Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

No, just to a bigger house about 15 minutes away. My mother will be 85 next month and has macular degeneration and has difficulty seeing. Her mind is just fine but at her age she has difficulty getting around some and her eyesight is very poor to say the least. As a result she’s getting nervous about living alone, so we need to make her feel more comfortable in that respect. As a result we are buying a bigger house, one with a large walkout basement that has plenty of light and room to make it feel like her own space. It has a kitchen, full bath etc. (She will have access to the upstairs as well, so she's not being banished to a basement, though it is nice.) Sounds unkind, but my mother can be intense. She's German-Dutch (and nothing else), and has a thought on most everything and has spent a lot of time getting there. Like I told my wife when dating, you can argue with her, but you darn well better know what you're talking about or you will soon find out you don't! Her brain is still likely better than most 40 yr olds in many respect, which has helped her do really well with her investing. She can be as kind and giving as anyone, but she can be trying at times as well. On top of that, I really, really dislike moving. Seems so overwhelming, especially having to sell both our house and her's and move her as well. It is a really nice place and we will enjoy living there, but it's just getting there that is unnerving. Nice view of a golf course, but I don't golf--I just don't like looking out at someone else's house or junk.

Life’s adventures. My parents are pushing ninety. They still live in the same house that they bought in ‘68 when Dad Moved us from San Diego to Vandenberg. My brother and I are starting to game plan for the inevitable. We’ve been extremely fortunate so far re any significant issues.

By the way, your wife is a Saint.

 

[dagrev]

Life’s adventures. My parents are pushing ninety. They still live in the same house that they bought in ‘68 when Dad Moved us from San Diego to Vandenberg. My brother and I are starting to game plan for the inevitable. We’ve been extremely fortunate so far re any significant issues.

By the way, your wife is a Saint.

Well..... It is true that generally it's the ladies in the in-laws situation often turn in to be the out-laws and are more likely to not get along. Sandra knows how frustrating my mother can be and at times doesn't always handle it ideally, and at other times she does a better job than I do. Oddly enough it was her idea years ago to maybe move my mother in while she could still see in case she completely lost her sight. I told her that would be a last resort and I would seek to avoid that as long as possible, for the reasons stated above. I can be like my mother (and most on that side of the family), so I was concerned it could be unhelpfully stressful. I'm still not sure my wife understands what we're getting into. Maybe she really just wanted to move and I've been played for a bigger house!

 

[GBassNorth]

I don't get moving(unless it's necessary-for whatever reason). My folks bought a house in Miami in '49. They bought a house in Palm City, FL, in '81. They passed away there/here in '05 and '06. Real gadabouts.

Interesting paths we take. I grew up in a household that relocated every couple years. From the time I was born to the time I graduated from high school I had lived at 10 different addresses before I moved away from "home". My dad worked for IBM, which stands for "I've Been Moved". Once I was on my own I lived in another 9 addresses. My first wife was born and raised in the same house her entire life until we married. I remember thinking how odd that must feel to never have a change of scenery.

I wasn’t home enough yesterday to post the info for @GBassNorth re the guts of my bolt-ons. I think he got his answers, but I’ll post my info, one post at a time, in case anyone needs specific info. And to save for posterity.

First up is the 2007 “Limited Edition Custom Shop Thunderbird IV” in Pelham Blue. Epi Pelham on this is a very sparkly and different shade than my Gibson NR ‘13. Unsung factory, Korea. It’s a wonderful Tbird. Completely stock as far as I know, including the bridge. Currently running 45-105 Dunlop Superbrights.
View attachment 3991927
I was pretty sure when I opened it up, I was entering virgin territory. The screws were very snug. The cap, which I couldn’t get the number of, is attached at the center lug of the tone pot. I was hesitant to move much as this is a marvelous bass with no issues. Alpha A500 for the tone and B500s for the volumes.
View attachment 3991936
View attachment 3991937 I’m curious about the bare wood around the jack. Any ideas? Replacement?

Thanks. I always enjoy the pics, even of just guts. I'd guess the jack was replaced or possibly it was grounding out on the conductive paint, so the paint was removed in that area.

