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

[ozzbike]

Today I got seriously bored and G.A.S. bit hard. End of first week hanging for the BG-46 kit....really with wipe on POLY I have to wait 1 month????????? Oh well...solution found.

I have splashed out and ordered a TB-4 Thunderbird kit.

I have ordered the treble bleed circuits as well from PBG.

I have Gotoh Pots...Sprague Caps...a Graphite Nut...and a Switchcraft Jack coming from Real Parts.

I nearly ordered a Babicz 3 point Bass bridge...so I could make it as close to an Epiphone Thunderbird as I could. The PRO and better series, and some of the Gibson range have a sort of normal bridge...but I like the look of the black 3 point bridge on the body of the TBird.....but no I did not...the bridge itself was very expensive....so NO...I will be semi good.

I am thinking orange/brown with brown/black edges for the colour scheme. An orange/brown back of the neck fading into a black headstock.

I am going to try to file...sand...rasp...the headstock to the shape of a Epiphone T'Bird. Yes I know a router would make it easier....but I want to mark it out with pencil and take my time with a spoke shave...file...rasp and paper to get that shape.

Then I would like to some how get the black headstock face over the orange/brown edge...that will be tricky.

Oh well research time....if anybody has a really TBird...can I ask for a couple of headstock and back of neck photos please.

Thank you in advance.

[ozzbike]

The bridge looks great....the headstock will be interesting...getting the ends of the bevel that make a curve correct will be a challenge.

The PRO has a different pots and jack setup....but the flat four string bridge is a change as well. Hmmm...decisions.

[wazkelly]

G'day Ozzie, been wondering what you have been up to.

The natural coloured one has the better bridge design but 4 pots? For the headstock are you planning to carve it down? A sneaky cheats way would be to to an all black coloured transfer decal done on a laser printer and then trim to where you want the black edge to stop.

Nice kit, and yes I too have been tempted but resisted as I figure these shapes are just a more rounded off Explorer anyways.

You will get a shock as to how long it will be when fully set up. My EX-5 is about 130cm -133cm from memory and very neck droopy when played standing up which is mainly due to where the top strap button is located plus a lot of neck protruding out of the oversized body.

Good luck buddy and will be keeping a keen eye on this build thread.

[ozzbike]

G'day Ozzie, been wondering what you have been up to.

The natural coloured one has the better bridge design but 4 pots? For the headstock are you planning to carve it down? A sneaky cheats way would be to to an all black coloured transfer decal done on a laser printer and then trim to where you want the black edge to stop.

Nice kit, and yes I too have been tempted but resisted as I figure these shapes are just a more rounded off Explorer anyways.

You will get a shock as to how long it will be when fully set up. My EX-5 is about 130cm -133cm from memory and very neck droopy when played standing up which is mainly due to where the top strap button is located plus a lot of neck protruding out of the oversized body.

Good luck buddy and will be keeping a keen eye on this build thread.

Waz, I have laser printer water transfer film here....mmmm....never considered that. I was trying to work out how to mask up and stain the colours.

I am a lot aware of the neck heaviness of these guys. I love the simple construction....the different shape...and the style of them....nearly bought a real one recently.

So bored waiting for the BG46 to cure.....gas took over. 😎

[elcodyloco]

As a T bird enthusiast, I'll be wstching this thread carefully. I have an Explorer bass in my to-do, only because I can't find any good T bird builds. Here's hoping the body shape works asthetically for you!

[ozzbike]

OOh Real Parts to the fore again.....overnight delivery....Suppose it does not hurt that it is about 35km from Coolum to Buderim.

[wokkaboy]

nice order Ozz, is that a graphite nut as you said in the first post ?

love how Realparts get orders sent out so promptly

[ozzbike]

nice order Ozz, is that a graphite nut as you said in the first post ?

love how Realparts get orders sent out so promptly

Yes it is a graphite nut.

I should have looked at my stuff and real parts site before I ordered.....got some washers and star washers and nut coming now....including some black ones.

My fault.....pay postage twice....oh well.

Got a note from Adam today....the kit is heading my way....nice. 😎

[wazkelly]

Can't fault the prompt service with Real Parts and only $2 more for express overnight delivery.

[ozzbike]

Can't fault the prompt service with Real Parts and only $2 more for express overnight delivery.

I just pay the normal rate and get it overnight due to it coming from Coolum.

They have some great stuff.