Thunderbird Club

[Bassmike62]

A few months ago, and however many thousands of pages ago, @dukeorock and @fasterpussycat were going on about effects and what not. The discussion was way over my head. Duke posted pics of a bunch of wires connected to who knows what. I wanted to understand, so I used a coupon and bought a Zoom b1x Four for 80 bucks. I finally took it out of the box a few weeks ago and started playing around with the pre-installed effects and amp sims.

Today I dusted off a laptop that we hadn’t used in forever, went through the Microsh*t update wait, and connected it up to learn how to add patches. It was actually pretty intuitive. I added some more amp sims and effects, the recipes for which are on a TB thread and posted by a member @Crystalman85. He does good work and shares it all. It’s a pretty cool little box and I learned a bunch of terms for effects and sound while going through the exercise. I had a fun afternoon blasting tunes and figuring some of this stuff out.
View attachment 3717689

I don't have that particular unit, but I've been using Zoom stuff for years and I still have an MS60b in my board. They are fun to play around with and sound good enough to be gig worthy.

 

[fasterpussycat]

Those are cool. I almost bought one years ago, but I found a discounted Behringer Bass V-Amp Pro like below. Many roll their eyes but it's pretty useful and versatile. It's not heavy duty, but does have a lot of great features and effects. Has some killer guitar sims which I use at home some. I used it as a pre amp and DI for some months. Some would laugh, but I found it pretty useful and would not hesitate to use it again. Does it sound as good as a Sansamp VT? No, but it does a lot more. Like the Zoom, there is a lot of tone shaping in that box.

There's nowt wrong with Behringer.

I'd like to hear more about your use of a flanger pedal. I will be receiving one tomorrow for what I think will be a really cool effect on a part of one of the songs. I got it from Amazon so I can send it back risk-free if it's not what I'm looking for. It's an MXR Micro Flanger. Goes with the color scheme.

You went for an analog device -- good pick. Mine is a TCE Thunderstorm which is analog, has top mount jacks and was also cheap.

Initially it was for larking about and it was only actually used on top of the RAT for 8 bars in one song. Then we added that part again and it was 16 bars. One thing led to another and another song has it on the middle eights and the middle 16, as those sections have a bit of a Banshees vibe. 48 bars in 9 songs = quite restrained in my book.

As part of our new start, guitarist and me agreed to put all those songs on the shelf for a bit and do the new stuff. There's one song which has a backhanded reference to the Cure and has the flanger all the way through. To me chorus sounds 'out of tune', so I much prefer flanging as a modulation effect -- and George Murray's bass is flanged on 'Heroes', what better endorsement could you find?

 

[BklynKen]

You went for an analog device -- good pick.

Initially it was for larking about and it was only actually used on top of the RAT for 8 bars in one song. Then we added that part again and it was 16 bars. One thing led to another and another song has it on the middle eights and the middle 16, as those sections have a bit of a Banshees vibe. 48 bars in 9 songs = quite restrained in my book.

As part of our new start, guitarist and me agreed to put all those songs on the shelf for a bit and do the new stuff. There's one song which has a backhanded reference to the Cure and has the flanger all the way through. To me chorus sounds 'out of tune', so I much prefer flanging as a modulation effect -- and George Murray's bass is flanged on 'Heroes', what better endorsement could you find?

Yeah, it's just one little part on top of my MBD, but who knows what it else it might get used on, assuming it works as I expect.

Definitely love me some Banshees.

 

[GonePlaid]

I'd like to hear more about your use of a flanger pedal. I will be receiving one tomorrow for what I think will be a really cool effect on a part of one of the songs. I got it from Amazon so I can send it back risk-free if it's not what I'm looking for. It's an MXR Micro Flanger. Goes with the color scheme.

I assume you got the left footed version.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I give them a pass on the Sqwar love. If you were looking for a 7ender (and many are), the Sqwar is probably a much better value.

The Squiers that Dustin (Truett's bass player) was using played, sounded, and looked excellent.

 

[fasterpussycat]

I assume you got the left footed version.

Left > right oriented jacks might be useful for left handers.

 

[BklynKen]

Left > right oriented jacks might be useful for left handers.

Funny, since at least in my chain, tuner is first, and if I go with something like a flanger for this one song, it will be the only thing actually used on and off during a song, so it's most useful at the far left, which is where a flanger would fit best. So perhaps oddly, I think a right > left orientation would work best for left-handed/footed people.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Here are a couple of my favorite Epi Thunderbird reviews/demos.

This one really highlights the variety of the tones you can get out of the VP. I personally believe all Thunderbirds sound best with at least a little overdrive.


VP vs Gibby:

I wish demo videos would always show the settings while someone was playing.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Yeah, it's just one little part on top of my MBD, but who knows what it else it might get used on, assuming it works as I expect.

Definitely love me some Banshees.

Love me some flanger, and love me some Banshees.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Had no idea Wishbone Ash was touring the U.S., last week they were in Tampa, of course I'm going there Tuesday. Next week in Las Vegas (a 1 hour drive from our second home), and of course I'll be in Sarasota! Damn

Well, carp. They are here tomorrow night at a small venue. Tickets are unavailable and I have a prior commitment. Mary Wilson (of the Supremes) was there Friday night. I'm going to have to keep a close eye on this place.

