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Thunderbird Club

#278,681
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#278,682
Three performances that I have found both cool and comical-

XTC “All Along the Watchtower” live-



David Bowie “Boys Keep Swinging” video-



The Tubes Live at Dortmund 1983-



Why is that the bassist, trying to be inconspicuous as is usually the case, gets abused at 11:25?

Really got a kick out of the “White Punks on Dope” finale starting at around 25:47.
 
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#278,685
_tedd said:
Hi gang,

I'm going to get a Thunderbird as my second bass - happy to buy vintage or boutique (I'd prefer it say Gibson on the headstock though!). I'm curious about the different sounds from the different pickup configurations.

Does the single pickup bird sound anything like a two pickup in the neck position? Or does it have its own, unique sound? If so, what is that sound?

How about the two pickup bird? When would you use the bridge pickup solo, neck solo or both together? Or do you blend? I have read that these are a lot more versatile than people give them credit for, though my local shop has none to try. I'm buying based on just always wanting one!

I know that rounds are standard on these, but does anyone use flats? Do they work or too muddy?

Any real world difference between the rosewood and ebony fingerboard variants? It seems that rosewood is more traditional, but there was an ebony period in the nineties?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

First, as a Moderator here I'd like to say "Welcome" to Talkbass and and extra "Welcome" to the Thunderbird Club.

I have several II's (single pickup), Gibson, Lull, Greco and BaCH, I do think they sound different from an IV with the bridge rolled off. But, were I in your shoes I would suggest an Epiphone Vintage Pro or '60s ....Whatever they're calling it this week. It's a great bass all on it's own regardless of price, in stock condition it really doesn't need any modifications to make it better - it's that good. I have some Gibson and other IV's as well, they're much more than the One Trick Pony Rep, I love Gibson necks best, they're slim, like more so than a Jazz, they fit my hands really well.
Then there's the look, for me there's no better bass, ever!

A pair of II's, Gibson on the left and a fantastic copy by Greco on the right.

24JOB5x.jpg
 
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#278,689
Stealth57 said:
Don't forget you can look for an Epi Classic Pro if you want the modern Gibson sound for a fraction of the price...if you can find one.
Click to expand...
Yes, great point. But modern Gibsons--mine anyway--feels and plays as well as anything I've played. So if one wants that lovely Gibson feel, the Epi likely won't get there. But I've never played a CP. But the tone sure will work.
 
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#278,690
Engle said:
Just to add to this, Gibson sells the Vintage (Alnico 5) reproduction pickups, so you could put those in a modern Gibson.
Click to expand...
Yes, good point, but for my picky/OCD ears, the pickup location is a big part of the equation that can't be remedied (i.e. the new NR is not correct/original). I have no way of knowing for sure, but I suspect I would be more thrilled with the modern Gibson offerings if the original locations were used. For whatever reason, when the neck pickup of anything gets closer to the neck, I start hearing things I don't care for. I confess I'm OCD about tone. Not that all my basses need to sound a like by any means.
 
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#278,691
_tedd said:
Hi gang,

I'm going to get a Thunderbird as my second bass - happy to buy vintage or boutique (I'd prefer it say Gibson on the headstock though!). I'm curious about the different sounds from the different pickup configurations.

Does the single pickup bird sound anything like a two pickup in the neck position? Or does it have its own, unique sound? If so, what is that sound?

How about the two pickup bird? When would you use the bridge pickup solo, neck solo or both together? Or do you blend? I have read that these are a lot more versatile than people give them credit for, though my local shop has none to try. I'm buying based on just always wanting one!

I know that rounds are standard on these, but does anyone use flats? Do they work or too muddy?

Any real world difference between the rosewood and ebony fingerboard variants? It seems that rosewood is more traditional, but there was an ebony period in the nineties?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Lots of differences in your questions - I played my '63 and then '64 II (one pu) for years before adding a B pu on my '64. I personally (and this is very subjective) felt the single bucker was too dark for what I wanted to hear. So for me - what I want a T-bird to sound like is w/two pu's. I gravitate to a mid-centric sound/tone so that combo works for me. The combination gives me all the low-end with definition and what I strive for which is a three-tier sound; low/mid/top-end. (played mostly with a pick) So however I blend it live - it needs to offer that mix. I've only used nickel rounds and rosewood fb's on my T-bird. I like ebony fb's so I imagine I would like that even more - I know there are factory T-birds w/ebony fb's. For what it's worth - my 2cents.
 
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#278,695
TBird1958 said:
First, as a Moderator here I'd like to say "Welcome" to Talkbass and and extra "Welcome" to the Thunderbird Club.

I have several II's (single pickup), Gibson, Lull, Greco and BaCH, I do think they sound different from an IV with the bridge rolled off. But, were I in your shoes I would suggest an Epiphone Vintage Pro or '60s ....Whatever they're calling it this week. It's a great bass all on it's own regardless of price, in stock condition it really doesn't need any modifications to make it better - it's that good. I have some Gibson and other IV's as well, they're much more than the One Trick Pony Rep, I love Gibson necks best, they're slim, like more so than a Jazz, they fit my hands really well.
Then there's the look, for me there's no better bass, ever!

A pair of II's, Gibson on the left and a fantastic copy by Greco on the right.

24JOB5x.jpg
Click to expand...
or their ugly duckling non reverse (NR) sisters……
C75969B8-C64C-410F-917C-329722805F25.jpeg
 
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#278,698
ectoflanger said:
Believe it or not Sun Ra was on SNL back in the 70’s- back when network TV was better than cable-

Click to expand...


I grew up in the Philly suburbs and moved to the city after college in the mid 80s. I was fortunate to be turned on to and see Sun Ra and the Arkestra numerous times. All life affirming shows, attended by people from all walks of life. People in suits and evening gowns right out of the country club. Punks and Metalheads and families with all their kids. Everyone there knew they were witnessing something special. Everyone left smiling and completely blown away. I know I always felt really lucky after every show. Thanks @JIO for bringing back those memories.
 
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#278,699
dagrev said:
Yes, good point, but for my picky/OCD ears, the pickup location is a big part of the equation that can't be remedied (i.e. the new NR is not correct/original). I have no way of knowing for sure, but I suspect I would be more thrilled with the modern Gibson offerings if the original locations were used. For whatever reason, when the neck pickup of anything gets closer to the neck, I start hearing things I don't care for. I confess I'm OCD about tone. Not that all my basses need to sound a like by any means.
Click to expand...

That recalls the Gibson Grabber bass where you could slide its single pickup to different positions, and interesting idea they did not repeat, nor anyone else that I know of-

Gibson Grabber Bass Guitar >> FlyGuitars
 
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#278,700
Chucky Stiletti said:
so, since our harp player Rob passed, the band (SAB) has decided to change its format and I’ve been invited to play upright which I have not played in an ensemble since HS….since I’m considering it, I have to start researching a pretty foreign world (to me) now that includes the bass and adequate amplification….life’s all about learning ain’t it….:cautious:
Click to expand...

We need pics of you going all Snoopy on that doghouse...
 
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