Decisions, projects, decisions...

Denis · November 19, 2010, 04:21:34 PM

Over the course of the past couple of years, I've ended up with 2 Korean Epi Thunderbirds (the reddish sunburst ones). One is perfect, the other (the $85 one with flats on it) has scratches, light buckle rash and white paint chips on the headstock where it fell over into doors or something. No worrying about the appearance of that one!

I also have two black Gibby Thunderbird pups. Trying to decide if I should take the $85 one and route it for the Gibby pups with new electronics and sell the nice T bird or stick them in the super nice one.

Just tossing the idea of a project around or...do I want to mess with it. Truthfully, the Epi birds are pretty nice but a) they don't cost beans new, b) resale is the pits and c) even if I stick the cool pups in there, it won't be anything more to anyone (except me) than a Epiphone with mods. I've heard they sound great though, with the Gibby pups.

Suggestions? I'd love to hear what you guys think.

sniper · November 19, 2010, 04:31:21 PM

ahem, (clearing throat) concerned for my fellow bassist...send the T-Bird pickups to me and don't worry about them, just practice more and be happy.

this will clear your mind of impure thoughts.

exiledarchangel · November 20, 2010, 01:38:23 AM

Mod the Epi, I've done the same and couldn't be happier! The route isn't alot of work, it just need some widening (and painting the cavities black ofcourse to hide anything nasty youve done to them and dont want to show).

Highlander · November 20, 2010, 01:54:39 PM

Do the scruffy one up as a "tribute" and use/sell as such...

Either that or strip to the wood and Tequilfy...

Sell the pups if you have no use for them - not going to be much use in fitting them to something you intend to sell if there is going to be minimal return...

You gigging yet...?

dadagoboi · November 20, 2010, 02:25:57 PM

Put the Tbird pups in the beater, it will sound great, the pups seem to be the real weak point in my Korean Epi, I like the wide neck. when/if you get tired of it put the old pups back in it and sell it, you'll get your $85 out of it no matter the shape or mutilation. I would suggest a quickie refin but I know you're not into that

Denis · January 27, 2011, 01:36:23 PM

So, I've been thinking about this and here's what's been banging around in my head.

Take the "beater" $85 T-bird, strip it, paint it Inverness Green, replace all the electronics, slip in the Gibby pups and keep the flats on it. That oughta do it!

Next up, the motivation to start another project...

drbassman · January 27, 2011, 04:42:26 PM

I love it! Go for it.

dadagoboi · January 27, 2011, 05:02:00 PM

It's a great project and you have all the parts. Do it Denis!

Lightyear · January 27, 2011, 09:29:14 PM

Quote from: Denis on January 27, 2011, 01:36:23 PM
So, I've been thinking about this and here's what's been banging around in my head.

Take the "beater" $85 T-bird, strip it, paint it Inverness Green, replace all the electronics, slip in the Gibby pups and keep the flats on it. That oughta do it!

Next up, the motivation to start another project...

Good idea but don't strip it! The high tech poly they put on those things is a bitch to strip. I might suggest that you feather the dings and do some spot repairs, sand/scuff, prime and paint. A lot less work and the old poly makes a good base coat.

dadagoboi · January 28, 2011, 03:36:33 AM

I thought the same thing, then realized Denis is into bikes and probably meant taking off parts. If not, I agree with you completely on prep, Buzz.

Denis · January 28, 2011, 08:30:23 AM

Quote from: Lightyear on January 27, 2011, 09:29:14 PM
Good idea but don't strip it! The high tech poly they put on those things is a bitch to strip. I might suggest that you feather the dings and do some spot repairs, sand/scuff, prime and paint. A lot less work and the old poly makes a good base coat.

Great idea!!!

shadowcastaz · January 28, 2011, 11:30:32 AM

I used an Epi Goth body which are mahog,scuffed the flat black, primed with a white paint like KILZ then top coat .holds fine.

gearHed289 · January 28, 2011, 11:55:02 AM

My opinion - if you really like the Epi neck, put the pups on the nice one.

Basshappi · January 28, 2011, 03:26:08 PM

Inverness Green is my favorite Tbird color you should definitely do that!

Nocturnal · January 28, 2011, 10:38:27 PM

Makes me wonder if I can fill and sand out the many major gouges in my Epi NR That I bought from Denis. See the pics here:

http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=3457.0

The dings, gouges, craters are deep and numerous So I had thought a stripping was in order. Might be worth a shot to at least try some of the smaller sections.