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Thunderbird Club

#328,401
Chucky Stiletti said:
I'm with in the camp of those who dislike NRs and Js with SS Birds....to me, what's the point? Ymmv off course....
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What's an NR?
Chucky Stiletti said:
lost in wording, sorry, just saying I'm not a fan of SS Birds the same way some are not fans of Js, NR or even tort......for me the long scale is part of the essence of the TBird bass.
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Didn’t realize classic T-Bitds were long scale. I thought they might have had medium scales like the original Explorers (perhaps to compensate for those long bodies). So the Explorer reissues are long scales as opposed to the originals of the early-80’s-
 
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#328,402
Oh George. The pistachio version of Balloria.

IMG_3764.jpeg
 
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#328,403
ectoflanger said:
What's an NR?

Didn’t realize classic T-Bitds were long scale. I thought they might have had medium scales like the original Explorers (perhaps to compensate for those long bodies). So the Explorer reissues are long scales as opposed to the originals of the early-80’s-
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NR = non reverse.

34” scale except the shorty
 
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#328,408
Ringhammer said:
We’re talking about the one at GC, right? It’s a short scale, only 400 made. I don’t think the ad specifically says it but you can tell by the notches in the pickguard to accommodate the pickups. Looks like they don’t know what they have and It’s a great price. When they come up, they are usually going for $2000-$2200 (lately).
I love mine, and will not likely ever part with it. Fun to play.



One of 400 makes it kinda unique. I went further with mine and changed the tuners to nickel Hipshot USA ultralights, put in some vintage style nickel humbuckers, (Gemini UK), a nickel three point and a custom black pickguard from Irv that allowed for the nickel rings, and also polished off the matte finish.

View attachment 7342426
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Love the look of that open pore finish and the chrome bits.
 
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#328,410
Chucky Stiletti said:
lost in wording, sorry, just saying I'm not a fan of SS Birds the same way some are not fans of Js, NR or even tort......for me the long scale is part of the essence of the TBird bass.
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On that we completely agree. To me SS basses have a time and place, specifically on a very cramped stage or when nursing a torn rotator cuff or dealing with arthritis in the left hand. But to my ears they sound different, even with identical pickups, so typically not my first choice, especially in a Tbird where the magic is in the sound.
 
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#328,411
GBassNorth said:
On that we completely agree. To me SS basses have a time and place, specifically on a very cramped stage or when nursing a torn rotator cuff or dealing with arthritis in the left hand. But to my ears they sound different, even with identical pickups, so typically not my first choice, especially in a Tbird where the magic is in the sound.
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Yet I'm amazed that my G2 Thunderbird seems easier on the left hand than my 33 inch scale Aria Pro II Explorer style bass. Anxious to get my 1985 Gibson Explorer bass back from the paint and body shop to see how its 32 inch scale feels-
 
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#328,413
GBassNorth said:
On that we completely agree. To me SS basses have a time and place, specifically on a very cramped stage or when nursing a torn rotator cuff or dealing with arthritis in the left hand. But to my ears they sound different, even with identical pickups, so typically not my first choice, especially in a Tbird where the magic is in the sound.
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totally and I'm glad you caught the "sound" part as I didn't mean aesthetically....
 
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#328,415
Chucky Stiletti said:
totally and I'm glad you caught the "sound" part as I didn't mean aesthetically....
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Speaking of sound, I just got some significant play time with my Bicentennial Bird across multiple genres of music. Really love how easy this road worn thing plays, it’s like a completely broken in baseball mitt, just fits perfect and plays effortlessly.
Neck volume on 3 and bridge on 2 with tone at 5 and it’s as polite and smooth as a house cat, until you dig in, then all hell breaks loose and she gets as rowdy as a rottweiler on steroids. I love this thing…
IMG_5497.jpeg

By far the most expressive bass I own.
 
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#328,416
GBassNorth said:
Speaking of sound, I just got some significant play time with my Bicentennial Bird across multiple genres of music. Really love how easy this road worn thing plays, it’s like a completely broken in baseball mitt, just fits perfect and plays effortlessly.
Neck volume on 3 and bridge on 2 with tone at 5 and it’s as polite and smooth as a house cat, until you dig in, then all hell breaks loose and she gets as rowdy as a rottweiler on steroids. I love this thing…
View attachment 7342728
By far the most expressive bass I own.
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Beautiful bass, love that ebony look, does it have a belly cut? don't know why this vintage gets such a bad sonicI wrap, I think they sound great...probably my most gigged Gibby...
 
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#328,419
GBassNorth said:
It’s a short scale Gibby bird. Not sure how many were made or what years they made them but it’s pretty rare to see one come up for sale. Maybe only the second one I’ve ever seen on the block. I already have a SS Tbird (actually a very rare youth model by Sammick) or I’d be all over it.
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There was only the run of 400 in ‘11. A must have for your collection George. I need to figure out when I can come down. I can bring mine. Dealing with medical stuff this week, then at Newport the following week.
 
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