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Many Just Don't Get IT, Gibson Thunderbird
- Thread starter bluewine
- Start date
This can be applied to just about anything in the music world, not just playing a T Bird bass. Examples:
Playing a billion notes in a measure.
Playing a "boutique" bass made of some rare figured wood.
Playing an "ergonomically correct" bass the "correct" way.
Playing a P bass slung low.
All of these are "testosterone-driven pissing contests" in their own way. I mean, why respond to this thread if you yourself aren't in some way driven by the same thing?
I'd agree that some have chosen them for form over function reasons -- just as some people make the color a priority when purchasing another model of bass. Where I disagree is with the judgment/implication that they are all intrinsically "inferior instruments" - I've played some awful and inferior Fenders (though generally that was due more to abuse/neglect than anything else), some mediocre ones, some good ones and some truly great ones -- they're not all the same.
And there are a lot of P-basses and strats and Les Pauls in hard rock and metal, too, so how far do we extend the bias?
I didn't choose mine for the look - though that aspect has really grown on me - nor has metal ever been a genre of choice to me (though I try to keep an open mind with all music - but have my likes and opinions). Personally, I like playing something that has the vintage vibe but isn't the same thing everyone else is using. Removing it from bass for a moment; I play with a guitar player that uses the old Harmony guitars from the '60s. A lot of guitar players would look down on those as "inferior" but he can really play them and gets a sound that is very good, distinct and characteristically his own and not the same Fender or Gibson (or clone/variation) flavors as most. That's a positive thing in my mind.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,895
- 142,214
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
If the bassist for Kings of Leon plays a Thunderbird that just made them even more lame for me. That's exactly the kind of poser crap I hate. And if he doesn't play a Thunderbird, they still suck. That band is all hype and image, no talent. Reminds me of other stuff that America tries to shove down our throats at award shows, passing it off as cutting edge. I don't care if their is some cool looking guy with a cool looking guitar playing eighth notes on a distorted crunchy guitar... he's backing Miley Cyrus. Or it's a cover of Green Day the Musical. (slits wrists)
ZZ Top on the other hand, were badass regardless of what stupid looking or cool looking instruments they played. I mean, dudes had beards to their ankles and look a horrorshow. But, they sure can play even to this day.
So I guess my point is, I'm not looking at the guitar the guy is holding. I hear the music first. Then I'm either drawn to look at the screen because I dig it or hate it. When I hate it and then see a T-bird or the guitar player has one of those stupid looking guitars shaped like a V etc... then I turn the channel or hit mute and leave the room. Aesthetics are as much a part of rock as the music itself. I don't hate Tbirds, but I sure as heck don't get them. Nikki who? Give me some damn Jamerson.
Why is it ok for a person to say, "I play a Fender because I like how it plays, sounds, and looks" but NOT ok for a person to say, "I play a Thunderbird because I like how it plays, sounds, and looks?"
T Birds aren't cool because Nikki Sixx plays one, but because THEY ARE COOL. Sixx just happens to agree with me!
If you don't like the T Bird because the guy from Kings of Leon plays one, isn't that the same as someone liking a T Bird just because the guy from Motley Crue plays one?
T Birds aren't cool because Nikki Sixx plays one, but because THEY ARE COOL. Sixx just happens to agree with me!
If you don't like the T Bird because the guy from Kings of Leon plays one, isn't that the same as someone liking a T Bird just because the guy from Motley Crue plays one?
Why is it ok for a person to say, "I play a Fender because I like how it plays, sounds, and looks" but NOT ok for a person to say, "I play a Thunderbird because I like how it plays, sounds, and looks?"
T Birds aren't cool because Nikki Sixx plays one, but because THEY ARE COOL. Sixx just happens to agree with me!
If you don't like the T Bird because the guy from Kings of Leon plays one, isn't that the same as someone liking a T Bird just because the guy from Motley Crue plays one?
First of all, it is ok for anyone to say they like an instrument for any of plays/sounds/looks reasons. I don't care really what others like as much as I'm certain as to what I don't care for.
People want to listen to Miley Cyrus... go ahead. That's your thing. Doesn't mean I don't think it's total utter rubbish.
