Thunderbird Club

[JIO]

Okay, I did not mean I do not like satin black finishes. I do like satin finishes and have them on my Blackbird, Sixx Mach II, and my new Spector 4X. I agree about the play patterns that form on the basses and how that wear gives the basses even more personality. However, I do not care for the satin black on the Schecter Sixx model as it makes it look a very generic bass IMO.

Certain finishes work well on certain basses/guitars and some don't.

That last part is interesting 'cos when I asked Gibson about the serial #(519096)of the "67", they said that number was likely from 65.

Makes it all the rarer. I wish I still had the postcard that Gibson sent me stating my II was from '63 - I have no record of its serial # and no pictures of it...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

That last part is interesting 'cos when I asked Gibson about the serial #(519096)of the "67", they said that number was likely from 65.

thought they said 68……did you ask them again?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Ever thought of trying black coated or tapes? I confess I wasn't initially impressed with all the black on my modern Thunderbird, but it grew on me and black strings actually look great. If you can find some that work sound wise. At first I thought black strings looked goofy on it when I got it, but they actually look great. The DR BBs were not really a good match on that bass so they didn't last.

works well imo….this thing gets so many complements….

 

[Stealth57]

works well imo….this thing gets so many complements….
View attachment 4546631

Did your setup change when moving to tapewounds? I love LaBella 750n but scared I’ll screwup the setup that came with the axe. Currently has SS rounds which sound good but stick to my lazy fingers.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Did your setup change when moving to tapewounds? I love LaBella 750n but scared I’ll screwup the setup that came with the axe. Currently has SS rounds which sound good but stick to my lazy fingers.

yes, my tech handled…..the tapes can also stick somewhat..

 

[JIO]

Continued from discussing how the tobacco burst was done on gen1 II's - here's an example of the body and hs back being dark tobacco on this '64 II. First one I've seen looking like that.



mine

 

[dagrev]

works well imo….this thing gets so many complements….
View attachment 4546631

You said you use LaBella's--did you have to file the nut to make the larger string (E) work?

 

[dagrev]

Continued from discussing how the tobacco burst was done on gen1 II's - here's an example of the body and hs back being dark tobacco on this '64 II. First one I've seen looking like that.



mine
View attachment 4546656

I don't recall ever seeing a Gen1 with a black back on a Tobacco burst. Makes you wonder if there were some repairs...or... who knows.

Mine...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

You said you use LaBella's--did you have to file the nut to make the larger string (E) work?

don't think so...heeding George's (GBassNorth) warnings on this, I got a lighter gauge set..

 

[dagrev]

don't think so...heeding George's (GBassNorth) warnings on this, I got a lighter gauge set..

Thanks! Yeah, that was my plan if I do that just in case. I can adjust to lighter strings.

I think the compliments just might have to do with the person behind the bass as much as anything else.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Thanks! Yeah, that was my plan if I do that just in case. I can adjust to lighter strings.

I think the compliments just might have to do with the person behind the bass as much as anything else.

too cool you are Mister..

 

[Stealth57]

Thanks! Yeah, that was my plan if I do that just in case. I can adjust to lighter strings. But I was thinking the LaBella's E was 115 and didn't have anything smaller. I'll have to do more reading and remembering.

I think the compliments just might have to do with the person behind the bass as much as anything else.

La Bella Black Nylon Tape Wound Bass Strings 750N Light 50-105

These are the lightest ones they sell as far as I can tell.

 

[GBassNorth]

Exactamunde! I may get into some hot water here, but if a bass is too perfect/pristine, it's likely polished more than its played. Just say'n...
View attachment 4546207

Stands to reason, and always makes me dig deeper for background or hands on time before buying.
However, these days you just have to be careful not to automatically jump to the conclusion of it isn’t played much because it doesn’t sound good. Unlike the 60’s and 70’s, Lots of players these days have multiple basses, many of which may sound great. But because of their large selection no single bass may get all the attention, and therefore not as much wear. A pristine bass might still be a very awesome bass. I think I’m well over 60 guitars and basses these days, dozens of which are top notch players, and many of those are in pristine condition, partially due to lack of play time and partially due to meticulous maintenance.

Ever thought of trying black coated or tapes? I confess I wasn't initially impressed with all the black on my modern Thunderbird, but it grew on me and black strings actually look great. If you can find some that work sound wise. At first I thought black strings looked goofy on it when I got it, but they actually look great. The DR BBs were not really a good match on that bass so they didn't last.