No, just to a bigger house about 15 minutes away. My mother will be 85 next month and has macular degeneration and has difficulty seeing. Her mind is just fine but at her age she has difficulty getting around some and her eyesight is very poor to say the least. As a result she’s getting nervous about living alone, so we need to make her feel more comfortable in that respect. As a result we are buying a bigger house, one with a large walkout basement that has plenty of light and room to make it feel like her own space. It has a kitchen, full bath etc. (She will have access to the upstairs as well, so she's not being banished to a basement, though it is nice.) Sounds unkind, but my mother can be intense. She's German-Dutch (and nothing else), and has a thought on most everything and has spent a lot of time getting there. Like I told my wife when dating, you can argue with her, but you darn well better know what you're talking about or you will soon find out you don't! Her brain is still likely better than most 40 yr olds in many respect, which has helped her do really well with her investing. She can be as kind and giving as anyone, but she can be trying at times as well. On top of that, I really, really dislike moving. Seems so overwhelming, especially having to sell both our house and her's and move her as well. It is a really nice place and we will enjoy living there, but it's just getting there that is unnerving. Nice view of a golf course, but I don't golf--I just don't like looking out at someone else's house or junk.

You're a good man and son. It takes a lot of dedication and love to bring a needy elderly parent into your household. I did it for a few years and as much as I loved both my mom and my current wife (she hates it when I call her my current wife) I was constantly in the middle trying to keep peace between the two. Mom was in her 90's and very set in her ways and my wife felt like she was losing control of her house and life. The two got along ok but the stress level for my wife was intense, a real challenge on our marriage.

A year ago my moms health started deteriorating fast so we had to move her into a full time care facility (I'd have been scared for life giving her a sponge bath or changing depends). She really liked the new home and staff as well as the other elderly folks to hang with and all the activities. Unfortunately, she passed away in March of this year due to natural causes. Fortunately, it was before the COVID mess hit hard, so she wasn't in lockdown and the family was able to see her to the end.

Only advice I'd give is to go out of your way to make quality time for just you and your wife. Schedule little weekend getaways when someone else can take on the duty of caring for mom. And don't lose sight of the reality that there may come a time when a professional 24/7 RN type care giver is the right answer for her well being - The cost of which can be mind boggling (I was paying in excess of $8000 a month towards the end, had she gone into hospice it could have easily doubled).

 

[KaraQ]

I wasn’t home enough yesterday to post the info for @GBassNorth re the guts of my bolt-ons. I think he got his answers, but I’ll post my info, one post at a time, in case anyone needs specific info. And to save for posterity.

First up is the 2007 “Limited Edition Custom Shop Thunderbird IV” in Pelham Blue. Epi Pelham on this is a very sparkly and different shade than my Gibson NR ‘13. Unsung factory, Korea. It’s a wonderful Tbird. Completely stock as far as I know, including the bridge. Currently running 45-105 Dunlop Superbrights.
View attachment 3991927
I was pretty sure when I opened it up, I was entering virgin territory. The screws were very snug. The cap, which I couldn’t get the number of, is attached at the center lug of the tone pot. I was hesitant to move much as this is a marvelous bass with no issues. Alpha A500 for the tone and B500s for the volumes.
View attachment 3991936
View attachment 3991937 I’m curious about the bare wood around the jack. Any ideas? Replacement?

Great pics!
Love that color!

It's interesting to see how different (wiring, cap, pickup placement) your '07 from Unsung, Korea, is from my '07 from Unsung, China

The wiring/cap in yours looks like what's in my other bolt-on (from Mysteryville , which I assume is somewhere in Korea...)

 

[dagrev]

...You're a good man and son. It takes a lot of dedication and love to bring a needy elderly parent into your household. I did it for a few years and as much as I loved both my mom and my current wife (she hates it when I call her my current wife) I was constantly in the middle trying to keep peace between the two. Mom was in her 90's and very set in her ways and my wife felt like she was losing control of her house and life. The two got along ok but the stress level for my wife was intense, a real challenge on our marriage.

A year ago my moms health started deteriorating fast so we had to move her into a full time care facility (I'd have been scared for life giving her a sponge bath or changing depends). She really liked the new home and staff as well as the other elderly folks to hang with and all the activities. Unfortunately, she passed away in March of this year due to natural causes. Fortunately, it was before the COVID mess hit hard, so she wasn't in lockdown and the family was able to see her to the end.

