Thunderbird Club

[dukeorock]

Do people come up to you after shows to talk about your Thunderbird? I’m in Austin, TX and I was just curious if it was the same across the country.

I get it all- musicians who talk about the sound and look, women comment on the guitar’s style and they’ve never seen one before, and probably most common is musicians that have, once had, or want one and ask questions.

What kind of comments do you get? Honestly, in the 15 months or so that I’ve had mine, I really think that I’ve had comments after every show. Didn’t get that once with the old retired Ibanez.

I’m in Nashville and a lot of my gigs are in the Americana/rockabilly/country genres, though I have some fun rock gigs too. I’ve gotten a ton of comments since switching to Thunderbirds and they’ve all been positive ones. One younger player went out and got one after seeing/hearing mine. Oddly, they work really well on a country gig!

Did you ever have 70+ year olds notice when you've put new strings on and have them comment on how great your tone is?

Asking for a friend.

Haha! That’s just mean spirited, Larry

 

[Larry V]

Haha! That’s just mean spirited, Larry

Darn... I was going for funny/snarky.

 

[dukeorock]

Darn... I was going for funny/snarky.

It was! Just goofin

 

[Dadagoboi]

Apologies if this has already been covered but I have a query regarding the pickup placement on the new Epiphones. They look to be in different positions to the originals. Does this have any effect on the tone?

I've got one on order but I'm a little bit concerned.

Yes, placement makes a difference but unless you own an original to A-B it shouldn't be a problem. They're close enough IMO.

Did you ever have 70+ year olds notice when you've put new strings on and have them comment on how great your tone is?

Asking for a friend.

As opposed to a 20 year old metalhead who's never heard a pure tone in his life?

 

[BklynKen]

All good! Looking forward to the 66 with maybe NEW Bass Burners.


Available from many vendors online, I usually get them from String This , $22 when NOT on sale. Free shiping with $39 order. They're in North Carolina, I get them in 2 days. Of course they also carry Rotosouts, D'Addario, LaBella, EB, etc. Good company, I've been buying from them for eight years without a problem.

Ken Smith Bass Burner Bass Guitar Strings Medium 45-105

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. In a quick jam, though, there's something to be said for being able to find the strings you use almost anywhere. Makes me think of Billy Duffy saying that he uses Boss pedals because in case of emergency, he can quickly find a replacement pretty much anywhere he's on tour.

And now only available in Stainless, the originals were nickel. I generally don't like SS RWs, they don't don't glide like nickel...KS Rock Masters being the exception. IMO

They do have nickel RS66. Or am I missing something?

 

[Larry V]

As opposed to a 20 year old metalhead who's never heard a pure tone in his life?

Believe it or not, that wasn't a knock on septuagenarians... it was a "call back" to a GP post we've made fun of about 20 or so pages back.

 

[dukeorock]

Believe it or not, that wasn't a knock on septuagenarians... it was a "call back" to a GP post we've made fun of about 20 or so pages back.

And Jimmy took quite the beating for that thread! I thought his point was kind of nice. Treat your audience well, don’t assume they’re dumb and don’t assume they aren’t paying attention

 

[JJR58]

And Jimmy took quite the beating for that thread! I thought his point was kind of nice. Treat your audience well, don’t assume they’re dumb and don’t assume they aren’t paying attention

I notice that he does take a bit of a beating for no reason at all, in other threads as well.
And true, there will be the folks that actually pay attention to tone and sound.

 

[BklynKen]

I notice that he does take a bit of a beating for no reason at all, in other threads as well.

Welcome to the Internet.

 

[Larry V]

And Jimmy took quite the beating for that thread! I thought his point was kind of nice. Treat your audience well, don’t assume they’re dumb and don’t assume they aren’t paying attention

I agree, the post's intention was nice.

I notice that he does take a bit of a beating for no reason at all, in other threads as well.
And true, there will be the folks that actually pay attention to tone and sound.

Paraphrasing: "Half haven't replaced the batteries in their Beltones and the other half thought you were their grandson."

Welcome to the Internet.

Exactly.

 

[Dadagoboi]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. In a quick jam, though, there's something to be said for being able to find the strings you use almost anywhere. Makes me think of Billy Duffy saying that he uses Boss pedals because in case of emergency, he can quickly find a replacement pretty much anywhere he's on tour.


They do have nickel RS66. Or am I missing something?

I'm spoiled after buying single sets my entire life...grudgingly. I have at least a dozen sets from new to ancient in the shop. Buying strings when not on sale is something I don't like to do, I'd rather buy two or three sets when they are. I buy D'Addario twin packs as my stock Cataldo strings. EXLs at times have been less than $25 on sale for those. But lately the price is up. Some stock up on beer, I stock up on strings.

Last time I tried to buy nickel RS no one had them, it was a while ago. Back when they had blue silk. I see they're around again. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Dadagoboi]

Believe it or not, that wasn't a knock on septuagenarians... it was a "call back" to a GP post we've made fun of about 20 or so pages back.

I knew that. Just had to get a dig in...half of my friends are hearing impaired, especially the drummers. This guy for one:

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

I knew that. Just had to get a dig in...half of my friends are hearing impaired, especially the drummers. This guy for one:

View attachment 2896165

If you are having a hard time hearing your band, just get more amps.

This commercial is brought to you by Dr_Feelgoood212 T.B.

 

[dukeorock]

I knew that. Just had to get a dig in...half of my friends are hearing impaired, especially the drummers. This guy for one:

View attachment 2896165

There is just so much cool on that stage!
I understand you’ve played with Stan Lynch. I happen to think he’s a very underrated drummer. Love his playing

 

[Kink Rimson]

First please define originals . I presume that you mean '63-'65. The neck pickup is in the correct position in relationship to the last fret. I am not sure about the bridge pickup.

Apologies - I did mean the original Gibson Thunderbirds. If the neck pickup is in the correct place I'm pleased. The bridge pickup looks a lot closer to the bridge but I never use that alone.
Thank you!

 

[Kink Rimson]

Yes, placement makes a difference but unless you own an original to A-B it shouldn't be a problem. They're close enough IMO.

That's a comfort! I don't have an original but I believe my Cataldo JAEbird has the original 60s pickup positions.

 

[dmac1961]

My new Bird has landed!

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

View attachment 2896191 My new Bird has landed!

Sweet! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

 

[BklynKen]

View attachment 2896191 My new Bird has landed!

COOL! We expect a detailed review.

 

[dmac1961]

It came to my office this morning, so I haven't had much time with it. Contemplating taking the rest of the day off! I'll def post more once we become better acquainted.