I never said I don't like the T Bird because the guy from ANY band in particular plays them. Not Motley Crue, Kings of Leon etc. If said if the dude from Kings of Leon plays one it makes me dislike them even more. (Already disliked them, but honestly wouldn't be surprised that he played one.)
What I have said is...
"I am by no means a Fender elitist but honestly, I find the look of Thunderbirds to be so lame. I don't think I've ever seen someone rock it and not think, that looks so lame. Classic rock and metal bands included. Then again, I think most of that music is pretty lame so whatever."
I don't get IT but it's ok, because you guys don't get that I don't get IT. For the record, I don't have anything against TBirds or anyone that plays them. And I am certainly not trying to insult anyone, I'm just not into that music. I guess I am just one voice in the I Don't Get It Club on a forum about why Many Just Don't Get IT.
Thunderbirds make me think of Spinal Tap...
This is what you said:
"If the bassist for Kings of Leon plays a Thunderbird that just made them even more lame for me."
That at least implies that you "don't like the T Bird because the guy from ANY band in particular plays them" or that your dislike of the T Bird comes at least, in part, because a guy in a particular band plays one.
Did Derek Smalls play a Thunderbird? Please provide a photo. Because if he did, then I know it is the most kickest assest bass in the universe!!
Billy Gibbons never played a P or a t-bird...but Dusty Hill did.
My bad
I guess what I meant by inferior is someone playing an instument they themselves consider to be so, such as admitting that they a thunderbird is a mud spitting unbalanced boat anchor, and playing one anyway for the look of it. Same as a person wearing brutally uncomfortable clothes for the sake of fashion.
And its ok to have a bit of a pissing contest here and there, but the genres I mentioned (hard rock and metal) are the ones that seem to really wallow in cliche and chest beating...
Now I'm not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do... in fact if anyone wants to do that sort of thing, I encourage it. It makes it easier for me as a listener to sort through all the lame.
I agree.
HOWEVER, how exactly is it cool for someone to say "If you do not like Gibson Thunderbirds, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT!!!"???
My bad
I guess what I meant by inferior is someone playing an instument they themselves consider to be so, such as admitting that they a thunderbird is a mud spitting unbalanced boat anchor, and playing one anyway for the look of it. Same as a person wearing brutally uncomfortable clothes for the sake of fashion.
And its ok to have a bit of a pissing contest here and there, but the genres I mentioned (hard rock and metal) are the ones that seem to really wallow in cliche and chest beating...
Now I'm not here to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do... in fact if anyone wants to do that sort of thing, I encourage it. It makes it easier for me as a listener to sort through all the lame.
The problem at hand is, no one on this thread is doing any such thing. People are just saying they like a certain type of bass. That it bothers you that there are people that like something you don't speaks to some deeper issues about you. And that you say something doesn't bother you, but then give a detailed description of what supposedly doesn't bother you is, well, quite telling.
I agree.
HOWEVER, how exactly is it cool for someone to say "If you do not like Gibson Thunderbirds, YOU JUST DON'T GET IT!!!"???
I suppose this thread has splintered, IMO. I never said what you quoted, though the OP did, and that IS provocative. There is nothing to GET. You either like 'em or you don't. No biggie.
GrapeApe said:
Show me ANY musical genre where that doesn't happen. Jazz, country, orchestral, folk, blues....each has it's own cliches and things you do to be cool.
I like birds. they have big tone and visually, lots of attitude. I don't play out much so I bought an Epi bird (made in Korea) which I actually love-- it has all the visuals but a punchier tone from the bolt neck
For certain gigs, I think a bird is a great bass. And if you like to have lots of tools in your shed like I do, it's never a bad idea to have a bird-- for ever 100 artists or producers out there you are bound to find at least a few that certify them.
For certain gigs, I think a bird is a great bass. And if you like to have lots of tools in your shed like I do, it's never a bad idea to have a bird-- for ever 100 artists or producers out there you are bound to find at least a few that certify them.
Once again Mr. Price, you sum it up very well. I wish I could state it as nicely.
Amen to that!
My opinions are not just based on what I read here...
And no, it doesn't bother me, I have opinions on just about everything, doesn't mean I'm losing any sleep over any of them.
The fact that the opinion of some anonymous guy on the internet bothers you so much speaks to you needing to ease up on the butthurt.
Chill out dude, it's just the internet.
