Thunderbird Club

[Haji]

Back in the olden days I liked pointy 80's stuff-still do-but I quit playing in the mid 90's and sold everything. fast forward to 2014, when I started playing again in January. By April I had a Goth. I don't know that I could say I always wanted one, but digging the vintage Destroyer and Explorer and the pointy BC Rich basses back in the day clearly carried over to now.

 

[TBird1958]

Anyway, you brought to mind, does everyone remember when you became aware of or interested in TBirds?

I got my first one around '78, it was a Burst, at the time I was really into my first "good" bass which was a '73 Rickenbacker 4001. I kept it for a couple years and foolishly let it go........................
It was 1989 before I found another, the white one I still own. What really tipped it for me was the internet and joining a bass forum called "The Dudepit", there I met Uwe Hornung (Donnervogel) and George Carlston (69 Vette) both of whom had squadrons of Thunderbirds...........Much bad influence! Being in a band that played out also served the urge to buy.......I'm so weak!

 

[Korladis]

Nothing they've done since Appetite has come close, Use Your Illusion (Vols I & II) had a few good tunes but for the most part bloated over-produced self-indulgence (aka Axl!). Appetite just has a raw 'eff you and 'eff it edge to it that they haven't matched since. Honorable mention to their Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide ep (done prior to Appetite, which included Rose Tattoo and Aerosmith covers. Later re-released as a bundle with the GnR Lies lp). Chinese Democracy? Rubbish! Bought it, not sure I listend to the whole thing, more Axl Rose music masturbation. Not even interested in the present "reunion". Get the original 5 back together, ditch all the keyboards/backup singers/added BS and I might be interested. .... all just my oh so humble opinion of course, take with a large grain of salt!

I'd be more interested in a reunion of GnR without Axl.

 

[hillerup]

...Anyway, you brought to mind, does everyone remember when you became aware of or interested in TBirds?

Early 70's when I became aware of Arthur "Killer" Kane of the New York Dolls and Overend Watts of Mott The Hoople...

 

[hillerup]

I got my first one around '78, it was a Burst, at the time I was really into my first "good" bass which was a '73 Rickenbacker 4001. I kept it for a couple years and foolishly let it go........................
It was 1989 before I found another, the white one I still own. What really tipped it for me was the internet and joining a bass forum called "The Dudepit", there I met Uwe Hornung (Donnervogel) and George Carlston (69 Vette) both of whom had squadrons of Thunderbirds...........Much bad influence! Being in a band that played out also served the urge to buy.......I'm so weak!

Weak???!!!

You are an inspiration to us all!

 

[Nocturnal]

I got my first one around '78, it was a Burst, at the time I was really into my first "good" bass which was a '73 Rickenbacker 4001. I kept it for a couple years and foolishly let it go........................
It was 1989 before I found another, the white one I still own. What really tipped it for me was the internet and joining a bass forum called "The Dudepit", there I met Uwe Hornung (Donnervogel) and George Carlston (69 Vette) both of whom had squadrons of Thunderbirds...........Much bad influence! Being in a band that played out also served the urge to buy.......I'm so weak!

The Dude Pit really fueled my desire to get another Bird. Seeing Uwe and George's collection really made a lasting impression on my bank account!!!

But I first remember seeing a Thunderbird on a Mott the Hoople album cover that my friends brother had. Then years later when I started playing guitar I was always drawn to the shape of the Firebird. Somewhere around 85 I bought my black 76 Tbird and have been in love with the basses ever since.

 

[veebass]

I got my first one around '78, it was a Burst, at the time I was really into my first "good" bass which was a '73 Rickenbacker 4001. I kept it for a couple years and foolishly let it go........................
It was 1989 before I found another, the white one I still own. What really tipped it for me was the internet and joining a bass forum called "The Dudepit", there I met Uwe Hornung (Donnervogel) and George Carlston (69 Vette) both of whom had squadrons of Thunderbirds...........Much bad influence! Being in a band that played out also served the urge to buy.......I'm so weak!

Yes the Internet. The influence continues here and in The Last Bass Outpost- a fine collection of Thunderbird (and other Gibson Basses) lovers.

I forgot to mention my love of TBirds was also fuelled in my first band that gigged, We played the Sydney pubs from about 1977 to 1982. The rhythm guitarist had a non reverse Firebird (through a Plexi), the lead guitarist had a white Gretsch Country Gent (through a Fender Twin) and I had my Flying V (through a Fender Bassman). I always loved the look of that Firebird. All fairly unusual guitars in a sea of Fenders and Fender knock offs. TBirds were rare in Australia and I never saw a real one until many years later.
One of my greatest regrets is not buying a Bicentennial TBird in Australia when I had the opportunity about 10 years ago. I chose a particular Telecaster Bass instead for a number of reason, which I still have a love. I should have bought both of them.
I think that is why I have never hestitated when an RD Bass has become available in Australia. I have only seen two here over the years and bought them both. I suspect if I saw an old TBird here it would be the same outcome. See I am learning!
I also think I read somewhere Martin Turner got his TBird from Overend Watts.

 

[Klondike]

Still trying to catch up on all the many many posts you chaty Kathies have posted. I had 250 posts, i'm down to 107 and need a break...