Only advice I'd give is to go out of your way to make quality time for just you and your wife. Schedule little weekend getaways when someone else can take on the duty of caring for mom. And don't lose sight of the reality that there may come a time when a professional 24/7 RN type care giver is the right answer for her well being - The cost of which can be mind boggling (I was paying in excess of $8000 a month towards the end, had she gone into hospice it could have easily doubled).

When we started seriously considering it recently I told my wife we need a big enough house that we can all have our space. Sounds like I'm being an unkind SOB, and I don't like how it must be coming across, but people that know my mother (and that side of the family) understand what I'm saying. I will be frustrated at times, but I do hope my wife understands what she's getting into. She should, but so often good intentions blind people to the realities of life. I have no intention of getting caught in the middle, and don't want to pull out the "You were the one that thought this was a good idea" card! But will if necessary. Kindly, I hope!

I greatly appreciate your insight and words of guidance.

 

[dagrev]

Great pics!
Love that color!

I know. Isn't that amazing!

 

[MCF]

Great pics!
Love that color!

It's interesting to see how different (wiring, cap, pickup placement) your '07 from Unsung, Korea, is from my '07 from Unsung, China

The wiring/cap in yours looks like what's in my other bolt-on (from Mysteryville , which I assume is somewhere in Korea...)

Thanks. iPhone 8.

In case you haven’t figured out, I have a blue fetish. It is a stunningly beautiful Thunderbird. And pretty rare. A great player and has a wonderful tone straight into my little Marshall or Hartke combos.

I thought the workmanship inside looked fine, wires could have been trimmed a bit. Like I say, no issues re the electronics.

I’ll open up the ‘09 Silverburst next, same factory, and see if there is anything different.

 

[MCF]

When we started seriously considering it recently I told my wife we need a big enough house that we can all have our space. Sounds like I'm being an unkind SOB, and I don't like how it must be coming across, but people that know my mother (and that side of the family) understand what I'm saying. I will be frustrated at times, but I do hope my wife understands what she's getting into. She should, but so often good intentions blind people to the realities of life. I have no intention of getting caught in the middle, and don't want to pull out the "You were the one that thought this was a good idea" card! But will if necessary. Kindly, I hope!

I greatly appreciate your insight and words of guidance.

Well, if recent times have taught us anything, it’s tolerance. We have our now 32 year old son living with us. It’s been over a year. 2700 sq. ft. seems like 700 at times. You’ll make it work. You pretty much have to.

 

[Nocturnal]

I don't get moving(unless it's necessary-for whatever reason). My folks bought a house in Miami in '49. They bought a house in Palm City, FL, in '81. They passed away there/here in '05 and '06. Real gadabouts.

There will be a good bit of figuring things out for us. We are losing a finished basement that has a living space, my office and most all my basses and music equipment. We'll have more room in some ways, but less in others. I've yet to figure where I'm going to store my basses. But I'm gaining a second floor office/hiding place! I figured we would move after my mother passed away (we love about a couple blocks away currently), but her being uncomfortable alone and lonely since my dad died a few years back changed our plans.

One of the reasons we are looking is that there is the real strong chance that my MIL will have to move in with us. She is sliding into either dementia or Alzheimers and the change in the last 18 month's has been dramatic. She doesn't "think" there is a problem (at least one she will admit to) but she does know somethings happening and I am sure she is terrified. The house we are in would not be suitable for that type of living arrangement, especially with me working from home on what may be a permanent basis. We are concerned she will need to move to a memory care facility, but she may be able to stay with us for a year or so before it gets that bad.....maybe. Letting her live with us would allow her to liquidate her home and some other items and have a nice nest egg for her care. She has been very good to us over the years and we want to take care of her as much as we can before professional help is needed. Sorry to be such a downer.

You could have shipped the Birds to Seattle Andy, I'd have taken good care of them

I suspect I would have trouble convincing my Birds to return home after living with our Queen for a while.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I wasn’t home enough yesterday to post the info for @GBassNorth re the guts of my bolt-ons. I think he got his answers, but I’ll post my info, one post at a time, in case anyone needs specific info. And to save for posterity.

