Thunderbird Club

[Richard I]

It doesn't make sense unless that instrument couldn't be sold there in the first place. I mean, aren't Gibson TBirds sold in Europe? If Gibson could send them to dealers, why wouldn't a purchaser be able to get one delivered from a private seller?

Before talking 'bout CITES, the real problem are the import fees: between 26-30% of the declared value of instrument price + shipping cost. With a case that big and heavy, it's easy to imagine a 200USD shipping.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

It doesn't make sense unless that instrument couldn't be sold there in the first place. I mean, aren't Gibson TBirds sold in Europe? If Gibson could send them to dealers, why wouldn't a purchaser be able to get one delivered from a private seller?

It's not about the instrument itself, it's the rosewood that is being shipped across borders. Rosewood is rosewood, new or old it's still rosewood. New CITES Regulation Impacts International Import/Export of Rosewood Instruments - inSync

 

[Larry V]

Before talking 'bout CITES, the real problem are the import fees: between 26-30% of the declared value of instrument price + shipping cost. With a case that big and heavy, it's easy to imagine a 200USD shipping.

Understood. Perhaps, purchasing from a local store is your best option.

 

[Richard I]

Understood. Perhaps, purchasing from a local store is your best option.

In fact, the Tbird listed above is in stock here, not so far from where I live

I don't have much doubts about how it plays (I can pick it up by myself), but I can't go there and oil the fretboard

 

[Skerrvydog]

Won’t Get Fooled Again – Bass Gear List

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To record “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, John Entwistle used the following gear:

• 1965–69 Gibson Thunderbird IV bass (“Non-Reverse”-style)
• One Sunn Coliseum Lead Head
• One Sunn Coliseum Bass Head
• Two Sunn 412L 4×12 cabinets or one Sunn with one Hiwatt SE4123 4×12 cabinet
• Two Sunn 1×18 cabinets

Dis is good stuff.

 

[bass40hz]

My local T-shirt printer would make this exact T-shirt (w/o the Gibson shoulder screen) for about $18. If I wanted one.

Sounds like a part ti me business venture for you ;-)

 

[bass40hz]

Consider this; Record sales are going down and are no longer the main income for artists - So money have to be made elsewhere like on shows and merchandise...

I hear ya, I'm good with that they gotta make a living somehow...but...no need to rape your fans a la Jimmy Buffett and Gene Simmons and the likes...you dont need to charge me for the air I breathe when I am in the concert hall watching you play, ya get me? ;-)
But then again, as long as people keep forking over the dough, they will keep taking it from them...its just business.

 

[hillerup]

It is not either/or. I want to see the big name touring acts (Alice Cooper was on the bucket list for a number of reasons) but I also go to local shows. Time is the constrained parameter.

When are the Nasty Habits going on tour? I would go see that.

Me too!

 

[hillerup]

Newer minty TBirds can be had all day long on eBay for about $900-$1000 w/OHSC. I'm not sure how shipping to Italia would work out but it might be worth looking at.

However, there's this CITES thing which might be a problem to consider...

 

[hillerup]

It doesn't make sense unless that instrument couldn't be sold there in the first place. I mean, aren't Gibson TBirds sold in Europe? If Gibson could send them to dealers, why wouldn't a purchaser be able to get one delivered from a private seller?

Seriosly good question, which I am interested in hearing more about...

 

[hillerup]

In fact, the Tbird listed above is in stock here, not so far from where I live

I don't have much doubts about how it plays (I can pick it up by myself), but I can't go there and oil the fretboard

I wouldn't worry... My 50th Anniversary came with a pretty nice and light coloured rosewood fretboard, which I'm pretty sure will darken nicely, once I get around to oil it.

 

[hillerup]

I hear ya, I'm good with that they gotta make a living somehow...but...no need to rape your fans a la Jimmy Buffett and Gene Simmons and the likes...you dont need to charge me for the air I breathe when I am in the concert hall watching you play, ya get me? ;-)
But then again, as long as people keep forking over the dough, they will keep taking it from them...its just business.

I don't know... Considering the magnitude of work and labor involved in setting up the huge stadion/arena shows like Kiss and Metallica put up (lighting, sound/PA, transportation (trucks, nightliners, planes, hotels) and crew) - It's no wonder prices are high...

