Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

Maybe that it would leak like a sieve if it was someplace with a lot of rain. Ford Theater in LA could only be in California. The whole place would collapse in a heap of mud if it was up here in the great North Wet.

Every year we get a lot of rain, there are big concerns. Sort of a “what were they thinking?” Yet it has survived.

 

[MCF]

None at this point to support or refute Fender deal.
Those that I have connection with:
Have left Fender: or were just let go.

At this stage, negotiations stay behind closed doors till official announcement
IE: deal is all said and done.

Thanks Ray.

 

[Engle]

That’s so far my experience. Hundreds of deferred honey do’s. Multiple doctors appointments. It is weird. But the significant lessening of stress has been a good thing. I’m feeling better and am much happier.

I'm glad to hear this^

 

[JIO]

My mom always said she should go back to work to get some rest.

Exactly... living life is far more consuming than doing a job.

 

[JIO]

I'm glad to hear this^

Trust me Irv - knowing you, you will love being retired.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Thanks Ray.

More of my insights if my Tbird brethren (and sistas) will indulge

Post in thread 'G&L out of business?'

Sep 30, 2025

"Sarcasm' by wrongly imputing someone's actions based on an unsourced, fake story spread by someone who didn't even claim the person who you blamed made that claim? Sure.

Look: an employee reported that during an all hands meeting at Fender Ave, all employees were let go yesterday. No confirmation of a Fender buyout but the question was asked, and the leadership did not answer.

By extension: no answer means negotiations with Fender, or perhaps other entities are in motion.

Perhaps the ENTIRE BBE organization has been acquired! They have some VERY profitable subsidiaries.

Let’s...

• /\/\3phist0

• 
• 

 

[JIO]

This term "retired" is so misunderstood or at least misinterpreted. Many 'retired' people are more active in their lives, doing things that matter to them. Unless you are one of the lucky minority whose life was/is their job in a positive way, a job is an important societal/family responsibility and what one does with their life once retired is - a liberation. And this has little to do with money. One can still make money once retired and in today's world that's usually still a necessity. It just frees you from the relentless daily obligation of a "job". At least for those of us who are truly fortunate enough to do this. I wouldn't go on a limb to say anyone on this thread is in that category. Be thankful for what we all have.

 

[Engle]

Swanky Spider update:

As noted yesterday the Burny sounded pretty good, but on the quiet side
Checking the DC resistance at the jack, both pickups were around 3.6K. Hmmm.... time to pull the pickguard.
The pickups have a ground, red & white. Red was wired to the pots and white was capped off nicely with a piece of heat shrink.
Guess what white to ground measured? 7.2K! So the bass was wired from the factory with permanently tapped coils

It only took a few minutes to rewire it to use both coils and now it sounds much hotter (and juicier ) - go figure!

@GBassNorth you may want to check your Burny bird

 

[JIO]

Swanky Spider update:

As noted yesterday the Burny sounded pretty good, but on the quiet side
Checking the DC resistance at the jack, both pickups were around 3.6K. Hmmm.... time to pull the pickguard.
The pickups have a ground, red & white. Red was wired to the pots and white was capped off nicely with a piece of heat shrink.
Guess what white to ground measured? 7.2K! So the bass was wired from the factory with permanently tapped coils

It only took a few minutes to rewire it to use both coils and now it sounds much hotter (and juicier ) - go figure!

@GBassNorth you may want to check your Burny bird

It pays to know something about trouble-shooting and what's under the hood. Nice sleuthing Irv!

My '63 Burns of London Vista Sonic original "Wild Dog" setting on the rotary pu selector pot sounded like an anemic rat... for whatever reason, Jim Burns thought a usually guitar wiring was something a bass player needed. I reversed the two wires and it sounded great! - like a nice Jazz bass response. (middle & bridge pu combo - it's a three pu bass)

 

[Engle]

Trust me Irv - knowing you, you will love being retired.

I don't doubt that! But I meant I'm glad that Marshall is happier and less stressed.

 

[Engle]

It pays to know something about trouble-shooting and what's under the hood. Nice sleuthing Irv!

Easiest and cheapest upgrade ever!

 

[bylar13]

This happened while I was away in Ireland…

 

[/\/\3phist0]

I don't doubt that! But I meant I'm glad that Marshall is happier and less stressed.

I’m looking forward to closing on a home in the desert, (Palm Springs adjacent) where I can start building in earnest.
Wife is pushing for me to open a storefront to horse trade musical equipment: and to hawk my own brand.

As they say: love what you do and you’ll never “work” a day in your life!

2026 / 27 is shaping up to be VERY bright indeed.

 

[Gaolee]

From what I hear from those who retire is they have less time. Weird.

I don’t know. And won't know for about five more years. The basement is full of projects that look at me with baleful stares due to the neglect they have suffered. They will get some love eventually, if only to get them to quit making me feel guilty.

Actually, I believe it. There are a lifetime of things I have not got to but want to do. The day job, as much as I like it, is a limiting factor.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

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Love the steinberger Tbird in cherry

 

[/\/\3phist0]

I don’t know. And won't know for about five more years. The basement is full of projects that look at me with baleful stares due to the neglect they have suffered. They will get some love eventually, if only to get them to quit making me feel guilty.

As we get older, we all have “less time” although I don’t think that’s what you meant.

 

[sleddogn]

I've heard the first person to live to 150 is already born...mmmm

 

[MCF]

I’m looking forward to closing on a home in he desert, where I can start building in earnest.
Wife is pushing for me to open a storefront to horse trade musical equipment: and to hawk my own brand.

As they say: love what you do and you’ll never “work” a day in your life!

2026 / 27 is shaping up to be VERY bright indeed.

Your wife is very supportive! I’ll be a customer, regardless if it’s out of the house or a storefront.

 

[dagrev]

I played some US ones while I was also seriously shopping for a Ric 4003. This was around ‘17/‘18. They were very nice players. I have no idea about the imported ones. At the end of the day I couldn’t get past the ugly headstock. I’m shallow. I suspect some certain US models will increase in value now. I know you have a couple, or at least did?

Every one of the 4 I've owned were exceptionally nice, including the one Tribute M2k. A blue burst I should not have sold but I was buying some vintage basses and something needed to go. The M2000 was nice, just uninteresting to listen to. Might have had something to do with the blend knob as opposed to the typical switch or even a VV option.

The red burst with binding is very uncommon and the burst is also on the back. It's likely the prettiest bass I've owned and the most tight and aggressive of any G&L. Was thinking of selling it since I got the '66NR and the donor Epi Embassy I'm keeping. Already have my ad written up, but might hang on to it now to see what happens with G&L.

And this '81 HOG is incredible looking and sounding. I can't see it ever going except for some infirmity. There is some Leo magic in this one. Maybe touched it and that's the secret!

 

[dagrev]

That’s so far my experience. Hundreds of deferred honey do’s. Multiple doctors appointments. It is weird. But the significant lessening of stress has been a good thing. I’m feeling better and am much happier.

The last part if wonderful news.