First up is the 2007 “Limited Edition Custom Shop Thunderbird IV” in Pelham Blue. Epi Pelham on this is a very sparkly and different shade than my Gibson NR ‘13. Unsung factory, Korea. It’s a wonderful Tbird. Completely stock as far as I know, including the bridge. Currently running 45-105 Dunlop Superbrights.
View attachment 3991927
I was pretty sure when I opened it up, I was entering virgin territory. The screws were very snug. The cap, which I couldn’t get the number of, is attached at the center lug of the tone pot. I was hesitant to move much as this is a marvelous bass with no issues. Alpha A500 for the tone and B500s for the volumes.
View attachment 3991936
View attachment 3991937 I’m curious about the bare wood around the jack. Any ideas? Replacement?

WRT the cap value, that's why you should own a dental mirror. You can get an inexpensive one at a grocer or pharmacy.

No idea about the bare wood. That seems odd.

 

[GonePlaid]

There will be a good bit of figuring things out for us. We are losing a finished basement that has a living space, my office and most all my basses and music equipment. We'll have more room in some ways, but less in others. I've yet to figure where I'm going to store my basses. But I'm gaining a second floor office/hiding place! I figured we would move after my mother passed away (we love about a couple blocks away currently), but her being uncomfortable alone and lonely since my dad died a few years back changed our plans.

Life is what happens when you make plans. Not funny, but true.

 

[GBassNorth]

Just got my super duper discounted Hipshot Supertone bridge in the mail. Great news is, it is in fact a three point! Will do the fitting tomorrow hopefully.

 

[GonePlaid]

WRT the cap value, that's why you should own a dental mirror. You can get an inexpensive one at a grocer or pharmacy.

No idea about the bare wood. That seems odd.

Or yer dentist-when he/she leaves the room.

 

[KaraQ]

Or yer dentist-when he/she leaves the room.

...or the mechanic, when she/he forgets it under the hood of your car...

 

[RedVee]

I don't get moving(unless it's necessary-for whatever reason). My folks bought a house in Miami in '49. They bought a house in Palm City, FL, in '81. They passed away there/here in '05 and '06. Real gadabouts.

well I’m the boring one.
House 1. 1962
House 2. 1966
House 3. 1990
House 4. 2005
Note only 3 suburbs involved, house 4 being 400 metres up the hill from house 3, same street.

 

[RedVee]

@Gaolee @dukeorock @Chucky Stiletti

Elvis RCA Microphone

 

[dagrev]

One of the reasons we are looking is that there is the real strong chance that my MIL will have to move in with us. She is sliding into either dementia or Alzheimers and the change in the last 18 month's has been dramatic. She doesn't "think" there is a problem (at least one she will admit to) but she does know somethings happening and I am sure she is terrified. The house we are in would not be suitable for that type of living arrangement, especially with me working from home on what may be a permanent basis. We are concerned she will need to move to a memory care facility, but she may be able to stay with us for a year or so before it gets that bad.....maybe. Letting her live with us would allow her to liquidate her home and some other items and have a nice nest egg for her care. She has been very good to us over the years and we want to take care of her as much as we can before professional help is needed. Sorry to be such a downer.

It's just one of the realities of life that some of us have to deal with. We just take what we get and do the best we can trying to be wise and caring at the same time. Being fully human is a little difficult at times! As the famous Canadian philosopher Red Green said, "Keep your stick on the ice. We're all in this together."

 

[dagrev]

Life is what happens when you make plans. Not funny, but true.

Very true, very true! The upside is, life is worse when you don't make plans--or wise ones anyway. If you don't plan other people will plan for you.

 

[Gaolee]

well I’m the boring one.
House 1. 1962
House 2. 1966
House 3. 1990
House 4. 2005
Note only 3 suburbs involved, house 4 being 400 metres up the hill from house 3, same street.

We moved around a bit in the 1980s but not that much. We bought house 1 in 1988. We are still there.

 

[Gaolee]

@Gaolee @dukeorock @Chucky Stiletti

Elvis RCA Microphone

View attachment 3992265

I am in love! Actually, even if I had the cash to spend on one of those, I would probably get a Cloud or AEA or Royer. Or maybe a Steiger. I am completely intrigued by Steiger microphones. I believe they are made in Tennessee.