8 string NR Thunderbird

godofthunder · April 09, 2009, 01:48:49 PM

I have wanted a 8 or 12 string bass for years but could never justify the purchase. Joe's 8 string NR has pushed me over the edge so I am starting to build my own. The body blank is cut out, I will run it through the thickness planer next week. I have a Lindy Fralin Bassbucker lying around so that's what is going to power it. I will most likely use a Warmoth neck, I may do a set neck or just bolt the F'er on there. I'm thinking Pelham Blue.

drbassman · April 09, 2009, 02:06:21 PM

Cool idea. It's better to build it anyway! Keep us in the loop with pictures!

gearHed289 · April 09, 2009, 03:29:51 PM

Quote from: godofthunder on April 09, 2009, 01:48:49 PM
I have wanted a 8 or 12 string bass for years but could never justify the purchase. Joe's 8 string NR has pushed me over the edge so I am starting to build my own. The body blank is cut out, I will run it through the thickness planer next week. I have a Lindy Fralin Bassbucker lying around so that's what is going to power it. I will most likely use a Warmoth neck, I may do a set neck or just bolt the F'er on there. I'm thinking Pelham Blue.

Nice! Beware of neck dive though. The Warmoth necks are nice, but the 8 string one I had was super chunky, and they inlay steel bars under the fingerboard, so it's HEAVY!

Highlander · April 09, 2009, 05:35:58 PM

This may be totally off the wall but how about a more standard neck and some tuners at the south end, or a modified Steinberger bridge idea...

godofthunder · April 09, 2009, 06:28:58 PM

I have been thinking about the body thickness. NRs are 1 1/4" awfully thin, I think I will go for a thicker body. Not sure how thick toying with 1 5/8" or a little less. Pics next week just a cut out blank right now not much to show.

Bionic-Joe · April 13, 2009, 06:31:44 PM

Scott!!! I just dropped off my Non-Reverse Korina body and Gibson ripper neck to have it assembled today!!! I'm going for set neck, with one Mike Lull T Bird pickup (unless I can find an Orville), yellow tinted Nitro, Hamer bridge/tailpiece, Schaller tuners. Ebony fingerboard. BLACK PICKGUARD. Those Gibson Necks on Ebay are the EXACT same size as the Warmoths!!! I will ppost pics as soon as progress is started!!!!! SERIOUSLY...DOES ANYBODY HAVE ONE, JUST ONE ORVILLE T BIRD PICKUP LAYING AROUND?

I WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY $250.00 FOR IT.

godofthunder · April 13, 2009, 08:00:38 PM

Sorry Joe I have never even held one in my hand

Bionic-Joe · April 19, 2009, 01:51:16 PM

Would you like this??? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=370190033845

godofthunder · April 21, 2009, 02:50:50 PM

Yes I would !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am working on the mistress of finance right now.

godofthunder · April 23, 2009, 03:39:18 PM

Back to the 8 string NR, I thickness planed the body to 1 1/2" I toyed with 1 5/8" but I thought the bass would lose the NR feel, a little neck dive LMFAO. I hope to do some routing over the week end. Pics soon.

godofthunder · April 24, 2009, 06:39:10 AM

The body is now 1 1/2" thick, I like this dimension I think the bass will feel right. Doesn't look like much at the moment, could be any one of my builds.

Pilgrim · April 24, 2009, 08:31:26 AM

How's the balance? if you use a 34" scale neck and 8 tuners, I'm concerned about that...

godofthunder · April 24, 2009, 08:34:04 AM

LMAO When I say feel right I mean I plan on it to be a little neck heavy ! just like a real NR. I was going to do a 1 5/8" body but I really like the NRs 1 1/4" inch body so 1 1/2" is a compromise.

Pilgrim · April 24, 2009, 12:28:26 PM

Maybe you should plan on a little extra cover plate down low on the back, over a cavity where you could load in about 16 oz of lead to balance it.....

Bionic-Joe · April 24, 2009, 01:39:28 PM

Lookin' good!!! Are you puttin a T bird pickup in that? My guy is going to get started on the mortis/tenon joint, ebony fingerboard installation, tuners bridge, etc. i'll send pics when it's moving along. Still need a black white black .60 pickguard and a pickup. Waiting for Lull to get some in.