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Thunderbird Club

#14,781
veebass said:
Welcome. Would you be the Bobbydazzler from Ozbass?
I understand why you are looking locally, even though TBirds are relatively expensive in Australia. The current exchange rate, shipping and import taxes makes sourcing a bass from OS virtually prohibitive, unless you snag an absolute bargain.
Plenty of good advice so far on the models you are already considering.
If you are not averse to second hand, there are TBirds come up in Australia.
There are two black Gibson TB IVs (2005 & 2012) on Ozbass at present
Gibson Thunderbird 2012 -
FS - Gibson Thunderbird Ebony 2005 ($1650) Melb -
Also a white 1980 Greco TB IV
FS/FT: Greco thunderbird bass 1980 -
And my favourite, a 77 Greco TB II
FS:1977 Greco TBII, g&l tribute sb2, stingray 5 ltd NOW WITH PIX -
Guitar Emporium has a rough 1990 Greco TB IV
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I am not connected in any way to any of these basses- although I wish I was!

The Grecos are well worth considering. A few of us have old Greco TB IIs and they are something else- like a P Bass on steroids- more of everything.
Good hunting!
Click to expand...

I was quite taken with that Greco TBII - alas not enough spare funds that I could reasonably funnel towards it. Not for want of trying, I even tried a few scratches! Lol
 
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#14,783
EdO. said:
And even if not (although I wholeheartedly agree with Lo-Hz) for the difference in price versus the difference in sound or whatever you determine the difference to be, only the most familiar/anal T-Bird aficionado would ever know the difference if there actually is any. Personally I can't tell the difference.


Personally I LIKE the sound I get from my active Pro V. I can still get a lot of the classic T-Bird growl but it also gives me a more "generic"? (I really hate to use that term here, but for lack of a better one...) punchy sound that works really well for the classic rock stuff I generally play. So IMO it makes it a bit more versatile, it's "not just a T-Bird sound". My impression FWIW, as always YMMV.
Click to expand...

Thanks fellas, your input is really helping, I'm moving closer to the Classic Pro IV more and more!
 
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#14,784
veebass said:
Welcome. Would you be the Bobbydazzler from Ozbass?
I understand why you are looking locally, even though TBirds are relatively expensive in Australia. The current exchange rate, shipping and import taxes makes sourcing a bass from OS virtually prohibitive, unless you snag an absolute bargain.
Plenty of good advice so far on the models you are already considering.
If you are not averse to second hand, there are TBirds come up in Australia.
There are two black Gibson TB IVs (2005 & 2012) on Ozbass at present
Gibson Thunderbird 2012 -
FS - Gibson Thunderbird Ebony 2005 ($1650) Melb -
Also a white 1980 Greco TB IV
FS/FT: Greco thunderbird bass 1980 -
And my favourite, a 77 Greco TB II
FS:1977 Greco TBII, g&l tribute sb2, stingray 5 ltd NOW WITH PIX -
Guitar Emporium has a rough 1990 Greco TB IV
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I am not connected in any way to any of these basses- although I wish I was!

The Grecos are well worth considering. A few of us have old Greco TB IIs and they are something else- like a P Bass on steroids- more of everything.
Good hunting!
Click to expand...

Hey, isn't that our club member "Michaelbass" selling those basses?

I seem to recall he purchased his Greco Thunderbird II from Mark Evans, just like the one in the add...
 
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#14,786
EdO. said:
And even if not (although I wholeheartedly agree with Lo-Hz) for the difference in price versus the difference in sound or whatever you determine the difference to be, only the most familiar/anal T-Bird aficionado would ever know the difference if there actually is any. Personally I can't tell the difference.


Personally I LIKE the sound I get from my active Pro V. I can still get a lot of the classic T-Bird growl but it also gives me a more "generic"? (I really hate to use that term here, but for lack of a better one...) punchy sound that works really well for the classic rock stuff I generally play. So IMO it makes it a bit more versatile, it's "not just a T-Bird sound". My impression FWIW, as always YMMV.
Click to expand...
Yup Maybe different PU's will make all the difference along with the fact that it will have a push/pull volume pot so I can defeat the active circuit (another option Epi should have offered) it seemed to be an easier plan then tearing everything out. keep you posted...
 
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#14,787
Hey Thunderloverz, it has been a long tine since the last time I joined here. This time im going to share some old video playing a cover song with my Tbird, enjoy! (No interface or pedals involved here, I just used a 1$ adapter to go from a cable of 6.3mm to 3.5mm in order to be able to plug it on my PC's soundcard. So... what you hear is the pure sound of my bird ha!)

 
Last edited:
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#14,788
RexxRokket said:
Hey Thunderloverz, it has been a long tine since the last time I joined here. This time im going to share some old video playing a cover song with my Tbird, enjoy! (No interface or pedals involved here, I just used a 1$ adapter to go from a cable of 6.3mm to 3.5mm in order to be able to plug it on my PC's soundcard. So... what you hear is the pure sound of my bird ha!)

Click to expand...


Hey Rexx!! I can't watch the video. It says the content is not available in this country :mad:
 
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#14,789
This came together really fast! My new gig Who's That?, obviously a Who tribute. This is our second rehearsal, they are low volume for now we will probably rent out space with a stage and PA so we can do a few full scale rehearsals. We already have about a hours worth of material :) My beat '66 Thunderbird through a Fender Rumble 200. I'll post better video soon.
 
