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Thunderbird Club

#147,481
JJR58 said:
It's all our Queens fault. I had no clue about TBirds. Then found this thread.
2 Birds later......
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My first bird wasn't a Gibby or Eppi, it was a Spector Rex5. Bought on line on a whim and fell in love with the sound and ergonomics. Was welcomed here with open arms by our Queen and club members. After a couple of years I finally bought a limited edition Gibson SG Supreme, my first Gibby, more as a collector than a player. Quickly realized that all the poppycock about Gibson products was just that, pure poppycock. So about four years ago I took the dive and bought a Gold Anniversary Bird, fell in love with it and have since purchased a 2015, Goth and VP bird. I'm seeing a NR bird in my future, hopefully this year.
 
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#147,482
gaffster said:
Lets hear about your first thunderbird experiences !!!

Late 70's a friend let me hold a bicentennial while he was going through some issues. I didn't gig with it for fear of damage but I found it very interesting while noodling. I tried to buy it but he wasn't having it. Early 2000's I paid about 400 bux for a Korean Epi. Beautiful fit and finish. I ended up upgrading the PUPs. I remember auditioning for a Steely Dan tribute band with it and getting some odd looks from the other candidates. I got the call, BTW but decided the ride was farther than I had realized. Finally got a Gibson in 2007 and four more over the years.
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Leon Wilkenson. It was the playing and tone I wanted (especially live--talk about concrete floor shaking--literally!). Eventually after some time playing went on the hunt. A guitar store owner knew were one was and he ended up with to sell to me. It had the headstock repair when I got it, otherwise in great shape. Possibly what was holding up it being on the market. I think the asking price was $650 for the '64 IV. I traded something and got him down to $600 as I recall. So I likely that that or a little less in it. JIO has the best "ridiculous low-price" story I ever heard. (Ridiculous in price, not the story.) I've had it ever since 1981 or real early '82. Best bass I ever bought.
 
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#147,483
jazzburst77 said:
View attachment 3753064

Pete Way!
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Pete wasn't any influence on me at all..............:laugh:

sG5SKo0.jpg
 
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#147,487
BklynKen said:
You have much better legs.
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My charging Rhino thighs........I've been diligently pedaling the stationary bike since that photo, slowly getting better.
 
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#147,489
Chucky Stiletti said:
Oh man....

Edge for me lol....
View attachment 3753242
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I've always liked Edge, he's got a thing that's all his own going on, he doesn't sound like someone else - I remember the first time I heard U-2's "Gloria" and thought, dang, that's not like anything I've heard before.
 
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#147,490
TBird1958 said:
I've always liked Edge, he's got a thing that's all his own going on, he doesn't sound like someone else - I remember the first time I heard U-2's "Gloria" and thought, dang, that's not like anything I've heard before.
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So agree, unlike anything anyone else was playing at the time and a nice change from all the synthy stuff, October put them on the map imho
 
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#147,491
TBird1958 said:
I've always liked Edge, he's got a thing that's all his own going on, he doesn't sound like someone else - I remember the first time I heard U-2's "Gloria" and thought, dang, that's not like anything I've heard before.
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I really liked the first 4 albums. The Edge does have something unique and Adam Clayton is a really good player - in many/most cases, he carries the songs. And there are a good number of really solid songs.

But I can't stand a couple of the personalities. They fit into that Neil Young category.
 
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#147,493
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#147,494
gaffster said:
Lets hear about your first thunderbird experiences !!!
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A number of years ago, I had put down the bass and music almost entirely to be a dad, have a job, and all that. A bunch of other jazz band parents got together to form a band, because why should the kids have all the fun? They knew I had been a bass player and needed one. I was a little reluctant, but sure why not! I still had the EB-2, and played it off and on during the time I wasn't much involved with music. But, rust is rust. After a couple years, I finally figured out that a vintage EB-2 in a gig bag in the rain was probably asking for trouble and went looking for a plank. I found a bolt-on Epi with case and obligatory dried beer on it for $200. The strap button had to move, but other than that, it was great. Not knowing any better, I bought a Precision, thinking that was what I really should be playing and gave the 'Bird to my son. He still has it. I love the P, and it's a keeper, but after cycling through several other attempts at finding the right sound and ergonomics, I came back to Thunderbirds. Multiple Thunderbirds, including another bolt-on Epi. Like the first one, it has a big, round neck that doubles as a canoe paddle. I love it for what it is and have every intention of modifying it a whole lot one day. It's in the project line along with about a zillion other projects.
 
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#147,495
PillO said:
I really liked the first 4 albums. The Edge does have something unique and Adam Clayton is a really good player - in many/most cases, he carries the songs. And there are a good number of really solid songs.

But I can't stand a couple of the personalities. They fit into that Neil Young category.
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if I let personalities get in the way, my A&E List would be much, much shorter.
 
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