Thunderbird Club

[Chucky Stiletti]

I often say that you don't have 100% control over what happens to you, but you do control how you react to it. I decided I was still playing bass, gigging when possible, biking and doing other stuff that's important and most importantly taking care of the people I love. The rest... whatever .

Here for a good time...not a long time..ROCK ON!!!

 

[GonePlaid]

Thoughts with you Mike. Never had to deal with that so far, but had a bout with bladder cancer in 2019. Hope all's gonna be well.

Yikes! They were checking me for that before 2020. I need to get back to that doctor-after the other thing.

 

[MCF]

Sorry to hear it, Mike. My bladder cancer was first diagnosed and treated in 2019 as well so I feel for you and what you're dealing with. How often have they been getting a look to make sure it hasn't returned?

Post op they wanted to get a look at my bladder every 3 months, then it went to 6 and last July, 2020, they pushed the next examination out to July 2021 and my appointment is for next Wednesday.

I'm not feeling too good about this appointment though since during my last physical, blood was present in my urine sample but who knows, maybe it's just my kidney stones causing that. I'll know Wednesday.

But hey, we have awesome Thunderbird basses to take our minds off these age related maladies.

Hope all turns out well Larry.

 

[Bassmike62]

Here for a good time...not a long time..ROCK ON!!!

That works for me !

 

[KaraQ]

.....
You must be a bit more gentle with your right foot than most. I get 15 MPH with my 5.3 liter Silverado crew cab mixed driving. I've never seen 20 even on a long road trip.

Yes

Also, Diesel

 

[Thumper]

It goes in waves. BMW drivers are always trying to kill me. For a while, it was preppy, excessively clean cut blonde drivers in black Jettas. Gender didn't matter. Then it was young girls with pony tails in red hatchbacks. For the time being, it is middle aged Audi SUV drivers. And BMW drivers. They are always a problem. Usually male. Always bozos.

I sold my Harley FLHTC in 2018, just too many cellphones on the way to the freeway...replacement Acura TLX took most all the sting out, plus, easier to transport TEFSO (Thunderbird equipped Fender shaped objects).

 

[dukeorock]

At V’s suggestion, I tried a set of Ken Smith RockMasters. Real solid, even sounding strings on my TBird. When they’re brand new, I still slightly prefer KS BassBurners or SIT Power Steels, but the RockMasters hold their tone and last longer, which is nice. For the 5 week tour that starts next Wednesday, my preferred strings will be Dunlop, because they sent me a big box for free
I got 6 sets of regular Super Brights, 6 sets of MM Super Brights and 3 sets of flats. Their flats sound really good on my PBass and Gretsch.

 

[BklynKen]

At V’s suggestion, I tried a set of Ken Smith RockMasters. Real solid, even sounding strings on my TBird. When they’re brand new, I still slightly prefer KS BassBurners or SIT Power Steels, but the RockMasters hold their tone and last longer, which is nice. For the 5 week tour that starts next Wednesday, my preferred strings will be Dunlop, because they sent me a big box for free
I got 6 sets of regular Super Brights, 6 sets of MM Super Brights and 3 sets of flats. Their flats sound really good on my PBass and Gretsch.

That's cool! I wonder who makes KS strings. Anyone know?

 

[dukeorock]

Oh, also! As many have said, that Paul McCartney doc on Hulu is amazing. Like really amazing. It’s broken into 6, 30 minute episodes. Paul and Rick Rubin listen to individual takes on a nice console and often solo the bass and it’s like a master class in rock bass playing/recording. The solo’d bass on While My Guitar Gently Weeps sounds like Lemmy. Crazy bright and distorted way more than anyone would imagine, but it sits in that beautiful track perfectly. Really stresses that how we feel about our solo’d tracks (live or recorded) mean very little…it’s how effective it is in the band mix that matters.
I dunno, but I was moved to actual tears watching the first 3 episodes last night

 

[dukeorock]

That's cool! I wonder who makes KS strings. Anyone know?

