bigsmokebass

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1441304509' post='2857819'] Badbird II (when it's ready) - old school bridge with separate tailpiece? Babicz three point replacement? I chromed up my NR Thunderbird a while ago and fitted the Supertone - but used the same size tuners as before: If your beef is with the O-ring like plastic bits but don't want the annoyance of reaming out the holes (and the rather crowded space for the elephant ears) there/s the Schaller M4 Lights. http://guitar-parts.biz/hp524876/Bass-Machine-Heads-M4-Light.htm?ITServ=C2b606fe2X14f946e014dX66a7 Did I not mention them to you before with regard to LP basses? [/quote] My good friend Neephied, how are you? Still as envious of your collection now, as I ever have. You are correct regarding the Les Paul but I think when I worked it out, i would have required a new hard case for it for the sake of machineheads- if the bass wasn't stolen anyway! The current tuners seem to be of a greater standard of quality than what my Ibby's ever had, I'm just a sucker for old school basses and hardware- the old ones were the best IMHO, just a shame they don't have an option to purchase a 76/77 T'bird The bridge I could take or leave, if I'm honest. It's all down to the Misses budget for me but I would like to have it string through. I've been looking to see if there's parts for the traditional 3P bridge, that you can just buy the parts for than replacing the whole part. Where about can you get the babicz from? I knew they were released Jan this year but never seen them available.

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1441282859' post='2857508'] If you're after vintage style tuners with a modern twist, I highly recommend Gotoh resolite GB640's or GB528's (smaller back plate). They are super lightweight, have a cleaver little hidden tension adjuster and fully look the part as opposed to the Hipshot Ultralites. Expensive, but worth it. I'm having the GB528's put on my NR TBird build and have the 640's on my JV P. [/quote] Cheers Billy Apple, What I do like about the Hipshot's is they have the smaller gears (as like the modern tuners, as apposed to the vintage large gear/plate) so it would be a straight switch with the current tuners and a alternative head. I've checked out the Gotoh's and they seem great products as ever, just requires me to make more of a mod than require with other equipment Thanks again for your support and contribution

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1441222424' post='2857122'] I suppose the main question is ; are you definitely keep this bass? If so,then the mods won't matter. For resale purpose , you may not get as much as the time / money invested etc. Then again, you probably know that Over to other basschatters [/quote] It is one I'll be keeping but it's not so much for resale reasons I ask, rather than techincal reasons. Example: if the increased tension from the string through will bow the neck to an extent it could pose as a threat to a bass with a glued neck etc. I know, perhaps an extreme example but I would rather than put such an expensive and sentimental bass on the line for the sake of £100 or so worth of mods. Many thanks for your thoughts Ray,

[IMG]http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af20/graeskyenathoof/image.jpg2_zpsffitoggx.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af20/graeskyenathoof/image.jpg1_zpsgs03xybr.jpg[/IMG] I know these are different instruments- an RD bass and the 76/77 T'bird but ideally this is what I would like to achieve but in back hardware on the classic sunburst body

Hey guys, Been struggling for ideas for what the misses can get me for my birthday and Christmas present (as we're now on the countdown to Xmas in my household [and those celebrations are only days apart]) I've thought of all sorts but it all comes back as being unnecessary tat to clutter up the house. I live the life of a hermit whilst I suffer with a bad hip the past year and a few things have kept me sane as well as preventing me from caving in, that being my basses and one thing I've been scratching my head about is modding my T'bird. If anyone knows me, I despise all the modern tech on basses; especially modern tuners on basses. After years of playing ibanez basses in rock/metal bands and the plastic rings on the tuners are as reliable as a chocolate teapot. I've been considering vintage styled tuners instead, just for the peace of mind of NOTHING ever happening like the experiences I've had in the past, like replacing a whole set of tuners a day before a gig! I'm also contemplating to make it a string through body and replacing the bridge with a Hipshot 3-point replacement just to finish it off: As I do love the idea of greater tones and versatility from this bass. I've contacted my local luthier and I've been quoted £60 for the time, labor and minus the parts- shouldn't cost me too much but all the same, what's the overall opinion here? My main concern being will the vintage tuners clash? I'd rather have comments and suggestions from people who have experienced this, no noobs please. Grae BigSmokeBass

My god... An age old BC Rich that hasn't been battered or defaced?!

[quote name='mr zed' timestamp='1441145574' post='2856524'] I suspect that they'll keep the same prices but make a greater profit due to increased efficiencies. [/quote] I guess that makes logical sense but as long as they don't raise prices, all should be well.

If only the Vantage 5 came in more colours than blue, I would have been down on this.... Even if it is a 34"

Wouldn't have mind a passive Big Al 5 string but the colours don't bother me..... If anything, if they focus on fewer finishes, I'm hoping it will drive the price down somewhat (less finishes, time saved, more basses coming off the production line...)

Traded my Marshall bass 1/2 stack amp for Tim's Yamaha BB1025 today. A great transaction needless to say. As mentioned above and I'm certain that anyone that has ever spoken to Tim will agree: he's the definition of a gentlemen and quite the show off on the bass if they've been fortunate to see him play haha! I really hope to deal with Tim again soon. >The kettle is always on standby for you and your lady and this time I'll definitely have the biscuits here. Thank you very much Tim.