Thunderbird Club

[ThunderFox]

I hope it's ok to post this here. Don't want to be a bringer of shade, but it's been immediate to us here and has changed the shape of life a good deal. Figured it's worth a share.

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground. She left us in the wee hours yesterday, and I buried her little carriage that morning, wrapped in my favorite summer work shirt, in the backyard under the shade of the lilac.

I used to tell her she was "the only kitty" (there was/is another... you get it). This pic is a few years old, but a favorite. I may have posted it once.

View attachment 2658079

Looking forward to seeing her again.

Sorry to hear about this, hope you feel better soon.

 

[Nevada Bob]

This is where my confusion lies. The new Vintage T-Bird is going to replace the Classic Pro T-Bird. The Vintage has Epiphone made pickups while the Classic has Gibson USA pickups. So why is the new bass, with Epiphone stock pickups gonna cost £499, and the old classic with American USA Gibson pickups in it was £350...

Here in the US, there's only a $50 difference, but I think this might help explain...

The 3-point bridge and pickups of the Classic Pro have been produced in larger numbers and for a longer period of time - effectively lowering the cost. Development and capital production cost has long-since been amortized and volume discounts applied. The bass can be sold for less.

Brand new bridge and pickups for the Vintage and Embassy mean higher cost, regardless of where they're built, at least at first - new tooling, casting, process, production line, QA... Somebody's gotta invest in it, and it's expensive.

I think this is where the cost discrepancy lies.

 

[Nevada Bob]

Fairly confident the Epi CV pickups will be acceptable to at least 99% of the purchasers. Steve at ThunderBucker Ranch has just stocked up on magnets for the other <1%.

I also told him there might be some interest in his pickup and bridge covers for those wanting to complete the vintage look...if they ever get here.

View attachment 2655389

You are correct, Sir!

I count myself among the <1%.

If they ever get here...

 

[ThunderFox]

Here in the US, there's only a $50 difference, but I think this might help explain...

The 3-point bridge and pickups of the Classic Pro have been produced in larger numbers and for a longer period of time - effectively lowering the cost. Development and capital production cost has long-since been amortized and volume discounts applied. The bass can be sold for less.

Brand new bridge and pickups for the Vintage and Embassy mean higher cost, regardless of where they're built, at least at first - new tooling, casting, process, production line, QA... Somebody's gotta invest in it, and it's expensive.

I think this is where the cost discrepancy lies.

I agree that the cost will increase because of new parts, but the Embassy and Thunderbird share them now. But in the U.K., the price is £170 difference... at least the thunderbird is a design they've done consistently, the Embassy for this line will be a new concept for the factory (since they haven't made one for years). I would have thought that the price would have increased on the Embassy, their seems to be a unfair balance here. But the price of the Embassy does look good, I might get one.

 

[Nevada Bob]

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground.

Looking forward to seeing her again.

Sending good vibes your way for what I know is a cruddy time and what I expect will be a joyous reunion.

 

[JIO]

Was the band all running through a PA, or is it a smaller venue?

small venue - PA was barely keeping up with the din

 

[theFixer]

You mean like this?

View attachment 2655993


I would rather have bought that one I think than the one I bought! Didn't work out though by a matter of hours.
I like the idea though of independent tone controls for each pickup, and a 3-way toggle.
Anyone here modded their bird that way?

In a perfect world (IMHO), the controls would be laid out like you see them on a Les Paul, and would control master volume, blend, neck tone, & bridge tone. We are well represented by a number of "dime everything & rip the knobs off" kind o' folks as well though

 

[theFixer]

I want a set of these in brass. Might have to make them I guess.

Bassie Bassie Bassie... always on the prowl for a nice piece o' brass...

 

[theFixer]

All this talk about tea-bagging makes me want to go and.... Ooops, wrong forum...

... I CAN'T BREATHE!!!

 

[JIO]

All this talk about tea-bagging makes me want to go and.... Ooops, wrong forum...

... join a fringe political party? (sorry, I couldn't resist)

 

[theFixer]

I agree with most of your points, my point about the pickup was that usually if things are made in Asia, they are usually cheaper, regardless of quality. And both basses are through neck. So the build when it comes to the neck and body would be the same. It seems to be just asthetics like the bridge, tuners and volume knobs that are different. That was where my confusion lies.

