Death of the Badbird

godofthunder · November 07, 2014, 08:48:45 AM

I'm f***ed, no way I can compete with this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thunderbird-Bass-Bridge-and-Tailpiece-Set-1963-1969-Chrome-/121479626823?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1c48c00047. Seriously I've about had it with suppliers. The shop that does my pgs ruined my last batch that amounted to 7k of product. I can't get my supplier to move fast enough for the BB II and now this. I feel like I'm banging my head against a wall.

uwe · November 07, 2014, 11:21:45 AM

I figured you wouldn't be happy about this ...

drbassman · November 07, 2014, 02:22:13 PM

No good idea is ever safe from thieves. I hope they don't sell.

godofthunder · November 07, 2014, 02:49:31 PM

on the plus side it doesn't look like it has enough travel to intonate the G string.

westen44 · November 07, 2014, 03:25:37 PM

Quote from: drbassman on November 07, 2014, 02:22:13 PM
No good idea is ever safe from thieves. I hope they don't sell.

+1

Highlander · November 07, 2014, 03:40:05 PM

Oh bugger...

Dave W · November 07, 2014, 09:28:42 PM

I'm sorry to hear this, but I certainly wouldn't call it thievery. It was Scott's business idea, and a good one at that. But the bridge was designed by Gibson. Just as there are all kinds of tune-o-matic copies, some with modifications, you can't really stop someone else from marketing a copy.

It's especially tough to be competitive with small production runs unless you own the production shop or are going overseas to have it done.

godofthunder · November 08, 2014, 02:39:25 PM

It was a good run and better idea. I thank everyone who bought one or had good things to say about it. If they own the shop or go off shore it makes it impossible for me. My supplier has 53 units left I don't have the capitol to bring them home. Hopefully at some point I will. The Badbird II is dead in the water, I just don't feel like dealing with it.

Bionic-Joe · November 09, 2014, 07:26:31 PM

Your bridge if different and serves a purpose... This one is Nowhere near a vintage t Bird bridge.

drbassman · November 10, 2014, 06:37:14 AM

Quote from: Dave W on November 07, 2014, 09:28:42 PM
I'm sorry to hear this, but I certainly wouldn't call it thievery. It was Scott's business idea, and a good one at that. But the bridge was designed by Gibson. Just as there are all kinds of tune-o-matic copies, some with modifications, you can't really stop someone else from marketing a copy.

It's especially tough to be competitive with small production runs unless you own the production shop or are going overseas to have it done.

My comment was partly in jest as I too have taken some ideas from other bass builders and "improved" or modified them. It happens. I was defending Scott's honor and still think his version is the best I've seen yet. It's all about having the capital to bring it to market. If you don't, someone else will if there's any merit in it at all. I understand that. I'm just being over protective of a friend!

uwe · November 10, 2014, 11:55:10 AM

I'll always cherish the five from you I have on my basses (Rev II, Rev IV, NR II, NR IV & Embassy). They have always gotten compliments from luthiers too.

TBird1958 · November 10, 2014, 12:34:46 PM

Still the best one Scott, glad there's one at my house!

Bionic-Joe · November 10, 2014, 08:32:17 PM

Scott's IS the only one for Vintage T birds.....I have no idea what that Philadelphia luthier guy is trying to do... his covers are off as well....the radius on the top edges should be flatter...and the radius on the side edges are more closer to a 70's T bird...