Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

While on the topic...any oil you think best for this? I've got couple on old basses that are less than free we might say. Going to be a cold or rainy day job.

Lubricant attracts dirt and dust. I have 22 basses. Never lubed the tuners on any of them.

 

[MCF]

I think reasonable offers were declined and the seller was pretty stuck on the price. At that time.....

But with the red monstrosity at 10k, I doubt they will change their position. Someone will pay it, eventually. Unlikely one of us though.

 

[GBassNorth]

If you're a player that likes to do a lot of your own maintenance on the bass, this would be a lifetime supply of lube…

 

[Gaolee]

I agree, and one of the reasons GAS got the better of me when I bought this. IMHO, it's just plain sexy.

View attachment 5168184

That is dead sexy. It's one of the reasons my EB-2 will never, ever go anywhere until I'm gone. It's just an ES335 with a 30" bass guitar neck on it. It's red, not burst, so it's a little different, but it's sure beautiful.

 

[MCF]

Sounds a bit like the Lou Reed school of vocals. And there's nothing wrong with that.

My two favorite versions may Roy Buchanan In Japan, because Roy + Tele and his amp sounds like it's melting down right there.


The other is Otis Taylor with Joe Cocker guesting on vocals in part because Cassie Taylor on bass nails it from my limited perspective + Joe Cocker.

She is exquisite.

 

[GBassNorth]

Lubricant attracts dirt and dust. I have 22 basses. Never lubed the tuners on any of them.

I've done it on a couple, but only as a last resort. On a vintage bass where you absolutely want to keep the original hardware intact, it makes sense. On a newer bass like Dave's VP, I'd pull the flat gear and look for wear or rubbing, clean and micro polish it, then reinstall to see if it improves. If not I'd just replace it or the set.

 

[Gaolee]

drummer passing wind...

Don't drummers always do that?

 

[Stealth57]

I'd leave them be unless it really bugs you.

Loosening the set screw a touch worked.

 

[MCF]

Loosening the set screw a touch worked.

Excellent Dave. I've had to tighten the screws, but never loosen them.

 

[Gaolee]

This seller has several things in his ad, including a '15 at 2k.
For Sale/Trade - Clearing out a few Basses - Gibson T-Bird, Fender CS Jazz, Fender Fretless Jazz Deluxe, Peavey TL-6

Cracked neck... Famous last words, but I have not had a single crack in a Thunderbird neck. Or any other bass guitar for that matter, including the EB-2

 

[Gaolee]

Another one running off at the mouth not knowing what they're talking about. I hope no one buys it.

I might buy it for about a quarter that price. But then I don't need or want another one. Especially one with damage like that.

 

[JJR58]

Any P bass bodies and/or necks laying around that need a new home?

As @Chucky Stiletti mentioned.
I do, pm me and we can discuss

 

[JJR58]

Next question, the VP I'm modding has a bit of stickiness in the tuners . Can I lubricate, and if so, what to use? I have whie grease, light machine oil, and WD40.

I'd simply upgrade them to Gotoh GB640's

 

[MCF]

I might buy it for about a quarter that price. But then I don't need or want another one. Especially one with damage like that.

So here's my thing Will. I'm not all that enamored with the idea of actually ever owning a 60's NR. Not for what they cost or the baggage that they come with like broken necks, uncertainly over how original they are, etc. I've got the '13 NR, the marvelous '21 NR, and the BaCH 2nd/3rd gen II. The BaCH will be getting the recently released Gibson vintage pickup that I ordered Tuesday and which is supposed to be here next Wednesday. I have a SVT rig and my Mesa rig with plenty of vintage tone options. I can't imagine ever being able to really appreciate the difference for the cost. Three NR Thunderbirds, total investment less than $4k.

I would like a Bicentennial reverse though, especially after playing Erik's at the GTG. Such a great playing and sounding Thunderbird.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Funny, in one of those coincidences, an advertisement appeared for a Teisco guitar 5 minutes away from my place by car; seller says it's 60's; Since it's a guitar, I'm not interested, but if it were a bass...

Dude! Other than the darkish paint job, that was my 13 y/o self's dream guitar!

 

[Stealth57]

Pickups changed out and a re-setup and ready for a sound test. Bridge pickup still in the VP position. Moving to the '64 position is a bigger project.

P.S. Will's sweat must be related to the ET drool in the Alien movies

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I have been through a succession of Brians and Bryans in bands. None for the moment, though. I can't think of any other obviously recurrent names.

At our last church, we had a pool of 15-18 people to make each Sunday's team from. No Mikes, no Jims, etc. Three Daniels and two Jamies. Sometimes two Daniels and both Jamies on stage at once.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I agree, and one of the reasons GAS got the better of me when I bought this. IMHO, it's just plain sexy.

View attachment 5168184

I had a nameless knockoff for a while. It was a great alternative to my Hagstrom, but I never could get it set up right, and it looked like crap. I sold it to my bandmate; he refinished it and somehow got the action into a good state. That was when I got serious about understanding guitar (and bass) setup.

 

[godofthunder59]

Hardware looks original, to my eye. You never know what has been done on a bass with a solid colour refinish.
@godofthunder59 what do you think?
Gibson Thunderbird II Non Reverse 1967 Blue | Reverb

This bass is still around? Parts etc. look original and I've considered buying it but can't bring myself to part with 4k for a refin with a neck repair.

 

[icefly]

Funny, in one of those coincidences, an advertisement appeared for a Teisco guitar 5 minutes away from my place by car; seller says it's 60's; Since it's a guitar, I'm not interested, but if it were a bass...

Dude! Other than the darkish paint job, that was my 13 y/o self's dream guitar!

Yesterday I showed to a friend of mine; he likes this kind of vintage stuff.
Today, a few hours ago, sent me photo and message: bought it!