Thunderbird Club

[rodv66]

For me the trickiest part of tuning that low was finding the right strings but more inportantly it was trying to leave the strings on the neck instead of bending them off, sooo much flexibility. Even harder to achieve on the Thunderbirds thin neck but I found my boundaries eventually.

I had Dunlop Heavy Core strings, that are meant for drop tuning, so was a step ahead. I have regular strings on my Riuk, tuned down and plugged in. God, did I get a great tone, sounded real stoner

 

[Nocturnal]

No clue? If anyone should have a clue, i would think it's with all them different birds

It's all down to personal taste tho. The traits I like best may not matter to the Queen, GOT or Kat. Lots of variables between the different builders in my collection and honestly there is something I enjoy about all of them. I would love to test a Lull, Lowe, Cataldo, and neck thru Spector side by side just to see the differences.

 

[BadBassDrummer]

I have a pair of Lulls, one reverse and on non-reverse. They are both very nice, but not particularly affordable for most. I tried this Cataldo [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and this Lull [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] last Friday. Both are fine instruments. The Cataldo is really nice, but I didn't particularly care for the pickups in this particular specimen. Now the darkstar pickups are awesome and apparently super spendy. I would definitely consider a Cataldo with Thunderbucker pickups in it.

 

[ProgressiveDoom]

You seen it in Thunderbird Club first, not sure why but like anything else it can be found here.

 

[JIO]

Absolutely not but some whacko apparently thought the guy was fantastic and gave him a career and Im not sure that says much about the IQ of his fanbase. Oh I hope there arent Tiny Tim fans in our club or Im gonna get backlash. Please tell me @TBird1958 that you are not a fan and that I can stay.

The more interesting thing about TT is that he was an authority on 'crooners' of the 20's-30's-40's. He also took many showers a day - a clean-a-phobe or whatever it's called. He also did a project with Los Lobos before the passed away.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I have a pair of Lulls, one reverse and on non-reverse. They are both very nice, but not particularly affordable for most. I tried this Cataldo [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] and this Lull [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] last Friday. Both are fine instruments. The Cataldo is really nice, but I didn't particularly care for the pickups in this particular specimen. Now the darkstar pickups are awesome and apparently super spendy. I would definitely consider a Cataldo with Thunderbucker pickups in it.

No black?!

 

[TBird1958]

Forgive me my Queen... I mean no disrespect... but I couldn't help but notice the absence of "Cataldo" from your list...

It's not disrespectful.
I first met Mike Lull back in 1976 in Bellevue, WA (Seattle) when I bought my first good bass, a N.O.S. '73 Ric 4001 from him, and over the years he's always been my "guy" to take the basses to when I wanted a great set up etc. He can take a questionable bass and make it a great player, truly a gifted luthier. Two of my 3 '76s were wrecks when I got them, his work made them beautiful, great playing basses.
I wandered into his shop one time with a 'Bird and we discussed him making them and we spoke regarding them quite a few times before he set out to make them. Mike's basses were built by completely deconstructing a 1963 'Bird, the pickups are reproductions of those very specifically, an 8K neck and 9K bridge - because that's what this specific, great sounding '63 had.
Mine was a small contribution to his project, but I knew I wanted one, the first two planned basses were for the Mike and the gentleman that had lent his '63 to the project, mine was the #3 built. It was the first single pick up one and I had it custom painted in metallic orange. When Mike got his Thunderbird into production Carlo was not in the business of making basses, further there were no reproduction pickups either. Mike went to Jason Lollar first, but interestingly Lollar at that point wasn't interested as he felt there wouldn't be a market for such a pickup. So Mike went to T.V. Jones initially to have the pickups hand made, Seymour Duncan also makes them now to keep up with production demand. The pickup covers are done by the same mfg. that Gibson used back in the '60s.
Interestingly, our club member BadBassDrummer now owns Mike's original prototype, and since I got my Lull my purchases of basses has really slowed, I haven't felt much need for more as the ones I have are taking up a lot of space in the house. The new White Epi will be my first in about 5 years if not more and to offset it's coming into the house I may let my Burny and Epi 7enderbird go up for sale, frankly I don't get to play them much and the new Epi should more than take their place.
Last, to be sure, Carlo makes beautiful, inspired instruments as you guys can all see from the great pics he posts here, I have great respect for him and his work, and I may yet be fortunate enough to own one of his basses someday.

