Thunderbird Club

[Megaton Aaron]

So... new guy here. I've browsed these forums occasionally over the years but finally registered. After years of wanting a Thunderbird I finally got my first one. The 2018 bright cherry Gibson Thunderbird.



Sweetwater had a demo model listed as having some blemishes on the fretboard, and a couple dings by the jack for a couple hundred dollars off. But when I unpacked it, there were cracks on the neck going from the nut along the fretboard behind the first fret. I initially thought they may be just cracks in the finish, but then I noticed the first few frets on the G string are buzzing pretty bad. Think the fretboard is coming loose from the neck. The good news is they're giving me a replacement in February when the new shipment comes in, and I'm keeping this one to play until then.

Anyways, I love the bass. Great tone, great action (besides the issue I mentioned), and it feels great strapped on. No neck dive whatsoever (I've played the Heritage Mockingbird for the past 10 years and as much as I love it, that thing has truly awful neck dive). Also, that bright cherry finish looks amazing and is really eye catching.

 

[GBassNorth]

So... G... I hope you understand that I'm not being oppositional just for sport. Hell... I'm running for president of your fan club... but with all due respect...

"The upper strap pin should be at the neck heel not the upper bout." - Everything that I hated about standing while playing the Thunderbird, disappeared when I put the button on the upper bout. It was virtually unusable to me unless seated, until I got the button on the horn. Until then... my focus was spent on trying to keep the body from tilting away from me (and the strap in front of the rear upper bout, was a near comical and completely unusable option for me)

"The bird likes to be hung low (belt buckle or lower if possible) vs Jazz bass in your armpit high." - When I played guitar... I practically hung 'em down to my knees. I tried it with the 'bird & everything was just so uncomfortable and difficult... I just started raising the strap little bits at a time, until it felt more natural and comfortable to play. Now it hangs with the top edge of the bass, just beneath my xiphoid process (where the ribcage comes together just above the tummy). Higher than I'ver ever worn any instrument (not including the saxophone)

"Always use a nice bass strap, 3" leather with padding is preferred, anything Nylon or narrow will slip more." - After I got my 'bird, I spent 50 bux on the first leather strap I've ever owned (the most I've ever spent on a strap). I used it for probably less than 10 minutes. It dug into my neck, did not allow the bass to hang comfortably, and the method by which I could adjust the strap length, didn't allow it to hang in a comfortable spot. I immediately went back to my 3" nylon strap (BTW... I'll make somebody a helluva deal on a brand new Black Levy's if anyone's interested)

"If all else fails, position bass neck in a 1:00 position while playing." - I refer to this as the "Robert DeLeo Position". Tried it. It felt horribly unnatural/uncomfortable. Couldn't hang with it. I spent more effort trying to hold it in that position, as I did trying to "fight" the neck dive (which doesn't really bother me all that much anyway). The bass just really didn't wanna be there.
View attachment 2839255

The point of all this is... one, some, or all of these things should be tried if you're having difficulty getting used to a Thunderbird... but I disagree that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to wear it. Like most musical things... you can tune it to taste. Find what works best for YOU, and run with it. Of all the reviews & comments I've seen... PianoOfDoom is the first and only to complain about neck diving on the VP. That kinda tells me that maybe the same stuff that works for these other people, may not work so well in this case.

(I swear... this is NOT intended to to be confrontational, disrespectful, or douchbaggy in any way)

All good points, which underscores why we are all individuals and that one size doesn't fit all. I listed the things that work for me and have been recommended by many others in this club, your post brings up additional options that folks can try if they like. I've edited my post to reflect other options as well. Although I'm sure you agree on the last bullet - a bass face is essential!

 

[theFixer]

All good points, which underscores why we are all individuals and that one size doesn't fit all. I listed the things that work for me and have been recommended by many others in this club, your post brings up additional options that folks can try if they like. I've edited my post to reflect other options as well. Although I'm sure you agree on the last bullet - a bass face is essential!

Oh ABSOLUTELY!!! That's why I didn't address it in my response. I felt it was a given

 

[PianoOfDoom]

The tricks with TBirds balance incase you haven't already tried them...
The upper strap pin should be at the neck heel not the upper bout.
The bird likes to be hung low (belt buckle or lower if possible) vs Jazz bass in your armpit high.
Always use a nice bass strap, 3" leather with padding is preferred, anything Nylon or narrow will slip more.
If all else fails, position bass neck in a 1:00 position while playing.
Finally, be sure to wear your best bass face when playing.

Edit: YMMV

The VP has the pin at the neck heel, so no issue there. I'll try the rest.

 

[dukeorock]

So... new guy here. I've browsed these forums occasionally over the years but finally registered. After years of wanting a Thunderbird I finally got my first one. The 2018 bright cherry Gibson Thunderbird.

View attachment 2839277

Sweetwater had a demo model listed as having some blemishes on the fretboard, and a couple dings by the jack for a couple hundred dollars off. But when I unpacked it, there were cracks on the neck going from the nut along the fretboard behind the first fret. I initially thought they may be just cracks in the finish, but then I noticed the first few frets on the G string are buzzing pretty bad. Think the fretboard is coming loose from the neck. The good news is they're giving me a replacement in February when the new shipment comes in, and I'm keeping this one to play until then.

