NR RI - Caution, chrome content!

[drbassman]

OK, I was digging through my parts box and I found some Sperzel tuners I'm gonna use on the forever BillyBo project.  They are first class tuners and I was wondering how they'd look on the NR.  They would fit without major mods.  I really dislike the mini-tuner head.  These aren't clover leaf but they sure appeal to me more than the minis.  Plue that are locking tuners, very easy to use and well built.

What do you think?

http://www.sperzel.com/Models_Colors.html

[Basvarken]

Nah, they look wrong on a Thunderbird.

[drbassman]

Nah, they look wrong on a Thunderbird.

Yeah, you gotta point.  I'm stuck with the minis on this headstock.

[drbassman]

I played the NR at practice last night for 2 hours and I went really well.  The bass really rocked with rounds on it, even though they are TIs.  I tried it with both pups first and then just the neck and it sounded great with just the one pup.  There were even more mids and power with just the neck pup.  Go figure. I think the thick mahog body gives it a lot of warmth and depth. Doesn't sound like a Fender to me!   

I never understand the "whys" behind the control wiring.  With both pups dialed full on, I lost output and mids.  With just the neck, the bass boomed and had more clarity.  And it sounded like my head told me an NR should sound.  I was pleased with the neck, it was comfortable.  I can get cramps in my left hand if the neck profite isn't right for me, but I didn't have any issues with it.  Reach to the first fret wasn't a problem either.  The guys like the sound a lot, so I'll try it again next week. 

[uwe]

"With both pups dialed full on, I lost output and mids."

Unless you play a Bicentennial with original wiring, isn't that how all TBirds work? Certainly my experience. Both pups full on is less than the sum of its parts. I tend to dial down the treble pup a little for that reason.   

[drbassman]

"With both pups dialed full on, I lost output and mids."

Unless you play a Bicentennial with original wiring, isn't that how all TBirds work? Certainly my experience. Both pups full on is less than the sum of its parts. I tend to dial down the treble pup a little for that reason.  

To be honest, it's been a while since I played one of my TBs at practice or home, so I had forgotten that "feature."  At least the neck pup full on and alone sounds great!

[exiledarchangel]

"With both pups dialed full on, I lost output and mids."

Unless you play a Bicentennial with original wiring, isn't that how all TBirds work? Certainly my experience. Both pups full on is less than the sum of its parts. I tend to dial down the treble pup a little for that reason.   

I'm doing the same, one pup at 10 and the other at about 7, works nice this way.

[Lightyear]

I never understand the "whys" behind the control wiring.  With both pups dialed full on, I lost output and mids.  With just the neck, the bass boomed and had more clarity.  And it sounded like my head told me an NR should sound.  I was pleased with the neck, it was comfortable.  I can get cramps in my left hand if the neck profite isn't right for me, but I didn't have any issues with it.  Reach to the first fret wasn't a problem either.  The guys like the sound a lot, so I'll try it again next week. 

Hey Doc, check this out:  http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=7440.15

Chip mentions this in the last installment and says this is why Peavy wired to the center lug instead of the outside lug.  Interesting concept.

[NOT]

Great lookin' NR 'Bird! I replaced the black plastic on my Thunderbird with chrome covers. The chrome really brought it to life image wise.

[drbassman]

Hey Doc, check this out:  http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=7440.15

Chip mentions this in the last installment and says this is why Peavy wired to the center lug instead of the outside lug.  Interesting concept.

Thanks, will do!

[Nocturnal]

Great lookin' NR 'Bird! I replaced the black plastic on my Thunderbird with chrome covers. The chrome really brought it to life image wise.

The chrome looks good with that finish imo.

[drbassman]

The chrome looks good with that finish imo.

Yeah, better than I thought it would!

[Dave W]

Chrome always looks good on a T-bird, which is why Gibson would never think of using black hardware or plastic pickup covers on them. Henry is always thinking of us bassists.

[TBird1958]

There's just something about a white Thunderbird with chrome parts...........Just so sexy!

[drbassman]

There's just something about a white Thunderbird with chrome parts...........Just so sexy!

Yep, it does look good!!!  I guess I could do it to my 2003 white Bird.  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...............  Thanks alot Mark.  Now I have one more GAS pain to fight.