Thunderbird Club

[Gaolee]

Had one(short body)in 69-72. Too big now.

Not to mention the fuel a full size van uses. I occasionally miss having one. It passes quickly.

 

[Engle]

I thought Dingwall was mainly cutom / build to order. Did I misunderstand?
Feel free to add Acadia at the end in a custom builder section - or better yet on a custom builder wiki page, per the intro text. Same with Norths. 8^)
If you have more info on the oyhrrs, please let me know.

Dingwalls are normally in stock at Long and Mcquade. I don't think they are custom orders.

 

[Engle]

I rode the Livestrong Challenge 45 miler this morning. I haven't had time to train properly this year, hence the shorter distance. It went well; I ended up hanging with a co-worker I didn't know. He was struggling on hills (very little riding the past few months) so I hung back with him. A bit slower than I'd hoped, but worth it. APD wasn't stopping traffic at intersections the first ten miles this year which made getting up out of the river valley a stop and go affair. The F1 races were this weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), which consumed a lot of resources. But we made it. No accidents, AFAIK, which is better than last year. After, a free lunch, and an OJ/vodka from the Tito's booth. It was somewhat weak, which was perfect because I still had to ride my bike back to the office and drive home. A soak, tacos & ice cream & mystery shows with Sharon, and I'll be practicing with my Thunderbirds shortly. Other than getting up at five freaking AM, a nearly perfect day.
Oh, and so far, $1,229 raised to support cancer victims and their families. Woohoo!

Wow! Well done Miles!

 

[bylar13]

Modding platform for @BklynKen !

https://www.talkbass.com/classifieds/left-handed-chibson-thunderbird-bass.1659317/

 

[icefly]

New project: Jaguar style
We will still have a few more months to go.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Engle]

I finally had a bit of time to work on my Bach. I started by seeing if I could level the frets, but the fingerboard has high spots around the 5-7th fret and a ramp up at the high end.
I also found 3-4 loose frets. So out they came and I’m levelling the board:

 

[Ringhammer]

@Engle made me some more custom pickguards, mostly for my upcoming MusicMaster/mini J project, but also some alternative choices for my existing MusicMaster/mini J snd Mustang/mini P.

Also, a much needed improvement over the pg that came on my Gibson EB. I bought this thinking it would be white with just a tinge of cream/yellow (the pics of it were all taken outside so it looked much less yellow), and white and tortoise works for me. But this thing is pale yellow and the stock tortoise (not even close to real looking) just looks horrible on it.

Irv made a black one and now I can tolerate the color, until such time that I send it out to paint. Since it comes as a nitro finish, I’ll have to send it to MJT to have re-done in a black, white, or possibly super dark Sherwood green.

I don’t think I want to go poly, since this didn’t come with the candy shell thick paint, I’d like to keep it as intended, even if a different color.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

To the best of my knowledge Dingwal has/had two product lines that sold the DBird/DRoc basses. One built in Asia called the Standard line and one built in Canada called the Custom line. You could get a DBird and now a DRoc either way. The Standard line was pretty much store bought and came in 4 or 5 string and several colors. The Custom has some user specified options, different neck woods and color choices and is priced considerably higher.

The Savannah Uke bass is a very low production oddity that fits in a small niche segment - ukulele basses. I wouldn’t bother listing it as a Tbird even though it shares the same body shape as the NR. No one looking for a Tbird shaped alternative to a Gibson or Eppi is going to be looking for that.

The Samick mini Tbird however is a scaled down Tbird by every definition - body and headstock shape, pickup type and sound. It could easily be considered a youth model and is not much shorter than a short scale Thunderbird. It’s an interesting choice for kids and someone inclined to play a light weight or short scale bass or a travel bass or even a tight stage bass. Mine was built in 1990 but I’m not sure of the total units built or the years of production. I think it was specifically made for the Japan market.

As for the North birds, I listed those tongue in cheek, no intention of selling or marketing them.

Thanks! I may add a section at the end for related products (the uke, etc.) And I knew that about the Norths. 8^)

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Well done!

Thanks!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Wow! Well done Miles!

Thanks!

 

[BklynKen]

Modding platform for @BklynKen !

https://www.talkbass.com/classifieds/left-handed-chibson-thunderbird-bass.1659317/

That thing is an eyesore!

 

[Count Bassie]

Hey everybody, hope this finds you all well. I have a situation I'm kinda looking for advice on:
I'm quitting my cover band, The Earthmen. We have one or two more gigs for the year, a rehearsal tonight, three new songs. I'm leaving because for the last 45 years, for the most part I've supported and built up other people's projects, and have put aside my own songwriting, creating what is in me to accomplish. It's way overdue for me to get the music that's been patiently waiting to be realized onto tape, and onto a set list for a group that I put together. This is important- when I say overdue I mean it with *a lot of emphasis*.
Would you:
1) Tell them tonight at rehearsal...
2) Call the bandleader today, well before rehearsal...
3) Wait and play the last gig, then let it out of the bag...
I don't plan on giving a lengthy explanation, I'm keeping it simple. I'll offer to stay on in case another gig comes along before they have my replacement, and help them to not sink, but they need to start auditioning.

