Thunderbird Club

[/\/\3phist0]

Mmmmm either Cherie or Marie

The Runaway’s backstory is deplorable!

 

[Gaolee]

I guess we can assume no groupies followed you home or you would have mentioned it.

Alas, no. It is probably all for the best. My wife might not have been amused.

One woman gave me a big, sweaty hug, though. She had a really good time. I have known her for more than ten years, so I don't think she counts as a groupie.

 

[Stealth57]

Let me put out feelers for you.
What is you projected booking frequency?

That's an unknown at this point. Once we have the 1 hour set locked, it would be nice to get out 1-2 times per month. I don't know if there are opportunities for more than that. With only 1 hour, you have to find a venue that does 3 or so bands an evening. With some work, we can get to 2 sets, but that's a future goal.

 

[dagrev]

Alas, no. It is probably all for the best. My wife might not have been amused.

One woman gave me a big, sweaty hug, though. She had a really good time. I have known her for more than ten years, so I don't think she counts as a groupie.

Good to know you are keeping the bass player / groupie thing at statistical zero. We have standards and have a small tolerance for even the slightest variations. After all, we have a reputation to maintain. Well done!

 

[dagrev]

Feel like I won the lottery. Argued with the PVA on them raising our taxes on the 2 acres of land that connects to the house property. The value went up over $40k for no reason, which was 2-5 times higher per Acre than the comps I provided. I did a number of of comps (6 pages and a chart), and told them given the other comps it would be $XX,000--which was actually $30k less than initial assessment a few years ago. And they agreed--the first time! Last time I had to deal with them a guy in the office said it was likely a waste of time. File it online then it's customarily rejected, then to have to go downtown and meet with three people who are clueless (and likely got jobs because they know someone). Won that one a few years ago, and got it even lower this time. It's likely a record. The frustrating part is that they could have done what I was forced to do--but they get paid to do it. It's literally like they pull numbers out of their _____ and hope no one cares or will have the desire to push back. I think I've earned a Thunderbird.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

https://reverb.com/item/89878733-ep...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=89878733

Epi Classic Pro with case:
Like the color, like the Hipshot upgrades .

Worried about the EMGs, not a bad sound per se, then again; everything with EMG is dominated by the pickup sound, the character of the “host” is dominated by EMG. The coil tapping might be fun.

Who here has / Had EMG equipped Bird that would be so kind as to chime in on their opinion.

 

[TBird1958]

https://reverb.com/item/89878733-ep...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=89878733

Epi Classic Pro with case:
Like the color, like the Hipshot upgrades .

Worried about the EMGs, not a bad sound per se, then again; everything with EMG is dominated by the pickup sound, the character of the “host” is dominated by EMG. The coil tapping might be fun.

Who here has / Had EMG equipped Bird that would be so kind as to chime in on their opinion.

Like this.............

 

[BklynKen]

https://reverb.com/item/89878733-ep...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=89878733

Epi Classic Pro with case:
Like the color, like the Hipshot upgrades .

Worried about the EMGs, not a bad sound per se, then again; everything with EMG is dominated by the pickup sound, the character of the “host” is dominated by EMG. The coil tapping might be fun.

Who here has / Had EMG equipped Bird that would be so kind as to chime in on their opinion.

How's this?

 

[/\/\3phist0]

How's this?

Nice tones: hmmmm
Thanks!

Like this.............

Kelly Bird : Kahler bridge w/EMG green sparkle black hardware NOICE!
V, if you’d be so kind: what is your opinion on the sound, compared to say, the 760 probucker. I know they’ll be clearer and deeper.

How useful do you find the coil tapping on the TBTW?

 

[MCF]

Interesting, that’s where I got my trim rings as well, and they’re too small by a hair to slip down over the pickups. Not sure if I want to unsolder the pickup covers and resize the cans (they flare out at the bottom where the solder joint meets the pup base) or if I just want to file the trim rings down a bit so they fit the pickups.
View attachment 7231380View attachment 7231381

That’s odd. The Philly Luthier Supply ring fit the Gibson Reissiue that we put in the BaCH I bought from you.

 

[GBassNorth]

https://reverb.com/item/89878733-ep...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=89878733

Epi Classic Pro with case:
Like the color, like the Hipshot upgrades .

