Two things..

[SouthernPunk777]

So this is my first post and I'm trying to figure out if what I'm thinking about would be a good choice. My Epiphone Thunderbird IV has horrible neck dive, and was going to replace it w/ a Warmoth neck. Is this a good idea to to begin w/?  Also, is flame maple and wenge a good mix? I think it would look good but I'm looking for other opinions.  :help:

 

[mayfly]

Before you get into different necks, I'd start with some simpler things for your t-bird

1 - lighter tuners.  This will make  big difference.  Try the hipshot ultralite tuners.  You'll like them.

2 - reposition the strap pin.  You could put it at the end of the neckplate, which will give you another 1.5 inches.

Regarding your neck woods - are you thinking of wenge for your fingerboard?  To be honest, I'd stick with rosewood if you are worried about neck dive.

 

[Mor Paul]

Trevor, I'm surprised... the first thing I would have said...
Is not being sure whether or not it will fit.
After that, then the suggestions you put.

 

[Soylent]

Those bases do dive like a mutha... My old roommate had one.. lighter tuners are a good place to start for sure!  :hello2:

 

[tfarny]

If you read up on warmoth bass neck construction, you see they have steel stabilizer bars in them. Besides that they seem to be thicker than just about everything else out there.
If all you do is replace the stock neck with a wenge warmoth neck, I would predict worse neck dive. My own warmoth bass neck is a pretty heavy stick of wood. At the same time, it is an awesome neck.
1. lighter tuners
2. Move the strap buttons.
3. put lead weight somewhere near the back of the body cavity.
4. Save your nickels and get a nice warmoth P bass or something cool.

 

[jackthehack]

Before you do anything, you should carefully measure the Epiphone neck pocket and make sure the Warmoth neck will fit in the first place....

 

[SouthernPunk777]

Well, first off, thanks for the fast reply.  I will definitely start w/ the lighter tuners (it's far cheaper than getting an entirely new neck).  And yes, I was thinking wenge for the fingerboard, but I'll consider mayfly's advice. As for the neck fitting, couldn't I carefully shave off the wood on the body till it did fit?

 

[MUYFUE]

Farny is right about the Warmoth necks, they're pretty heavy and will make it worse...unles you get a lighter neck than you have...which is unlikely.
The bassist in my current band plays a Thunberbird and yeah, it dives, but he moved the strap pin and it's better...but still a little bit lopsided.
You may consider moving the REAR strap pin to angle the body more upward.

as far as shaving the neck pocket or neck itself...Very touchy work...there is very little room for error.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Neck pocket is one thing, but what about scale length?  They're both 34" scales but how long is the neck on each?  The Warmoth neck is 21 fret with overhang, or 20 fret with no overhang while the Thunderbird is 20 fret with overhang.  Automatically, for the same scale length I know the Warmoth neck is longer and will require bridge relocation or longer intonation screws, which if it's longer, it will dive worse.

 

[SouthernPunk777]

Again, thanks for the info. I guess a warmoth necks is officially out the window now, but I will try moving the strap pins like yall said. Thanks again!  :rock-on:

 

[Tempest]

Again, thanks for the info. I guess a warmoth necks is officially out the window now, but I will try moving the strap pins like yall said. Thanks again!  :rock-on:

Of course you could always buy a Warmoth thunderbird body, and just build a Warmoth.    :icon_biggrin:

 

[mayfly]

Again, thanks for the info. I guess a warmoth necks is officially out the window now, but I will try moving the strap pins like yall said. Thanks again!  :rock-on:

Of course you could always buy a Warmoth thunderbird body, and just build a Warmoth.    :icon_biggrin:

+1 - maybe something like this...

 

[SouthernPunk777]

Again, thanks for the info. I guess a warmoth necks is officially out the window now, but I will try moving the strap pins like yall said. Thanks again!  :rock-on:

Of course you could always buy a Warmoth thunderbird body, and just build a Warmoth.    :icon_biggrin:

+1 - maybe something like this...

thats beautiful