Thunderbird Club

[theFixer]

So... Did your friend who want's to buy your Les Paul give you that MM Stingray???

What an amazing gift from an equally amazing friend!

Sounds like you friend is in for an equally nice gift...

The friend that gave me the Les Paul, also gave me the StingRay, and demands I keep both (he's a real hardass like that) The downside is, the friend I was gonna sell the Les Paul to, is kinda left out in the cold on this one... but even HE is glad for me! It truly is an amazing gift... and he truly is an amazing friend and person (though I find myself questioning his taste in friends). I don't know how I could ever reciprocate everything that guy's done for me. He's rescued me from life's quicksand a few times now. He's like a super hero in blue jeans & a T-shirt!

 

[BklynKen]

Sold an extremely rare 7" single friday to a guy in the UK for £ 1.000 (€ 1.084 / $ 1.300), so I see 2 VP's somewhere in the horizon...

Sweet! Which 7"? I have some cool stuff, but I don't think anything near that much.

 

[godofthunder59]

Aaaaand.... Ebony VP ordered.

You won't be disappointed.

 

[PianoOfDoom]

You won't be disappointed.

I'm just afraid I might wish I got the sunburst. Maybe I'll need both!

 

[godofthunder59]

I'm just afraid I might wish I got the sunburst. Maybe I'll need both!

Ah decisions, decisions . For me the white was a no brainer, Overend Watts, Martin Tuner.

 

[theFixer]

I'm just afraid I might wish I got the sunburst. Maybe I'll need both!

Let me show you what's wrong with your previous statement...

"Maybe I'll need both!"

THERE! All fixed

 

[godofthunder59]

A few pages back I was declaring my love of the return of the big headstock. Someone asked why. First it looks fng great, the small headstock looks like a shrunken head to me. Second and more importantly it adds mass and I think this in part adds to 60's Thunderbirds sustain and lack of dead notes. No real scientific evidence but as a player and builder it makes sense to me.

 

[theFixer]

A few pages back I was declaring my love of the return of the big headstock. Someone asked why. First it looks fng great, the small headstock looks like a shrunken head to me. Second and more importantly it adds mass and I think this in part adds to 60's Thunderbirds sustain and lack of dead notes. No real scientific evidence but as a player and builder it makes sense to me.

Seeing YOU all amped up about the VP is encouraging! 2 questions for ya. First... have you had the chance to crank it up past "bedroom" volume yet? Second... when it's convenient, would you be willing to pass along the width & thickness at the nut on your new 'boid?

 

[wolfkeller]

Ok, gibson is home (big Red).
My review;
Overall quality=A
Finish=A
Set up=A+
Hardware=A
Sound=A+
Extras=A+

The case is really nice, tan with yellow piping, red interior. There were some really great extras such as a multi tool with the usual stuff plus it has a truss rod wrench on it. It actually came with a cool Gibson strap. There is a picture of it sitting on a work bench, pretty sure it's at the Gibson factory. That stuff is very cool in my book since my '13 had non of that.

I have 2 gripes, the pots we're wired backwards and the knobs we're upside down. If I didn't already need to do wiring (install a kill switch) I might be angry but it's the usual Gibson thing. Second, a few of the black pickguard screws were showing chrome through the black paint. Sharpy took care of that. Otherwise, no real problem.

The finish is awesome with 1 tiny spot were the red is a little thin but nearly unoticable. Pickups, tuners and nut are great as always. Sound is standard Thunderbird.

Zero neck dive, good weight. Aside from the bridge, it's identical to my '13.

Now for the bridge. I swapped the strings already for mine, easy job. I didn't have to touch the neck, only lower a couple strings. The saddles have 2 Allen screws on the back, one is a lock and the other adjusts. The strings sit on a slotted can so it's really easy to do this adjustment, easiest I've done. No need to do intonation.
The bridge is a massive block. It looks cool but to me it just doesn't look right. I hear no difference sound/sustain wise.

I will say the action/playability was perfect. Zero buzz, low but not supper low and actually in tune. If I played in standard tuning I wouldn't have done anything to it. There was a strange film on the fretboard, almost chalky. I cleaned it up, no prob.

So, imo whatever crap is going on, it's not affecting their bass building for this run. Very happy.

I changed strings/tuning, fixed pot wiring, added a kill switch, added strap locks, wrapped the pg and used a "Larry" decal. It's good to go. I will be changing the knobs to something red/black.

 

[wolfkeller]

Also, I have to get a black rubber cover for the switch from ACE.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Ok, gibson is home (big Red).
My review;
Overall quality=A
Finish=A
Set up=A+
Hardware=A
Sound=A+
Extras=A+

The case is really nice, tan with yellow piping, red interior. There were some really great extras such as a multi tool with the usual stuff plus it has a truss rod wrench on it. It actually came with a cool Gibson strap. There is a picture of it sitting on a work bench, pretty sure it's at the Gibson factory. That stuff is very cool in my book since my '13 had non of that.

