Thunderbird Club

[Nocturnal]

Lucked into this short scale beauty! The re-fin was due to the original owner having carved X's into the body (attempting to make it look like a Nikki Sixx model?) and then, later, attempting to sand them out. The guy I got it from had the top professionally sanded, prepped and finished in a beautiful silverburst by Noll Guitars in Cranston, RI. I can't get the camera to pick up the beautiful job they did on the re-fin. You'll just have to take my word for it
I really like the matching accent stripe that they did on the 'blade' of the headstock The back of the bass was untouched in the re-fin process but has so damages, dings or even buckle rash. It's as clean as a whistle!

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On a side note, does anyone happen to know what flats these are? I've found several that have light blue silks but none, that I saw, list the red white & blue ball ends.

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Nice looking bass!!! Congrats!!

 

[GBassNorth]

Take care of your foot/ankle. Ankle injuries are the worst. If the swelling is not improving, go get an Xray. There can be broken bones that don't; hurt when you walk, but can be come long term problems.
Thunderbird

LOL - just what I need, another long term problem, as if my addiction to THUNDERBIRDS wasn't enough of a problem.

Even the Daleks can manage stairs these days....

Kat - you totally crack me up with every post! You really need to contact one of the major TV networks and become a comedy writer for a witty TV series.

Oh, man, Sorry to hear that. Hope it's whatever is the least serious.

Thx for the well wishes. I'm hoping the same thing you are. Plus I'm also hoping that storm completely misses your area of the country, stay safe and protect those TBirds.

Aaauuugh! F*@%. That sucks... sorry.

Thx. I'm sure I'll live. Just won't be doing this... for a while.

Can’t like this at all. Hope it heals up well.

Thx. On the bright side, looks like I'll have plenty of time to dial in that 2015 THUNDERBIRD now. Thanks again for all your measurement and set up info!

dude, bummer! sorry to hear....go easy on that ankle..

Hey, if nothing else, it gets me out of yard work for a while!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

LOL - just what I need, another long term problem, as if my addiction to THUNDERBIRDS wasn't enough of a problem.


Kat - you totally crack me up with every post! You really need to contact one of the major TV networks and become a comedy writer for a witty TV series.


Thx for the well wishes. I'm hoping the same thing you are. Plus I'm also hoping that storm completely misses your area of the country, stay safe and protect those TBirds.


Thx. I'm sure I'll live. Just won't be doing this... for a while.


Thx. On the bright side, looks like I'll have plenty of time to dial in that 2015 THUNDERBIRD now. Thanks again for all your measurement and set up info!


Hey, if nothing else, it gets me out of yard work for a while!

lucky you! you have an understanding wife....

 

[GBassNorth]

Lucked into this short scale beauty! The re-fin was due to the original owner having carved X's into the body (attempting to make it look like a Nikki Sixx model?) and then, later, attempting to sand them out. The guy I got it from had the top professionally sanded, prepped and finished in a beautiful silverburst by Noll Guitars in Cranston, RI. I can't get the camera to pick up the beautiful job they did on the re-fin. You'll just have to take my word for it
I really like the matching accent stripe that they did on the 'blade' of the headstock The back of the bass was untouched in the re-fin process but has so damages, dings or even buckle rash. It's as clean as a whistle!

View attachment 3526203



View attachment 3526204


On a side note, does anyone happen to know what flats these are? I've found several that have light blue silks but none, that I saw, list the red white & blue ball ends.

View attachment 3526205

View attachment 3526207

Looks Beautiful! Might just be me, but I think a burst looks great on a bird!

No idea on the strings (although I think I might have a bass with powder blue silks - I'll check) but I'd bet @SLaPiNFuNK would be able to help identify Short Scale Flats with baby blue silks and red/white/blue ball ends. Great guy, just changed locations and the name of his company but is a fantastic source for bass strings.

 

[Gaolee]

Well, best laid plans of mice and men I guess.

I was getting ready to contact the seller today, but needed to finish up a few chores around the house first. Was moving a heavy office chair down a flight of stairs and lost my footing. The chair and I made it all the way down the stairs to the floor but my foot got pretty mangled in the process.

Needless to say, I won't be driving anywhere to pick up a bass anytime soon. No bones sticking out but I suspect something under all the swelling is either broken, torn or sprained. So I'm gonna pass on the purchase and just assume this bird has not chosen me.

Feel free to go for it if you're still interested.

That sucks!

 

[Thumper]

My Lull T5 has extended my ability to continue playing! Yes, it is a little challenging to play standing (mitigated by sliding the bottom of my strap over the front of the bass), but the tone is so worth it.