Worried about the EMGs, not a bad sound per se, then again; everything with EMG is dominated by the pickup sound, the character of the “host” is dominated by EMG. The coil tapping might be fun.

Who here has / Had EMG equipped Bird that would be so kind as to chime in on their opinion.

My only active EMG pickup and preamp equipped Tbird is this…

Sounds great, but as you said, the Spector sounds like an EMG bass now. I too find that everything I put EMGs in sounds like EMGs. Not a bad thing, but if I drop EMGs in 10 completely different basses, they’re all going to sound quite similar. No coil split on this one. I’m sure the EMG equipped CP you posted will sound fantastic.

Personally, for the same price I’d be inclined to go this route…
https://reverb.com/item/89829356-epiphone-thunderbird-iv-classic-pro-2015-2020-vintage-sunburst
It’s all original and very sought after by those with Tbird knowledge. This particular one is the magic year (2012) where the neck pickup sat much closer to the bridge and gives it a tighter sound. I have one and love it, one of my best players.

JMHO but to me dropping EMG pickups in a CP is like dropping EMG pickups in a Greco - the reason most folks buy those particular models is for the pickups, so changing them out for something else kinda defeats the purpose in buying that particular model. If you want EMGs in a bird there are less expensive ways of doing it (Goth is a great mod platform, but will have a bolt on neck).

 

[TBird1958]

Nice tones: hmmmm
Thanks!

Kelly Bird : Kahler bridge w/EMG green sparkle black hardware NOICE!
V, if you’d be so kind: what is your opinion on the sound, compared to say, the 760 probucker. I know they’ll be clearer and deeper.

How useful do you find the coil tapping on the TBTW?

Not a Kelly Bird, Jackson TBX, the EMGs are what your hear with this bass, it doesn't sound like any of my other Birds at all. I have no problem saying that I like the sound of this bass more than my first VP when it had stock 760s, As you say, they are clearer, deeper and fuller than a 760, but they will always sound like EMGs, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. I love this bass but I'm not always in the mood to play it because it is so different, I see my various Birds a bit like an artist sees paint brushes, sometimes you have to reach for the one that does the job best or suits your mood, thus I'm glad to have it. My first VP had 760s in it but I really didn't like them all that much, compared to my Lull equipped Birds and my 2021 Non Reverse I found them thin and missing a lot of presence in the certain bass, lo-mid and mid frequencies. Happily I was able to remove them and straight trade them for a set of Gibson Re-issues, which I much prefer. Now, this is just my own preferences, I know well that most folks here love 760s and have no problem with it, as always, we should play what we love.


10 years gone.......

 

[/\/\3phist0]

My only active EMG pickup and preamp equipped Tbird is this…
View attachment 7231695
Sounds great, but as you said, the Spector sounds like an EMG bass now. I too find that everything I put EMGs in sounds like EMGs. Not a bad thing, but if I drop EMGs in 10 completely different basses, they’re all going to sound quite similar. No coil split on this one. I’m sure the EMG equipped CP you posted will sound fantastic.

Personally, for the same price I’d be inclined to go this route…
https://reverb.com/item/89829356-epiphone-thunderbird-iv-classic-pro-2015-2020-vintage-sunburst
It’s all original and very sought after by those with Tbird knowledge. This particular one is the magic year (2012) where the neck pickup sat much closer to the bridge and gives it a tighter sound. I have one and love it, one of my best players.

JMHO but to me dropping EMG pickups in a CP is like dropping EMG pickups in a Greco - the reason most folks buy those particular models is for the pickups, so changing them out for something else kinda defeats the purpose in buying that particular model. If you want EMGs in a bird there are less expensive ways of doing it (Goth is a great mod platform, but will have a bolt on neck).

THANKS for confirming EMG dominance.
I’ve had a P a J and MM EMG pickups and although great tone— it’s the same tone.

Thanks for your expertise on the CP ID , pointing out the “magic” year I’ll mull that one over.

I’ve considered getting a Goth or even an E1
On the cheap, and modding the {*^%} out of it.
I have been looking for a sad, abused Goth or possibly an E1 to “personalize”

Then again Purple Sparkle 64 is drawing me in like a magnet.