There have been some good relationships to come of it, and we've actually gotten pretty good. I'm aware it's sorry timing- the set list has gotten interesting, among other things. There have been some annoyances too, some of which have actually pissed me off and I've butted heads, in a civil way, about it... but that's all pretty much part & parcel of being in a band I suppose. It always has been.
I just can't keep going on this way, I'm 63 and when I say overdue, I mean it from my heart. I've recently awakened to a lot of things about my life that are asking to be faced, and this is one of them. It's tied in with a lifetime of shortchanging myself, in many aspects. This is as meaningful as any of them. I'm learning to live honestly, on the table as it were. Sometimes it doesn't feel too good, but I'm carrying less baggage, and that's worth it. I don't think it's a good idea to waste any more of my time.

I'm just looking for a little wisdom on this, and no, it never gets easier no matter how long you've been at it...
Thanks for reading.

 

[TBird1958]

Hey everybody, hope this finds you all well. I have a situation I'm kinda looking for advice on:
I'm quitting my cover band, The Earthmen. We have one or two more gigs for the year, a rehearsal tonight, three new songs. I'm leaving because for the last 45 years, for the most part I've supported and built up other people's projects. It's way overdue for me to get the music in me, that's been patiently waiting, out onto tape and onto a set list for a group that I put together. This is important- when I say overdue I mean it with *a lot of emphasis*.
Would you:
Tell them tonight at rehearsal...
Call the bandleader today, well before rehearsal...
Wait and play the last gig, then let it out of the bag...
I don't plan on giving a lengthy explanation, I'm keeping it simple. I'll offer to stay on in case another gig comes along before they have my replacement, and help them to not sink, but they need to start auditioning.

There have been some good relationships to come of it, and we've actually gotten pretty good. I'm aware it's sorry timing- the set list has gotten interesting, among other things. There have been some annoyances too, some of which have actually pissed me off... but that's all pretty much part & parcel of being in a band I suppose. It always has been.
I just can't keep going on this way, I'm 63 and when I say overdue, I mean it from my heart. I've recently awakened to a lot of things about my life, and this is one of them. It's tied in with a lifetime of shortchanging myself, in many aspects. This is as meaningful as any of them. I'm learning to live honestly, on the table as it were. Sometimes it doesn't feel too good, but I'm carrying less baggage, and that's worth it. I don't think it's a good idea to waste any more of my time.

I'm just looking for a little wisdom on this, and no, it never gets easier no matter how long you've been at it...
Thanks for reading.

"All good things"

I'd tell them soon as it's best to be upfront about it and give them the best opportunity to replace you - maybe make sure there's a good replacement.
You should go do what your heart, soul and mind tell you.
FWIW I'll have to leave TNH at some point just because I won't be able to continue to be what that band needs, I think maybe two years or so, it'll be tough as it's been my only band for more than 20 years.

"All good things"

 

[dagrev]

Hey everybody, hope this finds you all well. I have a situation I'm kinda looking for advice on:
I'm quitting my cover band, The Earthmen. We have one or two more gigs for the year, a rehearsal tonight, three new songs. I'm leaving because for the last 45 years, for the most part I've supported and built up other people's projects. It's way overdue for me to get the music in me, that's been patiently waiting, out onto tape and onto a set list for a group that I put together. This is important- when I say overdue I mean it with *a lot of emphasis*.
Would you:
Tell them tonight at rehearsal...
Call the bandleader today, well before rehearsal...
Wait and play the last gig, then let it out of the bag...
I don't plan on giving a lengthy explanation, I'm keeping it simple. I'll offer to stay on in case another gig comes along before they have my replacement, and help them to not sink, but they need to start auditioning.

There have been some good relationships to come of it, and we've actually gotten pretty good. I'm aware it's sorry timing- the set list has gotten interesting, among other things. There have been some annoyances too, some of which have actually pissed me off... but that's all pretty much part & parcel of being in a band I suppose. It always has been.
I just can't keep going on this way, I'm 63 and when I say overdue, I mean it from my heart. I've recently awakened to a lot of things about my life, and this is one of them. It's tied in with a lifetime of shortchanging myself, in many aspects. This is as meaningful as any of them. I'm learning to live honestly, on the table as it were. Sometimes it doesn't feel too good, but I'm carrying less baggage, and that's worth it. I don't think it's a good idea to waste any more of my time.

I'm just looking for a little wisdom on this, and no, it never gets easier no matter how long you've been at it...
Thanks for reading.

I'm glad you are taking the step. if not, it could be one of those things you always wonder about and question not doing.

I think to some extent how you approach with the options given may largely depend on the dynamics, relationships and maturity of the band. I'm not sure there's perfect approach. But I would prefer to go with option two and call and tell the BL before practice and he can proceed as he thinks best given he's the BL. He may want you to tell everyone, he may want to, or he may want to wait. (Likely not helpful and could build distrust within the other members, but his call.) If I were the BL I would want to know ASAP and appreciate knowing once a decision like your's has been made. Treat him and the band as you would want to be treated. It may or may not be reciprocated, but that's just how things go. Or you could do what most under 30 would do--text him and not show up again.
(Seriously kidding. Horrible idea and not all under 30 would do that--thought way too many would.)

