Thunderbird Club

[GBassNorth]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

 

[Justyn Brando]

Portaflex PF-20T paired with a PF-115HLF or 210 cab would be great
*For a new, off the shelf option*

If you can get your hands on an original B15N that's gravy

 

[MCF]

Thank you!
And I'd take the YBA-300 over the Ampeg SVT-CL any day. Love the warm growl when pushed

So I’ve become infatuated with tube amps since getting an Ampeg VR. I used to rent Traynors in the seventies and loved them. The warm growl with Tbird humbuckers sends that unexplainable tubey goodness tone up and down my spine. I get that too from the Mesa TT800 with the Fender 300/Mesa400 inspired tone in the Boogie channel.

I’d probably get a YBA300 or YBA100 if I could find a dealer here with them in stock that I could try. Unfortunately, Traynor’s US presence is lacking at this time. I hope that changes.

 

[JJR58]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

B-15 for the win!
With a JBL in it.

 

[Stealth57]

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).

Was that you I passed? Sorry, but looks like you know who took the photo.

 

[Justyn Brando]

So I’ve become infatuated with tube amps since getting an Ampeg VR. I used to rent Traynors in the seventies and loved them. The warm growl with Tbird humbuckers sends that unexplainable tubey goodness tone up and down my spine. I get that too from the Mesa TT800 with the Fender 300/Mesa400 inspired tone in the Boogie channel.

I’d probably get a YBA300 or YBA100 if I could find a dealer here with them in stock that I could try. Unfortunately, Traynor’s US presence is lacking at this time. I hope that changes.

Tubes + Thunderbird Pickups are a match made in heaven. Tone for days!

Traynor is a hidden Canadian gem. The vintage YBAs are extremely sought after now around here (Ontario region). The YBA-1 markII with their 115 cab is the Canadian B15. Such a great combo

 

[heatheroo1]

The Queen about had me convinced to take the the Bird and then MCF talked some sense into me (while using the word reticence......that's gotta count for something)..........still pondering.

 

[Justyn Brando]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

Another great (modern) option would be to order the Ampeg SGT-DI. The B15 pre amp with cab sim is amazing and can plug in headphones for at home setup.

Always great to have a solid DI on your pedal board.

 

[Stealth57]

So I’ve become infatuated with tube amps since getting an Ampeg VR. I used to rent Traynors in the seventies and loved them. The warm growl with Tbird humbuckers sends that unexplainable tubey goodness tone up and down my spine. I get that too from the Mesa TT800 with the Fender 300/Mesa400 inspired tone in the Boogie channel.

I’d probably get a YBA300 or YBA100 if I could find a dealer here with them in stock that I could try. Unfortunately, Traynor’s US presence is lacking at this time. I hope that changes.

See the 100 for about a grand around here. All I see now:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[bylar13]

So I’ve become infatuated with tube amps since getting an Ampeg VR. I used to rent Traynors in the seventies and loved them. The warm growl with Tbird humbuckers sends that unexplainable tubey goodness tone up and down my spine. I get that too from the Mesa TT800 with the Fender 300/Mesa400 inspired tone in the Boogie channel.

I’d probably get a YBA300 or YBA100 if I could find a dealer here with them in stock that I could try. Unfortunately, Traynor’s US presence is lacking at this time. I hope that changes.

Go big!

HiWatt HiWatt DR201 and SE410115F Cab 2011 White | Reverb

 

[BklynKen]

The Queen about had me convinced to take the the Bird and then MCF talked some sense into me (while using the word reticence......that's gotta count for something)..........still pondering.

Maybe get a bulletproof flight case for the Thunderbird and then you can take it around and not worry as much?

 

[BklynKen]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

You know what my answer would be.

Legacy Combos — Gallien-Krueger

Or even a used GK MB150S-112, which is what I've used at home for probably 15 years.

 

[BklynKen]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

Or you have their Fusion combos with a tube preamp.

Fusion Combos — Gallien-Krueger

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Agreed, assuming the neck on that is about the same as the 2013. Lately I've been playing the RNR and BC Rich a lot, and last night picking up the 2013 Reverse to work out a new song, it just felt like home.

that neck is nothing like a 2013….. muck more slender and no volute……V has the action set so low (0 fret noise) it’s literally butter…..feels like it plays itself….

 

[TBird1958]

The Queen about had me convinced to take the the Bird and then MCF talked some sense into me (while using the word reticence......that's gotta count for something)..........still pondering.

I don't worry about my '76s quite as much as my '64, but in both cases I consider how the bass will travel, what temperatures will it be exposed to, how big is the stage, can I keep it safe?

 

[MCF]

Ok you bunch of professional enablers, I’ve just about achieved any goals I had for Tbird basses (at least until a new model comes out). So my next quest will be a small combo amp I can leave in my living room so I don’t have to banish myself to the bass room every time I play.

My preferences on speaker size are 12” single or pair, or 15” single, not as thrilled with 10’s for this application, and not interested in any of the Phil Jones oddities.
SS, Tubes or Hybrid are fine
Once it’s in place it won’t be moved much, so weight or portability isn’t an issue
Cost isn’t an issue
The most important feature to me will be how exceptional it sounds at bedroom levels as well as small club levels.
The living room is about 20’x30’ with a 25’ high cathedral ceiling, stone floors and wooden plantation shutters, the only soft surfaces are the furniture, so it’ll need to fill a lot of space but not be overly boomy on the bottom end or thin on the top.

Things I’ve auditioned in the past that I like are the Markbass 121 combo and a 1960’s Ampeg B15 flip top. I’ll probably buy whatever I get used if available. Bonus points if it’s collectible or has good potential to increase in value over time.

So what’s out there that pairs nicely with the thunderbird and sounds truly amazing?

George,

If cost is no object, get this:
Fender ACB 50 1 x 15-inch 50-watt Adam Clayton Signature Bass Combo Amp

That’s what I’d be looking at.

 

[BklynKen]

that neck is nothing like a 2013….. muck more slender and no volute……V has the action set so low (0 fret noise) it’s literally butter…..feels like it plays itself….

I'm talking about the regular Reverse, not the NR.

 

[JJR58]

George,

If cost is no object, get this:
Fender ACB 50 1 x 15-inch 50-watt Adam Clayton Signature Bass Combo Amp

That’s what I’d be looking at.

These are pretty cool too.

 

[dagrev]

OMG! what a beautiful bass!!….

It is. You should get one.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I'm talking about the regular Reverse, not the NR.

yeah, figured after I posted, sorry..