Not a Kelly Bird, Jackson TBX, the EMGs are what your hear with this bass, it doesn't sound like any of my other Birds at all. I have no problem saying that I like the sound of this bass more than my first VP when it had stock 760s, As you say, they are clearer, deeper and fuller than a 760, but they will always sound like EMGs, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. I love this bass but I'm not always in the mood to play it because it is so different, I see my various Birds a bit like an artist sees paint brushes, sometimes you have to reach for the one that does the job best or suits your mood, thus I'm glad to have it. My first VP had 760s in it but I really didn't like them all that much, compared to my Lull equipped Birds and my 2021 Non Reverse I found them thin and missing a lot of presence in the certain bass, lo-mid and mid frequencies. Happily I was able to remove them and straight trade them for a set of Gibson Re-issues, which I much prefer. Now, this is just my own preferences, I know well that most folks here love 760s and have no problem with it, as always, we should play what we love.


10 years gone.......

Thanks for the correction on the model name.

I like the 760s perhaps I’d like the Gibsons more. ;-)

Again thanks for the confirmation of my recollection that EMGs assert their character, like it or leave it.

Been there done that.

Intrigued by a local to me pickup builder:

Nine One Six Pickups – Custom Guitar and Bass Pickups

www.916pickups.com

Has anyone tried out their TB pickups?

“

T Bird Bass Pickups​

$110.000 – $240.000
916 Alneo T Bird Bass pickups were designed to provide a fuller tone than vintage factory pickups. The pickups Alnico 5 magnets are paired with Neodymium bars to add gauss to the alnico magnets providing the pickup with the power needed for a fuller, fatter tone.

U.S. Nickel Silver Cover dimensions are 3 5/8″ (91.5mm) x1 1/2″(39mm) x 15/32″(12mm) thick.
Mounting hole spacing measured center to center is 3 9/32″(83.5mm)

Mogami 2 connection lead wire.

Contact us for variations of this pickup not shown here.”

 

[TBird1958]

THANKS for confirming EMG dominance.
I’ve had a P a J and MM EMG pickups and although great tone— it’s the same tone.

Thanks for your expertise on the CP ID , pointing out the “magic” year I’ll mull that one over.

I’ve considered getting a Goth or even an E1
On the cheap, and modding the {*^%} out of it.
I have been looking for a sad, abused Goth or possibly an E1 to “personalize”

Then again Purple Sparkle 64 is drawing me in like a magnet.


Thanks for the correction on the model name.

I like the 760s perhaps I’d like the Gibsons more. ;-)

Again thanks for the confirmation of my recollection that EMGs assert their character, like it or leave it.

Been there done that.

Intrigued by a local to me pickup builder:

Nine One Six Pickups – Custom Guitar and Bass Pickups

www.916pickups.com

Has anyone tried out their TB pickups?

“

T Bird Bass Pickups​

$110.000 – $240.000
916 Alneo T Bird Bass pickups were designed to provide a fuller tone than vintage factory pickups. The pickups Alnico 5 magnets are paired with Neodymium bars to add gauss to the alnico magnets providing the pickup with the power needed for a fuller, fatter tone.

U.S. Nickel Silver Cover dimensions are 3 5/8″ (91.5mm) x1 1/2″(39mm) x 15/32″(12mm) thick.
Mounting hole spacing measured center to center is 3 9/32″(83.5mm)

Mogami 2 connection lead wire.

Contact us for variations of this pickup not shown here.”

@BuddaFingas is going to use these in the lefty fretless he's building.

 

[dagrev]

THANKS for confirming EMG dominance.
I’ve had a P a J and MM EMG pickups and although great tone— it’s the same tone.

Thanks for your expertise on the CP ID , pointing out the “magic” year I’ll mull that one over.

I’ve considered getting a Goth or even an E1
On the cheap, and modding the {*^%} out of it.
I have been looking for a sad, abused Goth or possibly an E1 to “personalize”

Then again Purple Sparkle 64 is drawing me in like a magnet.


Thanks for the correction on the model name.

I like the 760s perhaps I’d like the Gibsons more. ;-)

Again thanks for the confirmation of my recollection that EMGs assert their character, like it or leave it.

Been there done that.

Intrigued by a local to me pickup builder:

Nine One Six Pickups – Custom Guitar and Bass Pickups

www.916pickups.com

Has anyone tried out their TB pickups?