My bad... in my "haze" last night, I read your post as comparing the Embassy to the 'bird. Usually, by that time of the night, my fully functioning brain cells are all huddled together praying for a miracle as the merciless onslaught of my earthly activities seeks to kill off all remaining survivors.

 

[TBird1958]

Roger, just sending my condolences your way.

I'm touched that we can all share a bit here, happy or sad, you all make it a nice place.

 

[theFixer]

I hope it's ok to post this here. Don't want to be a bringer of shade, but it's been immediate to us here and has changed the shape of life a good deal. Figured it's worth a share.

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground. She left us in the wee hours yesterday, and I buried her little carriage that morning, wrapped in my favorite summer work shirt, in the backyard under the shade of the lilac.

I used to tell her she was "the only kitty" (there was/is another... you get it). This pic is a few years old, but a favorite. I may have posted it once.

View attachment 2658079

Looking forward to seeing her again.

I am truly sorry for your loss, brother.

 

[theFixer]

small venue - PA was barely keeping up with the din

Well... if there was no sound guy to blame... the mush falls squarely on the shoulders of the musicians. You'd surely think that Mesa rig would be capable of cuttin' through, but it's only as smart as its operator. If the 2 guitarists were running high gain, that can mush the mix as well.

 

[JIO]

I hope it's ok to post this here. Don't want to be a bringer of shade, but it's been immediate to us here and has changed the shape of life a good deal. Figured it's worth a share.

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground. She left us in the wee hours yesterday, and I buried her little carriage that morning, wrapped in my favorite summer work shirt, in the backyard under the shade of the lilac.

I used to tell her she was "the only kitty" (there was/is another... you get it). This pic is a few years old, but a favorite. I may have posted it once.

View attachment 2658079

Looking forward to seeing her again.

I haven't had a cat for years now, but I feel your sadness. Our pets become our closest pals and it's bitter sweet because their time on earth is short compared to ours. My friend has an old, old (f) border collie who although not in pain is very near its end. Every time I see her I give her as much attention and love as I can. Just petting/playing with our pets helps make them know they are loved. peace

 

[JIO]

Well... if there was no sound guy to blame... the mush falls squarely on the shoulders of the musicians. You'd surely think that Mesa rig would be capable of cuttin' through, but it's only as smart as its operator. If the 2 guitarists were running high gain, that can mush the mix as well.

Yes, I know when I play there, even if it tends to mush - I goose the treble so I can distinguish one note from the next. (and I don't play that loud either) Bands have sounded really good there, so it's possible to dial a decent mix.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

I hope it's ok to post this here. Don't want to be a bringer of shade, but it's been immediate to us here and has changed the shape of life a good deal. Figured it's worth a share.

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground. She left us in the wee hours yesterday, and I buried her little carriage that morning, wrapped in my favorite summer work shirt, in the backyard under the shade of the lilac.

I used to tell her she was "the only kitty" (there was/is another... you get it). This pic is a few years old, but a favorite. I may have posted it once.

View attachment 2658079

Looking forward to seeing her again.

Very sorry for your loss. Losing a furry family member is never easy.

 

[Count Bassie]

Again, thank you all for the forward good thoughts and wishes, and the fact I can come here and lay it down this way. Peace on you all...

 

[BklynKen]

I hope it's ok to post this here. Don't want to be a bringer of shade, but it's been immediate to us here and has changed the shape of life a good deal. Figured it's worth a share.

My little Sadie doesn't bring birds or voles home anymore, she's gone to chase them at the Happy Hunting Ground. She left us in the wee hours yesterday, and I buried her little carriage that morning, wrapped in my favorite summer work shirt, in the backyard under the shade of the lilac.

I used to tell her she was "the only kitty" (there was/is another... you get it). This pic is a few years old, but a favorite. I may have posted it once.

View attachment 2658079

Looking forward to seeing her again.

Man, I am so sorry to hear about this. Losing these guys is the worst.

 

[BklynKen]

I may be in that boat soon too. Slung up a new pair of my old standby DR Hi Beams last night and my conclusion was - they just sound like HiBeams, and i don't know I like it. Think I gotta try something else.

If you haven’t tried the Rotosound RS66, they’re definitely worth a try. I have the Lo-Riders and Ken Smiths in order. Very much looking forward to trying them, too. I really like DR as a company, so it would be nice if I end up loving those.