A TB-4 Build whilst a BG-46 dries.

[wazkelly]

Hey Ozzie, Nice kit and the timber all looks pretty good with just the lighter strip on the back.

Previous dramas with those 3 point bridges were mostly on the arch topped semi hollow Basses where there was nothing underneath to stop the rear end lifting off the deck.

Those PUP's are similar to what come with the EX-5, IB-5, etc and a $20 Belcat eBay special pre amp could do wonders. I bought one for the MMB which I will dig out of it's box to commence proceedings in the next week or so.

Cheers, Waz

[ozzbike]

Hey Ozzie, Nice kit and the timber all looks pretty good with just the lighter strip on the back.

Previous dramas with those 3 point bridges were mostly on the arch topped semi hollow Basses where there was nothing underneath to stop the rear end lifting off the deck.

Those PUP's are similar to what come with the EX-5, IB-5, etc and a $20 Belcat eBay special pre amp could do wonders. I bought one for the MMB which I will dig out of it's box to commence proceedings in the next week or so.

Cheers, Waz

Waz

So that is a pre amp only. I don't need active pickups etc for that to work?

Edit:- My E Bay search would indicate that this requires active pickups. I even searched just for EMG's to fit....you can get kits with two EMG's with battery connection etc ready to go. I think I will run with the original pickups and the better pots and cap and nut and jack socket...and just see how she sounds. I only have one active Bass and in all honesty....suppose 9 others that are not may colour my opinion.....I am not a huge fan of the tones I get from it. Right now my favourite is a PB Bass I made with Seymour Duncan passives in it.

[elcodyloco]

Well, I'm pleasantly surprised! That's actually one of the best shaped T-bird copy bodies I've seen in a while! My next build was just going to be another RC-4, but after seeing how nice this looks, a TB-4 looks pretty dang tempting now.

I only have one issue, which is how the control holes are drilled. They look a little lop-sided to me. I wonder if that's a consistent issue, or if that's how it was designed...?

[ozzbike]

Well, I'm pleasantly surprised! That's actually one of the best shaped T-bird copy bodies I've seen in a while! My next build was just going to be another RC-4, but after seeing how nice this looks, a TB-4 looks pretty dang tempting now.

I only have one issue, which is how the control holes are drilled. They look a little lop-sided to me. I wonder if that's a consistent issue, or if that's how it was designed...?

Yeah I noticed that too. There seems to be plenty of space in the control cavity......maybe laziness.

If you wanted a solid colour finish, then plug and redrill.

Me...stain....so I may chase up some black bell knobs and see if they hide things a little. I reckon with the bell knobs with numbers around the sides and all the action happening around the three point bridge you won't notice it when finished....watch this space. Oh..even a judicious use of darker stain may assist.

Honestly, it is a way better kit than I thought. Loving it.

[andrewdosborne]

It's the same for the 2x control knob holes on my ES-5V. Maybe this is to avoid copyright issues?

Good looking kit btw. I was actually watching this vid last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF5uWbwJ_s8

[ozzbike]

It's the same for the 2x control knob holes on my ES-5V. Maybe this is to avoid copyright issues?

Good looking kit btw. I was actually watching this vid last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF5uWbwJ_s8

That is a great clip....I have had it tagged as a favourite for some time now...and honestly it was the final straw in my decision making process to buy and build this kit.

I have heard two issues with T Birds mainly:-

1. The three point bridge pulls out at the back from string pressure....thinking about using epoxy resin to hold mine in. (I have actually been thinking about only doing the epoxy on the two bridge mounting bushings that do not carry the ground wire. Just to TRY to ensure a good earth connection. As the song says two out of three ain't bad. )

2. The guitar itself is very headstock heavy and can droop forwards...to the point that some people are unable to play it as they find they must hold it up all the time...even with a strap.

https://www.lysator.liu.se/~wizkid/m...underbird_mod/

I am thinking about doing this fix....but using black strap locks or strap buttons....see how they look at that time.

[ozzbike]

I reckon that "POSTAGE" will end up being a large cost on this build. I think a note for future reference is to order as much as I need from PBG to come with the kit at the time of that purchase....and then WAIT.

I have just made my third order with Real Parts. A black electro-socket recessed american thread jack socket and four x black metric spline fitting black numbered bell knobs. So that is 3 x $7-90 in postage I have paid....fondler of the man sausage right here.

Oh well she will look better and play and be better for it.

I got some black schaller strap lock buttons and locks coming from a previous supplier in the land of rice for $9-99...3 x sets of 2 for that including POSTAGE. Grrrrrrrr.

[ozzbike]

This place only gets better and better. P.M. to PabloPepper this morning......Truss Rod cover made and in the mail.

Thanks Pabs.

[ozzbike]

I have just put her away for the weekend. I sanded through 80, 120, and 180 grit. I found some really nice grain on the neck and on the back of the body. The neck has segment of flame on the bottom edge up near the headstock. The body has flame and areas of quilt on the back....wow....can't wait to stain and Tru Oil this body.

The top with the square edged carved into it is really hard to sand and not tear out or round over.

May have to hands on research this a little....thinking a slight round over may be the best outcome.

I have to say the this is by far the best quality PBG kit I have ever had. The step up for me is a huge selling point. Thinking about looking at some of the tricky ones I have dodged whilst watching others tribulations.

Bravo PBG....Bravo little Chinese guitar making dudes. I like your work a lot.

[wokkaboy]

wow good news update Ozz, glad you are happy with the kit. Haven't seen one of these built yet so following the thread. I'd round over that slightly higher edge on the top. Should look choice and Bravo to Pabs for such a quick turn around for the TRC !