Thunderbird Club

[GonePlaid]

Absolutely! I may ‘fine tune’ the amp during a gig, but ‘set it and forget it’ is my preferred way.
Whatever our individual rituals may be, I think the less we have to focus on gear stuff, the more we can focus on playing/singing/performing.

Hold on. We're s'posed to focus on playing, singing, etc.? Who knew?

 

[dukeorock]

I just did some googling on why metal players (guitarists) like EMG, and responses were varied as expected on-line. The most consistent 'con' response was sterility, and the most consistent 'pro' response was clarity. (...) but, the relevant caveat was they were clean/clear through the pedal-chain, so that sounds like a reasonably good reason to use them. (if using a lot of effects) For bass players it would be a different story, unless effects were lined-up there as well. Guy Pratt had EMG's in his Burgundy Mist Metallic '64 J for years and his tone with PF etc was always perfect. I personally know a gigging pro bass player who uses active basses (Aguilar) on stage and the times I've seen/heard him there is no 'con' to his tone or bass presence, in fact - it's solidly the opposite. (as in, great tone/presence... he also has tone controls!)

Different strokes for different folks as always.

Presenting a different point of view isn’t the same as arguing my way is better. Hope I’m being clear on this point.
I know tons of pros who get amazing results using methods I’d never choose to use. I hang out with those players and we get along just fine

 

[ThaCoast]

Thanks guys for the fast paced response on my should I EMG question xD I"ve pulled the EMGs out of hiding, so i will be doing some tests over the course of next week - too busy with other builds & music ventures .

Also, browsing Reverb & I thought i"d leave these here. Not mine, just found them unique & cool + they're birds

Gibson Thunderbird IV 1996 Sparkle Red | GT Gear
Gibson Thunderbird Silverburst | Michael's Gear Locker
2001 Gibson Blackbird Thunderbird Nikki Sixx Limited Run Bass Guitar w/OHSC

I wish my dad had kept the blackbird he had way back, definitely would've owned it afterwards. But i'm equally happy, if not more, of owning his DeArmond Starfire special III he had owned for 7-8 years before passing it down to me. It's one of my main guitars.

 

[JIO]

Presenting a different point of view isn’t the same as arguing my way is better. Hope I’m being clear on this point.
I know tons of pros who get amazing results using methods I’d never choose to use. I hang out with those players and we get along just fine

clear as an azure sky of deepest summer

 

[JJR58]

Thanks guys for the fast paced response on my should I EMG question xD I"ve pulled the EMGs out of hiding, so i will be doing some tests over the course of next week - too busy with other builds & music ventures .

Also, browsing Reverb & I thought i"d leave these here. Not mine, just found them unique & cool + they're birds

Gibson Thunderbird IV 1996 Sparkle Red | GT Gear
Gibson Thunderbird Silverburst | Michael's Gear Locker
2001 Gibson Blackbird Thunderbird Nikki Sixx Limited Run Bass Guitar w/OHSC

I wish my dad had kept the blackbird he had way back, definitely would've owned it afterwards. But i'm equally happy, if not more, of owning his DeArmond Starfire special III he had owned for 7-8 years before passing it down to me. It's one of my main guitars.

Interesting to see a Studio model in that Silverburst. First time i've ever seen that.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Well i don't mind using a battery with the EMG pickups if required, but i don't need an onboard preamp (mainly cause i don't want to start carving the control cavity), The only control i have & want to keep is an on/off switch for the pickups, & the output jack. I'm a less is more guy when it comes to controls both on bass & amps. Although i can't speak in terms of the amount of gear i own currently trying to downsize, but there's always another idea popping in my head.

you have to make sure there's room for the 9 volt (there always seems to be) since the pickups will not run without it...
Gibson - Epiphone - Non-Reverse Thunderbird - Sonic Blue

 

[ThaCoast]

you have to make sure there's room for the 9 volt (there always seems to be) since the pickups will not run without it...
Gibson - Epiphone - Non-Reverse Thunderbird - Sonic Blue

There's enough space in my cavity for a battery if need be, i've no fear on that. Just don't need an on board preamp system.