 

[Korladis]

What kinds of birds do you guys play? Who makes the best bird?

I play an Epiphone. I actually like recent ones better than recent Gibsons I've tried. It is heavily modded, though.

I had the opposite in a way. I'm working on a tribute act and wasn't looking for an original band at this stage of the game. These guys sent me vid links and they really are good and I like the music. They had me run through the four songs I worked on and this is the first time I ever played in drop C in my life.

After the songs the singer stepped out and the rest just fired songs and riffs one after another. I felt like I was getting beat like a baby seal. I held my own and this was the first time I ever heard any of this. The one guitarist seemed less patient than the other one, but I remembered reeding their website and they have 8 gigs booked over a six week period starting halfway through July. We ended up stopping an hour later than supposed to and I had a 90 minute drive home. Also had to lug my 75 lb combo, extension cab and two basses up and down stairs.

The singer was shooting the bull with me when we were only ones there, but once all others finally showed up, it was all playing and no small talk. It is a hard read, but drummer said most guys so far can't pick up things fast and I did do well with that.

One never knows what people are thinking and it was really hard to read them. Ironically my current singer called when I was playing. He has to see a specialist next week and concerned that the three of us are looking for other gigs.

Catapult is kinda like that. We talk while we're setting up, but during the actual rehearsal there's very little talking between songs. After about an hour we take a break, talk some more, and then get back to it. I've grown so used to it that when I play with other groups, it annoys me when too much time is spent on goofing around.

Love Ted or hate Ted you gotta love his passion for American made instruments....or anything American for that matter. This is my favorite tune from Ted, suprised he is singing this as it used to be the bass player. I remember walking through the grocery store with my son when he was 4 years old and we were on an aisle with a few people shopping and the place was busy but relatively quiet when my son suddenly screams out loud "GOT A STRANGLEHOLD ON YOU BABY"! and then continues being quiet again.. Someone please tell me what effect Ted's bass player is using. Thanks

No, I don't gotta love his passion for American made instruments and faux patriotism. **** that guy.

I usually am in drop D standard, everything down one full step. It was confusing the first time i played along with it, but actually is pretty cool. I only had 4 days to learn 4 tunes, so was tricky

Drop D standard is a contradiction, isn't it? Drop tunings are ones where the bottom two strings are a fifth apart. Standard tunings are in 4ths.

 

[HouseUmbrella]

I play an Epiphone. I actually like recent ones better than recent Gibsons I've tried. It is heavily modded, though.


Catapult is kinda like that. We talk while we're setting up, but during the actual rehearsal there's very little talking between songs. After about an hour we take a break, talk some more, and then get back to it. I've grown so used to it that when I play with other groups, it annoys me when too much time is spent on goofing around.


No, I don't gotta love his passion for American made instruments and faux patriotism. **** that guy.


Drop D standard is a contradiction, isn't it? Drop tunings are ones where the bottom two strings are a fifth apart. Standard tunings are in 4ths.

What mods you got? I'm looking for mods but it's not as easy as a Fender

 

[Korladis]

What mods you got? I'm looking for mods but it's not as easy as a Fender

Thunderbuckers in my T-bird (wired in series, which you're apparently not supposed to be able to do, but my tech was able to), Babicz bridge, custom pickguard, TRC, and control cavity backplate. Oh, and I had the tone knob removed and replaced with a rotary pickup switch.

 

[theFixer]

You seen it in Thunderbird Club first, not sure why but like anything else it can be found here.View attachment 1160261

Kooky man... just plain ol' kooky...

 

[theFixer]

