HazBeen

1st pickup template done, I am pretty happy with the design although will tweak the top curve to better follow the body.

New side dots installed (just a light final sanding to go).

To give it a more “classic” look I have decided to create a Fortress Flashback type pickguard in 3 ply black. I’ve always liked the Flashback pickguard look. See pic for an example. Also need to install new side dots (nothing special, but some of the old one have sunk a little), so another small task to add. The benefit of going fuller size pickguard is also that I can go with more exact pickup placement and can place control knobs wherever I choose if it improves esthetics. I will be creating a pickguard template in cardboard, then transferring onto 12mm MDF and I will use the MDF template as the template for the pickguard AND as the pickup route template, it just makes sense. So next installment, template time...

Have also stripped and gutted the Bogart

The Thunderbird pickups will be with me next week so just getting things together. Needed to buy a view “tools” and some parts.

Not really a game changer imo since you still have to stick a power plug in your pedal and attach the other end to the rail and the battery powers all pedals attached to the rail which makes it a daisy chain and thus a standard (likely much more expensive) battery powered board.

Lovely basses regardless, Jah Wobble!

Found a video and made some screen shots, again one without front dots but now you can see the dots better.

http://www.mikelombardi.net/guitar/fretless.htm So Jack’s is like this one. Apparently only made to special order (fretless 88s), intruiging.

Check the position of the dots against this one... https://reverb.com/item/150313-ovation-magnum-i-fretless-70s-mahogany-with-ohsc-and-case-candy Actually also appears off to me, but hard to tell

Good you posted your board. My “blunt” opinion. I see duplication going on, 2 synths (arguable 3 with the manta) and 2 octaves (clearly different variations but in essence 2 synth and 2 octave effects. Not counting the Zoom of course. My blunt opinion, Matroyka does a really good synth in a very compact package so get rid of the Super Synth and save some proper space. Get a proper Chorus/Reverb instead. Then get rid of the digital Digitech (it is not great for bass imho) and get a Meatbox or a good analogue filter. But opinions are @rseholes.. so just ignore me.

Do you need another pedal, or want another? I mean do you miss a certain texture/sound or is it just because you can? Analogman Chorus is great on 18v

My eyes still work well enough, but Yamaha decided it was a good idea to use maple fretlines on a light rosewood board. Basically in any coloured/low light condition I cannot see the fretlines.... this may be a permanent fix to my glow in the dark pen solution.

The bass is great, but it only works on 1 drum beat.

The Ace of Spades!

This is what's next, since the NRA is almost bankrupt they are getting into the music industry to get rid of old stock

Ha ha.... I need to rename the posting as I have done the measurements, basically using my trusty calipers on a picture of a Thunderbird at full zoom and then transposing measurements to full 34” scale. Thank you maths... the P is staying a P. As I do not want to tamper with the graphite neck I cannot get the front pickup in the period correct spot exactly, but very close and the back pickup I can get just right. Thunderblackstone it is! Project estimated start date end of August on a build diary near you , will focus on the build element first but if it turns out right I will also do a repaint in TB Pelham Blue at a later stage.

+1