 

[GonePlaid]

you have to make sure there's room for the 9 volt (there always seems to be) since the pickups will not run without it...
Gibson - Epiphone - Non-Reverse Thunderbird - Sonic Blue

That's actually kinda cool-except for the superfluous pup, of course.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I just did some googling on why metal players (guitarists) like EMG, and responses were varied as expected on-line. The most consistent 'con' response was sterility, and the most consistent 'pro' response was clarity. (...) but, the relevant caveat was they were clean/clear through the pedal-chain, so that sounds like a reasonably good reason to use them. (if using a lot of effects) For bass players it would be a different story, unless effects were lined-up there as well. Guy Pratt had EMG's in his Burgundy Mist Metallic '64 J for years and his tone with PF etc was always perfect. I personally know a gigging pro bass player who uses active basses (Aguilar) on stage and the times I've seen/heard him there is no 'con' to his tone or bass presence, in fact - it's solidly the opposite. (as in, great tone/presence... he also has tone controls!)

Different strokes for different folks as always.

the preamp on EMGs not only acts as an impedance buffer, it also flattens the response of the pickup. both great if you will be using effects, lotsa EQ off your amp and longer cables. Because the output of the bass now comes from an active (has controlled gain not just attenuation as in passive modes) OpAmp there is more current available which automatically denotes a lower output impedance. this sets the s/n ratio at the bass rather than at the amp. Lotsa merits to this approach. if you however, want the honkyness and "color" of the pickup on your say, 64 P or 62 J or 67 Bird, best to go straight into your amp with no active pickups and if effects are mandatory it's best to use the FX loop on the amp IMO..

 

[TBird1958]

I must be a freak around here. I use tone controls regularly.

You and me both, I'm Satan Incarnate as I have several two pickup basses and actually use both

 

[ThaCoast]

I just did some googling on why metal players (guitarists) like EMG, and responses were varied as expected on-line. The most consistent 'con' response was sterility, and the most consistent 'pro' response was clarity. (...) but, the relevant caveat was they were clean/clear through the pedal-chain, so that sounds like a reasonably good reason to use them. (if using a lot of effects) For bass players it would be a different story, unless effects were lined-up there as well. Guy Pratt had EMG's in his Burgundy Mist Metallic '64 J for years and his tone with PF etc was always perfect. I personally know a gigging pro bass player who uses active basses (Aguilar) on stage and the times I've seen/heard him there is no 'con' to his tone or bass presence, in fact - it's solidly the opposite. (as in, great tone/presence... he also has tone controls!)

Different strokes for different folks as always.

the preamp on EMGs not only acts as an impedance buffer, it also flattens the response of the pickup. both great if you will be using effects, lotsa EQ off your amp and longer cables. Because the output of the bass now comes from an active (has controlled gain not just attenuation as in passive modes) OpAmp there is more current available which automatically denotes a lower output impedance. this sets the s/n ratio at the bass rather than at the amp. Lotsa merits to this approach. if you however, want the honkyness and "color" of the pickup on your say, 64 P or 62 J or 67 Bird, best to go straight into your amp with no active pickups and if effects are mandatory it's best to use the FX loop on the amp IMO..

I utilize effects when needed, often times my signal is pretty clean - perhaps with a subtlety of Low drive. The occasional heavy distorted tones & chorus/delay play part in enhancing the music. I'll post my findings in the near future!

 

[JJR58]

You and me both, I'm Satan Incarnate as I have several two pickup basses and actually use both

That brings me to another thing, 3 of the 4 i have, have two pick up's, so that 4th one will get it's long due second pu'p at some point, i'd like sooner then later. So i must be one of your disciples. Cause i'm always blending pup's.

 

[dukeorock]

You and me both, I'm Satan Incarnate as I have several two pickup basses and actually use both

It’s funny, when I play my Gibson T Bird, the bridge pickup acts as a sort of ‘tone control’ and the neck pickup is always all the way up, but I rarely turn the bridge all the way down. I’d swear it sounds better using both pickups. But, my Cataldo only has one pickup and I’ve never once thought, “if only this bass had a bridge pickup.” Gotta be some weird psychological stuff going on there for me.

 

[BklynKen]

It’s funny, when I play my Gibson T Bird, the bridge pickup acts as a sort of ‘tone control’ and the neck pickup is always all the way up, but I rarely turn the bridge all the way down. I’d swear it sounds better using both pickups. But, my Cataldo only has one pickup and I’ve never once thought, “if only this bass had a bridge pickup.” Gotta be some weird psychological stuff going on there for me.

The bridge pickup is a placebo. It's not actually connected.

 

[dukeorock]

The bridge pickup is a placebo. It's not actually connected.

