Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

The '15 sounds to be one amazing instrument. What to sell it? Money could go towards said retirement horse. Well, a saddle maybe. I would love to own a '15 one day. Likely won't happen. Unless you start really wanting that horse!

Horses are wonderful, amazing animals. Almost majestic. I don't like seeing them used that way either. Really dislike dog races. Dogs are like people--only better!

The ‘15 isn’t going anywhere. It’s one of the luckiest purchases ever. New with case $999.00. The GC blowout in ‘15. I will never, ever sell it. You could offer me 10K and the answer is NO WAY.

 

[RedVee]

Saw a nice tribute to a horse out at The Lagoon just south of Bathurst.
Hondo Grattan, who won a couple of Inter Dominions, 1973 & 74, the “big” championship for Aust & NZ harness racing.
There is a story that the local trainer went to the US in about 68 to procure ‘services’ for a couple of his mares. The US guy wanted ‘overs’. The Bathurst guy said how about I just buy the horse... and did for $1 mill US (delivered). A lot of money in 68 especially for a little NSW country trainer. Hence the devotion to Hondo Grattan the progeny of that horse and a local mare. But HG paid back on the gamble with the first Inter... the 2nd was just cream.

the new memorial.

The old memorial at the school is a little worse for wear now. Looked better than this when I last saw it 6 or so years ago.

There is even a song:

 

[dagrev]

I have to agree on the feel, my '89 Gibson is probably my fave player of all my Birds - the neck is slim and just fits my hand really well.

I know what you mean. My '64 was my perfect playing/feeling bass, then I got the '06. It feels every bit as good. Just doesn't have that "decades of having been around" feel to it. But it is truly a wonderful instrument. Like you, it just fits me so well that I just love playing it. I've got some other really nice basses (for my tastes and wallet), but the '64 and the '06 are both simply incredible to play.

 

[BklynKen]

Say a nice tribute to a horse out at The Lagoon just south of Bathurst.
Hondo Grattan, who won a couple of Inter Dominions, 1973 & 74, the “big” championship for Aust & NZ harness racing.
There is a story that the local trainer went to the US in about 68 to procure ‘services’ for a couple of his mares. The US guy wanted ‘overs’. The Bathurst guy said how about I just buy the horse... and did for $1 mill US (delivered). A lot of money in 68 especially for a little NSW country trainer. Hence the devotion to Hondo Grattan the progeny of that horse and a local mare. But HG paid back on the gamble with the first Inter... the 2nd was just cream.

the new memorial.

View attachment 3999049

The old memorial at the school is a little worse for wear now. Looked better than this when I last saw it 6 or so years ago.

View attachment 3999048

There is even a song:

And then there's Little Honda from Yo La Tengo (Beach Boys cover).

 

[RedVee]

And then there's Little Honda from Yo La Tengo (Beach Boys cover).

Ohhh, I like that

 

[MCF]

What about the 2015 makes it the best?

It is the perfect bass. Probably around 8 lbs. It balances perfectly. Not a single flaw. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No dead spots. Perfect fit and finish. The Diccola tone tapped PUPs allow Humbucker Tbird tones and so much more. It amazes me and makes me smile every day. And believe me, I go to it a lot for inspiration and to escape everyday trials and tribulations. It’s part of me. I know, korny. But I’ve never been this attached to a “thing.”

 

[BklynKen]

It is the perfect bass. Probably around 8 lbs. It balances perfectly. Not a single flaw. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No dead spots. Perfect fit and finish. The Diccola tone tapped PUPs allow Humbucker Tbird tones and so much more. It amazes me and makes me smile every day. And believe me, I go to it a lot for inspiration and to escape everyday trials and tribulations. It’s part of me. I know, korny. But I’ve never been this attached to a “thing.”

Not at all. Other than the electronics, I was curious if it was anything different than what the 2013 offers.

 

[GonePlaid]

Come on man. It's going to be Winter n Florida. How bad can it be.

Seriously though, really hate to hear that. That kind of think is never cheap and always painful. The house we bought/buying has two systems, both 15 ys old. I'm praying for a few more years.

Come try it. The humidity is over 50%(more like 70%)all year. It's why people come down during the winter and will say the thermometer says 50 but it feels colder than 50 back home. Yup, the constant dampness in the air will soak right through a bulk knit sweater.

 

[MCF]

I know what you mean. My '64 was my perfect playing/feeling bass, then I got the '06. It feels every bit as good. Just doesn't have that "decades of having been around" feel to it. But it is truly a wonderful instrument. Like you, it just fits me so well that I just love playing it. I've got some other really nice basses (for my tastes and wallet), but the '64 and the '06 are both simply incredible to play.

And “they” say Gibson doesn’t make decent basses. I’ve played a lot of basses over 50 years. I love my 7enders. And my wonderful Peavy Foundation. But nothing compares to a Gibson Thunderbird.

