First build - Thunderbird mongrel 5 string bass

Another first time build. Had a great time rummaging around at Pitbull on their last day. Was almost not allowed back in the house when I returned with 3 guitar kits. My first is a Thunderbird body and a reverse Fender jazz neck. But I must admit I really don't like the fender shape on a bass headstock so that had to go. So I have managed to pretty much get the Gibson Thunderbird shape with a little extra wood added before shaping. I am going with a metallic grey auto paint on the body and headstock but leaving the neck clear.

I do have some questions about bridge positioning as the interwebs is telling me different things. To get the position right do I place the bridge so the scale length measures to the forward most position of the saddles or somewhere a bit further back?

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Originally Posted by ThunderjazzV

I do have some questions about bridge positioning as the interwebs is telling me different things. To get the position right do I place the bridge so the scale length measures to the forward most position of the saddles or somewhere a bit further back?

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Somewhere a bit further back. You want to allow some final movement of the saddle forwards or back for the G string length of 34 inches. For my TB-4 I have the G string saddle about 3/4 down.

I know it depends on the string type and thickness and action - but my G string length is about 861 mm and the E string length is about 867 mm for the TB. For my tele bass it is about 864 to 870 mm.

Awesome! I now have a plan. Now for multiple coats of clear and some waiting and polishing and it will be time to do the bridge work. Thx for the tip!

One last question for anyone who has built a bass with humbuckers like the Thunderbird. I didn't have any details on the wiring colours. I have a single black wire and the white and red are twisted together and the green and unsheathed are twisted together. I am assuming that they may be set up for series but it would be good to know exactly what each colour is?

Black = hot
Red + White = series link (insulate the tip if not coil splitting)
Green + Bare = ground/shield

Awesome, so close to having a working bass!