Thunderbird Club

[dagrev]

I had someone once ask me if it was a Precision Bass.

Ok, Ken you're just making that up. No body is that...... Well, never mind.

Crap, there's nothing but four strings that would remind of a Pbass. I would at least read the name before asking a question that has the answer right there in front of me. It's like asking, "Who made that Plymouth Superbird?"

 

[dagrev]

ironic how the thumb is being used more and more when the electric “7ender” bass was initially meant to be played with just the thumb…

Yes it is. Good observation.

 

[MCF]

I personally found quite a difference in smoothness and accuracy of tuning between the Hipshot Liscensed tuners that I purchased from a parts supplier vs Hipshot tuners that I purchased directly from Hipshot. The ones from Hipshot were more expensive (IIRC about 10% more) but well worth the upcharge.

I channeled my inner @KaraQ and installed USA made Hipshot HB10 clovers on my MIM Mustang PJ yesterday (direct drop in for that). They are very smooth and precise. They make a huge difference on that bass. First rate matching; even the screws are way better than what was on it. The new NRs have Ultra Lights; I expect those are
the US made ones as well. At least they better be.

 

[Goatrope]

Manic Monday.

As a follow-up to the posts about the new NR, I figured I’d take a look under the hood.

Not too shabby, Gibson. Much cleaner wiring than my 2018.

Still mulling over a strap button relocation. I’m just not sure about the location. My Reverse is located 1” inward from the edge of the neck heel. Works perfectly. I held my strap at about that point, and the more vertical position (like my Reverse hangs) appears ideal, other than the tendency for forward body flop.

Has anyone actually done this with an NR of any vintage, that wouldn’t mind snapping a pic showing the location?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Mike's going to sneak up behind you and install a bridge cover on that!

a visual of Mike sneaking up behind anything would be priceless…

 

[MCF]

Yeah f*#k that guy. Thunderbirds are the best sounding electric basses ever made. I remember hearing similar comments from some of the surf bands we played with over the years. “You can’t play surf on a Gibson…blah blah blah.” Them and their active G&L/Music Man basses — yeah but mine doesn’t sound like crap when the 9volt battery wears out every other show.

You can play anything on a Thunderbird. The volume and tone pots are there for a reason (unless you're Nikki Sixx).

 

[MCF]

Manic Monday.

As a follow-up to the posts about the new NR, I figured I’d take a look under the hood.

Not too shabby, Gibson. Much cleaner wiring than my 2018.

View attachment 4363187

Still mulling over a strap button relocation. I’m just not sure about the location. My Reverse is located 1” inward from the edge of the neck heel. Works perfectly. I held my strap at about that point, and the more vertical position (like my Reverse hangs) appears ideal, other than the tendency for forward body flop.

Has anyone actually done this with an NR of any vintage, that wouldn’t mind snapping a pic showing the location?

Dude, you're killing me.

 

[BklynKen]

Manic Monday.

As a follow-up to the posts about the new NR, I figured I’d take a look under the hood.

Not too shabby, Gibson. Much cleaner wiring than my 2018.

View attachment 4363187

Still mulling over a strap button relocation. I’m just not sure about the location. My Reverse is located 1” inward from the edge of the neck heel. Works perfectly. I held my strap at about that point, and the more vertical position (like my Reverse hangs) appears ideal, other than the tendency for forward body flop.

Has anyone actually done this with an NR of any vintage, that wouldn’t mind snapping a pic showing the location?

Here you go. I got mine used and it was already installed like this, but it balances great.

 

[dagrev]

Mahogany Monday!

 

[dagrev]

Dude, you're killing me.

That color is killer. You should have ordered one in blue....

 

[MCF]

Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet, who did the theme song for Kids in the Hall, would beg to differ.

View attachment 4362951

Exactly. Love those guys.

 

[Goatrope]

Dude, you're killing me.

Sorry, man.

 

[Goatrope]

Here you go. I got mine used and it was already installed like this, but it balances great.

View attachment 4363225

Thanks much! I’ve got a couple gigs this weekend. If the imbalance bugs me enough, I’ll do the deed next week.

 

[MCF]

Nice. I saw them play in 2018, opening for Yo La Tengo. Dallas Good was playing Reid Diamond's Thunderbird.

That must have been a great night!

 

[BklynKen]

That must have been a great night!

That Bicentennial cut right through the mix.

 

[Engle]

Well, it was made with precision

Yeah look at all those laminations!

 

[MCF]

That color is killer. You should have ordered one in blue....

Everyone's a comedian.

 

[TBird1958]

a visual of Mike sneaking up behind anything would be priceless…

Snappy comeback!

 

[PillO]

Ok, Ken you're just making that up. No body is that...... Well, never mind.

Crap, there's nothing but four strings that would remind of a Pbass. I would at least read the name before asking a question that has the answer right there in front of me. It's like asking, "Who made that Plymouth Superbird?"

I believe the Plymouth Superbird was a Chrysler product...

 

[PillO]

I channeled my inner @KaraQ and installed USA made Hipshot HB10 clovers on my MIM Mustang PJ yesterday (direct drop in for that). They are very smooth and precise. They make a huge difference on that bass. First rate matching; even the screws are way better than what was on it. The new NRs have Ultra Lights; I expect those are
the US made ones as well. At least they better be.
View attachment 4363189 View attachment 4363191

And you have left the tuner condoms in place. Very responsible.