 

[Miles_ONeal]

That thing is an eyesore!

But look at that Genuine Gibson adjustable bridge!

 

[BklynKen]

Or you could do what most under 30 would do--text him and not show up again.
(Seriously kidding. Horrible idea and not all under 30 would do that--thought way too many would.)

Right. Most would just stop showing up and ghost you.

 

[bylar13]

That thing is an eyesore!

Even more reason to buy it and make it pretty!

 

[bylar13]

Hey everybody, hope this finds you all well. I have a situation I'm kinda looking for advice on:
I'm quitting my cover band, The Earthmen. We have one or two more gigs for the year, a rehearsal tonight, three new songs. I'm leaving because for the last 45 years, for the most part I've supported and built up other people's projects, and have put aside my own songwriting, creating what is in me to accomplish. It's way overdue for me to get the music that's been patiently waiting to be realized onto tape, and onto a set list for a group that I put together. This is important- when I say overdue I mean it with *a lot of emphasis*.
Would you:
1) Tell them tonight at rehearsal...
2) Call the bandleader today, well before rehearsal...
3) Wait and play the last gig, then let it out of the bag...
I don't plan on giving a lengthy explanation, I'm keeping it simple. I'll offer to stay on in case another gig comes along before they have my replacement, and help them to not sink, but they need to start auditioning.

There have been some good relationships to come of it, and we've actually gotten pretty good. I'm aware it's sorry timing- the set list has gotten interesting, among other things. There have been some annoyances too, some of which have actually pissed me off and I've butted heads, in a civil way, about it... but that's all pretty much part & parcel of being in a band I suppose. It always has been.
I just can't keep going on this way, I'm 63 and when I say overdue, I mean it from my heart. I've recently awakened to a lot of things about my life that are asking to be faced, and this is one of them. It's tied in with a lifetime of shortchanging myself, in many aspects. This is as meaningful as any of them. I'm learning to live honestly, on the table as it were. Sometimes it doesn't feel too good, but I'm carrying less baggage, and that's worth it. I don't think it's a good idea to waste any more of my time.

I'm just looking for a little wisdom on this, and no, it never gets easier no matter how long you've been at it...
Thanks for reading.

I would tell everyone at the same time at rehearsal. Its easier for you to only have to do it once and less potential drama overall.

Good on you for taking the step to do you your own thing.

Its never easy taking a risk and forcing yourself to try something new but in my experience, you are almost always rewarded for doing so.

 

[Engle]

Hey everybody, hope this finds you all well. I have a situation I'm kinda looking for advice on:
I'm quitting my cover band, The Earthmen. We have one or two more gigs for the year, a rehearsal tonight, three new songs. I'm leaving because for the last 45 years, for the most part I've supported and built up other people's projects, and have put aside my own songwriting, creating what is in me to accomplish. It's way overdue for me to get the music that's been patiently waiting to be realized onto tape, and onto a set list for a group that I put together. This is important- when I say overdue I mean it with *a lot of emphasis*.
Would you:
1) Tell them tonight at rehearsal...
2) Call the bandleader today, well before rehearsal...
3) Wait and play the last gig, then let it out of the bag...
I don't plan on giving a lengthy explanation, I'm keeping it simple. I'll offer to stay on in case another gig comes along before they have my replacement, and help them to not sink, but they need to start auditioning.

There have been some good relationships to come of it, and we've actually gotten pretty good. I'm aware it's sorry timing- the set list has gotten interesting, among other things. There have been some annoyances too, some of which have actually pissed me off and I've butted heads, in a civil way, about it... but that's all pretty much part & parcel of being in a band I suppose. It always has been.
I just can't keep going on this way, I'm 63 and when I say overdue, I mean it from my heart. I've recently awakened to a lot of things about my life that are asking to be faced, and this is one of them. It's tied in with a lifetime of shortchanging myself, in many aspects. This is as meaningful as any of them. I'm learning to live honestly, on the table as it were. Sometimes it doesn't feel too good, but I'm carrying less baggage, and that's worth it. I don't think it's a good idea to waste any more of my time.

I'm just looking for a little wisdom on this, and no, it never gets easier no matter how long you've been at it...
Thanks for reading.

Hey Roger,
You already got some great advice. so I'll just add my thoughts.
I would call the bandleader and then discuss it at rehearsal. The fact that you are willing to stay on to cover gigs until they get a replacement is really all they can ask.

I still sub for a band I quit a few years ago. It's kinda fun to drop in and learn their new stuff, then play a gig or two.

You feel like you have some music that you need to release into the world and I'm happy to see you moving torward getting that done!

 

[TBird1958]

Even more reason to buy it and make it pretty!

A trip through the chipper ( like that movie, Fargo) should fix it in no time at all.