Thunderbird Club

[godofthunder59]

First look, 1966 Gibson Thunderbird II restored by my dear friend Bill Walance who passed on about 6 years ago. The bass came to Bill as a stripped carcasse with the neck busted off around the 3rd fret. Bill did a beautiful job restoring the bass, he was so excited about it, we talked at length about how to approach the restoration. I recently acquired the bass from Bill's widow. Bill was a dear friend fellow luthier, tinkerer and bass obsessed, we got on like Mutt and Jeff. Here's a picture of Bill and I at The House of Guitars twisting the Gibson reps. arm to make Nonreverse Thunderbirds again.

 

[dagrev]

First look, 1966 Gibson Thunderbird II restored by my dear friend Bill Walance who passed on about 6 years ago. The bass came to Bill as a stripped carcasse with the neck busted off around the 3rd fret. Bill did a beautiful job restoring the bass, he was so excited about it, we talked at length about how to approach the restoration. I recently acquired the bass from Bill's widow. Bill was a dear friend fellow luthier, tinkerer and bass obsessed, we got on like Mutt and Jeff. Here's a picture of Bill and I at The House of Guitars twisting the Gibson reps. arm to make Nonreverse Thunderbirds again.View attachment 4653893 View attachment 4653894 View attachment 4653895 View attachment 4653896 View attachment 4653897 View attachment 4653898

. Wow! Great bass and priceless story Scott. So glad you landed that Bird.

 

[JJR58]

This guys series of vids on JH is a great/historic reference to recording at that time. I love Chas Chandler saying; "if the band can't play it in two to three takes, they shouldn't be in the studio - not good enough" - word. I mean, I don't have anything against a studio engineer making a little extra money... just sayin'...

Is that Eddie Kramer?
I met that guy at a workshop at a GC in Denver.

 

[PhR75]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The cheap guitar pedal Bad Monkey worked perfectly for me (I like a mild overdrive more that a farty fuzz) but I still got the itch to upgrade it to a Hardwire series CM-2 (Tube Overdrive or Distortion, depending when it was made) as I had read it worked even better for bass (no low end loss, 'though the Monkey doesn't bother me in that matter either). I think I agree, it seems to work quite well for a Wettonesque Hiwatt -blast. To emulate that further I used a DOD Milkbox compressor with a slow attack and the "amp" end was the SV-Pre and Acoustic 301 IR (cab sim). Even with the wrong gear I'm quite pleased with the sound. The bass wasn't a P-bass but the VP. You can only guess which pickup I used. Should be obvious.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

First look, 1966 Gibson Thunderbird II restored by my dear friend Bill Walance who passed on about 6 years ago. The bass came to Bill as a stripped carcasse with the neck busted off around the 3rd fret. Bill did a beautiful job restoring the bass, he was so excited about it, we talked at length about how to approach the restoration. I recently acquired the bass from Bill's widow. Bill was a dear friend fellow luthier, tinkerer and bass obsessed, we got on like Mutt and Jeff. Here's a picture of Bill and I at The House of Guitars twisting the Gibson reps. arm to make Nonreverse Thunderbirds again.View attachment 4653893 View attachment 4653894 View attachment 4653895 View attachment 4653896 View attachment 4653897 View attachment 4653898

oh my lord!!!! my unicorn/holy grail bass!!!!

 

[godofthunder59]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The cheap guitar pedal Bad Monkey worked perfectly for me (I like a mild overdrive more that a farty fuzz) but I still got the itch to upgrade it to a Hardwire series CM-2 (Tube Overdrive or Distortion, depending when it was made) as I had read it worked even better for bass (no low end loss, 'though the Monkey doesn't bother me in that matter either). I think I agree, it seems to work quite well for a Wettonesque Hiwatt -blast. To emulate that further I used a DOD Milkbox compressor with a slow attack and the "amp" end was the SV-Pre and Acoustic 301 IR (cab sim). Even with the wrong gear I'm quite pleased with the sound. The bass wasn't a P-bass but the VP. You can only guess which pickup I used. Should be obvious.
View attachment 4653910View attachment 4653911View attachment 4653912

I use a couple of things. Ibanez Bass Tube Screamer , works pretty well but I think I like the plain old TS9 better. Early 80's DOD bi-fet pre amp, crank it up and you can get some nice grit out if it. Whirlwind compressor gets used on occasion

 

[TBird1958]

First look, 1966 Gibson Thunderbird II restored by my dear friend Bill Walance who passed on about 6 years ago. The bass came to Bill as a stripped carcasse with the neck busted off around the 3rd fret. Bill did a beautiful job restoring the bass, he was so excited about it, we talked at length about how to approach the restoration. I recently acquired the bass from Bill's widow. Bill was a dear friend fellow luthier, tinkerer and bass obsessed, we got on like Mutt and Jeff. Here's a picture of Bill and I at The House of Guitars twisting the Gibson reps. arm to make Nonreverse Thunderbirds again.View attachment 4653893 View attachment 4653894 View attachment 4653895 View attachment 4653896 View attachment 4653897 View attachment 4653898

I really liked Bill and wish I could have met him in person, he was always very nice back in the Dudepit days and of course on LBO. It's been a long time since I've seen the bass, it's even more beautiful and cooler than I remember - I'm glad to see it in your hands, Scott.

