How many Thunderbird basses do you own?

[Miles_ONeal]

This is in reference to Gibson Thunderbirds and similar basses. This does not include Grestch Thunderbirds, which are different beasts entirely.

 

[jeff62]

Own - zero (now). Tried them - yes. As much as I think they're cool, I couldn't get along with the reach to the first fret.

 

[Yahboy]

Zero

 

[2groggy]

Does this acoustic one count?

 

[ahbass2500]

None, though one of my few gear purchasing regrets is not buying a Mike Lull one several years ago. Bought a G&L JB5 and pocketed $500 instead. Should have spent the extra $500.

 

[pfschim]

nada de los Thunderbirds

 

[ajkula66]

Played many, own zero. As much as I find them appealing in many ways, the ergonomics don't work for me. At all.

The only T-Bird that I'd seriously be interested in would be the limited edition short scale version. Since I failed to grab one while I resided in the States, the chances of me locating one now are incredibly slim.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Does this acoustic one count?
View attachment 7198152

Yes. Wish I could see it irl!

 

[RedVee]

Deux Thunderbirds pour moi.

1x Epiphone Goth
1x Gibson Thunderbird

 

[MCF]

Not enough.

 

[Goatrope]

I've sold off so many basses in the last couple years.

The remaining are:
1 Gibson Reverse TB
1 Gibson Non Reverse TB
2 P Basses
1 Rick 4001

Ive also got this Schecter 12 string thing that is a bass but I don't use it that way.

99% of the gigs are on the Thunderbirds. Lollar pickups in both.

 

[MIMike]

Zero, but many years ago I drove a long distance to buy a 1964 Thunderbird. I played it, looked it over and decided to buy an upright the guy had instead. It was the first upright I ever owned, and I spent only a third of the money I brought with me for the T-Bird.
I don’t regret that transaction at all.

 

[TDR1138]

Own? 0
But I really do want one…

 

[TBird1958]

Never enough, really.

You either "get them" or you don't. I play what I love and love what I play - Hopefully, that's what we all do.

BTW 15.

 

[JIO]

Own - zero (now). Tried them - yes. As much as I think they're cool, I couldn't get along with the reach to the first fret.

A legit concern - it was designed by a non-musician. I own a '64 II and ever since acquiring it in 1974, I developed a shift position to address that very concern. The upper nub (no horn) is at my rib-cage and the body-bevel is floating on its own to my side. It puts my left hand comfortably at first position, but... the non-beveled edge digs into my ribcage and created a permanent sore-spot that I still feel every time I play it. I added an upper rear bevel on the Fenderbird I'm playing which really helps.

This pic of me playing one of my Fenderbird's illustrates exactly what I described above. Also note how I wrap the lower strap around the bout. This eliminates any neck dive and pulls the bass into my body. Developed that early on too. FTR, if you sling T-birds low, most of these issues are mute. I point these things out because a T-bird can be made to work for those on the fence about playing one. At the end of the day, the sound/tone of a T-bird is more than worth dealing with aesthetics over function.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Not enough.

That was almost a choice!

 

[Swerve]

T-Birds are a 10 in looks, 5 in sound, and a 1 in playability for me. Like Rick's, they're a bass I want to love but just can't.

So I own zero. But maybe one day i'll try again.

I love seeing other people rocking em though!

 

[Matt O]

2

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Own:
1xEpi basic bolt-on w/ Chinabuckers
1xEpi Classic Pro
1xEpi Vintage Pro (Thunderbucker pickups)
2xGreco
Sold:
1xEpi PRO 5

T-Birds are a 10 in looks, 5 in sound, and a 1 in playability for me. Like Rick's, they're a bass I want to love but just can't.

So I own zero. But maybe one day i'll try again.

I love seeing other people rocking em though!

I never really got on with most Fenders I played. The first time I played a bird, I was hooked. Different strokes!

 

[JIO]

T-Birds are a 10 in looks, 5 in sound, and a 1 in playability for me. Like Rick's, they're a bass I want to love but just can't.

So I own zero. But maybe one day i'll try again.

I love seeing other people rocking em though!

I feel that way about RIC's also. Had a very nice '86 4003 in Fireglow. Sounded good too. Sold it. But speaking of sound - nothing sounds like a T-bird... nothing.