Thunderbirds by Mike Lull

Dave W · January 14, 2009, 09:52:23 AM

When Bionic Joe sees this, better have the smelling salts ready.

Chris P. · January 14, 2009, 09:55:44 AM

Great bass. A lot of money, but a great bass!

Barklessdog · January 14, 2009, 11:53:11 AM

QuoteRemember 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.

TBird1958 · January 14, 2009, 12:03:45 PM

I'm not posting that pic of me in *boy* clothes again!

It balances perfect, and as you can see the headstock shape is very sympathetic with the body shape. Send them some 'Bird logos John!

Barklessdog · January 14, 2009, 12:14:08 PM

Quote from: TBird1958 on January 14, 2009, 12:03:45 PM
I'm not posting that pic of me in *boy* clothes again!

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.

Bionic-Joe · January 14, 2009, 12:30:26 PM

I think I am going to have a heart attack!!!! WOW!!!!!!!

OldManC · January 14, 2009, 08:54:56 PM

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.

drbassman · January 15, 2009, 07:51:23 AM

I want some pickups.

Dave W · January 15, 2009, 07:55:52 AM

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.

Blackbird · January 15, 2009, 08:00:55 AM

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!

Barklessdog · January 15, 2009, 09:09:02 AM

Prices on the pickups yet?

I have to imagine they will cost at least $150 each as Lakland Chisonics and Dark Stars do

TBird1958 · January 15, 2009, 09:13:13 AM

Quote from: Blackbird on January 15, 2009, 08:00:55 AM
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.

Blackbird · January 15, 2009, 10:06:58 AM

Quote from: TBird1958 on January 15, 2009, 09:13:13 AM
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.

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)

TBird1958 · January 15, 2009, 10:22:00 AM

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.

drbassman · January 16, 2009, 05:50:35 AM

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.