I knew it!!!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

It’s funny, when I play my Gibson T Bird, the bridge pickup acts as a sort of ‘tone control’ and the neck pickup is always all the way up, but I rarely turn the bridge all the way down. I’d swear it sounds better using both pickups. But, my Cataldo only has one pickup and I’ve never once thought, “if only this bass had a bridge pickup.” Gotta be some weird psychological stuff going on there for me.

i prefer single pickup P basses, to me they just sound better for whatever reason (more wood, less wiring etc..) with the dual pickup Birds i do exactly what you said; run the bridge pickup around 3 or 4...with the 60's II it sounds just fine as a single pickup instrument....maybe for the same reason i prefer single pickup Ps?...dunno..

 

[Hounddog409]

Installed super slinky's tonight and got all the sitckers/plastic off. Oiled up the fret board and cleaned everything. Installed Dunlap strap locks.

Played through the set list for the 3/5 gig. Mainly to stretch the strings some.

Really like the slinky's on it. Sounds killer. Very comfortable playing. And zero neck dive, even with a cheap strap. Must have helium injected in that massive headstock.

Still some fret buzz, will probably need to adj truss a bit. Strings still in contact with fret when checking neck relief. Gonna let it acclimate a few days and play it a bunch.

Will check relief this weekend and adj as needed. Then adj bridge and intonation after.

Really liking this bass. Already surpassed the MIM Jazz and Carvin in pecking order. Sits firmly at #2 right now. Cant wait for rehearsal Saturday.

Update. Found a gig bag for the Vintage Pro. 69.99 with free shipping. And awesome support. Emailed back and forth, and they were very patient with me, even getting the inside dimensions to me.

Website is coffingear.com. the model that fits is the VX3. The other bass bag is the EB something. It's a half inch shorter and a few narrower. Should fit the other birds....but doubt it would fit the VP. I have no affiliation with these guys....just passing on info.

Seems high quality. Expect it to last.

Also not happy with the Dunlap strap locks. Stick out too damn far. First time trying these. Seem nice, but need a smaller profile.

Gonna go back to the ones I have on the Jazz and Ric.....as soon as I remember who freakin makes 'em.

The VP kicked ass in the final rehearsal for our Houston gig. The Jazz already shipped with the rest of the gear....might be carrying this with me.

What's the chances the VP fitting on the overhead compartment in a smaller Delta plane??? LOL.

 

[JJR58]

Update. Found a gig bag for the Vintage Pro. 69.99 with free shipping. And awesome support. Emailed back and forth, and they were very patient with me, even getting the inside dimensions to me.

Website is coffingear.com. the model that fits is the VX3. The other bass bag is the EB something. It's a half inch shorter and a few narrower. Should fit the other birds....but doubt it would fit the VP. I have no affiliation with these guys....just passing on info.

Seems high quality. Expect it to last.

Also not happy with the Dunlap strap locks. Stick out too damn far. First time trying these. Seem nice, but need a smaller profile.

Gonna go back to the ones I have on the Jazz and Ric.....as soon as I remember who freakin makes 'em.

The VP kicked ass in the final rehearsal for our Houston gig. The Jazz already shipped with the rest of the gear....might be carrying this with me.

What's the chances the VP fitting on the overhead compartment in a smaller Delta plane??? LOL.

That VP won't fit in an over head, so i think. Sweet talk the crew into letting you store it in those so called closets in the front of the plane, depending on the aircraft type.

 

[TBird1958]

It’s funny, when I play my Gibson T Bird, the bridge pickup acts as a sort of ‘tone control’ and the neck pickup is always all the way up, but I rarely turn the bridge all the way down. I’d swear it sounds better using both pickups. But, my Cataldo only has one pickup and I’ve never once thought, “if only this bass had a bridge pickup.” Gotta be some weird psychological stuff going on there for me.

About 3 weeks ago I sat down with my '89 and dialed back the neck and kept the bridge dimed, then put the BASS knob on the GK 700RBII up to 2:30. The result was tight, well defined notes, maybe a little burpy even, I was so happy I put Duran Duran's Rio on and played through the entire album, John Taylor on a Thunderbird!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

The bridge pickup is a placebo. It's not actually connected.

oh it's connected alright....i know folks that a la Jack Bruce, predominantly use the bridge pickup on their Gibbys only rolling in the neck pickup for the required depth..