 

[dagrev]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The cheap guitar pedal Bad Monkey worked perfectly for me (I like a mild overdrive more that a farty fuzz) but I still got the itch to upgrade it to a Hardwire series CM-2 (Tube Overdrive or Distortion, depending when it was made) as I had read it worked even better for bass (no low end loss, 'though the Monkey doesn't bother me in that matter either). I think I agree, it seems to work quite well for a Wettonesque Hiwatt -blast. To emulate that further I used a DOD Milkbox compressor with a slow attack and the "amp" end was the SV-Pre and Acoustic 301 IR (cab sim). Even with the wrong gear I'm quite pleased with the sound. The bass wasn't a P-bass but the VP. You can only guess which pickup I used. Should be obvious.
View attachment 4653910View attachment 4653911View attachment 4653912

I don't use a distorted sound, but if I did I would drive my tube heads (because I like that more natural sound) and use something like this to get the volume back to a usable level. I have never used one, but this seems ideal as I've yet to hear a pedal distortion that sounds natural or good. I figure if you like the way a tube amp sounds, why use a pedal that makes it sound different.

JHS Little Black Amp Box Passive Amp Attenuator

Bugera PS1 Passive 100-watt Power Attenuator

 

[PillO]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The PillO plan to get true driven tube amp tone:
1. Stop trying to get along with your neighbours.
2. Turn up your tube amp.
3. Repeat.

I really like the sound of the Tech 21 YYZ pedal. But I can get 90% of those tones out of an EHX Hotwax at half the price,

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The cheap guitar pedal Bad Monkey worked perfectly for me (I like a mild overdrive more that a farty fuzz) but I still got the itch to upgrade it to a Hardwire series CM-2 (Tube Overdrive or Distortion, depending when it was made) as I had read it worked even better for bass (no low end loss, 'though the Monkey doesn't bother me in that matter either). I think I agree, it seems to work quite well for a Wettonesque Hiwatt -blast. To emulate that further I used a DOD Milkbox compressor with a slow attack and the "amp" end was the SV-Pre and Acoustic 301 IR (cab sim). Even with the wrong gear I'm quite pleased with the sound. The bass wasn't a P-bass but the VP. You can only guess which pickup I used. Should be obvious.
View attachment 4653910View attachment 4653911View attachment 4653912

this….can’t stand solid state device breakup…

 

[BklynKen]

What do you T-Bird folk use for your overdrive if not the amp? I love a cranked up Hiwatt as much as anyone but it isn't always a possible solution, not even for recording. A Lab Series L2 has been my go-to amp for a slightly less loud overdrive sound but for home recordings I have to use a pedal and other apparitions.

The cheap guitar pedal Bad Monkey worked perfectly for me (I like a mild overdrive more that a farty fuzz) but I still got the itch to upgrade it to a Hardwire series CM-2 (Tube Overdrive or Distortion, depending when it was made) as I had read it worked even better for bass (no low end loss, 'though the Monkey doesn't bother me in that matter either). I think I agree, it seems to work quite well for a Wettonesque Hiwatt -blast. To emulate that further I used a DOD Milkbox compressor with a slow attack and the "amp" end was the SV-Pre and Acoustic 301 IR (cab sim). Even with the wrong gear I'm quite pleased with the sound. The bass wasn't a P-bass but the VP. You can only guess which pickup I used. Should be obvious.
View attachment 4653910View attachment 4653911View attachment 4653912

I use a Damnation Audio MBD2. It's incredibly versatile.

MBD2 MOSFET Bass Distortion 2

 

[godofthunder59]

I really liked Bill and wish I could have met him in person, he was always very nice back in the Dudepit days and of course on LBO. It's been a long time since I've seen the bass, it's even more beautiful and cooler than I remember - I'm glad to see it in your hands, Scott.

Thanks you, he was a great guy, just so passionate and excited about all things bass. That he lived one town over was a blessing and a source of amusement. I'd keep seeing these Gibson "creations" on ebay with the location Churchville NY and think whoever this guy is he's as nuts as I am.

 

[Gaolee]

First look, 1966 Gibson Thunderbird II restored by my dear friend Bill Walance who passed on about 6 years ago. The bass came to Bill as a stripped carcasse with the neck busted off around the 3rd fret. Bill did a beautiful job restoring the bass, he was so excited about it, we talked at length about how to approach the restoration. I recently acquired the bass from Bill's widow. Bill was a dear friend fellow luthier, tinkerer and bass obsessed, we got on like Mutt and Jeff. Here's a picture of Bill and I at The House of Guitars twisting the Gibson reps. arm to make Nonreverse Thunderbirds again.View attachment 4653893 View attachment 4653894 View attachment 4653895 View attachment 4653896 View attachment 4653897 View attachment 4653898

That's a beautiful color, too.

 

[PhR75]

can’t stand solid state device breakup…

I thought so too until I found the Lab Series amps.

 

[TBird1958]

It's National Pet Day - I'm paying my Cat Tax.

 

[Stealth57]

It's National Pet Day - I'm paying my Cat Tax.

View attachment 4653964

View attachment 4653965

Puss and boots?

 

[TBird1958]

Puss and boots?

Booties - close enough!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

It's National Pet Day - I'm paying my Cat Tax.

View attachment 4653964

View attachment 4653965

yep….. this one looks like a russet….

BIRDS!…..

 

[PillO]

It's National Pet Day - I'm paying my Cat Tax.

View attachment 4653964

View attachment 4653965

You haven't done a Thunderbird Caturday in a long time...

 

[PillO]

yep….. this one looks like a russet….
View attachment 4653978

BIRDS!…..
View attachment 4653979

That one looks quite unimpressed with being compared to a potato.