 

[JIO]

I have to do whole albums. I can't not listen to whole albums. I watch concert videos & listen to albums, instead of watching TV (for the most part). I have to wait for a break between songs if I need to pause it for any reason. To me, it just feels like I'm being rude... like I'm walking out in the middle of a conversation or something. That's why I only listen to music in the car, when I'm going on a long trip. I hate the abrupt descent when yer groovin' on a tune & the ignition shuts off! It's like a bird flying into a picture window! I don't like speaking over the top of music that's playing, anymore than I like someone talking during a movie. If I'm truly OCD about anything... it's listening to music. I have specific "rules" that I've involuntarily applied to it, and it really rubs my fur the wrong way when those rules get broken. Sorta like a weird anxious feeling comes over me. I generally can't have it on in the background... cuz then my brain just works harder to try & hear the music, so it winds up being more of a distraction than if it was turned up... but still, my mind drifts to the music, instead of whatever else I'm supposed to be focussing on, so I have to shut it off. To me...music is the event. Why would you put it on, if yer not gonna pay attention to it? People who spend their lives with their iPods on shuffle... well... anybody ever watch "Dexter"?

I'm in a band where our set-list is like that - the audience is never quite sure what to make of us but they seem to enjoy it...

 

[bass40hz]

I don't know... Considering the magnitude of work and labor involved in setting up the huge stadion/arena shows like Kiss and Metallica put up (lighting, sound/PA, transportation (trucks, nightliners, planes, hotels) and crew) - It's no wonder prices are high...

Metallica, now that another level of douchebaggery...I remember in the early 80s when there demos were out, on cassette and they were pushing people to share them with friends...for FREE, giving them out...Metal up your ass, Kill 'em all, then...Lars got his douche hat on and went on a warpath...Napster...I was one of the people who downloaded a couple of their tunes and I was also one of the people that got a letter from their lawyer...apparently now that they made it big, sharing was no longer acceptable...now look, before the criticism rolls in, I get it, its a business, they do it to make money...but dont plead with your fans to share stuff with their friends, and then threaten to sue them 2 years later for it...without your fans you can go flip burgers, I haven't spent dime one on Metallica stuff since Ride The Lightning...I do play it in my band, but thats it. Nor has Gene Simmons got any of my money in 25 years...I know I am in the minority but it is what it is...I am too old to change now ;-)
Rock on!

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Metallica, now that another level of douchebaggery...I remember in the early 80s when there demos were out, on cassette and they were pushing people to share them with friends...for FREE, giving them out...Metal up your ass, Kill 'em all, then...Lars got his douche hat on and went on a warpath...Napster...I was one of the people who downloaded a couple of their tunes and I was also one of the people that got a letter from their lawyer...apparently now that they made it big, sharing was no longer acceptable...now look, before the criticism rolls in, I get it, its a business, they do it to make money...but dont plead with your fans to share stuff with their friends, and then threaten to sue them 2 years later for it...without your fans you can go flip burgers, I haven't spent dime one on Metallica stuff since Ride The Lightning...I do play it in my band, but thats it. Nor has Gene Simmons got any of my money in 25 years...I know I am in the minority but it is what it is...I am too old to change now ;-)
Rock on!

Gene Simmons is one of the few people that I truly hate, not because he tries to make money from nothing, i.e. trademarking stuff that he has no business trademarking (which doesn't help). But the biggest reason was when he made public comments about people that commit suicide are cowards, he said that not too long after my cousin committed suicide so it really struck a nerve. Whether you believe that or not doesn't matter, that's the kind of thing you keep to yourself, not publicly state it. Sad thing is I really liked Kiss when I was a kid, a good amount of the first songs I learned on bass were Kiss songs.

 

[Larry V]

Sorry about the loss of your cousin.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Sorry about the loss of your cousin.

Thanks Larry
It was a few years ago. By no means am I looking for condolences, it was just prevalent to the story.

 

[Gaolee]

Indeed.............Light show Rick notwithstanding...........
You really do have to wonder what the Gen Pop would do if he had really played those out over the years.

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That wall back there is giving me pains. Only four of 'em visible, but they are undoubtedly four specatcular Thunderbirds.

 

[Count Bassie]

Unfortunately he’s not.

And Another Thing... (novel) - Wikipedia

I knew he's gone, just taking a run at some levity.
People leaving is tough business.

 

[bass40hz]

Gene Simmons is one of the few people that I truly hate, not because he tries to make money from nothing, i.e. trademarking stuff that he has no business trademarking (which doesn't help). But the biggest reason was when he made public comments about people that commit suicide are cowards, he said that not too long after my cousin committed suicide so it really struck a nerve. Whether you believe that or not doesn't matter, that's the kind of thing you keep to yourself, not publicly state it. Sad thing is I really liked Kiss when I was a kid, a good amount of the first songs I learned on bass were Kiss songs.

I hear ya, he is an ass on so many levels, we play Kiss tunes as well, but I dont acknowledge anyone but Ace ;-)