1976 Thunderbird "Restoration"

OldManC · January 30, 2021, 09:55:12 PM

This was my first restomod project, working with a new (to me) luthier. There were a couple of hiccups along the way, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I can't really play well right now (recently had surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome in my elbow), so no demo video yet, but believe me, this Thunderbird went from being a dud to one of the best sounding birds I've ever had. Before the new iteration, it sounded like it had a sponge mute pushed under the strings, but not in a good way. I had the same thing happen with my first Thunderbird back in the early 80's, so I took a chance that this one would open up again once it had the right bridge. Special thanks to Scott, who provided the perfect bridge and tailpiece. Thunderbucker '66 pickups and rings were also included in this build. They sound great to my ear. It's all angry piano again, and the sustain is insane. I'm in love with this thing.

Basvarken · January 31, 2021, 04:18:51 AM

Congrats George.
I hope you have a speedy recovery, so you can rock this beautiful bird soon

Highlander · January 31, 2021, 05:56:07 AM

Granny Gremlin · January 31, 2021, 11:41:55 AM

Ken · January 31, 2021, 12:09:43 PM

Beautiful! We need some sound samples.

OldManC · January 31, 2021, 01:17:12 PM

Quote from: BklynKen on January 31, 2021, 12:09:43 PM
Beautiful! We need some sound samples.

When I can get my fingers to fret notes properly at speed, I'll definitely work some up. I think another few weeks and I'll be there.

Ken · January 31, 2021, 01:39:43 PM

Quote from: OldManC on January 31, 2021, 01:17:12 PM
When I can get my fingers to fret notes properly at speed, I'll definitely work some up. I think another few weeks and I'll be there.

Sounds good. Feel better!

OldManC · January 31, 2021, 08:48:18 PM

Thank you!

Dave W · January 31, 2021, 11:32:48 PM

Looks great!

Alanko · February 01, 2021, 11:15:48 AM

That bass looks absolutely fantastic! If it looks fantastic it probably plays fantastic as well.

uwe · February 03, 2021, 10:29:18 AM

But you had one like that und sold it to me!

Sehr schöne Arbeit.

OldManC · February 03, 2021, 03:02:31 PM

Quote from: uwe on February 03, 2021, 10:29:18 AM
But you had one like that und sold it to me!

Sehr schöne Arbeit.

I know... And I still feel bad about doing it!

uwe · February 03, 2021, 04:19:15 PM

You are aware that it only sounded different because it had a faulty pup?

Took me years to realize.

OldManC · February 03, 2021, 09:19:13 PM

Quote from: uwe on February 03, 2021, 04:19:15 PM
You are aware that it only sounded different because it had a faulty pup?

Took me years to realize.

I'm glad it went to someone who was able to make it right (and didn't just throw an EMG in it). That was one reason I was OK with letting it go; I knew you would be a good steward of such a rare piece.

Highlander · February 04, 2021, 01:51:45 PM

Neil Young effectively fathered a "genre" with a "faulty" pup...