Thunderbird Club

[ThaCoast]

I have the Epi Blackbird that someone along the line added a volume pot to. I kinda wish they hadn’t. But it’s a great player. I think part of the mojo in it comes from the lack of a tone pot and cap. It sounds really good.

Yeah, in that sense i could understand how it sounds good with a lack of variable resistors in the way of the signal Maybe it just needs new strings, which is quite possible. Want to have most of my basses strung with D'addario anyway, & some with GHS Boomers (main basses mostly).

 

[Ringhammer]

With 2 Gibson re-issues in it, it will sound like a current Gibson Non Reverse, which I think is a good!

However, when you buy the Gibson re-issue pickups, you get the “lead” version (bridge). At least that’s what I got both times I did. I have purchased sets that were pulled from a new 2021 NR, twice now, and the are different. Labeled “Lead” and “Rhy”:

Not strange to me at all. They look melted to me as well, which is why I do not like their looks. Maybe it is why you do like their looks. Works for me.

Amoeba on a stick.

 

[GBassNorth]

However, when you buy the Gibson re-issue pickups, you get the “lead” version (bridge). At least that’s what I got both times I did. I have purchased sets that were pulled from a new 2021 NR, twice now, and the are different. Labeled “Lead” and “Rhy”:

View attachment 7363836




Amoeba on a stick.

That’s my experience as well. I planned on using two Bridge Reissue pups on my BlueBird. Should sound a bit different than my stock Gibby NR with the neck soloed. Plus I will be using different cap values.

 

[Ringhammer]

My Black ‘97 has the reissues I ordered directly from Gibson (2x lead). My Cherry 2014 has a set of the 2021’s from an NR (1x Rhy + 1x Lead). The don’t have the same strings and are not in the same tuning, so it hard to compare. But, the ‘97 tuned Eb with the 2x lead is maybe a touch brighter than the 2014 tuned EB standard. I just put new (different) strings on both. Some Dunlop Standard Nickel 45-105 on the 2014 really woke it up. The Smith MM 50-110 are not nearly as bright but still very bright and new.

The other set of 2021’s (in the pic) are going into my 2013 EB when I get it back from Pat Wilkins.

 

[Nocturnal]

I played both the 4 and 8 string versions at large shop in the early 80s. They were also a huge Peavey dealer. Just across the river in Indiana.

A few years ago my friend had a white B5 that had aged nicely and looked, played, and sounded fantastic. He offered it to me but I wasn't in a position to buy it at the time. I do wish I could have snagged it. It has a definite 80s look to it, but that is probably what I like about it.

 

[BklynKen]

I like the look of NRs just fine. Maybe I'll buy the one Andy found and reverse it.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

three 45s at Brookdale tonight...

Prolly this...

 

[Stealth57]

three 45s at Brookdale tonight...
View attachment 7364065
Prolly this...

George, you gonna be there?

 

[Engle]

Last night was the first time playing my Swanky Spider with a drummer. It cut through pretty well considering the nickel Daddarios. Stainless steel will be going on it - I may need to add the tailpiece sooner than later to use 34” strings.
My buddy didn’t play this kit (there are 3 others in the room), but I had to get this shot:

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

massive flaps on the 777.....

 

[BklynKen]

LET'S DUO THIS!

Last-minute gig. Drummer and guitarist out of town, so just bass, guitar, and vocals.

 

[GBassNorth]

George, you gonna be there?

Probably not. Looks like the crew here wants a late dinner in Carmel. Was in Santa Cruz yesterday afternoon and at about 5:00pm we decided to head back to Monterey. It took us two hours to make that 40 mile drive. Traffic has really increased in this area over the years.

 

[Stealth57]

Probably not. Looks like the crew here wants a late dinner in Carmel. Was in Santa Cruz yesterday afternoon and at about 5:00pm we decided to head back to Monterey. It took us two hours to make that 40 mile drive. Traffic has really increased in this area over the years.

Traffic isn’t looking any better today.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Probably not. Looks like the crew here wants a late dinner in Carmel. Was in Santa Cruz yesterday afternoon and at about 5:00pm we decided to head back to Monterey. It took us two hours to make that 40 mile drive. Traffic has really increased in this area over the years.

almost 4 hrs from SFO to Hol last night....crazy..

 

[dagrev]

A few years ago my friend had a white B5 that had aged nicely and looked, played, and sounded fantastic. He offered it to me but I wasn't in a position to buy it at the time. I do wish I could have snagged it. It has a definite 80s look to it, but that is probably what I like about it.

I liked them as well. We're old!

 

[dagrev]

three 45s at Brookdale tonight...
View attachment 7364065
Prolly this...

Do it!!

 

[dagrev]

Last night was the first time playing my Swanky Spider with a drummer. It cut through pretty well considering the nickel Daddarios. Stainless steel will be going on it - I may need to add the tailpiece sooner than later to use 34” strings.
My buddy didn’t play this kit (there are 3 others in the room), but I had to get this shot:View attachment 7364091

Love the Gretsch kit. That's just cool.

