Thunderbird Club

[dagrev]

I used my new Ampeg V4B (re-issue) and SVT 212AV rig last night at Red Sun Ruins rehearsal.

This rig took the place of one of my Orange AD200B’s and OBC115’s that was parked in that rehearsal space for the last couple years. The Orange rig was always more than enough in that room, and the big ported 115 is a huge sounding cab with a surprising amount of highs, especially when used live (I have two AD200’s and two OBC115, so I never had to move the one rig out of the studio). However, this Ampeg rig is really quite awesome. I spent some time with it in my “home studio” (garage), and was very pleased with it. I was only concerned how it would sound on our smallish shared space against two guitars and drums, and concerned if it would have enough power to keep up. Well, no problem with power or getting enough low end, with the front ported 212 this rig sounds like it was built for this situation. After just a few minor tweaks, including bringing the master volume down from where I had it in my garage, it sat perfectly in the mix, and I still want to experiment with driving the gain a bit. Even our drop C tuned songs had plenty of clean lows that sounded big but tight! Nice push on the thinner strings. Normally I’d be using the “ultra low” switch, which is much more effective on this re-issue vs the vintage V4B’s I have had in the past, but no need here. The new “re-issue” V4B has a gain and master, where the original early ‘70’s ones I have had in the past did not, and I think that’s a key improvement.

All that and with two of my Fender “double P” basses. Once I bring my RSR designated ‘birds, I’m sure I’ll be in for a pleasant surprise!

I’m really happy with this for sure, 100 watts of all tube, and for a fantastic price. The head is not really all that heavy, actually, and the cab is also manageable. Not that it’s moving. This rig will be staying right where it is at RSR’s rehearsal space.

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Even though the V4B rig is a totally manageable weight, these days I’ll still be mostly using my lightweight Orange TB500 and 2x OBC112’s for live gigs.

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Such a great little rig, and I love that it all, including two thunderbirds, stands and small pedal board, fits in the trunk of mt car (2011 Charger).



And I still love the Orange AD200, but since I have two of the same head and 115 cabinets, one pair will be sold.

I was hoping you would get around to updating how it was working out. I love mine. They cab is light and head not bad either. In addition to them sounding good, they look classy as well. Sometime turn the master all the way and then keep raising the gain till the magic of the power tubes kicks in. Glorious! Loud but not SVT loudness needed for that kind of breakup and compression. It's a loud 100 watts. I would say if one needed (not wanted) more volume, others in the band are just too loud. Ampeg did a great job with those. I would love to have a second 212 to see what that would sound like. But certainly don't need it.

 

[dagrev]

“Influencers” and “content creators” making millions by essentially saying “look at me”, and so many people following is just such a strange idea to me. It just goes to show that I’m 100% on the “old” side of life.

Get off my lawn!!

Word, Brother!

 

[dagrev]

I was waiting for Gator Offical to chime in!

Committee.

 

[dagrev]

For those of you interested in what a DiMarzo One at the Mudbucker location sounds like on a bird, here’s a quick sample…
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Keep in mind it’s in an active preamp layout with the treble on max (18db boost) and the bass flat (zero boost or cut).
Played on the G string with a D string drone, finger style and right hand over middle pickup. Strings are Cobalt Rounds.
Nice and thick but still articulate.

I like it. More than I thought I would.

 

[bylar13]

I forgot to mention that these don't have the mangled, sharp-edged pickup mounting screws that were an unadvertised feature of the VP. (Possibly inspired by @bylar13 ?)

Not a screw but the sharp edge of the Babicz bridge. 9 stitches.

 

[MCF]

totally dig the counterpoint of this bass line.....bonus: the Leslie is past orgasmic...

I’ll call your post. And raise it. If you’re gonna post them., highlight Molly. Yeah, bass is cool. But she’s awesome.

 

[MCF]

It only hit 72°F here today. 62°F now. In May. In central Texas. At least it’s raining.

Supposed to be 100 by Saturday. I will be anywhere but here.

 

[MCF]

Nice! The Gator hardcase I have is kinda crappy. Tolex peeling, have to flex it to close...

Huh. My Gator cases are great.

 

[MCF]

Mexican Wedding balls were a real tradition at the North house when growing up. Mom used to make those along with stuffed dates every Christmas.

Did she do bacon wrapped dates? To absolutely die and go to heaven for.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Guancaste Provence, Costa Rica is more than 40F warmer than that. Being underwater has its benefits when it gets so hot.

bright side.....

 

[Stealth57]

bright side.....
View attachment 7220798

ET stealing your cheese?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

ET stealing your cheese?

yeah, and kicked me outta state to MI..

 

[GBassNorth]

Did she do bacon wrapped dates? To absolutely die and go to heaven for.

Sounds interesting, never had them.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Sounds interesting, never had them.

they're good... they wrap hot dog franks in bacon too....

 

[Stealth57]

Sounds interesting, never had them.

Sounds like a photo shoot coming up

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Not a screw but the sharp edge of the Babicz bridge. 9 stitches.

View attachment 7220724

I know, but they had a new angle.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

GC has walls of instruments again - including basses.

I didn’t see a single Gibson bass, and only two that aren’t solid bodies. That Gretsch is gorgeous. And huge.

 

[PhR75]

Just learned that The Who's 1971 Oval show from September 1971 will be released on August.

 

[RedVee]

Sounds interesting, never had them.

Prunes wrapped in bacon: “devils on horseback”.
Prawns wrapped in bacon: “Angels on horseback”.

Why an Angel needs a horse I am unsure of. But bloody nice appetiser!

 

[PhR75]

RE: Pink Floyd/prog etc.

I found out that one of my songs had ended up on this Spotify list titled 100% PROG so now I don't have to ponder about that. Legit prog then.
It's the 24th track on it (at least now).