NBD '67 Nonreverse Thunderbird

sniper · May 16, 2011, 04:16:28 PM

Scott, I know that bass is where it needs to be and who it needs to be with period. The connection is most important. If the connection is not there, then I would suggest a repair like the one shown at the Luthery Shop on the LP Jr; that is, a two plate repair. One would have to make a laminated back plate to go down the neck to match the original lami's but that is do able. A front plate would not need to be laminated to match anything. I would also have the fretboard scarf jointed long to the fifth or so. Just mho.

Good luck on your investigation.

the mojo hobo · May 16, 2011, 06:42:31 PM

Sniper: FYI NR necks are not laminated.

Scott: The West Systems epoxies look interesting, but there are so many choices. Which combination do you find best for headstock repairs

godofthunder · May 17, 2011, 05:18:36 AM

The West Systems looks complicated but it's not once you get used to it. The two main additives I use are Silica for extra hardness(I forget the # but it's like 406 or 407) and #405 cellulous. The 405 is used as a filler you can thicken the stuff up just a little or to the consistency of peanut butter. I have used West Systems for boat restoration for almost 20 years now. Two years ago I dropped my wooden mast and it broke in half on a scarf joint. Glued it up with West Systems and it good as new. For gluing up a headstock I would use the straight epoxy maybe add a little of the 405. I have also had great success with Franklin's Tite bond, If the break has a lot of long grain and is very clean I may use that.

godofthunder · May 17, 2011, 05:27:40 AM

I took the bass to rehearsal last night, it traveled well got there and home in one piece. The bass sounds Really Really good one of the loudest NRs I have ever owned. At this point it looks like it will hold I am going to give it a month just to make sure then I will do my final doll up and call it done.

I am going to leave it this color for now but she may get a refin down the road.

Freuds_Cat · May 17, 2011, 08:05:45 AM

Beautiful job Scott. Very interesting read.

Barklessdog · May 17, 2011, 09:05:22 AM

We should call you the Gibson Necromancer. Great job.

sniper · May 17, 2011, 01:37:08 PM

Quote from: the mojo hobo on May 16, 2011, 06:42:31 PM
Sniper: FYI NR necks are not laminated.

Grasshopper understands

Highlander · May 17, 2011, 04:41:36 PM

Quote from: Barklessdog on May 17, 2011, 09:05:22 AM
We should call you the Gibson Necromancer. Great job.

Nope... just leave him as GOT... breathing life back into the (nearly) dead...

natdaniels · May 17, 2011, 05:22:48 PM

Scott, You don't know how it warms my heart to know your jamming out on the NR. I'm so glad to know she's found a home. Great job!!!! Jim

godofthunder · May 18, 2011, 06:04:21 AM

Jim, I'm so glad I got her ! I can't thank you enough for hanging onto the bass till I got the details sorted out. So far so good the headstock is holding just fine. I plan on taking it to the next gig to see how it holds up under real conditions. Now I have to find a case!