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Thunderbird Club

#200,763
Count Bassie said:
Trace Elliot used to drop an amp from 30' from time to time, look it over, maybe fix something, and plug it in. They gave Peavey a run for their money concerning durability.
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Chucky Stiletti said:
until they didn’t…:rollno:
shame, great amps…
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I don't think Peavey gives Peavy a run for their money anymore. I recall they were on Undercover Boss and laid off a large portion of staff at the end of the show...
 
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#200,765
lildrgn said:
noob alert.

I have had 0 interest in a T-bird bass. The closest I've come is that I own a Reverend Thundergun with a reverse headstock. But it's not a T-bird.

I saw a video linked in a thread on another site:
Elle Macho - "Bombs" - Lake Fever Sessions - YouTube

And as I watched and then heard the bass (and the singing and the song) I started to think I *might* need a T-bird in my life? Those of you who own them, though this sound in the video has some sort of OD or distortion on it, is that pretty true to form for a T-bird's sound?

And then I saw another video by the same band and was so taken by an image, that I screen capped it, and made it my wallpaper on my computer. Which also led me to ask myself, "Do I need a T-bird now?"

View attachment 4626400

I mean, how badass is that??
Click to expand...

Yes, you need a Thunderbird. A Thunderbird can be what you want it to be; clean or dirty. Yes, you need a Thunderbird.
 
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#200,766
lildrgn said:
noob alert.

I have had 0 interest in a T-bird bass. The closest I've come is that I own a Reverend Thundergun with a reverse headstock. But it's not a T-bird.

I saw a video linked in a thread on another site:
Elle Macho - "Bombs" - Lake Fever Sessions - YouTube

And as I watched and then heard the bass (and the singing and the song) I started to think I *might* need a T-bird in my life? Those of you who own them, though this sound in the video has some sort of OD or distortion on it, is that pretty true to form for a T-bird's sound?

And then I saw another video by the same band and was so taken by an image, that I screen capped it, and made it my wallpaper on my computer. Which also led me to ask myself, "Do I need a T-bird now?"

View attachment 4626400

I mean, how badass is that??
Click to expand...
Welcome to the fascinating world of Thunderbirds.
Answer: You always need a Thunderbird.

As far as the sound in the clip, I can't say that's the typical sound you get from Thunderbirds, or least not that I've heard and got my first one in '81 or '82. Obviously you can get that sound, but I would think some interesting EQing was going on.

There are a variety of Thunderbirds, but I'll just mention the ones I have experience with.
1. The 60s version is original and to my ears has something no others have. But I've had one for decades. They are both big and can be aggressive.
2. Modern Gibsons like in the pic and clip are very different sounding and not as good for my tastes. I have one and they are excellent in craftsmanship and mine is a joy to play. You like the sound so don't let my lack of enthusiasm sway you.
3. There are a few Epiphone Classic Pros which have the same pickups. They are not made any longer. (I've never owed one, but others here who have say they are great.)
4. Epiphone Vintage Pro or renamed to "Thunderbird 60s" sound as close as you can get to the original without spending thousands of dollars. They are very well made. I have two. Great basses at great prices.

Others will chime in and correct and/or provide additional thoughts.

The one you are interested in will be generally less aggressive, darker and the mids will be in a different place than the Vintage Pros, etc. People either love them or not. But if it does what you want and sounds good to you, that's all that matters. Mu '06 is as nice and comfortable as any bass I've ever played.

It goes without saying that trying them out is best if at all possibly. Youtube "reviews" are often little help as they are often more about the player showing cool tricks and licks as much as hearing the bass as neutral as possible, but some my be helpful.

Again, the answer is yes--if you are chosen by a Thunderbird, that is.
 
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#200,767
dagrev said:
Again, the answer is yes--if you are chosen by a Thunderbird, that is.
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Brilliant, sir! I will need to get my hands on one to try it out. I think her bass is perfect for that band, but the band I'll be in in the near future is more of an indie thing and less on the rock (possibly). But I really loved the music and sound of her bass and would love to be in a situation like that.

Appreciate you spelling out the differences for me. There are so many variations out there, don't even know where to start. But a local acquaintance plays T-birds, I may reach out to pick his brain. :)
 
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#200,769
lildrgn said:
Brilliant, sir! I will need to get my hands on one to try it out. I think her bass is perfect for that band, but the band I'll be in in the near future is more of an indie thing and less on the rock (possibly). But I really loved the music and sound of her bass and would love to be in a situation like that.

Appreciate you spelling out the differences for me. There are so many variations out there, don't even know where to start. But a local acquaintance plays T-birds, I may reach out to pick his brain. :)
Click to expand...
You're welcome. Some people think (wrongly) that Thunderbirds are just for rock and more aggressive sounds. This is not true at all. (But we aren't really supposed to talk about this.) I even use mine in a church setting, so they can do Alice Cooper to Church and everything in between.
 