It's not disrespectful.
I first met Mike Lull back in 1976 in Bellevue, WA (Seattle) when I bought my first good bass, a N.O.S. '73 Ric 4001 from him, and over the years he's always been my "guy" to take the basses to when I wanted a great set up etc. He can take a questionable bass and make it a great player, truly a gifted luthier. Two of my 3 '76s were wrecks when I got them, his work made them beautiful, great playing basses.
I wandered into his shop one time with a 'Bird and we discussed him making them and we spoke regarding them quite a few times before he set out to make them. Mike's basses were built by completely deconstructing a 1963 'Bird, the pickups are reproductions of those very specifically, an 8K neck and 9K bridge - because that's what this specific, great sounding '63 had.
Mine was a small contribution to his project, but I knew I wanted one, the first two planned basses were for the Mike and the gentleman that had lent his '63 to the project, mine was the #3 built. It was the first single pick up one and I had it custom painted in metallic orange. When Mike got his Thunderbird into production Carlo was not in the business of making basses, further there were no reproduction pickups either. Mike went to Jason Lollar first, but interestingly Lollar at that point wasn't interested as he felt there wouldn't be a market for such a pickup. So Mike went to T.V. Jones initially to have the pickups hand made, Seymour Duncan also makes them now to keep up with production demand. The pickup covers are done by the same mfg. that Gibson used back in the '60s.
Interestingly, our club member BadBassDrummer now owns Mike's original prototype, and since I got my Lull my purchases of basses has really slowed, I haven't felt much need for more as the ones I have are taking up a lot of space in the house. The new White Epi will be my first in about 5 years if not more and to offset it's coming into the house I may let my Burny and Epi 7enderbird go up for sale, frankly I don't get to play them much and the new Epi should more than take their place.
Last, to be sure, Carlo makes beautiful, inspired instruments as you guys can all see from the great pics he posts here, I have great respect for him and his work, and I may yet be fortunate enough to own one of his basses someday.

WWWOOOOOOOWWWW!!! The sun nearly went down today, without me hearing some awe-inspiring s#!t in this forum. That would've been the first in a while. Thank you for taking the time to tell me your story! I genuinely appreciate how open the folks in this forum are with their lives. That is something unique to this forum, and I hope it never gets lost. You all should know... I am actively pursuing a T-bird... and I'm doing it because of all of you. The Mighty Thunderbird is the common thread that brought you all together. If the T-bird attracts people like you... then I need to get a ****** ******* T-bird. End of story.

 

[BadBassDrummer]

It's not disrespectful.
I first met Mike Lull back in 1976 in Bellevue, WA (Seattle) when I bought my first good bass, a N.O.S. '73 Ric 4001 from him, and over the years he's always been my "guy" to take the basses to when I wanted a great set up etc. He can take a questionable bass and make it a great player, truly a gifted luthier. Two of my 3 '76s were wrecks when I got them, his work made them beautiful, great playing basses.
I wandered into his shop one time with a 'Bird and we discussed him making them and we spoke regarding them quite a few times before he set out to make them. Mike's basses were built by completely deconstructing a 1963 'Bird, the pickups are reproductions of those very specifically, an 8K neck and 9K bridge - because that's what this specific, great sounding '63 had.
Mine was a small contribution to his project, but I knew I wanted one, the first two planned basses were for the Mike and the gentleman that had lent his '63 to the project, mine was the #3 built. It was the first single pick up one and I had it custom painted in metallic orange. When Mike got his Thunderbird into production Carlo was not in the business of making basses, further there were no reproduction pickups either. Mike went to Jason Lollar first, but interestingly Lollar at that point wasn't interested as he felt there wouldn't be a market for such a pickup. So Mike went to T.V. Jones initially to have the pickups hand made, Seymour Duncan also makes them now to keep up with production demand. The pickup covers are done by the same mfg. that Gibson used back in the '60s.
Interestingly, our club member BadBassDrummer now owns Mike's original prototype, and since I got my Lull my purchases of basses has really slowed, I haven't felt much need for more as the ones I have are taking up a lot of space in the house. The new White Epi will be my first in about 5 years if not more and to offset it's coming into the house I may let my Burny and Epi 7enderbird go up for sale, frankly I don't get to play them much and the new Epi should more than take their place.
Last, to be sure, Carlo makes beautiful, inspired instruments as you guys can all see from the great pics he posts here, I have great respect for him and his work, and I may yet be fortunate enough to own one of his basses someday.

I do have Mike's original Bird. I bought my first good bass from him in 2013. I don't remember how I first heard of him other than internet magic. I just wandered in because his shop was on the way to relatives. I now have 5 of his creations including said Bird and the NR Bird he built for me when I just had to have one. I try to stop in and say hello to Mike and his manager Paul whenever I am in the area. Both have been great even when I brought in my first POS Ibanez (Gio) SR200 on the first visit. Mike also worked his magic on the Ric 4001 that is in my pic. I ended up with his original bird after one of the visits when he made me a great deal on it. I just wish my playing was worthy of his fine work, but I am working on it slowly. I may have to get another Lull or a Cataldo if I improve much more just so I can keep my membership in the crappy bassist w/expensive gear club.