Anyways, I love the bass. Great tone, great action (besides the issue I mentioned), and it feels great strapped on. No neck dive whatsoever (I've played the Heritage Mockingbird for the past 10 years and as much as I love it, that thing has truly awful neck dive). Also, that bright cherry finish looks amazing and is really eye catching.

That’s a beautiful bass right there! Sorry it started with some issues, but happy that Sweetwater is going to make it right!

 

[dukeorock]

Got two more songs tracked on this record session. Both on the new ‘Bird. This bass is so massive sounding in a track, without stomping on the guitars or getting too bright. This thing will be going to sessions for awhile

 

[Klondike]

You guys(@PianoOfDoom & @GBassNorth ) have mentioned moving the strap button. Another way that seems to work for me is moving the button at the heal of the bass to a higher position. When I “stole” my Pro IV the previous owner had drilled a big hole about four inches anove the norman position, this adds weight below the button and seems to add some stability to the way she hangs.

All your points are excellent. One of the great thing about this club is each persons ability to allow for each others ways to get to the end game.

 

[Megaton Aaron]

That’s a beautiful bass right there! Sorry it started with some issues, but happy that Sweetwater is going to make it right!

It took a few days of emailing back and forth (I sent them pics of the cracks as soon as I saw them... about 5 minutes after opening it), but I honestly couldn't be happier with the customer service. They apologized, said it was obviously their mistake, and put a hold on a brand new one as a straight up exchange. As I told them, I absolutely love the bass... it's everything I've wanted. I just want one that doesn't have major issues.

 

[dukeorock]

It took a few days of emailing back and forth (I sent them pics of the cracks as soon as I saw them... about 5 minutes after opening it), but I honestly couldn't be happier with the customer service. They apologized, said it was obviously their mistake, and put a hold on a brand new one as a straight up exchange. As I told them, I absolutely love the bass... it's everything I've wanted. I just want one that doesn't have major issues.

Sweetwater has a great reputation for sure. Glad to see they’re on your side!

 

[Shannon]

But if it isn't heavy, muddy, awkward, uncomfortable, expensive, unbalanced, and risking a broken headstock opening the case, it can't be a Genuine Thunderbird(TM), can it?

 

[Asimov]

SO, I have the opportunity to buy a rare Tobacco Burst Bicentennial Thunderbird from the estate of a Gibson Bass collector who used to work at Gibson as a representative in the 1970s.

It's NOS in the box brand new. But the main thing is that the bass has no serial number. On the back of the headstock there's an extravagant looking stamp that says "Original Gibson Prototype."

Anyone ever seen or heard of a prototype Bicentennial 'Bird?

 

[BklynKen]

Sounds really cool! What’s “NOS”?

 

[Shannon]

SO, I have the opportunity to buy a rare Tobacco Burst Bicentennial Thunderbird from the estate of a Gibson Bass collector who used to work at Gibson as a representative in the 1970s.

It's NOS in the box brand new. But the main thing is that the bass has no serial number. On the back of the headstock there's an extravagant looking stamp that says "Original Gibson Prototype."

Anyone ever seen or heard of a prototype Bicentennial 'Bird?

 

[BklynKen]

SO, I have the opportunity to buy a rare Tobacco Burst Bicentennial Thunderbird from the estate of a Gibson Bass collector who used to work at Gibson as a representative in the 1970s.

It's NOS in the box brand new. But the main thing is that the bass has no serial number. On the back of the headstock there's an extravagant looking stamp that says "Original Gibson Prototype."

Anyone ever seen or heard of a prototype Bicentennial 'Bird?

Sounds really cool! What’s “NOS”?

 

[Asimov]

Sounds really cool! What’s “NOS”?

New Old Stock condition. Basically, it was left in the box and never used.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Sounds really cool! What’s “NOS”?

New Old Stock.
Basically like they found a Bicentennial Bird sitting on the shelf in the Gibson warehouse, it's old stock, but still new. Step above mint condition.

 

[bylar13]

It is a prefer

SO, I have the opportunity to buy a rare Tobacco Burst Bicentennial Thunderbird from the estate of a Gibson Bass collector who used to work at Gibson as a representative in the 1970s.

It's NOS in the box brand new. But the main thing is that the bass has no serial number. On the back of the headstock there's an extravagant looking stamp that says "Original Gibson Prototype."

Anyone ever seen or heard of a prototype Bicentennial 'Bird?

I have not. I have only ever seen SEC (for factory second) stamped in the headstock in addition to the standard things. Certainly does not mean that Gibson might not have done that way back when. If you are paying a premium for it I would try to gather as much documentation to prove the story as possible. Either way can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[veebass]

Aussie Mothers & Grandmothers of Anglo-Celtic heritage used to run with “sure, it’s all fun n games until someone loses an eye”.

The last time I pulled that out my audience included - unknown to me - someone with a glass eye. Bit awkward that.

My Mum still says that.

 

[veebass]

I owned one of these.............................

(I wish I'd said this first, but I'm quoting somebody on LBO, not for the first time here.)

"It dives like a Stuka over Poland"

No Thunderbird could ever equal this.

View attachment 2839155

And yet my Ibanez V is quite stable.
I gave the old girl a run recently for the first time in decades. A 60s charity gig for disabled people. We do them every 6 months or so. Always great nights.

 

[Klondike]

New Old Stock condition. Basically, it was left in the box and never used.

Most definatly get as much i fo as you can. Pictures are gold. Might be smart to also not play it (much).