That's interesting. I would have never thought PGs would sound anything like EBCFs.
Both of my PG sets do have (light) purple silks. You were cheated! Or maybe mine are older. Who knows.
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Thunderbird Club
- Thread starter TBird1958
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- club thunderbird
Both of my PG sets do have (light) purple silks. You were cheated! Or maybe mine are older. Who knows.
No one here took me up on that offer, so I'm still looking for a 1964 (preferably a II) that's at least semi-reasonably priced. No luck so far; most of them are over-priced (as evidenced by basses not moving). The closest I've seen is Gibson Thunderbird II 1964 | Reverb . The price wanders around a bit; I assume that's because it's actually listed in yen. I've contemplated offering $7,500 but wondered if that would sound insulting. But it's a refin, neck break fixed by unknown, broken PG and missing covers and mutes, and a little bit abused although most of what shows is reasonable wear for a player.
I've toyed with the idea of just getting an early NR instead. IIRC, those have 1.5" nuts but the necks are bigger overall than the early reverses. Is that correct? I can't remember the '65-'69 necks I've played.
I misremembered. The photo Willy sent shows light purple silks.
I’ve tried a few LaBellas.
There were great out of the package.
But broke in way to fast. And would always lose their brightness.
So the closest I’ve gotten to EBCF’s are the EB Group IV’s.
Put a set back on my Precision.
Have another fresh set too.
May go on the TBird.
Well, mine is a IV and has had the headstock fly off, so I didn't think you would be interested. Oh, and a scratch. Several. And a ding or two. You would hate it.
I've not measured the '64 and the '66NR, but the '66 could be slightly bigger. It's not much if it is. NOTHING at all like the odd shaped necks on the new NRs. I'm not picky about necks, but that is an odd one. Not sure what they were shooting for with that one. But I digress....
Likewise. I play so many different basses from day to day I’ve gotten rather numb to neck differences. The only exception is my new NR. The first time I plugged it in and played a couple of notes I thought what have they done with this neck. I’ve not taken the time to measure it but it seems a bit wider and much deeper than any of my other birds. I suspect the circumference rivals some of my five string basses. That said, it plays very nice and sounds sweet, so it’s a keeper.
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
I have thought about that one a bit. If my money wasn't getting spent on other things already, then an offer like that might be something I would consider. Who cares if it's insulting? It's not like they know where you live and will come to visit on a random Tuesday night.
What do you prefer about the Group IVs over the CFs?
Duh. It's Thunderbird Club.
Well there’s always this one.
https://reverb.com/item/90393378-gibson-thunderbird-ii-non-reverse-1967-blue
It’s been on the block for years and was overpriced initially but the market has kinda caught up to and maybe even passed it. @D.M.N. Looked into it quite a while back and concluded it had a lot of mods, repairs and non stock stuff going on but if it’s the year and shape you’re after it might be an ok snatch these days. Dylan can weigh in on the issues it has.
I personally would love a vintage clean (closet queen) reverse or NR but the current asking prices just make no sense to me. Pre COVID you could have easily picked a very nice one up for around $4000, fast forward just a few years and they’re suddenly double or triple that price. Speculation seems to be driving the price more than anything else. The good news is my 1968 Fender P bass, 1979 Stingray, all my Alembics and my Paisley and Flower Telecasters among other basses I have are riding the same wave. So someday when the right Thunderbird comes along (mint to excellent condition) I’ll sell or trade one or more of my less played basses for it. Until then, I’ll enjoy what I have.
For one they are super smooth.
And have a great high end to them.
Pretty much like EBCF’s without being to bright.
And they hold their brightness.
Very smooth all around sounding flat.
Lots of punch, which imo, the EBCFs lack until they break in.
I love, and wish I could get your Ray.
But it ain’t gonna happen.
That’s a reasonable offer for a high quality neck repair and a steal for no break.
LOL - never say never my friend. Ask Marshall, if there’s something I have that you want I’ll swing lower than the lowest price you can find and hold it for you for as long as it takes for you to find the scratch. My Ray is a beautiful and uncommon one…
100% stock, perfect working condition, no issues, plenty of player mojo (which I refuse to clean off) but no abuse. It’s the 1979 run, at the time many referred to the black model as the “Vader” bass because of Star Wars. Queen was at its peak with their bass player also playing a Stingray. Not many had the maple fretboard and very few that did had one figured as nicely as this one. I even have the matching Musicman Amp from the same era (1980 IIRC) and it works beautifully as well. Still trying to find a 1x15 MM cab to go with it but those are rare as hens teeth (almost always a local sale and never anywhere near me). PM me if you want more info.
A pm will come your way.
Not right away, but……..
I’m thinking.
And that’s never a good thing
I wonder if this could be a retirement opportunity for us retirees.
We open up a joint like this.
We open up a joint like this.
Nice! I like the melodic movement you had going on up the neck in a section.
Im hearing some Sonic Youth influence
That is a beautiful spot to hang out!Irv answers the eternal question........... It's never too early for a beer.
OTOH, a good Manhattan is always welcome.