 

[theFixer]

I do have Mike's original Bird. I bought my first good bass from him in 2013. I don't remember how I first heard of him other than internet magic. I just wandered in because his shop was on the way to relatives. I now have 6 of his creations including said Bird and the NR Bird he built for me when I just had to have one. I try to stop in and say hello to Mike and his manager Paul whenever I am in the area. Both have been great even when I brought in my first POS Ibanez (Gio) SR200 on the first visit. Mike also worked his magic on the Ric 4001 that is in my pic. I ended up with his original bird after one of the visits when he made me a great deal on it. I just wish my playing was worthy of his fine work, but I am working on it slowly. I may have to get another Lull or a Cataldo if I improve much more just so I can keep my membership in the crappy bassist w/expensive gear club.

That's so cool man! Would you be willing to post a pic of the "firsty"?

 

[BadBassDrummer]

That's so cool man! Would you be willing to post a pic of the "firsty"?

Sure. The POS with current rig

and the my first good bass and first bird in the style of her Majesty @TBird1958.

 

[GBassNorth]

Absolutely not but some whacko apparently thought the guy was fantastic and gave him a career and Im not sure that says much about the IQ of his fanbase. Oh I hope there arent Tiny Tim fans in our club or Im gonna get backlash. Please tell me @TBird1958 that you are not a fan and that I can stay.

No problem, just substitute Neil Young in place of Tiny Tim. Either one is fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. Add insult to injury by watching Young sing in a video - looks like that demented Hobbit character Smeagle with clothes and a guitar.

Full disclosure: I actually do like a lot of his songs, just wish somebody else was singing them.

 

[theFixer]

Sure. The POS with current rig View attachment 1160326 View attachment 1160327 and the my first good bass and first bird in the style of her Majesty @TBird1958.

Absolutely stone cold <expletive deleted> <expletive deleted> <expletive deleted> BADASS!!!

Yeah... I'd say you upgraded "a little"

 

[Dadagoboi]

I have a pair of Lulls, one reverse and on non-reverse. They are both very nice, but not particularly affordable for most. I tried this Cataldo [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] last Friday. I would definitely consider a Cataldo with Thunderbucker pickups in it.

Thanks, that's a very early Cataldo that cost $795 new including case and shipping. It has Seymour Duncans SSDs and sounds NOTHING like a Cataldo with ThunderBuckers...

...as I informed the owner of the The Bass Shop when he listed it on Reverb. I can only guess he looked at my current prices and overpaid the seller. The original owner was in Buffalo, NY. It's a long way from home.

 

[HouseUmbrella]

Thunderbuckers in my T-bird (wired in series, which you're apparently not supposed to be able to do, but my tech was able to), Babicz bridge, custom pickguard, TRC, and control cavity backplate. Oh, and I had the tone knob removed and replaced with a rotary pickup switch.

I see. And where would one acquire a thunderbucker..?

 

[theFixer]

No problem, just substitute Neil Young in place of Tiny Tim. Either one is fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. Add insult to injury by watching Young sing in a video - looks like that demented Hobbit character Smeagle with clothes and a guitar.

Full disclosure: I actually do like a lot of his songs, just wish somebody else was singing them.

I'll admit... Neil Young is somewhat of an acquired taste... but so is a good single malt. IMHO... it is a taste worth acquiring. To me... Neil Young is the Canadian Johnny Cash. His words are real, and they come from his heart & soul. If the "purpose" of art, is to make you think and/or feel... Neil Young is, by definition, an artist. If you're a reader... the next time you feel like picking up a good book... try sitting down with a snifter of your favorite "relaxant" and a Neil Young record, and listen to it in that mindset. Every song is a story, and that story is being told through a whiney, shaky, off-kilter, falsetto voice that's as honest and real as the stories themselves. You won't hear bass "virtuosity"... but Billy Talbot knows exactly what, where, when, & how to play for the song (a lessen that escapes us all from time to time). I'm gonna recommend sitting down with the "Harvest" album to start your journey. You will be at least vaguely familiar with a few of the songs, it's comparatively "easy to listen to", and the songwriting is magnificent. You're a long way off from being able to sit through "Weld" in it's entirety... but I'll wager that, if you'll really let yourself hear those songs... you'll quickly learn an appreciation for that "clarinet in the hands of a child" voice of his, and recognize that no other voice could sing those songs. Lemme know when yer ready for me to recommend a second album...