After 51 years playing bass, my body finally said enough, and I began experiencing severe pain from just below my right rotator cuff radiating towards my elbow. I began noticing the pain lessening after playing the T5 exclusively at home. Eventually the pain disappeared.

After we had a band party/barbecue/jam recently, I left the T5 there until the next practice. At home, I used my Dingwall SJ5XXX for a couple of seated song learning sessions, and the pain was back. Obviously it is a playing while seated issue, but I'm learning material for a new band, and standing is impractical for multiple hours using the Amazing Slowdowner.

What has happened, is the body cutaway of the Thunderbird body style allows seated playing without raising my right shoulder, which over many years had caused my problem.

I'm so glad I bought my beautiful T5.

 

[Engle]

I took my Vintage Pro to a jazz jam / BBQ last night. Kept it mostly favoured on the neck PU most of the time, but then I thought I’d try the line for Chameleon with some more bridge pickup. It sounded perfect!

Next up was The Chicken. I usually play it referencing the JBs version, but I cranked the bridge pickup some more and went for some Jaco-ish stuff (not that I have chops close to JP). Wow, the tight articulate notes I was getting! Cobalt flats + VP = Jazz machine. Who knew?

I did have to shift over to avoid clocking the keys player with the VP peghead. He is an absolutely monster musician and I would not want to be responsible for a brain injury.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Well, best laid plans of mice and men I guess.

I was getting ready to contact the seller today, but needed to finish up a few chores around the house first. Was moving a heavy office chair down a flight of stairs and lost my footing. The chair and I made it all the way down the stairs to the floor but my foot got pretty mangled in the process.

Needless to say, I won't be driving anywhere to pick up a bass anytime soon. No bones sticking out but I suspect something under all the swelling is either broken, torn or sprained. So I'm gonna pass on the purchase and just assume this bird has not chosen me.

Feel free to go for it if you're still interested.

Shoulda went to get that Thunderbird first.

Kidding aside, wish you a speedy recovery

 

[BklynKen]

Lucked into this short scale beauty! The re-fin was due to the original owner having carved X's into the body (attempting to make it look like a Nikki Sixx model?) and then, later, attempting to sand them out. The guy I got it from had the top professionally sanded, prepped and finished in a beautiful silverburst by Noll Guitars in Cranston, RI. I can't get the camera to pick up the beautiful job they did on the re-fin. You'll just have to take my word for it
I really like the matching accent stripe that they did on the 'blade' of the headstock The back of the bass was untouched in the re-fin process but has so damages, dings or even buckle rash. It's as clean as a whistle!

View attachment 3526203


View attachment 3526204


On a side note, does anyone happen to know what flats these are? I've found several that have light blue silks but none, that I saw, list the red white & blue ball ends.

View attachment 3526205

View attachment 3526207

Great find! Love the paint job. The ball ends of the strings tell me they're Rotosounds. Only string I've seen with those color silks are the nickel RS66. Not sure which these are, though, since you said they're flats.

 

[BklynKen]

Well, best laid plans of mice and men I guess.

I was getting ready to contact the seller today, but needed to finish up a few chores around the house first. Was moving a heavy office chair down a flight of stairs and lost my footing. The chair and I made it all the way down the stairs to the floor but my foot got pretty mangled in the process.

Needless to say, I won't be driving anywhere to pick up a bass anytime soon. No bones sticking out but I suspect something under all the swelling is either broken, torn or sprained. So I'm gonna pass on the purchase and just assume this bird has not chosen me.

Feel free to go for it if you're still interested.

Oof, sorry to hear that. Go get it checked out!

THUNDERBIRD!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I took my Vintage Pro to a jazz jam / BBQ last night. Kept it mostly favoured on the neck PU most of the time, but then I thought I’d try the line for Chameleon with some more bridge pickup. It sounded perfect!

Next up was The Chicken. I usually play it referencing the JBs version, but I cranked the bridge pickup some more and went for some Jaco-ish stuff (not that I have chops close to JP). Wow, the tight articulate notes I was getting! Cobalt flats + VP = Jazz machine. Who knew?

I did have to shift over to avoid clocking the keys player with the VP peghead. He is an absolutely monster musician and I would not want to be responsible for a brain injury.

nice! i really dig the bridge pup on my twin pickup Birds...like to think of their volume control as "authority knobs".....very linear response.....the bridge Thunderbucker on my BaCH really barks....

 

[TBird1958]

Well, best laid plans of mice and men I guess.

I was getting ready to contact the seller today, but needed to finish up a few chores around the house first. Was moving a heavy office chair down a flight of stairs and lost my footing. The chair and I made it all the way down the stairs to the floor but my foot got pretty mangled in the process.

