Nightbird from (almost) scratch...

[Mapleman54]

So, I couldn’t resist picking up this unfinished Nightbird body from Meyers in Köln. When it arrived I was thrilled with light weight, the amazing flame, and the resonance at E when tapped.
some serious reading in Hans, and GAD’s excellent Nightbird resource, and I’m ready to start the ‘New Nightbird’ project.
My intention is to use a pair of vintage Joe Barden 2 Tones that I own and have never been used (I was Uk importer for them back in the 90’s and these are left overs) as I love the Jazz vibe my Tele gets with a JB at the neck. New neck to be built by Robbie Gladwell in the UK.
If anyone has any good leads on original Nightbird parts, or anything close, I’d love to hear about it! I’ll keep you posted... I’m not rushing, but I’d love have it done by Summer ‘21.

 

[GAD]

Can’t wait to see more!

So far as I’m aware the only source if Nightbird hardware is Hans and even he has trouble finding some

 

[SFIV1967]

The only easy parts would be new Grover Rotomatics 102-18, depending if you want to mount black, gold or chrome hardware.
Also Jim Dunlop AP-6582-003 Black Strap Buttons are still available.
The ABM-Müller Bridge and Tailpiece, the black knobs and a pickguard are difficult if impossible to get. But ask Hans Moust, he might have a bridge and tailpiece (also depending in which finish you want them) and maybe even knobs. Otherwise you could use Bluesbird parts like the Gotoh GE103B-T bridge and Gotoh 103B-T tailpiece.
Ralf

 

[Mapleman54]

Thanks for excellent advice. I’ve written to Hans!

 

[ruedi]

That's a hell of a project, cool! Good luck finding the parts, keep us updated.

 

[GGJaguar]

A challenging, but rewarding project. Good luck!

 

[mavuser]

very nice, do u have a neck?

i suggest no pick guard at all.

good luck!

 

[Nuuska]

Exciting

Have you decided the coluour ?

 

[walrus]

This will be an excellent saga! Love it!

walrus

 

[Rocky]

Looks nice!

 

[Mapleman54]

Exciting

Have you decided the coluour ?

I think probably green....

 

[Mapleman54]

very nice, do u have a neck?

i suggest no pick guard at all.

good luck!

Neck is to be built by Robbie Gladwell (Dr Robert in Guitar Magazine) who lives locally. He has TDF old Honduras mahogany slab. And probably Ebony on fingerboard. Thanks for interest!

 

[Nuuska]

I think probably green....

Here's an example of green burst - not Nightbird thou . . .

 

[Mapleman54]

Well that's an amazing colour...
This is from Gary's incredibly knowledgeable postings...its the kind of thing I'm thinking...

 

[Mapleman54]

There's a similar thing in Blue!

 

[beecee]

Interesting to see the carved top thickness relative to the body.

 

[Mapleman54]

Hello Everyone...a long time since there was progress on this project, but moving now with a beautiful set of bridge parts and knobs from Hans. I owned the pickups from new 25 years ago when I was UK importer for Joe Barden, so decided to use them instead of the EMG originals. And got an original case from Beyer's just now...

 

[sixx]

What a great project and such beautiful grain. Can't wait to see the progress!

 

[Mapleman54]

Thanks, yes it is a lovely figure on the wood. Also having the body blank you can see how much is routed out..the cutout goes right around to the other side. And it has a noticeable resonance when tapped!

 

[chazmo]

Good luck continuing with this cool project!