Fender vs 'bird

[DanGouge]

So I'm relatively at peace with my current gear situation. I have an AVRI 62 Jazz, a Highway 1 Precision, and a MIJ fretless Jazz. All Fenders, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Last week I check out a used Thunderbird and I'm kind of taken with it. It's a weird thing, because I'd always told myself these basses were "wrong" - too muddy, neck dive, one-trick ponies, prone to headstock cracking, uncomfortable to play - but here I am really digging one of them. I don't know, just seems like a cool, fun bass to play this time. Here's the rub, I can't justify adding to the stable, I have to dump something here if I want a 'bird. The fretless I refinished myself and has too much sentimental value, so it's off the table. The AVRI Jazz I'm very attached to, but it would bring in more money than the Highway 1 would if I were to sell it. Nonetheless, it seems likely that if I moved something to make way for a T-bird, it would the Precision.

Anyone been in a similar situation? Anyone moved from P-bass to T-bird? What did you think? Am I crazy?

[duff84]

ive tried all sorts of basses in my day and the next ill try is a gibson thunderbird. the only basses ive ever liked and regretted trading are musicmans. good luck with the decision, id probably sell the fretless jazz and use some funds for a used thunderbird.

[johnk_10]

i'd keep them all and buy a bird to go with them. (there's no voting option for that)

[WilliamSandoval]

I think you've had a GAS flare up.

Don't sell anything, wait 2 weeks, and see if you still want that 'bird.

[slapmachine]

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I think you've had a GAS flare up.

Don't sell anything, wait 2 weeks, and see if you still want that 'bird.

Couldn't have said it better.

GAS flares account for about half of musician casualties around the world. A good salesman added to the picture is just a nail in the coffin.

Best regards,

Brooks

[ChrisCassisi]

Originally Posted by slapmachine

Couldn't have said it better.

GAS flares account for about half of musician casualties around the world. A good salesman added to the picture is just a nail in the coffin.

Best regards,

Brooks

Agree. Wait a bit a see if you still want it. Impulse buying is a dangerous thing. I use to do it and lost a good chunk of change over the past few years. If you still must have it after a few weeks then it was meant to be.

[rosskratter]

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I think you've had a GAS flare up.

Don't sell anything, wait 2 weeks, and see if you still want that 'bird.

+1

[sj_bass]

Try plan 'E'... Grab yourself a cheap Epi 'Bird. Usually, you can find them for at or below $200. Play it for about a month; if you like it and feel the urge to upgrade to a Gibby, then sell it for what you paid and then decide which Fender has to go.

If however you feel that the 'Bird is not your cup-o-Joe, then sell it for what you paid for it and use the money for carrots.

This is what I did. This is why I own a Gibby 'Bird.

Here endeth the lesson.

[Baird6869]

If you like P and J basses you might not like the TBird over time.

I loved my TBird.... For 3 months and went back to my Fenders.

See if you can borrow/rent a TBird from L&M for a week or so to see if you like it on the strap, in the mix, etc.

[DuoSonicII]

Originally Posted by DanGouge

It's a weird thing, because I'd always told myself these basses were "wrong" - too muddy, neck dive, one-trick ponies, prone to headstock cracking, uncomfortable to play....

It's funny how many people I know that think this way...until they actually play one.

I've owned (and still own) a bunch of basses, been playing for 13 years. Started on Jazz Bass (eventually sold), then a hybrid P-J (eventually sold), then a G&L L-1000 (keeper), then a franken-P with a '72 neck and a MIJ body (keeper). Been through a host of others - longscale, shortscale, fancy, cheap, on and on. Through all those years and basses, never truly bonded with one until I got my T-Bird.

They're not inferior to Fenders in any way. They're just...different. The only true issue with them is the angled headstock. The upside there is that they're usually pretty simple to fix if they do break, and when they've been glued once, they're considerably harder to break the next time. A lot of Gibson people like to joke that it's not a real Gibson until the headstock's been cracked off and repaired at least once.

Anyway, if you're buying used and the price is right, DO IT. No reason you couldn't flip it and get your money back if you decide later that it's not your flavor.

There's a whole 'nother world out there...and some of us love it here.

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I like P-Basses, so I wouldn't sell the P. I would just save up and buy it in addition to what you already have, but given the choices, I'd keep what you have.

[themacinator]

I'd sell the fretless and buy the 'Bird. I own both and play both. My 'Bird has more sex appeal in IMHO but my Jazz is a bit more comfy on long gigs.

[M.Wrenn]

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I think you've had a GAS flare up.

Don't sell anything, wait 2 weeks, and see if you still want that 'bird.

+1

[TBird1958]

Originally Posted by DanGouge

Anyone been in a similar situation? Anyone moved from P-bass to T-bird? What did you think? Am I crazy?

I did exactly that long ago.

I read your post pretty carefully and I'd say wait until you can afford to buy a Thunderbird, it's obvious you enjoy the basses you already own - You'd likely regret selling any of them at some point down the road (most of us have made this mistake including me) and you won't be able get your bass back.
Thunderbirds seem to suit me just fine, they work well for how I play and have a fairly small neck, I love their angry piano tone, chrome covered pickups, big headstocks and of course I really like the look - and not looking like everyone else.
Some words of caution if you cave in and buy one - They can be lovely very addictive sirens that call your name, I seemingly can't say no to them.

[A-Step-Towards]

There not muddy basses IMO. Mine was a 2001 natural with GHS flats and played with a pick that thing cut through and sounded badass.

I miss that bass , i have owned 4 other birds and none were as sweet.

Also the headstocks are a little stronger now then the older ones

[jazzmonkey]

This:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I think you've had a GAS flare up.

Don't sell anything, wait 2 weeks, and see if you still want that 'bird.

Then this:

Originally Posted by sj_bass

Try plan 'E'... Grab yourself a cheap Epi 'Bird. Usually, you can find them for at or below $200. Play it for about a month; if you like it and feel the urge to upgrade to a Gibby, then sell it for what you paid and then decide which Fender has to go.

[johnk_10]

the real gibson ones (especially the '63-'64's) aren't muddy at all and are one of my favorite sounding basses of all time.

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by DanGouge

So I'm relatively at peace with my current gear situation. I have an AVRI 62 Jazz, a Highway 1 Precision, and a MIJ fretless Jazz. All Fenders, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Last week I check out a used Thunderbird and I'm kind of taken with it. It's a weird thing, because I'd always told myself these basses were "wrong" - too muddy, neck dive, one-trick ponies, prone to headstock cracking, uncomfortable to play - but here I am really digging one of them. I don't know, just seems like a cool, fun bass to play this time. Here's the rub, I can't justify adding to the stable, I have to dump something here if I want a 'bird. The fretless I refinished myself and has too much sentimental value, so it's off the table. The AVRI Jazz I'm very attached to, but it would bring in more money than the Highway 1 would if I were to sell it. Nonetheless, it seems likely that if I moved something to make way for a T-bird, it would the Precision.

Anyone been in a similar situation? Anyone moved from P-bass to T-bird? What did you think? Am I crazy?

Why do you need to justify buying a bass whilst having some already?

[panamonte]

I have a P, a J, a fretless J and a Tbird. They all do something different, I love playing them all and I wouldn't want to get rid of any of them.

If you like the basses you already own then I would strongly advise against moving any of them on. I'd echo some of the advice that's already been offered -if you can afford to get the Tbird as well then go ahead, if not then put it on hold.

[DanGouge]

Just going to quickly note that carrot futures are #2 in voting, glad that meme is still around.