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Thunderbird Club

I think it looks pretty decent on my old Jazz. White or black wouldn't do much for me either on this bass. It's the only bass I have with that cursed stuff.;) I would never, ever order or buy a bass with it if I had another equal choice. I really don't like it, but many do. Yet I did buy this bass and like it.
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The only bass I have that has "tort" .......

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Very beautiful bass and a very helpful write up as well. Love the color!

You probably already know, but just a reminder, if you think that finish is still curing and off gassing it's best not to let it sit or hang on any foam covered bass stands or hooks. I've seen that foam (even on the best of hangers) bond with the nitro and peel the finish right off the bass. After it's fully cured and done off gassing there shouldn't be any problem with a good quality hanger or stand.
In the early 80s Fender had some cases that interacted with lacquer and would soften the finish and leave impressions of whatever touched it. I have a towel and part of my old Whirwind cable that are now part of back of my '55 Pbass. Once I figured out what was going on I never stored anything other than poly in that case. It's now gone to case hell where it belongs.
 
I think it looks pretty decent on my old Jazz. White or black wouldn't do much for me either on this bass. It's the only bass I have with that cursed stuff.;) I would never, ever order or buy a bass with it if I had another equal choice. I really don't like it, but many do. Yet I did buy this bass and like it. GBassNorth has a brother Pbass that looks equally good with it.
View attachment 4378031
what year's that D? no binding on the fb…Dee Murray tore it up on one that looked like that…:thumbsup:
 
what year's that D? no binding on the fb…Dee Murray tore it up on one that looked like that…:thumbsup:
It's a '55. The body has been refin way before I got in 81 or so. The pickguard is some kind of marble laminate! I'm sure the old brittle on has long since passed. Interesting story, not long after buying it I took it to Nashville for George Ghrun to take a look at it. I opened it up and he said, "Ah, the Turtle bass! It's been in Europe for about 10 yrs." I don't remember him saying how he knew about it or anything else. Never said who owned it as I recall or that he ever sold it. I was shocked that he actually knew of the bass. I thought about getting an appropriate pick guard for it, but this one has been on there for so long and it is so crazy looking I've just left it on there. I was told at some point Seymour himself rewound the PU. Everything done to it wold be prior to '81, if not way before. The refin was worn like this when I got it so no telling when it was done. Playing it is like being with an old friend.
 
In the early 80s Fender had some cases that interacted with lacquer and would soften the finish and leave impressions of whatever touched it. I have a towel and part of my old Whirwind cable that are now part of back of my '55 Pbass. Once I figured out what was going on I never stored anything other than poly in that case. It's now gone to case hell where it belongs.

What it did to my 1973 Jazz....

089A041C-6162-4FF2-8725-A9C93F10A97C.jpeg
 
The only bass I have that has "tort" .......

View attachment 4378035

That looks awesome!!

This is the only tort in the house. It was mounted on my white Status Bird when I received it. It took less than 5 minutes to change it. I would be happy to sell the tort Bird guard if someone is interested. It is well made and was custom made for the bass. Might look good on a burst finish?
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Well, I finally got home, and got the groceries put away :sour:
(still haven't put away laundry, but I didn't want to wait more!)


I finally got to see what was in my new box.....:nailbiting:

20210821_212442.jpg


As expected, a Thunderbird shaped chunk of wood!:cool:

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I've also discovered, that when they said it was unfinished, what they really meant was UNFINISHED....

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Which is 100% perfect for my purposes! :smug:



...with some other Thunderbird shaped chunk of wood....
20210821_212421.jpg






:hyper:
 
Well, I finally got home, and got the groceries put away :sour:
(still haven't put away laundry, but I didn't want to wait more!)


I finally got to see what was in my new box.....:nailbiting:

View attachment 4378213

As expected, a Thunderbird shaped chunk of wood!:cool:

View attachment 4378214

View attachment 4378216




I've also discovered, that when they said it was unfinished, what they really meant was UNFINISHED....

View attachment 4378217

View attachment 4378218

View attachment 4378219

View attachment 4378221

View attachment 4378222



Which is 100% perfect for my purposes! :smug:



...with some other Thunderbird shaped chunk of wood....
View attachment 4378233





:hyper:

so... what are we looking at? As in, factory second? custom build? ...
 
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