Thunderbird Club

[Thumper]

For those of you going through hand pain, is it fretting or plucking/picking hand? Arthritis?

I know I've chronicled my issues ad nauseum, but if it wasn't for shallow P necks, I'd no longer be playing at 71. If you have a chance, try one. I find they allow my fretting hand to stretch out and relax. Of course I've had problems with 1.5" necks since the 80's, so probably not a solution for anyone else, but you never know.

I can only play my '66J or VPs for 30 minutes or so before discomfort starts setting in. On my 1.65" Ps, I can go a couple of months, on my 1.75s, no pain, ever. It took quite a while to figure this out, now I have the '66J, 3 Embassys, and 2 VPs I can't play, but that's nothing a neck change and a great luthier can't fix.

 

[MCF]

Well. I haven't contributed to the Club for some time. All of this Talk of Old age hit home this last year for me. I know many are older than 72 but Most definitely feeling it this year. After my fall last June and Shattering my Right wrist along with Covid the same day, life has not been the same since. The use of my hand is very minimal with being able to use the middle and small fingers. When doing anything slightly Physical activity fatigue sets in Rapidly. At 24 I thought 49 was a ripe old age. Ha! Things are getting somewhat easier with time but not being able to hardly Play anymore is difficult. This Club is always a great place to be.

Here’s to a continued recovery Diesel. Hope it gets easier still.

 

[RedVee]

Turned 62 last March. And actually planning to retire in the end of September (about 2 years ahead of my real retirement age)

Congrats. I’m 62 in Jan and hoping to pack it in sometime in 2024

 

[TBird1958]

One year ago today..........

I awake in Capitola, CA. and have to pull my Queenie self together for a day Thunderbird club silliness, I'm a little nervous, so many new people to meet and I'll be out and very public in a place I've never been before.

These two characters show up at my hotel room and demand to see my basses - then we scout the town for a suitable place to drink beer on a warm day.

Somebody bought my beers, thanks Jeff!

Loose on the streets of sunny California, I love the street signs! Jeff is feeling the beers! Everybody in California was really cool too!

What a day, maybe this could only happen in California, lovely house on a small lake, beautiful yard, welcoming hosts and a great band playing!

This guy!
What a pleasure to meet Chucky, you're the real deal!

More tomorrow!

 

[godofthunder59]

One year ago today..........

I awake in Capitola, CA. and have to pull my Queenie self together for a day Thunderbird club silliness, I'm a little nervous, so many new people to meet and I'll be out and very public in a place I've never been before.

These two characters show up at my hotel room and demand to see my basses - then we scout the town for a suitable place to drink beer on a warm day.

Somebody bought my beers, thanks Jeff!

Loose on the streets of sunny California, I love the street signs! Jeff is feeling the beers! Everybody in California was really cool too!

What a day, maybe this could only happen in California, lovely house on a small lake, beautiful yard, welcoming hosts and a great band playing!

This guy!
What a pleasure to meet Chucky, you're the real deal!

More tomorrow!

Now I really regret not flying out!

 

[TBird1958]

Now I really regret not flying out!

We haven't gotten to the basses and amps yet!

 

[MCF]

Now I really regret not flying out!

There’s still time to make it this year. It’s shaping up to have around a dozen attendees for most, if not all the festivities. It will be a blast.

 

[JJR58]

One year ago today..........

I awake in Capitola, CA. and have to pull my Queenie self together for a day Thunderbird club silliness, I'm a little nervous, so many new people to meet and I'll be out and very public in a place I've never been before.

These two characters show up at my hotel room and demand to see my basses - then we scout the town for a suitable place to drink beer on a warm day.

Somebody bought my beers, thanks Jeff!

Loose on the streets of sunny California, I love the street signs! Jeff is feeling the beers! Everybody in California was really cool too!

What a day, maybe this could only happen in California, lovely house on a small lake, beautiful yard, welcoming hosts and a great band playing!

This guy!
What a pleasure to meet Chucky, you're the real deal!

More tomorrow!

It’s going to be an honor to be able to do this again

 

[GonePlaid]

I'll be 65 in two months, I really didn't think I'd even live this long.

How d'you think I feel about 78 in ~7 weeks?

 

[JJR58]

How d'you think I feel about 78 in ~7 weeks?

You’re still in the game, that’s all that matters.

 

[Ringhammer]

How d'you think I feel about 78 in ~7 weeks?

My dad just turned 78 in February and I can only hope I have the energy he has when I get there. I’d say he’s more active than I am now but for the fact I work 5days a week, on my feet or up and down ladders or driving from job to job loading and unloading tools.

Oh, and playing bass in 2 bands…

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

One year ago today..........

I awake in Capitola, CA. and have to pull my Queenie self together for a day Thunderbird club silliness, I'm a little nervous, so many new people to meet and I'll be out and very public in a place I've never been before.

These two characters show up at my hotel room and demand to see my basses - then we scout the town for a suitable place to drink beer on a warm day.

Somebody bought my beers, thanks Jeff!

Loose on the streets of sunny California, I love the street signs! Jeff is feeling the beers! Everybody in California was really cool too!

What a day, maybe this could only happen in California, lovely house on a small lake, beautiful yard, welcoming hosts and a great band playing!

This guy!
What a pleasure to meet Chucky, you're the real deal!

More tomorrow!

FUN…..last night I dreamt I got a white 66II and was debating wether to post it or wait until white Wed…lol….I must REALLY want a white NR….

 

[Stealth57]

When we get closer, the agenda of events would be useful since I’m driving down Saturday. Last year we kicked off around noon on Saturday so V could make a proper appearance. I know at some point we hope to take over Dave’s (?) shop…Santa Cruz???

 

[JIO]

That was the first song I knowingly heard from them. So that brilliant video while visiting a friend and was hooked.

I like this song and vid -

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Greetings T-bird lovers! Hope your all having a fantastic morning!

Quick update and asking for guidance.....
I decided to keep the bridge on my T-bid to cover/fill the holes that were in it after the original modifications. I got it powder coated black to match the original 3-point bridge I put it back on and I think it turned out pretty nice. (Please ignore the finger smudges, its hot and humid down here)

I realize the string alignment isn't perfect but neither is my bass playing.
View attachment 5110898 View attachment 5110899
View attachment 5110900

I also added a Goth T-bird to my small collection. All black is really cool but I'm not crazy about the pickguard. Eventually, I might swap it out for a custom black with white T-bird on it. The symbols dont get any better than the original to me.

I want to replace the strings on both and do a complete setup on them. Any suggestions on strings for each one?

We’re all over the map on strings. I love EBCFs on mine, but haven’t touched a Goth.

 

[Haans]

Quick question: is the NR T-bird wired in series or parallel?

 

[TBird1958]

FUN…..last night I dreamt I got a white 66II and was debating wether to post it or wait until white Wed…lol….I must REALLY want a white NR….

Time to refin a BaCH II!

Just do it!

 

[Engle]

Doesn't someone here make make pickguards to fit the VPs? @Engle ? I think I would like a black one for my black VP.

Yeah the black VP looks great with a black pickguard! Message me.

 

[Engle]

You forgot Shatner....................

Never. Forget. Shatner.

 

[Stealth57]

Yeah the black VP looks great with a black pickguard! Message me.

Discount if you two at the same time?