I have La Bella Black tapes on my FrankenGoth, looks and sounds great. And considering the black strings, hardware, body and neck and the dark rosewood fretboard it takes on a kind of stealth look.

Probably one of the most beautiful basses I’ve ever seen was a satin black Yamaha unlined fretless with an ebony board, black hardware and black tape wound strings. Just looked so sleek and sexy.

The '15 has black tapes on it. Those work very well on that bass.

Ditto on my 2015. Those are the string for that bass.

Which brand do you prefer, or did you hit on the right string the first time? Did you have to file the nut? That I'm not really wanting to do.

If you’re tape curious but don’t want to commit to filing a nut, just get a set of the La Bella Black tapes in light gauge and they’ll fit perfectly in a stock nut. They really are a very good sounding string that brings things to the table that a flat or round can’t, plus they feel awesome under finger.
https://www.labella.com/product/750n-black-nylon-tape-light-50-105/

 

[GBassNorth]

Thanks! Yeah, that was my plan if I do that just in case. I can adjust to lighter strings.

I think the compliments just might have to do with the person behind the bass as much as anything else.

I’d ditto the Chucky kudos, his sound and playing style on his vintage and newer recordings is awesome regardless of the bass he’s playing.

 

[GBassNorth]

Has anybody found a supplier for Tbird pickup trim ring spacers?
I’m sure I’ll need a few to complete my BlingBird build but can’t seem to find a supplier. If need be I can make them, but I’d rather just purchase some.
LOL - I did find this one on Reverb…
https://reverb.com/item/39694556-gibson-thunderbird-1964-black-bass-pick-up-spacer

 

[PhR75]

Has anybody found a supplier for Tbird pickup trim ring spacers?
I’m sure I’ll need a few to complete my BlingBird build but can’t seem to find a supplier. If need be I can make them, but I’d rather just purchase some.
LOL - I did find this one on Reverb…
https://reverb.com/item/39694556-gibson-thunderbird-1964-black-bass-pick-up-spacer

Thunderbucker Ranch

 

[Bent77]

Holy piss that’s expensive

who’s got a 3D printer?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Thanks! Yeah, that was my plan if I do that just in case. I can adjust to lighter strings.

I think the compliments just might have to do with the person behind the bass as much as anything else.

I’d ditto the Chucky kudos, his sound and playing style on his vintage and newer recordings is awesome regardless of the bass he’s playing.

darn Guys! blushing here!....thanks

 

[GBassNorth]

Thunderbucker Ranch

Thx for the lead! Hadn’t check them yet.

Holy piss that’s expensive

who’s got a 3D printer?

LOL - that’s exactly what I was thinking. Actually contemplated buying one because of this.

 

[JIO]

Stands to reason, and always makes me dig deeper for background or hands on time before buying.
However, these days you just have to be careful not to automatically jump to the conclusion of it isn’t played much because it doesn’t sound good. Unlike the 60’s and 70’s, Lots of players these days have multiple basses, many of which may sound great. But because of their large selection no single bass may get all the attention, and therefore not as much wear. A pristine bass might still be a very awesome bass. I think I’m well over 60 guitars and basses these days, dozens of which are top notch players, and many of those are in pristine condition, partially due to lack of play time and partially due to meticulous maintenance.

My '64 II was a closet queen when I got it in '78 - it had a bit of wear but it was all origin including the brass mute/felt pads. (my '63 II had the brass bent plate but no felt pads - I still have both!) By the way - the pads on that '64 II in the Norm's Rare Guitars vid are original. (he said they might have been replaced) That is exactly what they look like. My '63 was dinged-up/used but the '64 was pretty clean at 14yrs old. If I recall correctly it smelled a bit musty when I opened the OHSC. I know all the dings and chips on it now from playing it for decades. I don't go out of my way to 'wear' them, I shift my belt buckle to my left hip when playing. But occasionally the hs hits a cymbal or a boom mic etc, oh well. I have pristine basses (that are for sale) and a few of my own that started out pristine but have acquired wear over time/use. I'm actually relieved when a chip or nick appears - I can stop worrying about it at that point and just play it. I like a nice new unblemished finish as much as the next guy, but I also like a bass with war-wounds real or effected <as long as it's done as a studied technique... not "dragged behind a pick-up truck" ~

two down - more to come