Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

I don't recall trying to play any of their songs that weren't fun. Not that I played just like Mel.

The snake (I’d call it a train but this is a G rated forum) during Locomotion with all the girls going around the gym or cafeteria during dances was always a blast. We always had to play a super long version.

 

[WillyW]

The whole Grand Funk story makes me sad....

What an awesome band ruined.

 

[MCF]

The whole Grand Funk story makes me sad....

What an awesome band ruined.

Yep. Greed knows no bounds. But Don and Mel have kept the spirit alive.

 

[SubHuman]

I'm so stoked, I'm going to see my personal bass God, Mel Schacher with Grand Funk in Las Vegas today. I see them at least once a year, and he always brings it, reminding me why he is still my all-time favorite.

I saw them in what was their glory years (Many years ago) and I was totally blown away by their energy and just the fact they were a 3 piece band. I was just listening to their music the other day and didn't realize some of the members still carried on the band. Mel Schacher is a power house bassist and Vegas too...dang enjoy that show!

 

[WillyW]

Yep. Greed knows no bounds. But Don and Mel have kept the spirit alive.

Yeah but it's not the same without my dad on vocals and geetar.

 

[Rickplaysbass]

More opinions needed, but here's my two cents. That and $3.00 gets you a roller grill item at the gas station, but you get my opinion anyway. Mike Lull died in 2020. The Dark Ray will likely be in production for a while. I played a Lull T Bird once and it was spectacular. My brother, who has no use for that shape, owned a Lull TB 5 for quite a while. The craftsmanship and sound are awesome. I'd make that trade and eventually replace the Dark Ray if you really miss it. Meanwhile, the Lull is very likely going to increase in value.

I haven't played a PT5 or a Dark Ray so I really can't speak of this with any experience, I would however completely agree with Haji's post, if Mike actually built the bass in question, it will only go up in value as time goes on.

I appreciate the input.

But value schmalue... I buy these things to play, there's plenty of better ways to invest a few grand to make money on it than buying bass guitars. Looks like the PT has everything shifted slightly towards the bridge in the PJ position compared to the more jazz similar TBird positions. I'll probably like the neck soloed slightly more that way, but dislike the bridge a bit. Hmmmm.... If it was a Stingray Special I'd be on my way to UPS. But that DG preamp has proved way more useful than I ever thought it would be.

 

[JIO]

I'm Your Captain / Closer to Home was one of the first bass lines that really grabbed me, and one of the first songs I started playing bass with.

We played it in my High School band. Great song.

 

[Thumper]

I saw them in what was their glory years (Many years ago) and I was totally blown away by their energy and just the fact they were a 3 piece band. I was just listening to their music the other day and didn't realize some of the members still carried on the band. Mel Schacher is a power house bassist and Vegas too...dang enjoy that show!

Actually, I like them so much, Vegas is the perk.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Just watching him, he reminds me of Mark. Plays pretty good, too.

see? the Ox slaps too!…..

 

[Engle]

thx Irv! gotta get that book...

It's well worth it, as is Rob's book.

 

[SubHuman]

It's well worth it, as is Rob's book.

Rob's book is like the Sears catalog when I was a kid. I flip through the pages and dream about getting all the Basses. I don't circle them like I did the toys in the Sears book.

 

[SubHuman]

Yeah but it's not the same without my dad on vocals and geetar.

Willy are you saying Mark Farner is your Dad or are you just kidding around?

 

[SubHuman]

Actually, I like them so much, Vegas is the perk.

Nice Perk!

 

[MCF]

Willy are you saying Mark Farner is your Dad or are you just kidding around?

One never knows with Willy.

 

[GonePlaid]

What craftsmanship. I love the unique sound of a Bassoon.

If played well.(gets some unique sounds if played badly, too)

 

[GonePlaid]

Yep. Greed knows no bounds. But Don and Mel have kept the spirit alive.

Don lives in my area. No, I've never met him.

 

[Engle]

He's a great player -

Awesome interview!

 

[SubHuman]

View attachment 5370352

JIO you probably recognize this ‘67 Gibson Kalamazoo Bass neck. I had Lay’s refret it and mount it on an EB0 body. The neck is so pencil thin it needed shimmed to fit in the pocket. It’s a fast little neck. I like the tuners too. I also salvaged the Gibson pick up and electronics. The original body was composite wood and falling apart.

 

[JIO]

Just watching him, he reminds me of Mark. Plays pretty good, too.

I can see that -

 

[Engle]

see? the Ox slaps too!…..

I don't remember noticing him slap with his thumb before, but he definitely did with his fingers for that bright attack.