Bach Thunderbird Tuner Replacements

OldManC · February 02, 2021, 10:44:00 PM

Hi again!

I'm on a roll and planning on going through my Bach birds next. I have two of (I think) the second, thin boded run (baby blue and white). I have most everything I need except tuners. There are so many options out there that I'm not sure where to begin, but I'd like them to look as close to stock (for a 60s NR) as possible. Have any of you gone through this and found a good option?

Also, have any of you had your tail pieces lift from string tension? It happened on both of mine about 6 months ago (I noticed it on each bass within weeks of each other). That's part of why I'm inspired to pimp them out now, because I have to fix that issue anyway (I believe the screws on the tailpiece were too thin and short).

I'm also finding that the pickup route is a few millimeters too close to the neck for a 60s spec pick guard and pickup to drop in without slightly routing out the pickup hole. I know I'm WAY late to the party, but I thought I'd mention it.

Basvarken · February 03, 2021, 01:43:09 AM

I'd use Gotoh resolite GB640 4L N

They're extremely lightweight.

https://www.thomann.de/nl/gotoh_gb640_4l_n_bass_tuners.htm

OldManC · February 03, 2021, 02:53:45 PM

Thank you, Rob! I'll check those out.

Basvarken · February 03, 2021, 04:00:28 PM

I used them on the BaCHBird Deluxe that i did years ago (together with Peter Boer)

OldManC · February 03, 2021, 09:20:10 PM

They look great!

D.M.N. · February 04, 2021, 06:48:23 PM

Yep, the Gotoh's are the best choice running. I can't remember if I used the Resolites or the normal ones, I'm think I went with the standards, but the resolites will certainly help with neck weight. Either way, when I upgraded my BaCH, I went with Gotohs.

OldManC · February 04, 2021, 07:03:58 PM

Thank you for the verification. It helps to know you guys were happy with them. I was able to get a deal on two sets today, so both my Bach birds are set. Once they arrive the white one will go into the shop and I'll start gathering the final parts for the blue one. I'm as excited now as I was when we were waiting for them to be made.

Denis · February 03, 2022, 12:03:10 PM

Quote from: Basvarken on February 03, 2021, 01:43:09 AM
I'd use Gotoh resolite GB640 4L N

They're extremely lightweight.

https://www.thomann.de/nl/gotoh_gb640_4l_n_bass_tuners.htm

ROb, do those Resolites require new holes to be drilled into the headstock or are the direct replacements?

Basvarken · February 15, 2022, 05:34:34 AM

The hole pattern is different. But the large base plate will obscure the original holes.