Project: Passive-Aggressive (Thunderbird Content)

[PaulThePlug]

@binky_bass saw a T'Bird in CackConverters, and posted a thread...

I had a hearty Spag Bol, Garlic Flat Bread, and half a bottle of cheap Malbec, so was a bit vulnerable...

Next thing i know Russian Activists hacked my brain via Stolichnaya Vodka, they no longer need mobile phones and computer viruses, they can attack at the Alcohol/Molecular Level... who knew?... so be careful.

T P-Bird Pro, Thru Neck, Improved Bridge, Active Model in Natural Finish...

But, the Pickups in the Active Model are Low-Alcohol, Half-Fat models at 7k rather than a Proper-Pint, Double-Cream 14k versions of the passive model.

Oh What to do?.. a quick search of the classifieds turned up @mike 110 and a DiMarzio Model 1... A 'Match' made by the Hard-of-Hearing!

So going Single Mudbucker at the Neck/Mid Position, Empty Cavity at the Bridge, A500k Vol, and Pure Tone Jack Socket and will be wearing Olympia Stainless Steel Flatwounds.

Cavity is 92mm, Pup 90mm so reasonable fit, maybe a shim of veneer?, Width is gonna need a 4mm chiselin' a side to go from 40mm to 48 for the coils, String / Pole spacing is a little tight at 48mm, 52mm would be Bang-On for the Neck/Mid position, 'spose they are meant for a more up against the fretboard fitting. Might need some wood blocks glued in for the pickup mounting screws.

 

Putting the Thunder back in Thunderbird...

Edited September 25, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[Andyjr1515]

I'm a great fan of the DiMarzio Model 1.  It's a pickup on steroids.

 

Nice looking bass too

 

[Skybone]

Bizarrely, I'd love to fit a couple of single coil soapbars to a T'bird.

 

It'll be interesting to see how this one turns out, there's a picture of Lemmy when he was in Hawkwind playing a T'bird with a muducker in the neck position.

[PaulThePlug]

@SkyboneI'm a BIG Hawkwind Fan 😉

Edited September 26, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[PaulThePlug]

DiMarzio Model One turned up thanks to @mike 110

Need to enlarge the cavity 3mm - 1/8" off each wall, 2 3/4" - 70mm Wide, to a Depth of 5/8" - 16mm...

1" Chisel?

Can i take a 1" x 1/8" slice or do i need to do it in 2 or 3 thinner slices?

Any Tips?

I think i'd be there all day with the Dremmel and sanding sleeve coming of the spindle all the bloody time... and not the drill after the Aria J to P debacle!

Never used a Wood Chisel, only a knife for cutting the 'ol Cheddar or...

Edited September 30, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[Andyjr1515]

The great thing about the Model One is that the top sits flush with the bass body and has a generous overlap to hide many sins @PaulThePlug  

 

Personally, I would :

 

- I would first line up the chisel (if I was using a 'factory sharpened, DIY Store' chisel straight out the packet, I would use a narrower chisel (probably 1/2") as that will cut easier than a wider one) along each of the lines and give it a light tap with a hammer or mallet to break the grain accurately along the full borders of the cut    

 

- personally I would drill down to depth first with a 3mm drill all along between the cut line and edge, to remove the bulk, keeping the drill bit as vertical as I can (the corner of a matchbox or similar sitting on the bass top near to where you are drilling is a great guide to see if your drill is perpendicular to the top). 

 

- I would then use the chisel to clear the remaining wood left between the drill holes, again using light taps with a hammer or mallet.  I would start at the middle of the holes to clear the wood nearest the chamber edge and then, with the remaining wave lines towards the new edge, remove the wood a couple of mm (or less) at a time and just creep up to the new marked line.  That way, you never have a large piece of wood breaking off and taking stuff off you don't want removed with it!! 

 

 

[PaulThePlug]

@Andyjr1515 Sage Advice as always... then that is what i shall try to do... I have a little hand drill whirly gig type of thing... and some time...

[PaulThePlug]

1 hour ago, Andyjr1515 said:

The great thing about the Model One is that the top sits flush with the bass body and has a generous overlap to hide many sins @PaulThePlug  

Don't know what ya mean... 🙄

Arai - Saved by the Scratchplate

 

Ibby - Diggin' a trench for the Maida Vale Stacked Jazz

 

Alright... I got previous... 🤣

which is why i asked... 🤔

[PaulThePlug]

Postman has been... again, again

 

Olympia Flats, £15 via the 'bay - Amy and Guy, Advantage Music

 

Pure Tone Multi Contact Jack, two spring tabs on the sleeve, two spring tabs on the tip groove for a real locked in feel - £8 via the 'bay WMGuitars.

Edited September 30, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[PaulThePlug]

...Red 5, Standing By...

[PaulThePlug]

Could only get a 6mm Chisel, easy does it, then a little go with a Dremmel sanding drum, bit of Danish oil to seal the wood... that will do for me...

String to Pole alignment is not so bad... little cavity gap top and bottom.

Wre it up... string it up... oh, and fit the top Strap Button to the neck heel... 3.45Kg

What do you think? #PassiveAgressive

Edited October 3, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[Andyjr1515]

Splendid

[Richard R]

Looks good to me. 👍

[PaulThePlug]

Wired...

[Si600]

6 minutes ago, PaulThePlug said:

Wired...

Definitely weird...  what have you plugged the holes with?

[PaulThePlug]

Just a little tidy up rubber bung for spare no longer used control holes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285510757363 A=8.5mm

 

Edited October 1, 2024 by PaulThePlug

[PaulThePlug]

The Olympia Flats E... thick part makes it on the peg... 'prolly due to the short Saddle to Stop compared to a 3 Point?.. And the Silks line up, Oh the simple things...

Bass Cosh!

From this angle the Headstock looks as big as the body!.. 'scuse the thumb print...