Thunderbird Club

[TBird1958]

Says a lot about anticipation when you get excited about the bill. I guess it’s kind of a Pavlov dog thing, you hear the bell ring and know that shipping follows shortly. Can’t wait to see it!

A question for the club - There’s a lot of nice birds here and even a number many of us have let go. What percent of your bird purchases would you guess were brand new store bought factory fresh birds? I’m betting there’s a lot of used buyers here, myself included. I’ve only ever bought one new one, a Goth, so far about 10% of my Tbird purchases.

That I can recall 12 new Thunderbirds
At least 9 used Thunderbirds.

Maybe a support group of some kind is needed

 

[Mvf]

Says a lot about anticipation when you get excited about the bill. I guess it’s kind of a Pavlov dog thing, you hear the bell ring and know that shipping follows shortly. Can’t wait to see it!

A question for the club - There’s a lot of nice birds here and even a number many of us have let go. What percent of your bird purchases would you guess were brand new store bought factory fresh birds? I’m betting there’s a lot of used buyers here, myself included. I’ve only ever bought one new one, a Goth, so far about 10% of my Tbird purchases.

The Orville (91) and the 1990 obviously used, the 2012, that I don’t have anymore, was a demo, so… used too. As most of my bass and guitar purchases. Thinking about it, I’ve actually bought some instruments new, my Hofner violin ct, my Squier VI, my Epiphone Casino and Epiphone Texan and some other, mainly acoustic guitars.
Most of my current basses are quite old, and all bought used, the oldest being a Hofner Artist from 1964 or 65. I also have a Yamaha from 67 and a EB3 from 67 or 68. My P is from 2003 and my newest bass is a Rick from 2018, a demo, so used too

 

[GBassNorth]

what’s up with all the NR love as of late? driven exclusively by Gibson’s new offering? hmmm….

Can’t speak for others, but in my case I’ve been lusting after an NR for a few years. In fact I’ve passed on many other good bass deals in hopes that Eppi would do a VP NR. I don’t see myself buying a new Gibby NR, a used one yes, but not new. I also do see myself buying a vintage NR or Reverse some day but it has to be something special.

Yeah, like what was written.. always liked the look, never expect to ever own a vintage model. After my Reverse became my number one, I wanted a second, and the NR reissue seems like a nice way to get there.

PS: Tomorrow is my day, according to UPS.

Happy upcoming bass day! Can’t wait to see the pics.

 

[GBassNorth]

That I can recall 12 new Thunderbirds
At least 9 used Thunderbirds.

Maybe a support group of some kind is needed

Wow, that’s actually a much higher new to used ratio than I was expecting. I was thinking very very few members here with more than a few Tbirds would be over 25% new purchases. You’re nearly 60% new. And an impressive collection it is. Any ETA on yours yet? Can’t wait to see a color coordinated photo of the new bass with the green Subie, or maybe a glamor shot in an emerald green outfit.

 

[GBassNorth]

A pretty good deal in the bay…
Electric Bass Greco TB-75 Vintage Sunburst K897366 USED 4st 20frets 4.56kg | eBay
no affiliation, just enabling

 

[KaraQ]

..... Only Will seems to be the one who is totally uninterested.

Also me, for some reason

I guess I just like the "reverse" shape & ergonomics too much.....

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

A pretty good deal in the bay…
Electric Bass Greco TB-75 Vintage Sunburst K897366 USED 4st 20frets 4.56kg | eBay
no affiliation, just enabling

steal..

 

[Larry V]

My first Thunderbird, a 2013 Gibson TBIV was my only new bass purchase.

I don't remember the production years on all my Thunderbird purchases nor their order of purchase but here's a rundown of what I've owned/still own.

Gibsons

2013 Gibson TBIV Sunburst - still own
2013 Gibson NR PB - still own
2007 Gibson Studio V - Cherry - sold
2008 Gibson Studio V - Ebony - still own
2012(?) Gibson Short Scale - matte black - still own

Epiphones

Epiphone TV Silver - sold
Epiphone Metallic Red - sold
Epiphone Goth - sold
Epiphone NR 5 string - sold
Epiphone Classic Pro - Alpine White - still own
_________________________________________

So the count is:

Still own 4 Gibsons - all distinct and different.
Still own 1 Epiphone - I can't see ever selling my Classic Pro
_____________________________________________________

I could sell the Studio V and the Short Scale since they rarely get played but the other 3 are forever basses.

I've had other basses, most notably a 2014 Anniversary Edition SG Bass in Walnut that was just beautiful but it just never sounded as good as my Thunderbirds so off it went.

The only bass I regret selling is the first bass I ever bought, an Ibanez 300DX that sounded great and like all their basses had a 2 octave fretboard.

 

[Goatrope]

That I can recall 12 new Thunderbirds
At least 9 used Thunderbirds.

Maybe a support group of some kind is needed

Wait- I thought this club WAS a support group? More like enablers, I suppose.

I’ve only ever had my one and only 2018 reverse. Got it new from SW, but they were selling it as a “blemished” model. I never could find a specific blemish, but I suppose the nitro finish is pretty thin, so perhaps someone accustomed to poly just assumed it was defective.

Anywho, I appear to be on the opposite end of the spectrum, regarding new vs used. Never bought a used instrument, and until a year or so ago, never sold one. Maybe I need to find a support group.

