Selling a Thunderbird. What should I buy?

[Nuisance]

Sliding headfirst into 68 here. I'm buying some new pieces that I normally would not have considered 10-20 years ago....headless, 32" scale, etc. I'd like to keep playing as long as possible and an uncomfortable instrument is a deterrent. Some considerations based on personal experience

*Keep the weight <7.5 lbs. Avoid the "lightweights" w/ light bodies and full-sized headstocks & machine heads = balance issues.

*Compact headstocks / Ultralites or *gasp* take the leap into a headless. Like me, you'll look like a doof but they're really comfy thanks to a normalized center-of-gravity.

*I won't even ask "budget" as we old guys have all the money. BA-HA-HA-HA!

Take a look at the classifieds and see if anything catches your eye. You should have no problem off-loading the T'bird.

Riis

This is great advice.

As someone who has struggled with a bad back, I had to replace most of my instruments a few years ago.

Nowadays I won't purchase a bass that's over 7.5 pounds.

OP, I suggest you look specifically for a bass that is comfortable to play and hold over a 4 hour set.

Consider:

• Headless basses
• Ultralight basses (Sandberg makes one.....there are others)
• Short/Med scale basses
• Basses that balance exceptionally well

Also, you might want to consider shopping at a retailer like Sweetwater that lists the weight of each instrument.

 

[smtp4me]

If you like the look of a Thunderbird - Dingwall D Roc. I don't own one but it seems to be a very versatile instrument.

 

[Bodeeni]

I am digging my SG a lot. After I changed the pickups and the tuners. Nice and light

 

[PiquetBass]

Stick with Gibson - replace the thunderbird with a bass V?

 

[ctmullins]

First-generation Peavey Foundation. Like a Jazz Bass, but with ten times more balls. Those Super Ferrite pickups are amazing!! And these basses are still available for a relatively inexpensive price, albeit climbing every year.

 

[Gervais Cote]

The one missing in your lineup is a Spector.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Sell the Jazz and get an Aerodyne Jazz, they really are a lot lighter! My nephew has one, really nice, feather-light bass. Get a really wide, grippy leather strap, while you are at it, or consider one of those straps that go around you neck instead. If neck dive is an issue with any of them, get rid of it. Maybe a Headless bass too?

 

[Geddaric]

A Danelectro Longhorn.

 

[Zooberwerx]

This is great advice.

As someone who has struggled with a bad back, I had to replace most of my instruments a few years ago.

Nowadays I won't purchase a bass that's over 7.5 pounds.

OP, I suggest you look specifically for a bass that is comfortable to play and hold over a 4 hour set.

Consider:

• Headless basses
• Ultralight basses (Sandberg makes one.....there are others)
• Short/Med scale basses
• Basses that balance exceptionally well

Also, you might want to consider shopping at a retailer like Sweetwater that lists the weight of each instrument.

As I mentioned, approach the supposedly "lightweight" offerings with some trepidation. The OP spec'd 34" scale but I would not so quickly dismiss the medium 32" options. There's something to be said for the ease of navigating 5 frets with 4 fingers (1-2-4 or OFPF).

Riis

 

[woodyng2]

Replace it with an epiphone embassy

Definitely this If you like the TB sound, but want it in a lighter and way more ergonomically comfortable bass.

 

[Goatrope]

I'd just look for a lighter Thunderbird. My 2018 is under 8lbs. Not sure why, but it is. They're out there if you're motivated to find one.

 

[DirtDog]

Electric upright bass!

 

[jd56hawk]

Hello all. I’m contemplating selling my 2019 Gibson Thunderbird because I’ve got shoulder pain and this is my heaviest guitar by a bunch. I’m attaching a picture of my current bass family excluding the 2026 Sterling Sting-Ray I just bought. I’m wondering what the group thinks would be a good bass to replace it and still have it be unique compared to the rest of my basses. I’m not necessarily looking to replace it with something with the same tone, but I also want to have whatever I get still be unique within the other ones I own. Thanks for any input!View attachment 7483689

You're search is over.
One of the best-kept secrets in the bass world...I forgot all about Thunderbirds when I discovered the Thundergun.
Lightweight, too...korina, 8 pounds.

 

[dmt]

Well you said 34" scale, but consider looking at short scales — easier on the front of the left shoulder area, for one.

SG bass (i had to replace the tuning machines on mine with Hipshot Ultralites to get it to balance on the strap though. But a cool bass with a ssomewhat similar classic rock background)

Les Paul Junior Tribute DC Bass (this is based on the original EB-0, not the subsequent SG-shaped one)

Mustang bass — lots of fun

Guild Starfire II (or other variant, to your taste)

Also, see an orthopedic doc and look into getting physical therapy if he/she agrees.

Best of luck with getting something and/or working out a way you can play comfortably

 

[Gaolee]

Thunderbirds can be very light. But the issue the OP has is not just the bass itself, it's the bass and case. Thunderbird cases weigh a ton, and I don't know a way to get around that without going to a gig bag. There are a few gig bags that work with Thunderbirds, but most are not long enough.

 

[Scufflegrit]

Spector, or if you want to replace the T-bird with something more Thunderbird-ish looking maybe a Sandberg Forty Eight.

 

[Dasgre0g]

What you need is another Thunderbird actually. However, you need a NON-reverse.
Same great tone, feels like a different instrument in many ways and still looks awesome.


And a gig bag

 

[BassicJazzy]

I would go with a SoundGear, from the Prestige line if you have the budget for it, Premium if not. I have a SR1350B (Premium) which only weighs around 7 lbs and is very easy on the shoulders, and a fast player. It is very well balanced, neck has titanium reinforcing rods, very stable. As with many SRs, it has a thin neck which some love, and some hate.

 

[Empap]

+1 For Epiphone Jack Cassady
+1 For Reverend, they all come with korina bodies and lightweight tuners! But i would recommend the Triad, Wattplower, or Fatfish 32 for something totally different to what you already have.

 

[Bassdude66]

Someone is wanting to trade me straight up for a 2020 Fender American Ultra Jazz V. With original hard case in excellent condition. Would y’all make the trade? I can’t see where it mentions this so I’ll mention that I’m the original poster of this thread.