• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Thunderbird Club

It's ok I guess...

View attachment 5058312

My friends who both played double bass (1st & 2nd chair) in the Kansas City Symphony owned a few of these Volvo wagons because they could fit two full-size double basses in it with room to spare. They put a gazillion miles on each as they enjoyed road-trips in their off season.

View attachment 5058315
My ‘87 740 Turbo was fast. Handled well. Excellent sound system. Replaced the turbo at 120k. Sold it at about 210K miles. It was a great car. Keep the oil and coolant clean, brake pads as needed, rotors once, four sets of tires, and struts once was all it ever needed. The tried and true 2300 block was bulletproof. The driver’s seat cushion was pretty worn when I sold it to a high school girl who played drums in a band. Sadly, she totaled it within a year. It was a much better car than most of my subsequent Volvos, other than my 2000 S80 which was also a great car, saw my daughter through college, and lasted 16 years until my son wrecked it (it wasn’t his fault).
 
Have to travel from PA to S Joisey for a 3 nighter next week. Its at a camping resort so I'm hauling my camper down. Common sense says I should leave the T-bird at home and take the indestructible jazz.....but, practicing the tunes, the Bird sounds so much better. I just know if I take the Bird, something will happen to it and I'll be kicking myself. Decisions, decisions.....
 
Have to travel from PA to S Joisey for a 3 nighter next week. Its at a camping resort so I'm hauling my camper down. Common sense says I should leave the T-bird at home and take the indestructible jazz.....but, practicing the tunes, the Bird sounds so much better. I just know if I take the Bird, something will happen to it and I'll be kicking myself. Decisions, decisions.....
I think the answer is obvious. Buy a second Thunderbird for that purpose. If something happens to it, your #1 will be safe at home.
 
I was surprised to enjoy George Lazenby’s performance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, but agree with the Daniel Craig & Sean Connery ratings. I got bored with Roger Moore, really only like Live and Let Die which I saw in the local movie theatre as a young pup. Dislike Dalton as Bond.
I saw that movie in the Theater when it came out. Family Saturday night. Out to dinner, a movie, and a stop at Thrifty’s for ice cream afterwards. I already had a crush on Dianna Rigg from the Avengers. I think it’s my favorite because of her and the memories of those kinder, gentler times.
 
Completely forgot to mention this. Across the street from the club we played at last Thurs. is a great beer bar. Jeff and I met there before the show. So after the beer, we head across the street to the club and the second we step foot inside the club, Stayin' Alive comes on. It could not have been timed more perfectly.

That was so awesome Ken!
 
What a great day! But damn. The three of us are all the same age. Why do I look so much older?

Good German stock and Crossdressing are my secret :laugh:

NBmzQfr.jpg
 
Have to travel from PA to S Joisey for a 3 nighter next week. Its at a camping resort so I'm hauling my camper down. Common sense says I should leave the T-bird at home and take the indestructible jazz.....but, practicing the tunes, the Bird sounds so much better. I just know if I take the Bird, something will happen to it and I'll be kicking myself. Decisions, decisions.....
What bird to you have? Take both. If it’s too sketchy and you’re concerned, keep the bird locked away. But Tbird over a J bass any day. And twice on Sundays.
 
Have to travel from PA to S Joisey for a 3 nighter next week. It’s at a camping resort so I'm hauling my camper down. Common sense says I should leave the T-bird at home and take the indestructible jazz.....but, practicing the tunes, the Bird sounds so much better. I just know if I take the Bird, something will happen to it and I'll be kicking myself. Decisions, decisions.....
What Tbird do you have?

If it’s a modern Gibson Tbird (post bicentennial) I’d suggest you pick up a used Epiphone CP (2013 is the magic year, but they all were great). It’ll sound almost identical to a modern Gibson. Easy to find used in the $400 to $700 bracket.

If it’s a vintage Gibson Tbird (1960’s era) I’d suggest you pick up an Epiphone VP. It’ll sound very close to your vintage bird. Easy to find used in the $600 bracket.

If it’s an Epiphone limited edition you’re trying to protect consider going with a standard Epiphone thunderbird IV or possibly a Goth. Either can be had in the $400 and under used market.
 
I think the answer is obvious. Buy a second Thunderbird for that purpose. If something happens to it, your #1 will be safe at home.

I have considered that, particularly since the Epi 60's T-bird seems to get raves but....a) I don't have the $ and b) It feels like I would be cheating on the '77.....we've been together since she originally left the music store.

We are playing a decent sized room which means I get to bring a rig vs. the usual amp-less with IEMs. It's been awhile since the Bird was allowed to roar. Still pondering...
 
I have considered that, particularly since the Epi 60's T-bird seems to get raves but....a) I don't have the $ and b) It feels like I would be cheating on the '77.....we've been together since she originally left the music store.

We are playing a decent sized room which means I get to bring a rig vs. the usual amp-less with IEMs. It's been awhile since the Bird was allowed to roar. Still pondering...
And that’s the $64,000 question. I can’t think of a budget level gigging Tbird that sounds just like the bicentennial model. Those sidewinder pickups are a different beast. Our Queen has a bicentennial, maybe she can chime in with a budget model suggestion that would get you close in sound and not be a concern to gig with.
Calling @TBird1958 , please answer the white phone.
 
Calling @TBird1958 , please answer the white phone.

I've hugged a big white telephone a few times..........

FWIW I have two '76s and they really do not sound like any other Thunderbird, those pickups sound good when you play through a big amp with some volume, I'd bring the bass and keep a very close eye on it.

Happy girl
TyKtoIf.jpg


7oIBTux.jpg


FiCwPbX.jpg
 
I have considered that, particularly since the Epi 60's T-bird seems to get raves but....a) I don't have the $ and b) It feels like I would be cheating on the '77.....we've been together since she originally left the music store.

We are playing a decent sized room which means I get to bring a rig vs. the usual amp-less with IEMs. It's been awhile since the Bird was allowed to roar. Still pondering...
Ah. A Bicentennial. Current value + or - $3500. That explains your reticence. If you can’t get or afford an Epi Classic Pro or a used modern Gibby, take the Jazz. It is only a J bass after all. I don’t think I’d take my ‘15, ‘13 NR or ‘11 short scale camping. They’re too rare and not easily replaceable. Like your ‘77.