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Thunderbird Club

#265,941
BklynKen said:
This looks fun. Shipping's a little high.

Gibson Les Paul bass 2013 - Black | Reverb
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I had a cherry burst (or whatever it's called) one of these - this exact model with the squarer headstock and the proper style tunematic bridge/tailpiece - and it was, indisputably (not just me, everyone who's ever heard it), the best sounding bass ever. Too heavy for my wrecked back but a band mate bought it (so I still get to play it at rehearsals for the odd tune or two) because it is such an incredible instrument. Being a southpaw if I was in your position, but had my experience with one of these, it would already be shipping to your address!
BUY IT! They are incredible!
But the shipping is an issue - I never knew they made them for our sinister brethren/sistren, if you can stretch to it you really will not regret a cent it costs.
 
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#265,942
Jason Bonilla said:
Wow thanks for that info, I was under the impression that the Rex Brown was a neck through, so that’s actually something I’d have to take into consideration when I get to looking at a USA Thunderbird. I really like the black and gold aesthetic of it (minus the Rex brown graphic on the back plate :thumbsdown:) and the fact that it came with pre installed hipshot hardware, not sure if the fact that it’s set neck is a deal breaker or not, but it definitely is a let down. I mean I got the chance to play an RD artist once and it was pretty nice with the set neck, but definitely a much different neck profile than my Epi-Bird.
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Don't be put off by the set neck instead of thru neck, try one, I really like mine as an instrument (tho I'm waiting on some replacement pickups). It's a P Bass feel neck rather than a J, a little thicker at the nut than standard thru basses. But I've played a 5 all my time I was working and since (now I get to play just for fun), and to be frank I do feel a difference but it's so minimal after about two notes I don't notice it.
But the "set" is a complete non issue for me. I actually prefer the tone to the multi-ply thru necks (SACRILEGE!!)
 
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#265,945
TBird1958 said:
Last song of the night, I'm playing the BaCH, I have to hand it to Sophia, she tripped and fell about halfway through the second set, breaking her wrist in the process - she didn't know it at the time, just that it hurt. We finished the set and played most of the third, stopping at 1:00AM per the casino with this song. The X Ray was ugly!

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This happened in August 2020. Left wrist. By November I was back to playing and it was like it never happened. I have no problem with this hand other that some occasional issues at the thumb joint, and since I have similar issues appearing on the right hand at the thumb joint, I’m inclined to think it’s more about age than this break.

Let her know to do her physical therapy religiously and correctly and it will all be a memory 3 months from now.
 
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#265,947
TBird1958 said:
Last song of the night, I'm playing the BaCH, I have to hand it to Sophia, she tripped and fell about halfway through the second set, breaking her wrist in the process - she didn't know it at the time, just that it hurt. We finished the set and played most of the third, stopping at 1:00AM per the casino with this song. The X Ray was ugly!

Click to expand...

Ouch! I hope she heals properly.
 
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#265,949
Jason Bonilla said:
Played my Epi-bird at church today so I finally got to get some experience with it in a mix with other musicians. It did not disappoint! It had such a clear low end and really filled the room without being overbearing. I really want another T-bird to put some rounds on now because I definitely want to keep the flats on this one!
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Which is why I like have two VPs (along with all the other Thunderbirds). Miles and I also use Thunderbirds in churches. Myth Buster: There's nothing a Thunderbird can't do and do well. They can do metal, country, church hymns, blues, etc. Chucky has proven you can even slap a Thunderbird with amazing results. But don't tell anyone any of this.:smug:
 
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#265,950
The EDP said:
I had a cherry burst (or whatever it's called) one of these - this exact model with the squarer headstock and the proper style tunematic bridge/tailpiece - and it was, indisputably (not just me, everyone who's ever heard it), the best sounding bass ever. Too heavy for my wrecked back but a band mate bought it (so I still get to play it at rehearsals for the odd tune or two) because it is such an incredible instrument. Being a southpaw if I was in your position, but had my experience with one of these, it would already be shipping to your address!
BUY IT! They are incredible!
But the shipping is an issue - I never knew they made them for our sinister brethren/sistren, if you can stretch to it you really will not regret a cent it costs.
Click to expand...
Yeah, 2013 was one of the very rare years when Gibson made a few lefty basses - like my lefty Thunderbird. The Sam Ash in Las Vegas - where I was living at the time - had a right handed '13 Les Paul. I can play righty long enough to tell if a bass would be one I wanted; much as I wanted the Thunderbird? I'll admit that I was... sorely tempted. But, the unfilled spot in my herd was "Gibson Thunderbird", so...:(. The next time Gibson remembered lefty bassists was in 2018. If they decided to stick with a 5-year cycle, this year should see some, too. If they run true to form, though? They will keep them a secret; you'll have to ask somebody who knows somebody... :confused:
 
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#265,951
The EDP said:
I had a cherry burst (or whatever it's called) one of these - this exact model with the squarer headstock and the proper style tunematic bridge/tailpiece - and it was, indisputably (not just me, everyone who's ever heard it), the best sounding bass ever. Too heavy for my wrecked back but a band mate bought it (so I still get to play it at rehearsals for the odd tune or two) because it is such an incredible instrument. Being a southpaw if I was in your position, but had my experience with one of these, it would already be shipping to your address!
BUY IT! They are incredible!
But the shipping is an issue - I never knew they made them for our sinister brethren/sistren, if you can stretch to it you really will not regret a cent it costs.
Click to expand...
Are all Les Paul basses heavy, at least compared to Thunderbirds?
 
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#265,956
Jason Bonilla said:
Wow thanks for that info, I was under the impression that the Rex Brown was a neck through, so that’s actually something I’d have to take into consideration when I get to looking at a USA Thunderbird. I really like the black and gold aesthetic of it (minus the Rex brown graphic on the back plate :thumbsdown:) and the fact that it came with pre installed hipshot hardware, not sure if the fact that it’s set neck is a deal breaker or not, but it definitely is a let down. I mean I got the chance to play an RD artist once and it was pretty nice with the set neck, but definitely a much different neck profile than my Epi-Bird.
Click to expand...
Just because it's set neck doesn't mean the neck profile is different.
RDs I've played have chunkier necks than Gibson Tbirds.
 
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