Thunderbird Club

[Tanner5382]

Yes! Gibson's stock pics of PB and IG don't look a lot different. The pics here look much better.

Absolutely!

 

[Tanner5382]

Since @GBassNorth asked for the Mazda w/ Bird pics, here are a couple. However, these are just filler until I can take ones in the actual right lighting and from the correct angle. These were taken this morning before work, so the light/angle of the sun wasn't the best. You can see the Bird looking much more true burgundy in these pics versus the more candle apple look of the pics from late yesterday afternoon/evening, which match the car better.

 

[MCF]

Hey, these look really great!
View attachment 4374999
I'm just trying to build anticipation.

Cut it out. This is bordering on @PillO style harassment.

 

[MCF]

did you order one?

No. He's just yanking my chain.

 

[BklynKen]

The pickups seem to be off too.. or??

edit…. So actually I think everything is lined up correct, it's probably just the centerblock that is not fully symmetric.

I'm going to try and get some telling measurements after work.

 

[MCF]

Happy TT!
Playing hooky today and what does a Thunderbird owner do on a day off? Change strings. The Colbolt flats are off the '15 replaced by Dunlop Marcus Miller stainless steel Superbrights. They return the bird to a much more Tbirdy sound when in full humbucking mode. No more hiding my finger noise though. They'll make me a better player in the long run.

 

[JJR58]

Happy TT!
Playing hooky today and what does a Thunderbird owner do on a day off? Change strings. The Colbolt flats are off the '15 replaced by Dunlop Marcus Miller stainless steel Superbrights. They return the bird to a much more Tbirdy sound when in full humbucking mode. No more hiding my finger noise though. They'll make me a better player in the long run.
View attachment 4375370

Sweet!!!!

 

[JJR58]

The Cobalts on Mr. White are still fairly fresh. But burstys are dead as a door knob. I'll change em sooner or later.
Happy TT!

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Lotsa Mesa action….

 

[BklynKen]

Ok, this is interesting. I measured the pickups to the edge of the block and it's 1/8" difference. 1/4" on one side and 1/8" on the other. Now I wonder if pickup rings will even fit on the narrower side.

 

[KaraQ]

Ok, this is interesting. I measured the pickups to the edge of the block and it's 1/8" difference. 1/4" on one side and 1/8" on the other. Now I wonder if pickup rings will even fit on the narrower side.

View attachment 4375488

It'd be a pretty tight fit if they do

 

[BklynKen]

It'd be a pretty tight fit if they do

View attachment 4375491

What's the width of those narrow sides of your rings?

 

[Gaolee]

There was Gold one for the anniversary.


Just buy a $600 used one as a back up, get any color available and for about $500 have it refinished white. At just over $1000 all in it's still a great bass.


Looked at the pics. If the strings align on the neck correctly you might want to check one other thing before you conclude the bridge was placed off center. Measure the distance from the side of the neck yo the edge of the center block on both the G and E sides. You might find that the bridge location is correct but the neck through block is not symmetrical. That would give you aligned strings but a misaligned bridge (in relation to the center block).


I found the hipshot bridge to be wider than the center bloc on all my birds with the exception of the Goth which has a 1/2" wider block than the others. My OCD dictates hardware overhang on the center block would drive me crazy, so that bridge is a no go for me on any bird other than a Goth.

I had forgotten about gold. Those are beautiful.

 

[KaraQ]

What's the width of those narrow sides of your rings?

I'll check for you when I get home from work
(about 10p PDT)

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

oh my, what has my daughter done?!!………..,.

 

[MCF]

oh my, what has my daughter done?!!………..,.
View attachment 4375650

Subie!

 

[PillO]

Ha! Yeah, understood on the strings! No pressure at all, but it would be cool to see one day when you have the time/motivation! Original Thunderbirds are so woefully under-represented in video and sound clips.

Hey, don't let @dagrev off so easy! The least he could do is change strings so that he has fresh, identical strings on each bass, practice something until he can replicate if flawlessly, record it to video, edit the video, and post it here for you...

 

[dagrev]

Since I could stay under $100, I went with the MXR Phase 95--with some reservations I might add. Was able to play with it for an hour or so tonight. The blue lights are crazy bright, so I put a tiny piece of blue painter's tape on the on/off light. Perfect! Will likely do the same for the 45/90 setting light. Sound wise I think I'm getting pretty close to my old 90, but a live setting will tell as I never used my 90 at home. I like the various settings, time will tell if I use them or not, but it's nice to have them available. I'll give it a go Sunday and see. I figure if I can't get it sounding as I like I can always return it and get the Whirlwind. Last week about half the songs were phaser songs and I sure missed not having one. I appreciate all the great suggestions.

I have an older Fender Princeton 75 amp that has a crazy bright "On" light . Turn around and look at the light at the right angle and you're blinded.

 

[Tanner5382]

Hey, don't let @dagrev off so easy! The least he could do is change strings so that he has fresh, identical strings on each bass, practice something until he can replicate if flawlessly, record it to video, edit the video, and post it hear for you...

You are absolutely right

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

The Cobalts on Mr. White are still fairly fresh. But burstys are dead as a door knob. I'll change em sooner or later.
Happy TT!
View attachment 4375390

someone knows their kit...