Thunderbird Club

[Stealth57]

Ordered some custom Vans (because they don't currently stock what I want). Hai Phong -> Hanoi -> Anchorage -> Guangjhou -> Memphis -> Austin -> Round Rock .
Wild.

Did they sign up for a frequent flyer program?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I bit the bullet and picked up this beautiful example of a 1964. Keep in mind I consider myself solely a caretaker of this historic axe. I only bought it for two reasons; 1) it belonged in this club and 2) I had some funny money left over from an inheritance.

This was from the original owner using a guitar shop to sell it for them. It was listed as a broken headstock, so the price was lower and I was able to negotiate another 20% off. I was told by the shop owner that seconds after I paid, he was called by collectors looking to buy it. I guess I lucked out.

Now, I don't know if God himself was the luthier or if the broken headstock was a mistake in the listing. I can't see or feel any damage. Maybe it is possible to make an invisible repair...

I have too many photos to place here, so if you want to see for yourself, Dropbox

P.S. I already modified my trust to say that family needs to come here to sell any of my birds. Can't let this one go elsewhere if possible. It looks completely stock with all the parts.

Teaser:
View attachment 7162865

Sweet! Go Dave!....

 

[GBassNorth]

I bit the bullet and picked up this beautiful example of a 1964. Keep in mind I consider myself solely a caretaker of this historic axe. I only bought it for two reasons; 1) it belonged in this club and 2) I had some funny money left over from an inheritance.

This was from the original owner using a guitar shop to sell it for them. It was listed as a broken headstock, so the price was lower and I was able to negotiate another 20% off. I was told by the shop owner that seconds after I paid, he was called by collectors looking to buy it. I guess I lucked out.

Now, I don't know if God himself was the luthier or if the broken headstock was a mistake in the listing. I can't see or feel any damage. Maybe it is possible to make an invisible repair...

I have too many photos to place here, so if you want to see for yourself, Dropbox

P.S. I already modified my trust to say that family needs to come here to sell any of my birds. Can't let this one go elsewhere if possible. It looks completely stock with all the parts.

Teaser:
View attachment 7162865

Beautiful score Dave! Would love to hear your thoughts on how it stacks up sound wise to some of your other basses.

 

[Stealth57]

Beautiful score Dave! Would love to hear your thoughts on how it stacks up sound wise to some of your other basses.

That will take a few days since I put on new strings (SIT Power Steel) and need to let things settle in. The original strings were the DR Black Beauties. Different tension. The 64 also has a mute, so that will make a difference too.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I was under the impression all the 62-64 Thunderbirds had mutes. Was that not the case?

 

[MCF]

I have to say, everything I've read about those basses is very positive, I certainly don't rule one out in my future.

I’ve played them a few times. I regret not getting a blue one when they had them on sale a couple years ago for $699.00. But the reality is I doubt I would play it much given that I have a short scale Thunderbird. They are still listed on the website, but have been on “hiatus” for some time now. I hope they resume production. They’re a nice bass with a tapped pickup with nice tone options.

 

[MCF]

You too, huh. I really like her, no BS in anything she does.

Heck. The Runaways were IT in SoCal my freshman year of college. I crushed on the whole band. They sadly flamed out way too soon. Thankfully, Joan is still at it as great as ever. She’s touring with Billy Idol starting late April.

 

[MCF]

I bit the bullet and picked up this beautiful example of a 1964. Keep in mind I consider myself solely a caretaker of this historic axe. I only bought it for two reasons; 1) it belonged in this club and 2) I had some funny money left over from an inheritance.

This was from the original owner using a guitar shop to sell it for them. It was listed as a broken headstock, so the price was lower and I was able to negotiate another 20% off. I was told by the shop owner that seconds after I paid, he was called by collectors looking to buy it. I guess I lucked out.

Now, I don't know if God himself was the luthier or if the broken headstock was a mistake in the listing. I can't see or feel any damage. Maybe it is possible to make an invisible repair...

I have too many photos to place here, so if you want to see for yourself, Dropbox

P.S. I already modified my trust to say that family needs to come here to sell any of my birds. Can't let this one go elsewhere if possible. It looks completely stock with all the parts.

Teaser:
View attachment 7162865

Well good on you Dave. Congratulations!

 

[TBird1958]

I was under the impression all the 62-64 Thunderbirds had mutes. Was that not the case?

That be '63, and yes they did all have mutes, but the pads are rarely intact after so many years. They are the one thing missing from mine that I don't mind, the last thing I want to do is muffle what it does so well.


Happy Thursday II.

 

[TBird1958]

Heck. The Runaways were IT in SoCal my freshman year of college. I crushed on the whole band. They sadly flamed out way too soon. Thankfully, Joan is still at it as great as ever. She’s touring with Billy Idol starting late April.

Ms. Fox.
She's pretty active on FB, and loves the kitties.

 

[Engle]

I bit the bullet and picked up this beautiful example of a 1964. Keep in mind I consider myself solely a caretaker of this historic axe. I only bought it for two reasons; 1) it belonged in this club and 2) I had some funny money left over from an inheritance.

This was from the original owner using a guitar shop to sell it for them. It was listed as a broken headstock, so the price was lower and I was able to negotiate another 20% off. I was told by the shop owner that seconds after I paid, he was called by collectors looking to buy it. I guess I lucked out.

Now, I don't know if God himself was the luthier or if the broken headstock was a mistake in the listing. I can't see or feel any damage. Maybe it is possible to make an invisible repair...

I have too many photos to place here, so if you want to see for yourself, Dropbox

P.S. I already modified my trust to say that family needs to come here to sell any of my birds. Can't let this one go elsewhere if possible. It looks completely stock with all the parts.

Teaser:
View attachment 7162865

Congrats Dave! It looks to me like a professionally done repair. They blended in some darker brown to hide it.

 

[Engle]

Ordered some custom Vans (because they don't currently stock what I want). Hai Phong -> Hanoi -> Anchorage -> Guangjhou -> Memphis -> Austin -> Round Rock .
Wild.

I stopped buying Vans. They come apart and the laces are way too long.

 

[Nocturnal]

Did that and nothing shows up. The finish matches the rest of the bass. The bass shipped with the tuners removed so I could see the grooves where the tabs on the back of the tuners sit on the headstock. No evidence that the back of the HS was refinished. I'm not complaining

Sounds like you truly scored!!

 

[Gaolee]

OK, now we are all ears. Derail the thread, and get it shut down. We have to know. Surely it won't be shutdown too long. Will it?

Yes, probably a long time. Remind me the next GTG.

 

[MCF]

Ms. Fox.
She's pretty active on FB, and loves the kitties.

And a respectable member of the California State Bar.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

That be '63, and yes they did all have mutes, but the pads are rarely intact after so many years. They are the one thing missing from mine that I don't mind, the last thing I want to do is muffle what it does so well.


Happy Thursday II.

late 60's as well, anything with a two piece.....the felts have long been gone on this one....

 

[Stealth57]

Congrats Dave! It looks to me like a professionally done repair. They blended in some darker brown to hide it.

I ordered a better UV light to check. 395nm. The color coming down from the HS matches the color coming up the neck from the body. If the UV light show a repair, I’ll get the luthier’s name and put it on a trophy.

 

[Stealth57]

And a respectable member of the California State Bar.

Is that an oxymoron?

 

[TBird1958]

It's a balmy 59 degrees here in Seattle today, it feels so good to have some sunlight!
Here's to warmer, brighter days!

 

[RedVee]

Ms. Fox.
She's pretty active on FB, and loves the kitties.

Looks like she loves the Birds