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#200,771
lildrgn said:
noob alert.

I have had 0 interest in a T-bird bass. The closest I've come is that I own a Reverend Thundergun with a reverse headstock. But it's not a T-bird.

I saw a video linked in a thread on another site:
Elle Macho - "Bombs" - Lake Fever Sessions - YouTube

And as I watched and then heard the bass (and the singing and the song) I started to think I *might* need a T-bird in my life? Those of you who own them, though this sound in the video has some sort of OD or distortion on it, is that pretty true to form for a T-bird's sound?

And then I saw another video by the same band and was so taken by an image, that I screen capped it, and made it my wallpaper on my computer. Which also led me to ask myself, "Do I need a T-bird now?"

View attachment 4626400

I mean, how badass is that??
Click to expand...
very badass….bet that rig sounds fantastic….I really like TB+ buckers….
 
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#200,772
Miles_ONeal said:
Anyone here play "White Rabbit"? How close to the original do you play it? I've been working on it this week; the basic part is simple enough but there are some subtleties. At one point I thought Casady had made a mistake, but after many relistenings, I can't tell if it's a mistake or just a quick difference because it felt right at the moment. Whether I ever play it with a band as recorded or not, I want to be able to.
And the Thunderbird VP can nail the tone. So that's it's One Trick. It can nail the tone. 8^)
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It’s been awhile. I Practiced with this video from Constantine and use his transcription.
 
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#200,774
lildrgn said:
noob alert.

I have had 0 interest in a T-bird bass. The closest I've come is that I own a Reverend Thundergun with a reverse headstock. But it's not a T-bird.

I saw a video linked in a thread on another site:
Elle Macho - "Bombs" - Lake Fever Sessions - YouTube

And as I watched and then heard the bass (and the singing and the song) I started to think I *might* need a T-bird in my life? Those of you who own them, though this sound in the video has some sort of OD or distortion on it, is that pretty true to form for a T-bird's sound?

And then I saw another video by the same band and was so taken by an image, that I screen capped it, and made it my wallpaper on my computer. Which also led me to ask myself, "Do I need a T-bird now?"

View attachment 4626400

I mean, how badass is that??
Click to expand...

I'd say it's worth your time to try and seek one out (Not easy in Seattle, I know), the bass in the video is a post 1988 Gibson, you would also get there with an Epiphone Classic Pro Thunderbird. It's essentially the same as a Gibson. They're not everyone's bass by any means, but, as has happened here on the thread many times, players have come here and stated that they were beyond impressed with a Bird after letting go of their preconceptions.
 
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#200,776
Chucky Stiletti said:
totally agree….on the other hand, had this not been the case, we wouldn’t have Ashdown..
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upload_2022-3-18_20-32-43.jpeg
 
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#200,777
PillO said:
I know that many years ago, Traynors were available many places in the US, especially border states. I don't think that is still the case. Some time around the 90s, I think Traynor went out of style and the distributor(s) stopped carrying them.
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They were ubiquitous in the seventies. Thee are a couple US sellers on Reverb, but that’s pretty much it.
 
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#200,778
Miles_ONeal said:
Anyone here play "White Rabbit"? How close to the original do you play it? I've been working on it this week; the basic part is simple enough but there are some subtleties. At one point I thought Casady had made a mistake, but after many relistenings, I can't tell if it's a mistake or just a quick difference because it felt right at the moment. Whether I ever play it with a band as recorded or not, I want to be able to.
And the Thunderbird VP can nail the tone. So that's it's One Trick. It can nail the tone. 8^)
Click to expand...
The Damned recorded a pretty killer version of it. The bass is a good bit like the original- similar rhytmic bounce between 4ths, similar phrasing, only less subtle.
I covered that version, more or less, with a band, except I like the original feel too, so I copped it but with the more aggressive leaning of the Damned version...
 
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#200,780
lildrgn said:
noob alert.

I have had 0 interest in a T-bird bass. The closest I've come is that I own a Reverend Thundergun with a reverse headstock. But it's not a T-bird.

I saw a video linked in a thread on another site:
Elle Macho - "Bombs" - Lake Fever Sessions - YouTube

And as I watched and then heard the bass (and the singing and the song) I started to think I *might* need a T-bird in my life? Those of you who own them, though this sound in the video has some sort of OD or distortion on it, is that pretty true to form for a T-bird's sound?

And then I saw another video by the same band and was so taken by an image, that I screen capped it, and made it my wallpaper on my computer. Which also led me to ask myself, "Do I need a T-bird now?"

View attachment 4626400

I mean, how badass is that??
Click to expand...
Yes.
 
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