Thunderbird Club

[GonePlaid]

When I was gigging I always took a backup bass packed in a gig bag with spare strings, cables, batteries, tools, etc. I think I only ever opened that emergency bag a couple of times but it was always comforting to know I had it there if needed.

I never took a back up on the concert band gigs. Naturally, on one of those a clarinetist knocked a stand into my Ibanez AGB200 with the nylon tape strings. The G unraveled. I left. Too many written notes I could no longer play.

 

[MCF]

Pretty much the same boat here - hobby player and jam with my mates. I'm a fairly logical fellow so I subscribe to the rule of only one bass being necessary. It makes perfect sense, you can only hold one bass at a time so living by the one bass rule is a no brainer. Of course that only applies to the one your holding, you can have as many as you want sitting in stands or hanging on walls or put away in cases.

So far this time around it’s a fun hobby. I want to play out again, and have been asked, but don’t have the time it would take. And that video that came out recently with garage band Dad makes me wonder why I want to. Plenty of basses; one in hand and too many in stands. Latest is a used, like new (with PG plastic still on, I removed it) Sterling SUB I’m messing with. It’s ok, but fret ends are pretty sharp. I’ll tackle them in due course. Still haven’t found my Ric. Mostly play the ’15 Gibby Bird (my nicest bass), my ‘14 MIM P, and my ‘15 PJ Deluxe.

 

[JJR58]

So far this time around it’s a fun hobby. I want to play out again, and have been asked, but don’t have the time it would take. And that video that came out recently with garage band Dad makes me wonder why I want to. Plenty of basses; one in hand and too many in stands. Latest is a used, like new (with PG plastic still on, I removed it) Sterling SUB I’m messing with. It’s ok, but fret ends are pretty sharp. I’ll tackle them in due course. Still haven’t found my Ric. Mostly play the ’15 Gibby Bird (my nicest bass), my ‘14 MIM P, and my ‘15 PJ Deluxe.

I did find a good Ric, oddly enough. I don’t play it much.

 

[GonePlaid]

So far this time around it’s a fun hobby. I want to play out again, and have been asked, but don’t have the time it would take. And that video that came out recently with garage band Dad makes me wonder why I want to. Plenty of basses; one in hand and too many in stands. Latest is a used, like new (with PG plastic still on, I removed it) Sterling SUB I’m messing with. It’s ok, but fret ends are pretty sharp. I’ll tackle them in due course. Still haven’t found my Ric. Mostly play the ’15 Gibby Bird (my nicest bass), my ‘14 MIM P, and my ‘15 PJ Deluxe.

I prefer to play my '67 NR 'Bird but I only take it on gigs that it'll be secure-outta the way. If there's room I'll take one of the 'Birds. If not, I take the 5quier VM Jaguar SS. Less $ invested and on tight stages less agony if it gets bumped.

 

[GonePlaid]

Hmm, Kasino 200, huh? Like this? [still in my living room]View attachment 3097448

Notice, BTW, no rips in the grill cloth

 

[GonePlaid]

I did find a good Ric, oddly enough. I don’t play it much.

View attachment 3097598

Well................you have 2 Birds.

 

[Engle]

The thing that gets me about playing in a band, it always has, is that a group of people can get together and make a sound that is actually enjoyable, even good (occasionally)

It’s magic! One moment there is silence and the next there is music.
I can’t stop playing and wish I would have taken it more seriously when I was younger.
My main band ( rhythmrush.com if you’re interested) plays gigs once or twice a month, but I’m also subbing and thinking about joining an additional band because I’d like to be playing out more.
Or maybe I should form a dad-punk/glam band

 

[MCF]

I prefer to play my '67 NR 'Bird but I only take it on gigs that it'll be secure-outta the way. If there's room I'll take one of the 'Birds. If not, I take the 5quier VM Jaguar SS. Less $ invested and on tight stages less agony if it gets bumped.

