Thunderbird Club

[dukeorock]

I have enough trouble walking and chewing gum. Singing and playing?

As for Geddy's one finger style, I was a one finger player for a long time. My teacher told me to use two and I resisted on the basis that Geddy only uses one. But I'm not Geddy; now I use two.

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

 

[Bassmike62]

According to Phil(the "keeper"), the Cup gets some damage every year in post win celebrations.

The stories this guy must have and not telling...

 

[TBird1958]

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

That last sentence really says it all...

 

[Andy Marshman]

I took my T-Bird to a jam last night. They guys knew I traded a Ric 4003 for it (even swap). They said "now I know why you traded". They LOVED the finish and overall appearance then they heard me play it. I think the main reason that last night's session went so well is that the T-Bird sounded so damn good. It has the deepest round tone of any bass I've ever owned [there have been lots of them] and I was just smiling wide all night long.

 

[TBird1958]

I took my T-Bird to a jam last night. They guys knew I traded a Ric 4003 for it (even swap). They said "now I know why you traded". They LOVED the finish and overall appearance then they heard me play it. I think the main reason that last night's session went so well is that the T-Bird sounded so damn good. It has the deepest round tone of any bass I've ever owned [there have been lots of them] and I was just smiling wide all night long.

That's what we love to hear! Awesome!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

Hey, worked for Jamerson so….

 

[Engle]

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

One finger is my default, and sometimes I have to force myself to use two. One finger is kind of like down stroking with a pick.

 

[Gaolee]

According to Neil, drumming is the hardest job. Singing is the worst job

Drumming like Neil is a near impossible job for anybody but him.

 

[Gaolee]

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

One of the reasons I like Thunderbird ergos so much is that you can rotate the neck up to play like that, rotate it halfway down to play with two fingers or rotate it to horizontal for pick playing.

All of that aside, I naturally play with two fingers. One, a pick, or slap take more effort. I haven't made the effort to slap just yet. Maybe someday.

 

[Nocturnal]

I tell people there are more punches, etc., in each play in (American) football than a whole, average, hockey game. The difference being you can't see the stuff going on in the pile up, but you can see it all against a white sheet of ice. And it's a very fast game.
ADDENDUM: If you have a minor league hockey team near you, those games are relatively inexpensive and you'll get to see guys on their way up(or down) the various levels.

I like to think of hockey as a great combination of grace and violence. The players skating can be so graceful, and the physical aspect of the game makes it fun to watch as well. Guys lose teeth and keep playing. I guess that is because they don't have a team doctor to come out on the ice and spray them with the magic water used on soccer "injuries". Not hating on soccer, except the overacting of the players.

Very true. I love football. But the NFL is wearing me down with things other than football. (They ignore the saying: Stay in your lane, man.)

We had the River Frogs in the mid/late 90s, but that's it as far as I recall. Seems like there was another team for a while.

Lexington had a team called the Thoroughblades. My friend sent me a puck years ago. Still have it somewhere around here.

Kentucky Thoroughblades - Wikipedia

 

[GBassNorth]

I often try to force myself to use just one finger on walking lines and other stuff. Makes me focus on getting more skin on the strings as opposed to just fingertips. Makes a nice, even sounding thing similar to upright in feel. I also like tequila so maybe it’s just that

One finger is my default, and sometimes I have to force myself to use two. One finger is kind of like down stroking with a pick.

I’m predominantly a single finger player as well (Ahem in advance) Just feels more natural and sounds more even from string to string and note to note. That said, there are a number of songs that I gravitate to two or even three fingers - Pink Floyd’s Money and Golden Earring’s Radar Love come to mind.

And FWIW - I’m also predominantly a three finger player with the left hand. There’s exceptions there as well.

This is what happens when you’re self taught. You develop a style that feels right for you, never really thinking about how it might limit your progress down the road. To this day I just can’t get the hang of pick playing, and there are many songs that just don’t sound right without it (Another One Bites the Dust comes to mind). I’m sure if I had started with traditional bass lessons I’d be much much further along than I am today. On the plus side, there are very few songs that I want to play that I can’t play or couldn’t learn to play. So I choose to live with my inherent handicaps.

 

[BklynKen]

I’m predominantly a single finger player as well (Ahem in advance) Just feels more natural and sounds more even from string to string and note to note.

I can't find a pic of my left (picking/plucking) hand playing at the moment, but I was taught early on to sort of pivot my wrist so my two fingers I play with are on a slant so the tips are the same distance from the string they're hitting. This gives a much more even sound than if your fingers were perpendicular to the strings. Maybe my fingers are about 45˚ to the strings.

 

[BklynKen]

I can't find a pic of my left (picking/plucking) hand playing at the moment, but I was taught early on to sort of pivot my wrist so my two fingers I play with are on a slant so the tips are the same distance from the string they're hitting. This gives a much more even sound than if your fingers were perpendicular to the strings. Maybe my fingers are about 45˚ to the strings.

Hopefully this gives an idea of what I'm talking about.

 

[PillO]

One of the reasons I like Thunderbird ergos so much is that you can rotate the neck up to play like that, rotate it halfway down to play with two fingers or rotate it to horizontal for pick playing.

Or just let go and the neck will rapidly tilt down allowing you to demonstrate the detachable headstock feature.

 

[PillO]

I guess that is because they don't have a team doctor to come out on the ice and spray them with the magic water used on soccer "injuries". Not hating on soccer, except the overacting of the players.

Those injuries are so awesome!

But, if it is a real injury, the player gets carried off the field on a stretcher...

 

[PillO]

I can't find a pic of my left (picking/plucking) hand playing at the moment, but I was taught early on to sort of pivot my wrist so my two fingers I play with are on a slant so the tips are the same distance from the string they're hitting. This gives a much more even sound than if your fingers were perpendicular to the strings. Maybe my fingers are about 45˚ to the strings.

I watched a yootoob of Billy Sheehan spending about 30 minutes (but felt like an hour after 5 minutes) talking about that.

 

[Chrisbassman]

Just wanted to say i love Thunderbirds too! Here are mine. 2013 epi classic pro and 2019 epi 60s t bird

 

[PillO]

Just wanted to say i love Thunderbirds too!

Yeah, me too.

 

[MCF]

Smooth jazz version of Fly By Night... Does Kenny G do any Rush?

I'll take Geddy's voice any day over Kenny G.

 

[GBassNorth]

Just wanted to say i love Thunderbirds too! Here are mine. 2013 epi classic pro and 2019 epi 60s t bird

When it comes to loving Tbirds, you’re in good company here. Love the look of the burst VP (60’s Tbird), all that wood grain and chrome is gorgeous.

If you aren’t already a member here feel free to join, our fearless leader @TBird1958 will gladly welcome you to the best club on talkbass. Great place to converse with hundreds of other Tbird players from around the world and pick up some tips and tricks to get the most out of your bird.