Thunderbird Club

[Chucky Stiletti]

Interesting saddle position on the A.

saddle screw decided to exit all by itself for some reason....all good now....

 

[GonePlaid]

I didn't really make a lot of progress on the GBP last night (for reasons... ), so I guess for Thunderbird Thursday, I'll just give some updated pics...

View attachment 4075510
View attachment 4075511

Actually, a little bit o' electrical tape over the D and G holes and yer done.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

How does the single-pickup sound?

Undoubtedly my #1.....

 

[MCF]

WHAT? Was Nikki not playing bass???



Will play for burgers!

She plays an Epi El Capitan when she does acoustic appearances. She and Brian do occasional acoustic drop-ins at places like Amoeba Records and a few other shops once in a while.

Here’s a favorite from that unplugged show. I love playing her line along to it and the original studio version.

 

[MCF]

I voted, Thunderbird of course.
Always interesting to see where people's opinions fall on something like this. Would be even more interesting if they weeded out the uninformed and just counted votes from individuals that have significant experience with each of the basses listed. I currently own nearly every bass on that list and have played the Ric and Hofner. I'll stick with the TBird as the GOAT mass produced bass (followed very closely by a P bass), and probably an Alembic series I or II as the GOAT boutique bass.

I figured when all was said and done there would be 15-20 votes from some of us but certainly didn’t expect a whole lotta love. I was surprised the OP had it on the list. So there’s that.

 

[GBassNorth]

I voted too. T-Birds rule - no matter what anyone else says.

Agree.
I'd consider a P bass the generic traditional definition of an electric bass. So stacking the TBird up to that reveals:
Sound-wise - a Thunderbird can do anything a P bass does in any genre or on any song.
Looks - are completely subjective and both the P and Bird are iconic vintage designs.
Ergonomics and Playability - different ergo approach but both are equal when set up right.
Construction materials and methods - neck thru vs bolt on, tilted headstock vs flat, multi lam mahogany and walnut neck vs single piece Maple. Advantage Thunderbird.

 

[JIO]

 

[GonePlaid]

Agree.
I'd consider a P bass the generic traditional definition of an electric bass. So stacking the TBird up to that reveals:
Sound-wise - a Thunderbird can do anything a P bass does in any genre or on any song.
Looks - are completely subjective and both the P and Bird are iconic vintage designs.
Ergonomics and Playability - different ergo approach but both are equal when set up right.
Construction materials and methods - neck thru vs bolt on, tilted headstock vs flat, multi lam mahogany and walnut neck vs single piece Maple. Advantage Thunderbird.

Even tho' the NR is set neck, it still has the advantage. IM(not so)HO.

 

[GBassNorth]

****Nevermind. I found the thread and GBassNorth had provided the info.*****I know its off topic but....a while back someone shared their home warranty company they were super happy with. I am blanking on who but I think it may have been Goalee?? Anyhow, if you see this would you please share the name once again? We are thinking of changing companies for the new house. Thanks

Oh yeah, Thunderbird Thursday!! An oldie for the holiday season.
View attachment 4075579

It may have been me. I was noting I'm very pleased with Fidelity National Home Warranty. They cost me about $500 a year and over the last 10 years have saved me at least $20,000.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

How about another deadspot report on the laminated neck?
It should be much better, right?

Edit: I learned from my Ric that neck-through doesn't necessarily help, but I think the laminations might.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

Actually, a little bit o' electrical tape over the D and G holes and yer done.

View attachment 4075620

In the Cliff Williams (minimalist) transcriptions I looked up, he never touched the G string.
So with that thing you could do a minimalist's interpretation of a minimalist, and it could be good!

Another way to avoid dead spots.

 

[BklynKen]

In the Cliff Williams (minimalist) transcriptions I looked up, he never touched the G string.
So with that thing you could do a minimalist's interpretation of a minimalist, and it could be good!

Another way to avoid dead spots.

I'm sure Bon Scott touched the G-string plenty.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

YES!

 

[MCF]

I don't remember how I got such clanky tone this day, it was about 95 and really humid in Tacoma, WA.
Happy Thunderbird Thursday!

And that rolled to Walk Like, which you all do great as well.

 

[MCF]

After owning my first BlackBird I added a strap button in the "Sixx Spot" on a couple basses. It is nice to have that extra option for adjustability.

I actually like the balance I get with the Slingshot on the Silverburst’s upper bout instead of at the neck.

Happy TT to all from the home office practice area!

 

[Larry V]

I actually like the balance I get with the Slingshot on the Silverburst’s upper bout instead of at the neck.
View attachment 4075687 Happy TT to all from the home office practice area!
View attachment 4075689

I only use Slingshots and they will not let my TBirds dive because they have plenty of grip. You're not going to get to Trujillo lowness with them but low enough for me. Great strap, IMO.

 

[Nocturnal]

It may have been me. I was noting I'm very pleased with Fidelity National Home Warranty. They cost me about $500 a year and over the last 10 years have saved me at least $20,000.

Yes sir it was you. Thank you!!

 

[GBassNorth]

How about another deadspot report on the laminated neck?
It should be much better, right?

Edit: I learned from my Ric that neck-through doesn't necessarily help, but I think the laminations might.

I have plenty of basses with dead spots (even my Thunderbirds), all are tolerable or I wouldn't still have the bass.

I have played a number of Fender basses with unusable G strings around the 5th fret. IDK if there's a correlation between neck through or multi lam and the reduction in dead spots or severity, but I do think the dead spots aren't nearly as obvious on my birds vs other single piece Fender style necks I have. I just assume there will be a spot or two on the neck of nearly every bass I own that won't sustain quite as long as the surrounding notes. Hasn't ever been a problem on any song I've played though.

Here's an interesting read in the topic...
Invalid Link Removed

Note: I've always wanted to write a song that had super long sustains during a bass solo in all the typical Fender dead spot areas, just to mess with the better than thou group.

 

[GBassNorth]

Even tho' the NR is set neck, it still has the advantage. IM(not so)HO.

I actually consider the set neck the best of both worlds. Nearly the sustain of neck through with nearly the replaceability of a bolt on. It's my favorite.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I actually consider the set neck the best of both worlds. Nearly the sustain of neck through with nearly the replaceability of a bolt on. It's my favorite.

don’t overlook the brightness of a bolt on..