I’ve heard there’s really only a few string manufacturers who make strings for most of the companies, but don’t know any specifics. I do know Dunlop make their own (and many other brands) strings in house.

 

[darren1970]

The 'bird came out to play at our gig last night.
Just a small bar event, but it felt special as it was the first gig in 16 months ( damned Covid ).

Haven't played the Gibson on stage for ages and it performed superbly.

The Thunderbucker Ranch pickups seem to have more top "bite" than the stock ones ( which suits our music well ).

 

[WSquires]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a sucker for Chrome covers on a third. Would love to hear your thoughts on the following (no basses were hurt for this photo shoot)




The neck pickup is closer to the fretboard and although it looks a little different than a 60s NR bird I think it still looks quite sharp!

 

[BklynKen]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a sucker for Chrome covers on a third. Would love to hear your thoughts on the following (no basses were hurt for this photo shoot)
View attachment 4343682

View attachment 4343680 View attachment 4343681

The neck pickup is closer to the fretboard and although it looks a little different than a 60s NR bird I think it still looks quite sharp!

I think it looks great with the covers. As long as they don't inhibit your playing positions.

 

[BklynKen]

I’ve heard there’s really only a few string manufacturers who make strings for most of the companies, but don’t know any specifics. I do know Dunlop make their own (and many other brands) strings in house.

Yeah, I think most of them to contracting, too. I know SIT and GHS do.

 

[TBird1958]

At V’s suggestion, I tried a set of Ken Smith RockMasters. Real solid, even sounding strings on my TBird. When they’re brand new, I still slightly prefer KS BassBurners or SIT Power Steels, but the RockMasters hold their tone and last longer, which is nice. For the 5 week tour that starts next Wednesday, my preferred strings will be Dunlop, because they sent me a big box for free
I got 6 sets of regular Super Brights, 6 sets of MM Super Brights and 3 sets of flats. Their flats sound really good on my PBass and Gretsch.

Try those KS on your Greco, I'm digging the SITs on my '89.

 

[dukeorock]

Try those KS on your Greco, I'm digging the SITs on my '89.

There’s a chance I’ll be getting one of the new Gibson Inverness NR’s. If that happens, the Greco will likely go on the chopping block. I have way too many basses at the moment!

 

[MCF]

At V’s suggestion, I tried a set of Ken Smith RockMasters. Real solid, even sounding strings on my TBird. When they’re brand new, I still slightly prefer KS BassBurners or SIT Power Steels, but the RockMasters hold their tone and last longer, which is nice. For the 5 week tour that starts next Wednesday, my preferred strings will be Dunlop, because they sent me a big box for free
I got 6 sets of regular Super Brights, 6 sets of MM Super Brights and 3 sets of flats. Their flats sound really good on my PBass and Gretsch.

I like both the nickel and stainless Super Brights in both regular and MM. To me, the nickels feel smoother than most. And Power Steels rock.

 

[dukeorock]

I like both the nickel and stainless Super Brights in both regular and MM. To me, the nickels feel smoother than most. And Power Steels rock.

Right there with you! The MM SuperBrights sound great on darker sounding basses. But I favor a brighter sound than some here. I think most of that brightness gets swallowed up in the overall mix usually

 

[MCF]

There’s a chance I’ll be getting one of the new Gibson Inverness NR’s. If that happens, the Greco will likely go on the chopping block. I have way too many basses at the moment!

Well, as long as it goes to someone here. Wish I could buy it; but I’m getting a Gibby NR. Recall the laments of V and others here who let Thunderbirds go. General rule: Never sell a Thunderbird.

 

[TBird1958]

There’s a chance I’ll be getting one of the new Gibson Inverness NR’s. If that happens, the Greco will likely go on the chopping block. I have way too many basses at the moment!

Try those Smith's on it! I have an Inverness Green NR on order too - the waiting is the hardest part!