First build - Thunderbird mongrel 5 string bass

[ThunderjazzV]

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?

[Trevor Davies]

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?

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.

[ThunderjazzV]

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!

[ThunderjazzV]

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?

[WeirdBits]

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

[ThunderjazzV]

Awesome, so close to having a working bass!