bird could be any color. Of course mine might be made different because of the materials.

BTW, he sell Epi & Gibson trc's for other models as well, so if you don't like the $$$$ bass trc, you could get a repro from him.

I bought one from him awhile back and I thought it was pretty good.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: angrymatt on January 14, 2008, 08:04:38 AM
I got that carbon fiber pickguard for my tbird, but he said he needed a tracing for the trc.  Does he make them now?  I never got around to tracing my trc and sending it to him (holidays got a hold of me, my time, and my wallet).
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Barklessdog on January 14, 2008, 08:40:04 AM
Quote
You may have to hunt for someone that has the application to convert Raster to Vector

Adobe illustrator does that.


Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 14, 2008, 10:50:47 AM

Here's the 'Birdie in question with some of its parts re-attached. Something in black may be the answer but I'm not ruling out anything yet.
 (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/inprocess1.jpg)

Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Barklessdog on January 14, 2008, 11:05:16 AM
A chrome guard would be cool.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 14, 2008, 01:02:40 PM

 
A chrome guard would be cool.

 Yeah, and that's what I'm thinking too........maybe with a 'Bird etched into it. probably $200.00 worth of pickguard when its done. I should have my head examined.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: drbassman on January 14, 2008, 04:54:26 PM
Love that chrome!
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Lightyear on January 14, 2008, 05:36:13 PM
Adobe illustrator does that.




But not all vector files are the same - check with your vendor before you get too carried away.  Some of the stuff that the sign guys use is proprietory.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Nocturnal on January 14, 2008, 08:05:01 PM
I got that carbon fiber pickguard for my tbird, but he said he needed a tracing for the trc.  Does he make them now?  I never got around to tracing my trc and sending it to him (holidays got a hold of me, my time, and my wallet).

The trc I bought was the one he had listed as a NR trc. It's the 20mm spacing also. The one I bought was exactly like my original one was.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Barklessdog on January 15, 2008, 04:14:21 AM
Quote
Yeah, and that's what I'm thinking too........maybe with a 'Bird etched into it. probably $200.00 worth of pickguard when its done. I should have my head examined.

Try http://www.terrapinguitars.com/ they did my custom engraved Fenderbird guard for around $68.00


Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 15, 2008, 01:33:38 PM

Thanks John,

 That's a great website. I'll likely refine my idea slightly and go to them. 
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: angrymatt on January 16, 2008, 03:56:58 PM
The trc I bought was the one he had listed as a NR trc. It's the 20mm spacing also. The one I bought was exactly like my original one was.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: OldManC on January 17, 2008, 02:00:04 PM
John allowing, we could use his brilliant Buzzard logo for a couple of pickguards from Jeanies. I'd certainly have an interest in two or three. That would take care of any intellectual property issues there might be with the original TBird logo and if we order a larger number we might get a discount on them.

Uwe

I'd glady order a few. It'd be nice to have a couple in white and at least one in black.
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Barklessdog on January 17, 2008, 02:28:15 PM
Quote
John allowing, we could use his brilliant Buzzard logo for a couple of pickguards from Jeanies. I'd certainly have an interest in two or three. That would take care of any intellectual property issues there might be with the original TBird logo and if we order a larger number we might get a discount on them.

Uwe

Wow that post flew over my head (surprise)

Yeah that would be fine, but I dont know if Jeanies has the computer laser etching machine that Terripin used. He should still have the file or I can resend it to him. He also back filled the logo with black epoxy so it will not rub off over a long time.
 Stamping or embossing is very expensive as you have to make a metal tool, which I was quoted way back then about $100 just to make the tool.

Terripin does it all CAD.

Vector Illustrator file
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/BUZZPINCH.jpg)

The artist proof the sent me-

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/terrip.jpg)


You could engrave it an any pickguard (reverse)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/birdside.jpg)






Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: Barklessdog on January 17, 2008, 02:30:18 PM
The whole thing only cost me about $68.00, but that was several years ago- it might cost more less (smaller Reverse) now?
Title: Re: Thunderbird Pickguards
Post by: TBird1958 on January 17, 2008, 02:55:47 PM

 Yeah John that's it!

I'm thinking one from Terrapin  Silver with that stamped or etched (if they can do it) plus at least one black one. Love the 'Bird!