 

[dagrev]

All right....

Got the pickups and cap soldered in this morning. But the trim ring and pickguard on. Installed tuners. Pup height adjusted (needed more foam so had to pull them and add little more.


The 916 pups sound good. I was afraid they would be bright but that's not the case. Full, warm and punchy. Pups do seem hot--in a good way. I'll use the bass Sunday so we'll get a real test in.

I A/B the '21 NR and the '66 and the '66 is the clear winner in sound and feel. May look into selling the '21. If I want to play a NR I know which one I will want to grab--but then I'd need a case, and shipping.... The generic the '66 was in is not much, but I might be able to beef it up a little, we'll see.




And a way we go....







Crappy pics as usual. The pickguard is parchment, but looks really white in the pic.

Not sure what all the spots on on the body below. I didn't clean it off after finishing up, who knows. Fortunately it doesn't have freckles in person. The color looks washed out for some reason. The pic above is closer to actual.

I do need to get a trim ring spacer. I have gold screws for the trim ring and pickguard arriving Monday. Needs a tug bar as well.

The strings I first thought about putting on to get started were too short (several used sets in fact). Had some new StringJoy NPS so they are on for a first go. I like them on the Epi Embassy doner bass, but I'll try a few because I'm me to find what seems ideal. The Epi has two, I might take the neck one and use it. We'll see. Might make that look more odd than the '66 with out it.

I am glad this is all put back together and ready to play. It was getting old having that hanging out there needing to be finished.

Now that I'm brushed up again on soldering I think I'll build an amp next....

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

All right....

Got the pickups and cap soldered in this morning. But the trim ring and pickguard on. Installed tuners. Pup height adjusted (needed more foam so had to pull them and add little more.


The 916 pups sound good. I was afraid they would be bright but that's not the case. Full, warm and punchy. Pups do seem hot--in a good way. I'll use the bass Sunday so we'll get a real test in.

I A/B the '21 NR and the '66 and the '66 is the clear winner in sound and feel. May look into selling the '21. If I want to play a NR I know which one I will want to grab--but then I'd need a case, and shipping.... The generic the '66 was in is not much, but I might be able to beef it up a little, we'll see.




And a way we go....







Crappy pics as usual. The pickguard is parchment, but looks really white in the pic.
View attachment 7364278



Not sure what all the spots on on the body below. I didn't clean it off after finishing up, who knows. Fortunately it doesn't have freckles in person.
View attachment 7364280

View attachment 7364282


I do need to get a trim ring spacer. I have gold screws for the trim ring and pickguard arriving Monday. Needs a tug bar as well.

The strings I first thought about putting on to get started were too short (several used sets in fact). Had some new StringJoy NPS so they are on for a first go. I like them on the Epi Embassy doner bass, but I'll try a few because I'm me to find what seems ideal. The Epi has two, I might take the neck one and use it. We'll see. Might make that look more odd than the '66 with out it.

I am glad this is all put back together and ready to play. It was getting old having that hanging out there needing to be finished.

Now that I'm brushed up again on soldering I think I'll build an amp next....

YES!!!!...,..seems like NRs winning!!...

 

[Engle]

All right....

Got the pickups and cap soldered in this morning. But the trim ring and pickguard on. Installed tuners. Pup height adjusted (needed more foam so had to pull them and add little more.


The 916 pups sound good. I was afraid they would be bright but that's not the case. Full, warm and punchy. Pups do seem hot--in a good way. I'll use the bass Sunday so we'll get a real test in.

I A/B the '21 NR and the '66 and the '66 is the clear winner in sound and feel. May look into selling the '21. If I want to play a NR I know which one I will want to grab--but then I'd need a case, and shipping.... The generic the '66 was in is not much, but I might be able to beef it up a little, we'll see.




And a way we go....







Crappy pics as usual. The pickguard is parchment, but looks really white in the pic.
View attachment 7364278



Not sure what all the spots on on the body below. I didn't clean it off after finishing up, who knows. Fortunately it doesn't have freckles in person. The color looks washed out for some reason. The pic above is closer to actual.
View attachment 7364280

View attachment 7364282


I do need to get a trim ring spacer. I have gold screws for the trim ring and pickguard arriving Monday. Needs a tug bar as well.

The strings I first thought about putting on to get started were too short (several used sets in fact). Had some new StringJoy NPS so they are on for a first go. I like them on the Epi Embassy doner bass, but I'll try a few because I'm me to find what seems ideal. The Epi has two, I might take the neck one and use it. We'll see. Might make that look more odd than the '66 with out it.

I am glad this is all put back together and ready to play. It was getting old having that hanging out there needing to be finished.

Now that I'm brushed up again on soldering I think I'll build an amp next....

Beautiful! Nice work!