 

[TBird1958]

Come try it. The humidity is over 50%(more like 70%)all year. It's why people come down during the winter and will say the thermometer says 50 but it feels colder than 50 back home. Yup, the constant dampness in the air will soak right through a bulk knit sweater.

Ya really know how to sell a place, Mike

 

[MCF]

Ohhh, I like that

Isn’t that great? Added to my list of songs to learn. That version should take, what, twenty minutes? I might even (God forbid) claim I can sing it. Great post.

 

[GonePlaid]

Ya really know how to sell a place, Mike

People come down anyway, find out they like the lack of winter 'activities'(snow shoveling, falling on ice, cars rusting out, etc.)then bitc....er, gripe about the humidity. Then go inside in the AC. Many of the malls open the hallway areas early to 'walkers' who would overheat outside. Do not get in their way! Little ole granny ladies will walk right over you.
ADDENDUM: "pandemic"or not, Central FL is still the #1 tourist destination in the world.

 

[MCF]

Ya really know how to sell a place, Mike

My Dad was transferred to the Cape in ‘67. My Mom said “hell no.” Dad changed jobs. Always wondered what would have happened if we had moved to Cocoa Beach.

 

[MCF]

Not at all. Other than the electronics, I was curious if it was anything different than what the 2013 offers.

If your ‘13 is anything like my ‘15, it is a wonderful bass guitar. I’m a Gibson fanboy now.

 

[BklynKen]

If your ‘13 is anything like my ‘15, it is a wonderful bass guitar. I’m a Gibson fanboy now.

It absolutely is. The NR's neck of the same year is thicker.

 

[MCF]

It absolutely is. The NR's neck of the same year is thicker.

Yes it is. More like a Studio. Set neck. But it is a meticulously crafted bass. Worth to me at least twice what I paid for it. It too, isn’t going anywhere.

 

[GBassNorth]

Totally sucks. We went through that in ‘18. 20 year old system died. Let’s just say it cost more than a ‘63 Tbird the replace. The upside is that the new one is a lot more efficient. We save about $30 to $40 on our PG&E bill every month. So it’ll pay for itself in twenty years.

Best thing I ever did when I bought this house was to buy a home warranty contract. It cost me $150 per year and covers just about everything. My built in designer fridge went out, cost me $85 to have it repaired (invoice on the repair was almost $3000), one of my HVAC units was completely replaced for $85 (invoice on the unit was $8000). Anyone with an HVAC system more than ten years old should seriously consider a home warranty.

I saw Klugman ride by at the Derby when I was a kid. The way he was rubbing his head I figured he was still hungover from the night before or just lost a years pay. (After the Derby race was over we would walk in for the last race to two. Nobody cared after the Derby was over. The things you see. Looks kind of "sophisticated" and classy on TV. Reality is different. I grew up in a not so nice area right around the Downs. The most obnoxious people I've ever seen at a mass gatherings go to horse races, at least there.)

Went to the Downs a couple of times and never really liked the crowd there. The facility and the races were fine but there were just too many out of control people there for me. I really liked Keenland much better and spent a lot of time at those races. The key is to get box seats - you can place your bet and collect your winnings at your seat and personal attendants provide food, drinks and parasols for the ladies when the sun comes out. It makes the entire experience so much better than the standing room only that I got stuck in at the Derby.

It is the perfect bass. Probably around 8 lbs. It balances perfectly. Not a single flaw. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No dead spots. Perfect fit and finish. The Diccola tone tapped PUPs allow Humbucker Tbird tones and so much more. It amazes me and makes me smile every day. And believe me, I go to it a lot for inspiration and to escape everyday trials and tribulations. It’s part of me. I know, korny. But I’ve never been this attached to a “thing.”

One of these days you and I need to meet up someplace with a few of our birds to compare notes. I really like the look and feel of my 2015 but I've never been able to get the sound exactly where I want it. My Anniversary bass is my go to bird followed very closely by my grungy old '77 Greco.

 

[PillO]

Quincy! He is my Mom’s all time favorite.

I was thinking Oscar Madison.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Over 400 bucks in the jar!!
People seriously jonesing to get out..

 

[dagrev]

It is the perfect bass. Probably around 8 lbs. It balances perfectly. Not a single flaw. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. No dead spots. Perfect fit and finish. The Diccola tone tapped PUPs allow Humbucker Tbird tones and so much more. It amazes me and makes me smile every day. And believe me, I go to it a lot for inspiration and to escape everyday trials and tribulations. It’s part of me. I know, korny. But I’ve never been this attached to a “thing.”

Nope! Not corny at all. Sounds like a match made in a music store to me. It's wonderful when you run across a bass that seems made for you. Some people never have that wonderful experience, and I'm truly glad you have. Even if it means you won't sell it to me towards a retirement horse!