Jealousy here, big time. You have a gig worthy Squire SS VM Jag? Any mods to it? I can’t stand the pickups on the few I’ve played. And the fretwork....ugh. I have a PJ Mustang that I got when they first came out and like, a lot (except for the tuners), that I could see gigging with. Not to turn this into a 7ender thread, but inquiring minds want to know.

 

[MCF]

I did find a good Ric, oddly enough. I don’t play it much.

View attachment 3097598

I won’t spend the money on a Ric until I know I’ll want to play it. Once every now and then I think I’ll just bite the bullet and order a new one in Midnight Blue. But every used Ric I’ve tried has an issue. The neck doesn’t feel right. Or the sound, regardless of the amp, just doesn’t do it for me. Or the bridge seems funky. But I’ve wanted one for 45 years so probably one day...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Yeah, if I had a steady gig-particularly one w/ roadies- I'd look at something large again, but right now my Rumble 200C is all I need.

Been tinkering with this 69 lately. These were built at the Magnavox factory in Saint Louis right behind the TV assembly line..
It sounds phenomenal. Something about 7027 power tubes..
That said, it's only 100Watts and weighs about 82 pounds.

This on the other hand weighs 12 pounds and is good for 800 Watts..
no brainer..

 

[GonePlaid]

Jealousy here, big time. You have a gig worthy Squire SS VM Jag? Any mods to it? I can’t stand the pickups on the few I’ve played. And the fretwork....ugh. I have a PJ Mustang that I got when they first came out and like, a lot (except for the tuners), that I could see gigging with. Not to turn this into a 7ender thread, but inquiring minds want to know.

I needed a short scale. I tried one @ GC. It's OK-nothing to write home about, but honestly better than I expected for $190. Only mod is an ashtray- and Chromes

 

[MCF]

Haven’t tried one with Chromes. Maybe that’s the way to go. The ashtray is a aunigue look.

 

[Nocturnal]

Or maybe I should form a dad-punk/glam band

That is exactly what I am doing right now. Punk/Glam/Trash (as I call it) and loving it!!!

 

[MCF]

That is exactly what I am doing right now. Punk/Glam/Trash (as I call it) and loving it!!!

I can see/hear the set list now. God Save the Queen. Police and Thieves. Stay Free. I Fought the Law. Hang on to Yourself. Louie Louie...

 

[JJR58]

I won’t spend the money on a Ric until I know I’ll want to play it. Once every now and then I think I’ll just bite the bullet and order a new one in Midnight Blue. But every used Ric I’ve tried has an issue. The neck doesn’t feel right. Or the sound, regardless of the amp, just doesn’t do it for me. Or the bridge seems funky. But I’ve wanted one for 45 years so probably one day...

Those are good points to consider, because they are a quirky animal indeed. Not sure I’m even totally happy with mine to be honest. It just may go towards a tube amp or a different bass. And they are a try before you buy.

 

[MCF]

So, on a Tbird related note, my ‘15 is due for new strings. Currently strung with EB Slinky’s 45-105. They’re ok, but due for a change. I liked for the first two to three months or so, but I think they should sound better now. Current set is about six months old. Any recommendations for something different? I want to stick with rounds on this bass.

 

[MCF]

Been tinkering with this 69 lately. These were built at the Magnavox factory in Saint Louis right behind the TV assembly line..
It sounds phenomenal. Something about 7027 power tubes..
That said, it's only 100Watts and weighs about 82 pounds.
View attachment 3097639

This on the other hand weighs 12 pounds and is good for 800 Watts..
no brainer..
View attachment 3097640

I’d like a Jack, neat.

 

[PillO]

I'm diggin the look of that!

ahem

You’re digging the thought of Ms Fox getting.... I’ll stop there and give myself a strong ahem for thinking that of you

Ahem.

Don’t stop, please continue.

AHEM!

 

[PillO]

Out of curiosity, where do your talents end?drool

Ahem.

 

[PillO]

Ya know... it occurs to me... they're doing miraculous things with vinyl these days too. He could have a complete wrap done, and the original factory finish would remain completely unscathed

Ahem?