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Thunderbird Club

#71,803
PillO said:
I don't understand why brass instruments became the comparator. I was going to suggest that a violin or viola might be a better comparison, but I have no reason to suggest that.
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I have to agree that I would have used a violin as a comparator. Here's why:
Brass is inherently expensive. I also believe that extruding the brass is a costly process.
Any instrument that projects sound naturally (acoustics) will be more expensive than one that produces sound via electronics. But a starter violin can be had for less than $500, and take up small space. And it has 4 strings. So I woulda went with violin :roflmao:


dukeorock said:
I get that! But I think comparing the entry level pricing of two musical instruments has relevance:)
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It does.
But usually, at least in my experience, people start off on orchestra instruments at school, using the school's instruments. It's not until you really take a liking to one of those instruments, and start taking it seriously, that you end up buying one. No parent wants a big brass instrument that lies around 99% of the time, and is really loud when it is used... trust me, I know.... I got a beat up euphonium for free in grade 7, but never played it after grade 8.. didn't stay around for long... YMMV.
 
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#71,804
PillO said:
I don't understand why brass instruments became the comparator. I was going to suggest that a violin or viola might be a better comparison, but I have no reason to suggest that. In fact, I can think of no logic to comparing cost across any instrument category. I don't think I'm in a position to comment on anything beyond the value of any of these things to me because they are not working assets to me.

So, I say this as a consummate hobbyist:
I don't play for money. I am strictly a hobbyist; playing only for my own amusement (ahem). The only value I put on these things (my basses) is how much joy they bring me. I have had no issue dropping $2k on a bass that I like playing. I will happily spend that much or more again for a bass that gives me a commensurate amount of joy.

So, where as the classic economics trade off is guns or butter see - Guns versus butter model - Wikipedia - perhaps the better model for personal consumption is basses vs. hookers and blow?
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Souzaphone, because I kinda want one. I think making the grand entrance with the drummer banging on a marching snare, the bass player blowing on a tuba, and the guitarist playing a dobro or something like that would be outstanding, especially if you do that into a dive bar. Then put that stuff down and launch into the set. Silly? Perhaps, but it would be a grand entrance, especially if you wandered around for a bit before heading in.

That's part of why the comparison works for me. Plus my son is a trumpet player. A decent trumpet is $2K. He's a professional player, so it's all about cost/benefit for him. I'm purely a hobbyist, like you, so it's whatever makes me happy and that I can pay for.
 
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#71,808
dukeorock said:
I get that! But I think comparing the entry level pricing of two musical instruments has relevance:)
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Agreed, but I don't think you were comparing entry level instruments... A cheap (plastic) trumpet can be had for less than C$200 likewise a trombone. From `net reviews, they play decently...

pBone - Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
pTrumpet - Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

I think musical instruments are cheaper now than they have ever been. In part because of better/smarter/cheaper manufacturing and in part due to novel materials. Expensive materials and methods will always be sought out by some for a variety of reasons, but on average, I think prices are cheap by historical standards.
 
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#71,809
Gaolee said:
Souzaphone, because I kinda want one. I think making the grand entrance with the drummer banging on a marching snare, the bass player blowing on a tuba, and the guitarist playing a dobro or something like that would be outstanding, especially if you do that into a dive bar. Then put that stuff down and launch into the set. Silly? Perhaps, but it would be a grand entrance, especially if you wandered around for a bit before heading in.

That's part of why the comparison works for me. Plus my son is a trumpet player. A decent trumpet is $2K. He's a professional player, so it's all about cost/benefit for him. I'm purely a hobbyist, like you, so it's whatever makes me happy and that I can pay for.
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I would pay a $20 cover and buy a couple of beers to see that...
 
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#71,813
PillO said:
Euphonium and Tuba, not a Souzaphone.... Yet...
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Sure enough.

s-l1600.jpg


My son got himself a plastic trumpet on a lark. He says it's not too bad, although it doesn't measure up to what he plays when he's getting paid. He says it's great for teaching kids, because it shows them what you can do with what you got. And, a plastic souzaphone, whenever those start getting made will be perfect for pure hackery like what I do. There's already fiberglass souzaphones, but they are also expensive. I'm holding out for the $400 purple or orange plastic souzaphone.
 
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#71,815
Dr_Feelgoood212 said:
The new 2018 Schaller S-Locks seem intriguing, cause the threaded area on the strap portion are longer. But I don't like the pin bass portion, how are you supposed to know if the screw got loose, without the pin rattling around?

S-Locks
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I haven't tried the new S locks yet but they look interesting. I'm not keen on the male strap pin with the built in hex screw. But really like the ring, extended threads, and continuation of the saddle design. That goofy male piece eliminates the S lock from being used on neck bolt located strap pins like many Thunderbirds have. Hopefully the old male pin is compatible with the new S lock saddle. I'll swing by GC later today, pick up a set and report back to the club.

Schaller has always been my first choice in locks, but another sweet design is the Dunlop flush mount. Just don't loose your strap, there are no strap pins protruding from the bass that you could use in a pinch with a backup or loaned strap, gotta have the mating Dunlop equipped strap for it to work.
 
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#71,816
Gaolee said:
Sure enough.

View attachment 2951430

My son got himself a plastic trumpet on a lark. He says it's not too bad, although it doesn't measure up to what he plays when he's getting paid. He says it's great for teaching kids, because it shows them what you can do with what you got. And, a plastic souzaphone, whenever those start getting made will be perfect for pure hackery like what I do. There's already fiberglass souzaphones, but they are also expensive. I'm holding out for the $400 purple or orange plastic souzaphone.
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I saw a review on yootoob of the plastic trumpet (linked to previously). It was a professional trumpet player (trumpeter, trumpetist?) and she played the hell out of it. She preferred her (several thousand dollar) instrument but thought that it played well and was a very good or better alternative to an entry level brass instrument. If I were buying for a kid that may or may not continue, plastic would be my choice until there is a demonstrated commitment. And for a kid (or kid at heart), they come in fun, bright colours.
 
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#71,817
godofthunder59 said:
Hmmmmmmm doing some measuring . The bridge pickups are in different positions measured from the last fret. The G string saddles measures approximately the same from the first fret.
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Hmmm... Wouldn't the distance from the first fret and the G string saddle always be the same if it's intonated correctly, despite which model you're measuring - Or am I missing some info here?
 
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#71,818
GBassNorth said:
I haven't tried the new S locks yet but they look interesting. I'm not keen on the male strap pin with the built in hex screw. But really like the ring, extended threads, and continuation of the saddle design. That goofy male piece eliminates the S lock from being used on neck bolt located strap pins like many Thunderbirds have. Hopefully the old male pin is compatible with the new S lock saddle. I'll swing by GC later today, pick up a set and report back to the club.

Schaller has always been my first choice in locks, but another sweet design is the Dunlop flush mount. Just don't loose your strap, there are no strap pins protruding from the bass that you could use in a pinch with a backup or loaned strap, gotta have the mating Dunlop equipped strap for it to work.
Click to expand...
I don't think GC has them yet, they were just released last month. But on Schaller's site, they say that the new S saddle is compatible with all old style pins... which is weird because the current saddles aren't compatible with the (roughly) pre-2000's pins.....

I don't like the design of Dunlop's because, if the mechanism breaks, there's no backup. The Schaller's have a static backup, the saddle.
 
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