Thunderbird Club

[dagrev]

I got a chance to try out the Lowrider strings on my Thunderbird. I’m definitely liking the sound so far, and they seem to have slightly less tension than the strings that were on the bass when I bought it. They definitely add a little brightness to the tone, as well.

I’m also rethinking my original plan to swap the knobs over to gold Speed Knobs. Instead, I think I’m going to change them over to gold Reflector Knobs. I think the gold will compliment the Heritage Red finish better than black, and the bass should have a reflector-style knob to stay in line with the Thunderbird aesthetic. Thoughts?

I'm not sure if gold would look better or not, at least to my eye. I'm not crazy about the black hardware on the modern Thunderbirds (like my '06), but think I would stay with black. Wait and see before buying them. You can always change them. I know the black did grow on me. At first I just thought it odd since I've played a Thunderbird for decades that had Nickle. But it grew on me.

My '06

 

[Tbone76]

What color is the hardware on that bass?
Since it's sorted out shall I add you to the club?

All black hardware, but I think the gold knobs would compliment the body color.
And yes, I’ll take that number now, if the club sees fit Thanks for remembering!

 

[dagrev]

Here Thanksgiving dinner.... Here nice tender Turkey.....

 

[JIO]

A mint condition '76 w/OHSC- (no affiliation) - should sell for way over the starting bid.

1976 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS EX COND OHSC EBONY GORGEOUS! | eBay

 

[PillO]

I'm not sure if gold would look better or not, at least to my eye. I'm not crazy about the black hardware on the modern Thunderbirds (like my '06), but think I would stay with black. Wait and see before buying them. You can always change them. I know the black did grow on me. At first I just thought it odd since I've played a Thunderbird for decades that had Nickle. But it grew on me.
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I like that cherry burst. I should have bought one when they were available.

 

[PillO]

A mint condition '76 w/OHSC- (no affiliation) - should sell for way over the starting bid.

1976 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS EX COND OHSC EBONY GORGEOUS! | eBay

is that one of the seven @KingFace is after?

 

[BklynKen]

is that one of the seven @KingFace is after?

No. Wrong year.

 

[PillO]

No. Wrong year.

I never did well in history because I can't remember the years and other assorted dates required to pass the tests.

 

[Larry V]

A mint condition '76 w/OHSC- (no affiliation) - should sell for way over the starting bid.

1976 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS EX COND OHSC EBONY GORGEOUS! | eBay

That's unbelievable. A 45 year closet queen. My guess is it goes for between 10 and 12K.

 

[Larry V]

is that one of the seven @KingFace is after?

No. Wrong year.

Yeah. if I'm remembering it right, it's black '77's that he's trying to get them all.

 

[JIO]

That's unbelievable. A 45 year closet queen. My guess is it goes for between 10 and 12K.

Somewhere in that neighborhood, at least double the starting bid.

 

[MCF]

I got a chance to try out the Lowrider strings on my Thunderbird. I’m definitely liking the sound so far, and they seem to have slightly less tension than the strings that were on the bass when I bought it. They definitely add a little brightness to the tone, as well.

I’m also rethinking my original plan to swap the knobs over to gold Speed Knobs. Instead, I think I’m going to change them over to gold Reflector Knobs. I think the gold will compliment the Heritage Red finish better than black, and the bass should have a reflector-style knob to stay in line with the Thunderbird aesthetic. Thoughts?

I like your new plan for the knobs. Tradition and all.....

 

[dagrev]

A mint condition '76 w/OHSC- (no affiliation) - should sell for way over the starting bid.

1976 GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS EX COND OHSC EBONY GORGEOUS! | eBay

Sweet! I hope so. Makes my only white with a 1976 serial number look more valuable! I do wish mine was lighter and had the belly cut.

 

[JJR58]

I'm not sure if gold would look better or not, at least to my eye. I'm not crazy about the black hardware on the modern Thunderbirds (like my '06), but think I would stay with black. Wait and see before buying them. You can always change them. I know the black did grow on me. At first I just thought it odd since I've played a Thunderbird for decades that had Nickle. But it grew on me.
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Absolutely love the finish on your ‘06.
That’s all I got.

 

[dagrev]

Absolutely love the finish on your ‘06.
That’s all I got.

Thank you. I have to admit I think it's gorgeous. Not a flaw I can find and only a tiny indentation the size of a pin head is the only wear on it. Bonus: It plays as good as it looks!

The backside even looks great...

 

[Gaolee]

All black hardware, but I think the gold knobs would compliment the body color.
And yes, I’ll take that number now, if the club sees fit Thanks for remembering!

You have been chosen by a Thunderbird. You can't escape!

 

[Gaolee]

Here Thanksgiving dinner.... Here nice tender Turkey.....

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I kinda doubt those birds would be particularly tender. But they would taste good.

 

[BklynKen]

I'm not sure if gold would look better or not, at least to my eye. I'm not crazy about the black hardware on the modern Thunderbirds (like my '06), but think I would stay with black. Wait and see before buying them. You can always change them. I know the black did grow on me. At first I just thought it odd since I've played a Thunderbird for decades that had Nickle. But it grew on me.
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Which color is that? It always looked VS, but that one head-on shot looks like cherry.

 

[Gaolee]

I like your new plan for the knobs. Tradition and all.....

I put gold ones on the Flamingo because I'm a poser who wanted it to look like a '64, only Burgundy Mist Metallic. It does, with the exception of the headstock size and the fact that the tuners are Hipshots.

 

[Gaolee]

Yeah. if I'm remembering it right, it's black '77's that he's trying to get them all.

I thought it was '79s. He's only missing one.