I have 2 gripes, the pots we're wired backwards and the knobs we're upside down. If I didn't already need to do wiring (install a kill switch) I might be angry but it's the usual Gibson thing. Second, a few of the black pickguard screws were showing chrome through the black paint. Sharpy took care of that. Otherwise, no real problem.

The finish is awesome with 1 tiny spot were the red is a little thin but nearly unoticable. Pickups, tuners and nut are great as always. Sound is standard Thunderbird.

Zero neck dive, good weight. Aside from the bridge, it's identical to my '13.

Now for the bridge. I swapped the strings already for mine, easy job. I didn't have to touch the neck, only lower a couple strings. The saddles have 2 Allen screws on the back, one is a lock and the other adjusts. The strings sit on a slotted can so it's really easy to do this adjustment, easiest I've done. No need to do intonation.
The bridge is a massive block. It looks cool but to me it just doesn't look right. I hear no difference sound/sustain wise.

I will say the action/playability was perfect. Zero buzz, low but not supper low and actually in tune. If I played in standard tuning I wouldn't have done anything to it. There was a strange film on the fretboard, almost chalky. I cleaned it up, no prob.

So, imo whatever crap is going on, it's not affecting their bass building for this run. Very happy.

I changed strings/tuning, fixed pot wiring, added a kill switch, added strap locks, wrapped the pg and used a "Larry" decal. It's good to go. I will be changing the knobs to something red/black. View attachment 2835252

SWEET!!!!!!
The pg looks killer!
Got a picture of the case?

 

[dieselman]

Well Here It IS! Iv'e only had a few minutes to play it but HOLY COW. I will get a couple more pic's later. The tone is wonderful. Very Deep and the growl is something I don't hear on my other bass. Going to be interesting to see what it sounds with the Strings I bought for it. DR High Beams. they had a BOGO free sale. It was worth the Wait for sure. And it weighs under 8 LBS. Good for my Back. Finally, I would love to join the Club. I think I can handle the Initiation.

 

[dukeorock]

Ok, gibson is home (big Red).
My review;
Overall quality=A
Finish=A
Set up=A+
Hardware=A
Sound=A+
Extras=A+

The case is really nice, tan with yellow piping, red interior. There were some really great extras such as a multi tool with the usual stuff plus it has a truss rod wrench on it. It actually came with a cool Gibson strap. There is a picture of it sitting on a work bench, pretty sure it's at the Gibson factory. That stuff is very cool in my book since my '13 had non of that.

I have 2 gripes, the pots we're wired backwards and the knobs we're upside down. If I didn't already need to do wiring (install a kill switch) I might be angry but it's the usual Gibson thing. Second, a few of the black pickguard screws were showing chrome through the black paint. Sharpy took care of that. Otherwise, no real problem.

The finish is awesome with 1 tiny spot were the red is a little thin but nearly unoticable. Pickups, tuners and nut are great as always. Sound is standard Thunderbird.

Zero neck dive, good weight. Aside from the bridge, it's identical to my '13.

Now for the bridge. I swapped the strings already for mine, easy job. I didn't have to touch the neck, only lower a couple strings. The saddles have 2 Allen screws on the back, one is a lock and the other adjusts. The strings sit on a slotted can so it's really easy to do this adjustment, easiest I've done. No need to do intonation.
The bridge is a massive block. It looks cool but to me it just doesn't look right. I hear no difference sound/sustain wise.

I will say the action/playability was perfect. Zero buzz, low but not supper low and actually in tune. If I played in standard tuning I wouldn't have done anything to it. There was a strange film on the fretboard, almost chalky. I cleaned it up, no prob.

So, imo whatever crap is going on, it's not affecting their bass building for this run. Very happy.

I changed strings/tuning, fixed pot wiring, added a kill switch, added strap locks, wrapped the pg and used a "Larry" decal. It's good to go. I will be changing the knobs to something red/black. View attachment 2835252

Great news and congrats!

 

[BklynKen]

Ok, gibson is home (big Red).
My review;
Overall quality=A
Finish=A
Set up=A+
Hardware=A
Sound=A+
Extras=A+

The case is really nice, tan with yellow piping, red interior. There were some really great extras such as a multi tool with the usual stuff plus it has a truss rod wrench on it. It actually came with a cool Gibson strap. There is a picture of it sitting on a work bench, pretty sure it's at the Gibson factory. That stuff is very cool in my book since my '13 had non of that.

I have 2 gripes, the pots we're wired backwards and the knobs we're upside down. If I didn't already need to do wiring (install a kill switch) I might be angry but it's the usual Gibson thing. Second, a few of the black pickguard screws were showing chrome through the black paint. Sharpy took care of that. Otherwise, no real problem.

The finish is awesome with 1 tiny spot were the red is a little thin but nearly unoticable. Pickups, tuners and nut are great as always. Sound is standard Thunderbird.

Zero neck dive, good weight. Aside from the bridge, it's identical to my '13.