Needless to say, I won't be driving anywhere to pick up a bass anytime soon. No bones sticking out but I suspect something under all the swelling is either broken, torn or sprained. So I'm gonna pass on the purchase and just assume this bird has not chosen me.

Feel free to go for it if you're still interested.

Take it easy, and feel better soon!

 

[TBird1958]

Lucked into this short scale beauty! The re-fin was due to the original owner having carved X's into the body (attempting to make it look like a Nikki Sixx model?) and then, later, attempting to sand them out. The guy I got it from had the top professionally sanded, prepped and finished in a beautiful silverburst by Noll Guitars in Cranston, RI. I can't get the camera to pick up the beautiful job they did on the re-fin. You'll just have to take my word for it
I really like the matching accent stripe that they did on the 'blade' of the headstock The back of the bass was untouched in the re-fin process but has so damages, dings or even buckle rash. It's as clean as a whistle!

View attachment 3526203


View attachment 3526204


On a side note, does anyone happen to know what flats these are? I've found several that have light blue silks but none, that I saw, list the red white & blue ball ends.

View attachment 3526205

View attachment 3526207

Wow! That's a great looking Bird! Love it!

 

[Engle]

nice! i really dig the bridge pup on my twin pickup Birds...like to think of their volume control as "authority knobs".....very linear response.....the bridge Thunderbucker on my BaCH really barks....

I generally keep the neck pickup dimed and adjust the bridge around 7-8, but the VVT layout was awkward for me last night. I might install a blend pot.

 

[PillO]

Great find! Love the paint job. The ball ends of the strings tell me they're Rotosounds. Only string I've seen with those color silks are the nickel RS66. Not sure which these are, though, since you said they're flats.

I'm guessing Steve Harris set.
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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Sorry - I don't know of any pictures of him playing a THUNDERBIRD

 

[PillO]

Wow! That's a great looking Bird! Love it!

Ahem.


Thunderbird

 

[BklynKen]

I'm guessing Steve Harris set.
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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Sorry - I don't know of any pictures of him playing a THUNDERBIRD

I don't think so, for two reasons. This Thunderbird is a short scale. And I think the silks on the Harris set are are the colors of West Ham United, not one color. I may be mistaken on that last part, though.

 

[BklynKen]

I don't think so, for two reasons. This Thunderbird is a short scale. And I think the silks on the Harris set are are the colors of West Ham United, not one color. I may be mistaken on that last part, though.

Yeah, so Harris ones have orange at the ball end. Seems short scale RS77 have the blue silk at both ends, or at least used to, since RS66 used to have it and now only have it at the tuner end. Maybe these are old short scale RS77 and someone colored the ball end silks back with a Sharpie?

 

[dagrev]

Well, best laid plans of mice and men I guess.

I was getting ready to contact the seller today, but needed to finish up a few chores around the house first. Was moving a heavy office chair down a flight of stairs and lost my footing. The chair and I made it all the way down the stairs to the floor but my foot got pretty mangled in the process.

Needless to say, I won't be driving anywhere to pick up a bass anytime soon. No bones sticking out but I suspect something under all the swelling is either broken, torn or sprained. So I'm gonna pass on the purchase and just assume this bird has not chosen me.

Feel free to go for it if you're still interested.

Holy cow, man! You need to be careful. That could have been a Thunderbird playing hand and not just a foot. In all seriousness, hate to hear about that spill. Sounds like no fun for sure. Hope you heal up quickly but thoroughly. Don't fool around with that. Sounds like it's worth having it checked out. Even if a bad sprain you want to be careful. Some sprains are even worse than a break and can cause more long-term problems if not addressed.

 

[dagrev]

My Lull T5 has extended my ability to continue playing! Yes, it is a little challenging to play standing (mitigated by sliding the bottom of my strap over the front of the bass), but the tone is so worth it.

After 51 years playing bass, my body finally said enough, and I began experiencing severe pain from just below my right rotator cuff radiating towards my elbow. I began noticing the pain lessening after playing the T5 exclusively at home. Eventually the pain disappeared.

After we had a band party/barbecue/jam recently, I left the T5 there until the next practice. At home, I used my Dingwall SJ5XXX for a couple of seated song learning sessions, and the pain was back. Obviously it is a playing while seated issue, but I'm learning material for a new band, and standing is impractical for multiple hours using the Amazing Slowdowner.

What has happened, is the body cutaway of the Thunderbird body style allows seated playing without raising my right shoulder, which over many years had caused my problem.

I'm so glad I bought my beautiful T5.

So it's confirmed--Thunderbirds are good for your health!!!