Thunderbirds and upper fret access

[Gonzo476]

This may be an extremely retarded question, but can you reach the 19th fret in a Gibson Thunderbird? I get the impression that there's no way you can play past the 17th fret...

I'm not trying to start a flame war here, I'm just curious because I've always loved the shape and sound of Thunderbirds.

[godofthunder59]

This is one of the reasons I play nonreverse Thunderbirds, upper register access!Here is my Highly Moddified 2001 Gibson Thunderbird aka Butcherbird with deepend cutaway

[SturmUndDrang]

If an upright bass player can play in thumb position reaching over the massive upper bouts of those instruments, it shouldn't be so hard to imagine electric bassists adopting similar but modified techniques to use on the T bird.

[Showdown]

It's a stretch, but I can reach it on mine. I do have long fingers though. But I rarely play above the 15th anyway. And if I need notes that high I prefer playing a 6 anyway.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you only go that high occasionally a Thunderbird should be fine, but if you regularly play that high you probably would be better off with another bass.

You should try one for yourself because that is the only way to know for sure if it is ok for you.

[rockscott]

This is really not an issue for us bird lovers!

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by SturmUndDrang

If an upright bass player can play in thumb position reaching over the massive upper bouts of those instruments, it shouldn't be so hard to imagine electric bassists adopting similar but modified techniques to use on the T bird.

+1
exactly my point!

I was upset twice in my life with non access on upper registrer
- 20+ years ago with former passive MIJ Ibanez IceMan (the
shape is slightly different nowadays)
- last year with Fender Pawn Shop Reverse 32" scale Jaguar

Other than that
deutsch romantic SturmUndDrang is absolutely right

Cheers,
Wallace

[badstonebass]

My Thunderbird has easy access to all the frets IMO.