“

T Bird Bass Pickups​

$110.000 – $240.000
916 Alneo T Bird Bass pickups were designed to provide a fuller tone than vintage factory pickups. The pickups Alnico 5 magnets are paired with Neodymium bars to add gauss to the alnico magnets providing the pickup with the power needed for a fuller, fatter tone.

U.S. Nickel Silver Cover dimensions are 3 5/8″ (91.5mm) x1 1/2″(39mm) x 15/32″(12mm) thick.
Mounting hole spacing measured center to center is 3 9/32″(83.5mm)

Mogami 2 connection lead wire.

Contact us for variations of this pickup not shown here.”

I have some--yet to be installed in the '66 NR. From my asking questions and from what I've seen in the ones I received, I am impressed to this point. Tone? We'll have to wait and see, but I am expecting good things. Matt seems to know what he's doing. The work looks top notch. But I'm no expert here. Buddafingas bought some as well, but are not functioning yet in his project either.

My only mild complaint is they are not labeled (as I recall), so I have no idea which is the stronger of the two--and no way to test without buying a meter.

 

[Engle]

Feel like I won the lottery. Argued with the PVA on them raising our taxes on the 2 acres of land that connects to the house property. The value went up over $40k for no reason, which was 2-5 times higher per Acre than the comps I provided. I did a number of of comps (6 pages and a chart), and told them given the other comps it would be $XX,000--which was actually $30k less than initial assessment a few years ago. And they agreed--the first time! Last time I had to deal with them a guy in the office said it was likely a waste of time. File it online then it's customarily rejected, then to have to go downtown and meet with three people who are clueless (and likely got jobs because they know someone). Won that one a few years ago, and got it even lower this time. It's likely a record. The frustrating part is that they could have done what I was forced to do--but they get paid to do it. It's literally like they pull numbers out of their _____ and hope no one cares or will have the desire to push back. I think I've earned a Thunderbird.

I don't know what a PVA is, but the fact that you convinced someone in government to do what is logical, using facts is a win!

 

[Engle]

I have some--yet to be installed in the '66 NR. From my asking questions and from what I've seen in the ones I received, I am impressed to this point. Tone? We'll have to wait and see, but I am expecting good things. Matt seems to know what he's doing. The work looks top notch. But I'm no expert here. Buddafingas bought some as well, but are not functioning yet in his project either.

My only mild complaint is they are not labeled (as I recall), so I have no idea which is the stronger of the two--and no way to test without buying a meter.

View attachment 7231765

View attachment 7231773
View attachment 7231772

If you don't have a multimeter, consider this an reason to get one. Even the cheap ones get the job done.
You can even get them with the ability to measure capacitance.

 

[TBird1958]

Feel like I won the lottery. Argued with the PVA on them raising our taxes on the 2 acres of land that connects to the house property. The value went up over $40k for no reason, which was 2-5 times higher per Acre than the comps I provided. I did a number of of comps (6 pages and a chart), and told them given the other comps it would be $XX,000--which was actually $30k less than initial assessment a few years ago. And they agreed--the first time! Last time I had to deal with them a guy in the office said it was likely a waste of time. File it online then it's customarily rejected, then to have to go downtown and meet with three people who are clueless (and likely got jobs because they know someone). Won that one a few years ago, and got it even lower this time. It's likely a record. The frustrating part is that they could have done what I was forced to do--but they get paid to do it. It's literally like they pull numbers out of their _____ and hope no one cares or will have the desire to push back. I think I've earned a Thunderbird.

Since I'm so old now and by myself make under a certain amount of money every year, I am able to get a substantial portion of my property taxes rebated by the county. I submitted about 7 months ago for 2023 and just got a rebate of $3400.00 . Needless to say I have put forth the effort and do 2024 right away!

 

[Gaolee]

How's this?

Some of those sounds aren't so great, but some of them really are.

 

[dagrev]

I don't know what a PVA is, but the fact that you convinced someone in government to do what is logical, using facts is a win!

Property Valuation Administration. Local in counties here. Some states may do it otherwise, but it's county jurisdiction as far as I know. They assess (used loosely) the value of property. Here it largely pays for schools. No one ever buys a Thunderbird with those funds.