But! I had a gassy moment. I've been looking at Ibanez's for about six months. Never really found what I was looking for at the price I was happy to pay........ Untill yesterday when I found this on CracksList.

 

[Klondike]

I would say she is a 9 out of 10 for how well her previous owner took care of her. Her case is pretty beat up so I'm moving her into a Road Runner I have laying around. Hardly anything for a scratch anywhere. The prev changed the pups for EMG's years ago but this sound is ever so sweet to my ears! True she isn't a Bird but she will fill a gap i. The sound I have.

 

[veebass]

Still trying to catch up on all the many many posts you chaty Kathies have posted. I had 250 posts, i'm down to 107 and need a break...

But! I had a gassy moment. I've been looking at Ibanez's for about six months. Never really found what I was looking for at the price I was happy to pay........ Untill yesterday when I found this on CracksList.

From what I read they have a strong reputation.
May not be a TBird, but the headstock is reminiscent.

 

[TBird1958]

The Dude Pit really fueled my desire to get another Bird. Seeing Uwe and George's collection really made a lasting impression on my bank account!!!

The 'Pit was a trip! It was my first on line forum of any kind, there were some real characters there! The Picture thread alone was over the top, it was also the first place I came out as my femme self, happily guys like Uwe made it a great experience.

Last Bass Outpost is the old Gibson Forum from the old "Pit for those of you newbies.

 

[godofthunder59]

The 'Pit was a trip! It was my first on line forum of any kind, there were some real characters there! The Picture thread alone was over the top, it was also the first place I came out as my femme self, happily guys like Uwe made it a great experience.

Last Bass Outpost is the old Gibson Forum from the old "Pit for those of you newbies.

I was there as well!

 

[hillerup]

The Dude Pit really fueled my desire to get another Bird. Seeing Uwe and George's collection really made a lasting impression on my bank account!!!

But I first remember seeing a Thunderbird on a Mott the Hoople album cover that my friends brother had. Then years later when I started playing guitar I was always drawn to the shape of the Firebird. Somewhere around 85 I bought my black 76 Tbird and have been in love with the basses ever since.

I don't recall seeing a black '76 in your collection - What happened to it?

 

[TBird1958]

I was there as well!

Yep! That was one wild and wooly place!

 

[hillerup]

...One of my greatest regrets is not buying a Bicentennial TBird in Australia when I had the opportunity about 10 years ago...

I too had the chance to get a Bicentennial bird in the mid 80's - But it was such a sad bird...

Coming from a jet black Rick 4001 and ditto Precision with superbright RotoSound Swingbass strings, I was seriously disappointed by the bird, which was in a dull natural finish with strings that were dead'er than dead - There were just no growl and magic about it.

 

[Klondike]

Ok, I'm cought up. Ive always liked ac/dc in all their forms. Not jumping up and down about them but sure played the hell out of Back In Black! GnR on the other hand! The played that cassette repeatedly all the down the Alaska Highway, it kept me awake late at night all the way to Seattle ( I love the PNW).

Now? Azle is a stooge

 

[Gaolee]

I came to love 'Birds in a completely different way from most everyone else. With the exception of John Entwhistle, I didn't pay much attention to any bass players who played Thunderbirds. Even he went from one bass to another so fast that it's hard to call him a Thunderbird player.

'Birds caught me completely by accident. I played an EB-2 for many years and still have it, but I wanted a slab to preserve the relatively fragile EB-2. The least expensive bass I found on Craigslist was a bolt-on Epiphone Thunderbird that needed a setup and a good cleaning. It sounded pretty good, so I bought it and played it for a while. Then I bought a 7ender Precision, because, well just because, and gave the Thunderbird to my son. I like the P a whole lot, and it's a keeper, but I missed the ergonomics of the Thunderbird. So, I came back around and bought a T-Bird Pro IV that's now my fretless. That led to more 'Birds.

So, it wasn't anybody in particular that led me to Thunderbirds. It was Thunderbirds themselves, and how they fit and how their ergonomics work. The whole neck dive thing makes me laugh. As long as the strap button is at the heel of the neck, they are far better than any bass I have ever played.

 

[Bassic Playing]

Anyway, you brought to mind, does everyone remember when you became aware of or interested in TBirds?

Had barely even heard of them. Just out of high school, moving out of home to a new state, and I was looking for a Jazz because I figured it would be the last time I had disposable income. Played the T bird on a whim (the first I ever saw), and bought it straight away.

 

[Mike A]

Have I mentioned how much I love this thing?

Maybe I have. First gig in over a year, there was only one option for which to play.

 

[Haji]

Still trying to catch up on all the many many posts you chaty Kathies have posted. I had 250 posts, i'm down to 107 and need a break...

But! I had a gassy moment. I've been looking at Ibanez's for about six months. Never really found what I was looking for at the price I was happy to pay........ Untill yesterday when I found this on CracksList.

The Roadstar II series are INCREDIBLY underrated. They're classic vintage Japanese construction quality and play like BUTTAH! These have almost nothing in common with the paper thin necked, boring tone basses Ibby makes now. Looks like that one in in nice shape, too! Conga rats.