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Thunderbird Club

#308,641
Engle said:
Not that I have tried very hard, but whenever I play a 5 string at some point I end up playing on the B string when I should be on the E.
So I just use a Drop tuner, or tune down.
Click to expand...
There's a Bass X-tender on the bass guitars I play most. I haven't decided whether to put one on the fretless just to do it.
 
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#308,642
Gaolee said:
There's a Bass X-tender on the bass guitars I play most. I haven't decided whether to put one on the fretless just to do it.
Click to expand...
I have and extender on one bass. I ought to watch a YT video and learn how to use it. From what little I know, it just seems like a good way for me to get confused as to what and where I'm supposed to play. A 5er I can figure out. But a 4er that's pretending to be something of a 5er is another story and just seems morally wrong.:) Honestly a bass with 4 strings and no funky tunings can easily tax my skill level, so I don't need to add anything to make my playing worse. I can do that all by my self without fancy gadgets.
 
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#308,644
Engle said:
Not that I have tried very hard, but whenever I play a 5 string at some point I end up playing on the B string when I should be on the E.
So I just use a Drop tuner, or tune down.
Click to expand...
My only fiver right now is the Breedlove acoustic. I haven’t had any issues when playing it. Maybe because of my moving thumb/anchor technique? An electric fiver will be added soon. Very soon.
 
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#308,646
Engle said:
Not that I have tried very hard, but whenever I play a 5 string at some point I end up playing on the B string when I should be on the E.
So I just use a Drop tuner, or tune down.
Click to expand...
Unless you only play a 5'r, I agree - that is going to happen. I have nothing against any bass 4,5,6 etc as long as the player knows how to play it and it's played for a style of music where it fits. I've seen/heard 4,5,6 and more players who create amazing music. Close your eyes while listening and the number of strings disappears.

The Kubicki Ex-Factor is still the best version of Drop-D because once the capo is un-engaged - down to D w/o on-the-fly transposition. 18 or 9v active - but with passive settings that sound as good as the active options.

Vintage Ex-Factors are finally selling for the price they are truly worth - after the late '80s/early '90s 'retro revolution' swept '80s headless basses to the sidelines - Phil's unique and classic design sadly got swept with them. Out of all "headless basses" - the Kubicki Ex-Factor is still hands down one of the best 4-string basses ever made. I've owned a few - currently have 2 basses with the Fender/Kubicki 9V pre and one (Ex-Factorbird) with a fretless Ex-Factor neck & tuner/bridge.

1735608363254.jpeg
 
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#308,647
P
JIO said:
Unless you only play a 5'r, I agree - that is going to happen. I have nothing against any bass 4,5,6 etc as long as the player knows how to play it and it's played for a style of music where it fits. I've seen/heard 4,5,6 and more players who create amazing music. Close your eyes while listening and the number of strings disappears.

The Kubicki Ex-Factor is still the best version of Drop-D because once the capo is un-engaged - down to D w/o on-the-fly transposition. 18 or 9v active - but with passive settings that sound as good as the active options.

Vintage Ex-Factors are finally selling for the price they are truly worth - after the late '80s/early '90s 'retro revolution' swept '80s headless basses to the sidelines - Phil's unique and classic design sadly got swept with them. Out of all "headless basses" - the Kubicki Ex-Factor is still hands down one of the best 4-string basses ever made. I've owned a few - currently have 2 basses with the Fender/Kubicki 9V pre and one (Ex-Factorbird) with a fretless Ex-Factor neck & tuner/bridge.

View attachment 7112143
Click to expand...
Factors are nice, but this would be my go to headless......incredibly fine playing/sounding instruments......probably the best geared for slap basses ever.......
1735609690524.jpeg
 
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#308,649
Chucky Stiletti said:
P

Factors are nice, but this would be my go to headless......incredibly fine playing/sounding instruments......probably the best geared for slap basses ever.......
View attachment 7112157
Click to expand...
For sure - they are very nice. I was describing the most versatile 4-string design to date first offered in the mid-'80s.
 
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#308,651
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#308,652
 
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#308,653
 
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#308,656
dagrev said:
I have and extender on one bass. I ought to watch a YT video and learn how to use it. From what little I know, it just seems like a good way for me to get confused as to what and where I'm supposed to play. A 5er I can figure out. But a 4er that's pretending to be something of a 5er is another story and just seems morally wrong.:) Honestly a bass with 4 strings and no funky tunings can easily tax my skill level, so I don't need to add anything to make my playing worse. I can do that all by my self without fancy gadgets.
Click to expand...
It's a mental challenge for sure! I go drop D for a few 80's songs and if I don't practice them enough before a gig, it's not automatic...
Last night I figured out that the C4 pedal will get me down to B, using a sub voice. I might try that for Everybody wants to Rule the World as it's easier to play D on the A string cleanly, compared to open dropped D.
 
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#308,657
JIO said:
Unless you only play a 5'r, I agree - that is going to happen. I have nothing against any bass 4,5,6 etc as long as the player knows how to play it and it's played for a style of music where it fits. I've seen/heard 4,5,6 and more players who create amazing music. Close your eyes while listening and the number of strings disappears.

The Kubicki Ex-Factor is still the best version of Drop-D because once the capo is un-engaged - down to D w/o on-the-fly transposition. 18 or 9v active - but with passive settings that sound as good as the active options.

Vintage Ex-Factors are finally selling for the price they are truly worth - after the late '80s/early '90s 'retro revolution' swept '80s headless basses to the sidelines - Phil's unique and classic design sadly got swept with them. Out of all "headless basses" - the Kubicki Ex-Factor is still hands down one of the best 4-string basses ever made. I've owned a few - currently have 2 basses with the Fender/Kubicki 9V pre and one (Ex-Factorbird) with a fretless Ex-Factor neck & tuner/bridge.

View attachment 7112143
Click to expand...
Those are sweet!
 
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#308,660
Engle said:
Jeff Beck played so effortlessly! Here sitting in with Billy Preston's band doing Jeff's new single on live TV:
Click to expand...

Awesome lineup! Jeff Beck played both Gibson & Fender as many famous guitarist have. Whatever allowed him to fully express himself.
 
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