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Thunderbird Club

#183,483
bizzybass said:
Hello all,
If anyone here in the club has a white vintage pro they've been thinking of letting go of, please pm me. I'm interested.
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The thought of selling mine has crossed my mind - especially since I'm getting ready to start a new project soon.

I'd rather not, but it may depend on how quick I end up trying to push through this project :meh:

I'll keep you in mind though, if I decide to sell, unless you find one sooner :)
 
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#183,486
dagrev said:
I never recall having a problem on my '64.
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don't think intonation was a prob but the mute coppers spring (didn't want to drill them off the bridge) were.....enter Scott's bridge...
upload_2021-8-15_0-34-4.png
 
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#183,487
GBassNorth said:
Actually, we specialize in that around here.



I’d guess that Gibson has years of 3 point inventory in their parts bin. Think about the Fender sale to CBS in early 1965. Rumor has it CBS Fender was using pre CBS parts up to about 1970. So even if Gibson phased out the 3 point today it could possibly take years to deplete the entire supply. And as our Queen noted, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Gibson was reluctant to adopt the Epiphone VP two piece bridge (my personal favorite) because it wasn’t designed by “Gibson” and because of Epiphone’s QC problems with that bridge on a large number of their Embassy basses. Also keep in mind Gibson leadership is very much under the gun to increase market share and profits as a result of their recent restructure, that business environment has a tendency to stifle risk taking and thinking outside the box.

All that considered, I’m surprised Gibby even launched the new NR, but I’m sure glad they did, even with the three point, which is a perfectly functional bridge.
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wonder if there's an internal tug-o-war at Gibson going back and forth over these bridges often, the way we do....like with anything, I'm sure the three point has a fan base at Gibson...
 
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#183,489
Chucky Stiletti said:
don't think intonation was a prob but the mute coppers spring (didn't want to drill them off the bridge) were.....enter Scott's bridge...
View attachment 4370224
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I humbly might say you did have a intonation problem and didn't realize judging how far forward your A, D, G string saddles are. Beautiful Thunderbird and I am pleased that you chose the Badbird.
 
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#183,491
godofthunder59 said:
I humbly might say you did have a intonation problem and didn't realize judging how far forward your A, D, G string saddles are. Beautiful Thunderbird and I am pleased that you chose the Badbird.
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This ^ reply has made me realize something I'd never thought of before. I spend very little time above 7th or 8th fret on any string so intonating exactly isn't that much of a priority. I get it pretty close by tuning to the 4th(i.e. C on the G string, etc.). I don't use open strings very much, so tuning to the open is sorta useless-to me. I'm not a 'soloist' and don't do chords so this "method" works well for me. I also tend to stay outta our guitarist's range since my 'job' is to be the base of our music. YMMV.
 
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#183,492
dagrev said:
Would one of you people for once just say these NR's are average and not worth the money? Please! ;):roflmao:

Seriously, it looks fantastic! Congratulations on a great bass. Play it in good health! If it starts to suck, CALL ME!
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I can only say I wish it cost less than it does, other than that you gotta get one, or two, get two.
 
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#183,494
First dive-bar gig last night with the new NR. Extremely pleased with every aspect: tone, ergos, playability, looks. I can take some credit for the setup and moving that strap button to the neck-heel, but the raw materials are top-notch.

This bird’s pickups possess a clarity I couldn’t achieve with my 2018, until I replaced them with the Lollars. This may be in my head, but it seemed to have more pronounced highs and upper mids, but still retaining a big bottom. I found myself dialing the tone knob back to about 5, and twiddling with the volume pots all night, exploring the versatility.

Looking over the bass this morning I noticed the pickup height adjustment screws backed out a bit, moving the pickups closer to the strings than I like. I reset them so they’re back where I like them for today’s gig. I’ll have to keep an eye on these. I packed my gauges in case I need to tweak at break time.

Like my 2018, the neck gets pretty sticky, here in Flori-duh. This is exacerbated by the larger profile, but that’s life in paradise.

Lots of favorable comments from the audience, last night. Two bass players spotted the NR and were drawn to it, like moths to flame. They were mostly impressed by the sound. It looks pretty sharp, too. I’ll have to see if there are any pics floating around.

Anyway, if you’re on the fence about grabbing one of these, DO IT. :hyper:
 
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#183,496
A visit to my buddy Bill's house brought out a different "Bird, a pretty rare '74 - I think this the "BFE" model, "Big &^#%$@* Engine"

108c7aj.jpg


There's other coolness too, this is his '67 BSA.
n79gPBU.jpg
 
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#183,497
GBassNorth said:
That color is just drool worthy! And that’s Pelham Blue? Seems close to the new Gibson NR green. Then again these colors probably look slightly different on everyone’s screen. I’ve been very JC curious but can’t find any local ones to try and seems like the used ones on Reverb are nearly the same price as a new one.

I understand they have a unique voicing, is there another bass you’d liken it to sound wise?
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Thanks! The color is faded Pelham Blue but takes on different shades depending on the light and angle. Fit and finish are top-notch on this one. I have not had enough time plugged in to really be able to compare it to other basses but I can tell that the 3 position switch provides a nice range of sounds. Looking forward to comparing it to my Hagstrom Viking, as well as some other basses.

The link below gives a basic review of the Pelham Blue model.

Epiphone Jack Casady Bass review

I found this link of a short demo of the PB model.

 
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#183,499
Nocturnal said:
Thanks! The color is faded Pelham Blue but takes on different shades depending on the light and angle. Fit and finish are top-notch on this one. I have not had enough time plugged in to really be able to compare it to other basses but I can tell that the 3 position switch provides a nice range of sounds. Looking forward to comparing it to my Hagstrom Viking, as well as some other basses.

The link below gives a basic review of the Pelham Blue model.

Epiphone Jack Casady Bass review

I found this link of a short demo of the PB model.

Click to expand...


The body is big. I can't play it comfortably sitting. That's ok, sitting is the new smoking.
 
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#183,500
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