 

[ajkula66]

A non-Thunderbird player stopping by to ask for advice...

First and foremost, I apologize for asking a question that was likely asked before but search on the subject matter got me pretty much nowhere.

Long story short, after trying 30 or so basses within a matter of a couple of days, my bass-playing-son fell in love, head-over-heals with an Epi Vintage Pro.

I'm not cheap but tend to be frugal and am not necessarily keen on buying new. The problem is that GC used has zero to offer, and what I see on Reverb is priced way too close to new for my liking.

Here's my dilemma: by the time I add a case to VP, I'm looking at close to $900 with taxes. I know that I can pick a used Gibson Bird for 100-150 more.

What am I missing ? Are VPs *that* good when compared to more recent Gibbys ?

The only Birds I have some experience with are Bicentennials, but they are out of the equation, so please educate me...

Thanks in advance.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I would also contend that a lot of devices which are called 'effects' are not really effects at all, and should fall into the category of 'utilities'. My tuner, high pass filter and (amp replacement) preamp/DI are utilities. My RAT and flanger are effects.

Thank you.

 

[fasterpussycat]

Funny, since at least in my chain, tuner is first, and if I go with something like a flanger for this one song, it will be the only thing actually used on and off during a song, so it's most useful at the far left, which is where a flanger would fit best. So perhaps oddly, I think a right > left orientation would work best for left-handed/footed people.

Yeah flanger after dirt, because it has all those harmonics and overtones to work on. My pedals are all jammed in together ... but I have narrow feet.

My guitarist is a woman of taste and discernment, and has this modest arrangement.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

A non-Thunderbird player stopping by to ask for advice...

First and foremost, I apologize for asking a question that was likely asked before but search on the subject matter got me pretty much nowhere.

Long story short, after trying 30 or so basses within a matter of a couple of days, my bass-playing-son fell in love, head-over-heals with an Epi Vintage Pro.

I'm not cheap but tend to be frugal and am not necessarily keen on buying new. The problem is that GC used has zero to offer, and what I see on Reverb is priced way too close to new for my liking.

Here's my dilemma: by the time I add a case to VP, I'm looking at close to $900 with taxes. I know that I can pick a used Gibson Bird for 100-150 more.

What am I missing ? Are VPs *that* good when compared to more recent Gibbys ?

The only Birds I have some experience with are Bicentennials, but they are out of the equation, so please educate me...

Thanks in advance.

The search function is a joke. No apology needed!
While I haven't played a recent Gibson, I have a VP and I love it. I bought it after discussions here. Scott Dasson (@godofthunder59 ) - who really knows his stuff - highly recommended it, as did others. Word here has typically been that the VP is more like the old Gibsons, and the Classic Pro is more like the modern Gibsons. IOW, if your son really liked the VP, he might or might not like the sound of a new Gibson. But they play beautifully, and quality is excellent.
If you have a little patience, you may well find a deal on a used, open box, or blem VP. It's a question of timing, of course. And you can always try to negotiate. I got a great deal on one with case from someone in this group.

 

[fasterpussycat]

A non-Thunderbird player stopping by to ask for advice...

First and foremost, I apologize for asking a question that was likely asked before but search on the subject matter got me pretty much nowhere.

Long story short, after trying 30 or so basses within a matter of a couple of days, my bass-playing-son fell in love, head-over-heals with an Epi Vintage Pro.

I'm not cheap but tend to be frugal and am not necessarily keen on buying new. The problem is that GC used has zero to offer, and what I see on Reverb is priced way too close to new for my liking.

Here's my dilemma: by the time I add a case to VP, I'm looking at close to $900 with taxes. I know that I can pick a used Gibson Bird for 100-150 more.

What am I missing ? Are VPs *that* good when compared to more recent Gibbys ?

The only Birds I have some experience with are Bicentennials, but they are out of the equation, so please educate me...

Thanks in advance.

This might be helpful: Thunderbird Club (from earlier today).

[Update:] You might also look out for Orville by Gibson (were made in Japan by Gibson for the Japanese market) or Greco Birds.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Does anyone have a line on a 1.5” nut slotted for BEAD (130-65)? I could buy a set of nut files but that’s pricey for something I may not use again.

 

[fasterpussycat]

Nut files!?

 

[ajkula66]

This might be helpful: Thunderbird Club (from earlier today).

[Update:] You might also look out for Orville by Gibson (were made in Japan by Gibson for the Japanese market) or Greco Birds.

Thank you for the suggestions...

Unfortunately, online demos are not something I put a lot of weight behind.

As for Orville/Greco...I own a '96 Orville EB-3 and the build quality is excellent. However, people seem to be asking top dollar for both of these brands. If I could pick up an Orville Bird for as much as I bought my EB-3 for I would be a happy camper, but I don't foresee that happening.

 

[BklynKen]

Yeah flanger after dirt, because it has all those harmonics and overtones to work on. My pedals are all jammed in together ... but I have narrow feet.

View attachment 3717905

My guitarist is a woman of taste and discernment, and has this modest arrangement.

View attachment 3717913

It must kill you that the tuner has a side jack.

 

[TerribleTim68]

It must kill you that the tuner has a side jack.

 

[fasterpussycat]

It must kill you that the tuner has a side jack.

It has twinkly blue LEDs which help make up for it...