Thunderbird Club

[Haji]

I LOVE the diamond plate. That looks fantastic on a TBird! What's the finish on that one? Expiring minds want to know!

The Power of TBurt has come through. I got a call back on my audition. AFAIK, nobody else has.

 

[TBird1958]

I LOVE the diamond plate. That looks fantastic on a TBird! What's the finish on that one? Expiring minds want to know!

The Power of TBurt has come through. I got a call back on my audition. AFAIK, nobody else has.

Congratulations, go forth and rule!

Both of the Dillon Lefties look pretty cool, the Diamond Plate is tough!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I have a bit of an inflammatory question.....
What is it about Thunderbirds that you all are so enamored of? I had a friend who TRADED a Mapleglo Ric bass for a Thunderbird, which at the time seemed like the height of madness (in retrospect probably not a great decision financially, given today's prices for even beat-up old Rics). I played his Thunderbird and found it really uncomfortable with all the sharp edges (Rics aren't much better in that department), and it was so neck heavy, really only playable with a strap. Sonically it just sounded flat and muddy, though that may have been the strings. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not seeing the attraction. Enlighten me? I'm not trying to be a troll, just really curious. Sing me the praises!

 

[Haji]

TBirds are cool.

A Thunderbird is a one trick pony, but it's a bad ass trick if you have ear enough to dial in the tone.

 

[wolfkeller]

Personally Its the look. I've always thought they looked so sweet as a kid. The sound is different for sure, but I have Ps and Spector too.

 

[wolfkeller]

I LOVE the diamond plate. That looks fantastic on a TBird! What's the finish on that one? Expiring minds want to know!

The Power of TBurt has come through. I got a call back on my audition. AFAIK, nobody else has.

It was a roll of decal I found on eBay for about $20. Removed the hardware, put it on, trimmed it good to go. Those are the same bass! Those dillions are are $500, set neck, ALL mahogany. They really are good basses. I'll probably get another.

 

[wolfkeller]

I added side mount jacks and put kill switches in them all aside from the Gibson. I also bypasses the pots, full on is how I always play! More output and treble.

 

[mistergoats]

... I played his Thunderbird and found it really uncomfortable with all the sharp edges (Rics aren't much better in that department)...

Sharp edges? I think I know what you mean; like the sides. They are "squared off", but the bass is pretty curvy overall. Sure, they are designed differently than a jazz or p which are very rounded and contoured. For me, a 'Bird fits like a glove. Mine has a belly scoop and I wear it pretty low; I play it mostly on my right hip.

... and it was so neck heavy, really only playable with a strap. Sonically it just sounded flat and muddy, though that may have been the strings.

Who plays a 'Bird sitting down? It's a rock 'n' roll bass IMHO. If you're sitting with it, you're using the wrong instrument. They need to be played with a strap and slung low. That's where they are most at home.

I don't disagree with you that they can sound "muddy", but they are LOUD. That's the whole point. It's dual humbuckers. They are built for massive bass output.

From reading your comments, it sounds like you're playing it in the wrong context.

Mine goes through an SVT and an 810 cabinet. Sonically powerful. Driving bass. Punchy. In-your-face. Mean and meaty. You don't get that from a thin-toned instrument. For me, I'm not looking for sonic clarity. I want to put bass in your head. I want you to feel the bass. I'm not a virtuoso. I hold the groove and move the air. That's my job, and my tool is the Thunderbird.

 

[wolfkeller]

that's pretty much it right there, loud and heavy! slung low, rock and roll!

 

[TBird1958]

I have a bit of an inflammatory question.....
What is it about Thunderbirds that you all are so enamored of? I had a friend who TRADED a Mapleglo Ric bass for a Thunderbird, which at the time seemed like the height of madness (in retrospect probably not a great decision financially, given today's prices for even beat-up old Rics). I played his Thunderbird and found it really uncomfortable with all the sharp edges (Rics aren't much better in that department), and it was so neck heavy, really only playable with a strap. Sonically it just sounded flat and muddy, though that may have been the strings. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not seeing the attraction. Enlighten me? I'm not trying to be a troll, just really curious. Sing me the praises!

There's a lot of variables, I used play a '73 4001, but traded it off for an older Thunderbird about 6-7 years back. I've never found the body edge to be as sharp but when I play, a wrist band is always worn - regardless of the bass. Thru a GK with Round Wounds and an authoritative pick your tone will rule the world, big, effing angry piano that no other bass can get close to. There's never any question about E string output when you play a Thunderbird (unlike most Ricks) Sitting on a stool with legs crossed I find a 'Bird to be very easy to play, standing up is personal preference, I keep the strap a little short, the bass slightly above my waist for left hand comfort - See my avatar for how it's done. Don't get me wrong I like Ricks quite a bit, at some point I may buy another 4001 but otherwise nothing else looks as cool or sounds anywhere near as good as a T Bird for me.

 

[BadBassDrummer]

I don't think my Lull NRT is muddy at all. I find it to be fairly bright, but it does have fresh ProSteels on it. I bought mine partly because it was more comfortable to sit with for me than my Jazz bass, but I almost always play standing.