Now for the bridge. I swapped the strings already for mine, easy job. I didn't have to touch the neck, only lower a couple strings. The saddles have 2 Allen screws on the back, one is a lock and the other adjusts. The strings sit on a slotted can so it's really easy to do this adjustment, easiest I've done. No need to do intonation.
The bridge is a massive block. It looks cool but to me it just doesn't look right. I hear no difference sound/sustain wise.

I will say the action/playability was perfect. Zero buzz, low but not supper low and actually in tune. If I played in standard tuning I wouldn't have done anything to it. There was a strange film on the fretboard, almost chalky. I cleaned it up, no prob.

So, imo whatever crap is going on, it's not affecting their bass building for this run. Very happy.

I changed strings/tuning, fixed pot wiring, added a kill switch, added strap locks, wrapped the pg and used a "Larry" decal. It's good to go. I will be changing the knobs to something red/black. View attachment 2835252

Congratulations! Love the extras. I really wish my 2013 had those.

 

[Gaolee]

I'm just afraid I might wish I got the sunburst. Maybe I'll need both!

n+1

 

[theFixer]

Well Here It IS!View attachment 2835234 View attachment 2835235 Iv'e only had a few minutes to play it but HOLY COW. I will get a couple more pic's later. The tone is wonderful. Very Deep and the growl is something I don't hear on my other bass. Going to be interesting to see what it sounds with the Strings I bought for it. DR High Beams. they had a BOGO free sale. It was worth the Wait for sure. And it weighs under 8 LBS. Good for my Back. Finally, I would love to join the Club. I think I can handle the Initiation.

NOICE!!! Congratulations!!!

 

[PianoOfDoom]

n+1

t+1?

 

[godofthunder59]

Well Here It IS!View attachment 2835234 View attachment 2835235 Iv'e only had a few minutes to play it but HOLY COW. I will get a couple more pic's later. The tone is wonderful. Very Deep and the growl is something I don't hear on my other bass. Going to be interesting to see what it sounds with the Strings I bought for it. DR High Beams. they had a BOGO free sale. It was worth the Wait for sure. And it weighs under 8 LBS. Good for my Back. Finally, I would love to join the Club. I think I can handle the Initiation.

That growl is the mild inherent distortion I am always going on about!

 

[Gaolee]

Ok, gibson is home (big Red).
My review;
Overall quality=A
Finish=A
Set up=A+
Hardware=A
Sound=A+
Extras=A+

The case is really nice, tan with yellow piping, red interior. There were some really great extras such as a multi tool with the usual stuff plus it has a truss rod wrench on it. It actually came with a cool Gibson strap. There is a picture of it sitting on a work bench, pretty sure it's at the Gibson factory. That stuff is very cool in my book since my '13 had non of that.

I have 2 gripes, the pots we're wired backwards and the knobs we're upside down. If I didn't already need to do wiring (install a kill switch) I might be angry but it's the usual Gibson thing. Second, a few of the black pickguard screws were showing chrome through the black paint. Sharpy took care of that. Otherwise, no real problem.

The finish is awesome with 1 tiny spot were the red is a little thin but nearly unoticable. Pickups, tuners and nut are great as always. Sound is standard Thunderbird.

Zero neck dive, good weight. Aside from the bridge, it's identical to my '13.

Now for the bridge. I swapped the strings already for mine, easy job. I didn't have to touch the neck, only lower a couple strings. The saddles have 2 Allen screws on the back, one is a lock and the other adjusts. The strings sit on a slotted can so it's really easy to do this adjustment, easiest I've done. No need to do intonation.
The bridge is a massive block. It looks cool but to me it just doesn't look right. I hear no difference sound/sustain wise.

I will say the action/playability was perfect. Zero buzz, low but not supper low and actually in tune. If I played in standard tuning I wouldn't have done anything to it. There was a strange film on the fretboard, almost chalky. I cleaned it up, no prob.

So, imo whatever crap is going on, it's not affecting their bass building for this run. Very happy.

I changed strings/tuning, fixed pot wiring, added a kill switch, added strap locks, wrapped the pg and used a "Larry" decal. It's good to go. I will be changing the knobs to something red/black. View attachment 2835252

It looks amazing.

 

[RedVee]

TBH... it's not as substantial as I was hoping... but there's a trade-off. This has the best action of any bass I have personally lain hands on! It plays so effortlessly... I'm at a loss for words! The rolled fretboard edges are a welcome luxury, and the frets are pristine. This is a seriously high quality piece! I've barely been able to spend any time with it yet... but if I can't have a Thunderbird right now... THIS seems like a good place to "post up" until I can get Carlo to build me one

Good luck to you mate. Sounds like a couple of keepers - not to mention the LP guitar.

A few pages back I was declaring my love of the return of the big headstock. Someone asked why. First it looks fng great, the small headstock looks like a shrunken head to me. Second and more importantly it adds mass and I think this in part adds to 60's Thunderbirds sustain and lack of dead notes. No real scientific evidence but as a player and builder it makes sense to me.

Yeah it was me. Thanks for the reasoning.