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#14,790
20160325_073046.jpg
My 2013 nonreverse Thunderbird with the Badbird II installed
 
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#14,794
Milo's said:
Hey everyone, it pains me to type this as I have just recently been appointed a number of this fine established club, but alas, despite my best efforts and numerous attempts, I have not been able to bond with my Nikki Sixx Blackbird. It is a beautiful instrument and I love the sound and looks of the bass, unfortunately it does not love me back ergonomically. I have some pretty serious carpel tunnel issues and wrist problems I have battled with on both hands recently and despite my best efforts, I am currently unable to find a comfortable way to play this bass. The depressing part of all of this is that I desperately wanted it to work and I find you guys to be the most informative, knowledgeable, funny and welcoming group here I have encountered. As such, I feel like I am going to part with the "Warbird" and wanted to let you all know first before I posted it in the classifieds because you guys deserve the jump on this fine beast before the general public decides to have a bite at the apple.

Without further delay, I present to you all the 2002 Gibson Nikki Sixx Blackbird with original hardshell case and brand new pickguard. As stated in an earlier post, the snaggletooth Motorhead logo is a small vinyl sticker under a clear acrylic pickguard and can be easily removed. The original defaced pickguard will be included although it is pretty badly damaged. The case is in pretty good shape, not perfect, but good. The coffin drape is fully intact and looks menacing when you pull this beast out.

Like I said, I hate to part with this bass beacause it is awesome, but I would like for it to ultimately find a home where it will get plenty of use. I am looking to get around $1,100.00 for it because the pickguard is not the original. The last ones I saw go privately in similar condition were around $1,400.00. I would possibly be open to trades, but it would have to be for a Gibson Grabber, Grabber G-3, Ovation Magnum of any model type. I am a cordial person and will not scoff at any offer so please feel free to throw anything by me. I am completely set in the amp department so that and effects are all s
et on my end.

I will continue to lurk around in this forum and keep an eye on what you guys are up to. Thank you for welcoming me in, I hope you all understand that it's not you, it's me. (I had to thow that in there). Please PM me with any considerations. Thanks guys and girls!
View attachment 824442 View attachment 824443 View attachment 824444
View attachment 824442 View attachment 824443 View attachment 824444
Click to expand...

Hey everyone, I've decided to take down the Blackbird from the classifieds. I have tried several things to make this beast work and utilized more than one of your suggestions to make it work for me and in the end, several small tweaks to my playing position and the bass position have made a world of difference. I have installed lighter strings which has helped a lot. Second, I have started using a thicker strap and changed the playing position from where I had it before. I think this is a classic case bad habits on my end causing pain that I was blaming on the wrong culprit.

After making those adjustments, it has been night and day. I love this bass and how it sounds, I just needed to find a way to make it work for me, and in the end, the bird and I are finally getting along. I wanted to personally thank each person who offered advice and helped me out here. You all are an awesome group and I'm happy to be a part of this forum.
 
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#14,795
Milo's said:
Hey everyone, I've decided to take down the Blackbird from the classifieds. I have tried several things to make this beast work and utilized more than one of your suggestions to make it work for me and in the end, several small tweaks to my playing position and the bass position have made a world of difference. I have installed lighter strings which has helped a lot. Second, I have started using a thicker strap and changed the playing position from where I had it before. I think this is a classic case bad habits on my end causing pain that I was blaming on the wrong culprit.

After making those adjustments, it has been night and day. I love this bass and how it sounds, I just needed to find a way to make it work for me, and in the end, the bird and I are finally getting along. I wanted to personally thank each person who offered advice and helped me out here. You all are an awesome group and I'm happy to be a part of this forum.
Click to expand...

Glad to hear it! Hope it continues to work for you.
 
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#14,796
godofthunder59 said:
View attachment 830073 My 2013 nonreverse Thunderbird with the Badbird II installed
Click to expand...

Beautiful

Haaa....... the Non reverse ! I sold my Gibson RD Novoselic to buy mine and I do not regret at all ... There has not been much and to get one now, it's pretty difficult.
And of course : Killer Tone !

524232DSCF4196.jpg


I think I'll install the Hipshot tailpiece on mine.
 
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#14,797
Milo's said:
Hey everyone, I've decided to take down the Blackbird from the classifieds. I have tried several things to make this beast work and utilized more than one of your suggestions to make it work for me and in the end, several small tweaks to my playing position and the bass position have made a world of difference. I have installed lighter strings which has helped a lot. Second, I have started using a thicker strap and changed the playing position from where I had it before. I think this is a classic case bad habits on my end causing pain that I was blaming on the wrong culprit.

After making those adjustments, it has been night and day. I love this bass and how it sounds, I just needed to find a way to make it work for me, and in the end, the bird and I are finally getting along. I wanted to personally thank each person who offered advice and helped me out here. You all are an awesome group and I'm happy to be a part of this forum.
Click to expand...



Glad you're still here!
I recall really changing things up quite a bit once i really shifted away from my old 4001 Rick, strap length, eq, went to using picks primarily. All of which got me comfortable and the tone I really wanted.
 
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