 

[BadBassDrummer]

I should put the play in quotes... (More like strangling a hamster.. oh wait that's Geddy's voice)

 

[mattbass6945]

it has been a long time coming. through many setbacks, i have finally triumphed. i kneel before you and present.........my new (to me) Epi Thunderbird classic pro iv.

 

[wolfkeller]

So very nice!

 

[Mark4]

I have a bit of an inflammatory question.....
What is it about Thunderbirds that you all are so enamored of? I had a friend who TRADED a Mapleglo Ric bass for a Thunderbird, which at the time seemed like the height of madness (in retrospect probably not a great decision financially, given today's prices for even beat-up old Rics). I played his Thunderbird and found it really uncomfortable with all the sharp edges (Rics aren't much better in that department), and it was so neck heavy, really only playable with a strap. Sonically it just sounded flat and muddy, though that may have been the strings. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not seeing the attraction. Enlighten me? I'm not trying to be a troll, just really curious. Sing me the praises!

Thunderbirds are similar to Rics. Neck-through construction, two pickups etc. I can get a Ric-like sound out of mine. Moreso than with my Jazz anyway. Something about the attack and the decay of the notes.

That being said, either they work for you or they don't. They have a "love it or hate it" design. Some of us think they sound good, look good, and feel good to play. I even play mine while seated when I'm online catching up with forums and such. Feels comfortable to me. I don't get the "only play 'em while standing up" argument at all. For some reason, they sit on my lap just like a Jazz bass, a Telecaster, or most other guitar-shaped instruments. A flying V might be problematic, I can see that... or maybe a Steinberger without the leg-rest... but a Thunderbird? Can't say I've ever had trouble in that department, but I can only speak for myself. Use whatever feels right to you.

 

[jd56hawk]

I have a bit of an inflammatory question.....
What is it about Thunderbirds that you all are so enamored of? I had a friend who TRADED a Mapleglo Ric bass for a Thunderbird, which at the time seemed like the height of madness (in retrospect probably not a great decision financially, given today's prices for even beat-up old Rics). I played his Thunderbird and found it really uncomfortable with all the sharp edges (Rics aren't much better in that department), and it was so neck heavy, really only playable with a strap. Sonically it just sounded flat and muddy, though that may have been the strings. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not seeing the attraction. Enlighten me? I'm not trying to be a troll, just really curious. Sing me the praises!

Well, neither one of my Thunderbirds have sharp edges, but maybe I just don't notice it. As for tone my Epiphone Pro IV is anything but flat and muddy…and I have flatwounds on it! My other Thunderbird has DR Red Devils on it and I wouldn't say it sounds flat or muddy, either, not quite as many tonal options as my Pro IV, but enough to be noticably different switching between pickups…I have Deep Sixx pups that I'm planning on putting in.
Regardless, I only have three basses…and the third one is an acoustic.
Still, I'm keeping an eye open for an Epiphone Cassic Pro in white.
Why? Because it will sound different than the two I already have.

 

[TBird1958]

it has been a long time coming. through many setbacks, i have finally triumphed. i kneel before you and present.........my new (to me) Epi Thunderbird classic pro iv.

Now I feel pretty Queenie!

Thanks for that and a very sincere welcome mattbass6945, it's a beautiful Epiphone Classic! They truly are "everyman's Thunderbird", congratulations.
Your number here at the best club on Talkbass is 470, please feel free to ask questions and post your show pics!


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[Josh Thatguy]

Add me to the club; it'll give me a fleeting sense of self-worth.
This was an EpiGoth I picked up in partial trade for some crap. I needed a backup for a more expensive black&green bass I've got.
EMG MMTW active pickup routed in the neck position with a a Bartolini prototype at the bridge (couldn't make myself paint a proto green). Filled the third pot hole (now it's wired tone/volume on the push/pull, blend on the second knob) and pickguard screwholes. Bedliner on the body and headstock. It's not pretty, but it does the trick.

I'll take member number 666 or 1313, either or is okay with me...........


post edit-- forgot to mention its set up B/E/A/D like the one it's a backup for. Used Rotosound 115s on it now until I wear the top layer of newness of the green and flat black on the frets, then a set of DR DDT 125s will go on it.
And, as requested, here's a pic of the tool it's a backup for.....

 

[wolfkeller]

Add me to the club; it'll give me a fleeting sense of self-worth.
This was an EpiGoth. I needed a backup for a more expensive black&green bass I've got.
EMG MMTW active pickup routed in the neck position with a a Bartolini prototype at the bridge (couldn't make myself paint a proto green). Filled the third pot hole and pickguard screwholes. Bedliner on the body and headstock. It's not pretty, but it does the trick.

Sweet man, RIP Peter. Show the expensive one

 

[hillerup]

(More like strangling a hamster.. oh wait that's Geddy's voice)

LOL!!!

Finally someone had the courage to say that!

I've been wanting to say something similar about Geddy's voice for years, but it seems to me, he's a very popular person here on TB and you risk being flamed for a comment like this.

Me, I simply cannot take his voice - tried several times to listen to Rush, to see what the fuzz was all about, but the moment he starts singing I have to turn the music off...