When I was still working, time was more of a constraint. I was traveling nearly every week, and gigs on the weekend, and didn’t have the will to hunt and bargain for my toys. Now the constraint is space ; I limit my herd by the number of wall hangers and stands, and places to store empty cases.

Back at the beginning of the year, I sold one of my FSOs (purple sparkle AC Jazz) when I heard this reissue was coming out. So I had an empty space in the rack. Unfortunately, another FSO fell into that space, in the meantime, because I wanted a fretless.

So I had to again make room for this NR. But I did that by stuffing one of the FSO’s in its case (a ~1976 Bradley Jazz bass copy).

Realizing that now I have another 10 empty cases, I got that little squirt of adrenaline, realizing the potential for further indulging my habit.

 

[GBassNorth]

My first Thunderbird, a 2013 Gibson TBIV was my only new bass purchase.

I don't remember the production years on all my Thunderbird purchases nor their order of purchase but here's a rundown of what I've owned/still own.

Gibsons

2013 Gibson TBIV Sunburst - still own
2013 Gibson NR PB - still own
2007 Gibson Studio V - Cherry - sold
2008 Gibson Studio V - Ebony - still own
2012(?) Gibson Short Scale - matte black - still own

Epiphones

Epiphone TV Silver - sold
Epiphone Metallic Red - sold
Epiphone Goth - sold
Epiphone NR 5 string - sold
Epiphone Classic Pro - Alpine White - still own
_________________________________________

So the count is:

Still own 4 Gibsons - all distinct and different.
Still own 1 Epiphone - I can't see ever selling my Classic Pro
_____________________________________________________

I could sell the Studio V and the Short Scale since they rarely get played but the other 3 are forever basses.

I've had other basses, most notably a 2014 Anniversary Edition SG Bass in Walnut that was just beautiful but it just never sounded as good as my Thunderbirds so off it went.

The only bass I regret selling is the first bass I ever bought, an Ibanez 300DX that sounded great and like all their basses had a 2 octave fretboard.

Wait, they make a short scale? Never seen one before. post a pic please!
When the arthritis in my shoulder starts acting up short scale basses are about the only way I can play. I love my short scale SG and Memphis semi hollow body LP basses (and even like my Fender Jaguar and Mustang SS basses) but let’s face it, they aren’t Tbirds in looks or sound.

 

[Larry V]

Wait, they make a short scale? Never seen one before. post a pic please!
When the arthritis in my shoulder starts acting up short scale basses are about the only way I can play. I love my short scale SG and Memphis semi hollow body LP basses (and even like my Fender Jaguar and Mustang SS basses) but let’s face it, they aren’t Tbirds in looks or sound.

…and since you like SG basses, here’s the one I sold, George.

 

[dagrev]

what’s up with all the NR love as of late? driven exclusively by Gibson’s new offering? hmmm….

Oh, I forgot, it just might have something to do with people who do own NRs constantly posting pics of them. Just maybe?


Were you guys getting an advertising kickback with every post?

 

[MCF]

Wait, they make a short scale? Never seen one before. post a pic please!
When

Larry’s has the stock matte finish. Mine was refinished in Silverburst by a shop in Rhode Island for a prior owner. They did nice work. Set neck. Neck pickup moved up close to the bottom of the neck. 400 produced in ‘11. They are THUNDEROUS!

 

[Gaolee]

yeah I get that, just thought more people kinda disliked them….

Lots of people seem to like them. I'm just noisy about not wanting one.

 

[TBird1958]

Wow, that’s actually a much higher new to used ratio than I was expecting. I was thinking very very few members here with more than a few Tbirds would be over 25% new purchases. You’re nearly 60% new. And an impressive collection it is. Any ETA on yours yet? Can’t wait to see a color coordinated photo of the new bass with the green Subie, or maybe a glamor shot in an emerald green outfit.

Sweetwater posted some Fedex info to me this AM but it hasn't gone live yet, I'm hoping that it'll show by next Thur or Fri so I can take it with me to the Seattle area Bass GTG.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Oh, I forgot, it just might have something to do with people who do own NRs constantly posting pics of them. Just maybe?


Were you guys getting an advertising kickback with every post?

you mean like this?…..(knew that’s what it was!)…..

this Sat’s (backyard party) setup…..….

 

[GonePlaid]

Larry’s has the stock matte finish. Mine was refinished in Silverburst by a shop in Rhode Island for a prior owner. They did nice work. Set neck. Neck pickup moved up close to the bottom of the neck. 400 produced in ‘11. They are THUNDEROUS!

View attachment 4356016 View attachment 4356019 View attachment 4356030

 

[dagrev]

Larry’s has the stock matte finish. Mine was refinished in Silverburst by a shop in Rhode Island for a prior owner. They did nice work. Set neck. Neck pickup moved up close to the bottom of the neck. 400 produced in ‘11. They are THUNDEROUS!

View attachment 4356016 View attachment 4356019 View attachment 4356030

Me likey the Baby Bird!

 

[GonePlaid]

Me likey the Baby Bird!

So...if it falls outta the nest...

 

[BklynKen]

Says a lot about anticipation when you get excited about the bill. I guess it’s kind of a Pavlov dog thing, you hear the bell ring and know that shipping follows shortly. Can’t wait to see it!

A question for the club - There’s a lot of nice birds here and even a number many of us have let go. What percent of your bird purchases would you guess were brand new store bought factory fresh birds? I’m betting there’s a lot of used buyers here, myself included. I’ve only ever bought one new one, a Goth, so far about 10% of my Tbird purchases.

50%