Thunderbird Club

[GonePlaid]

Entirely unrelated....I was at work and talking with the secretary. She was telling me about a program she watched about a writer (Dorothy Kilgallen) who had been investigating JFKs assassination and who out of the blue "took her life." This was highly unlikely. Anyway, I'm pulling up Youboob and one of the suggestions for me was a 2 hr documentary about.....Dorothy Kilgallen. I have never even searched or looked for anything related to JFK, and don't recall ever hearing of this writer. Big Tech is listening, so if you ever say anything about Thunderbird's neck diving or anything negative about Thunderbirds, there is a record of it somewhere maybe even some whack job's computer or laptop.

Yeah, I've had that 'suggested' numerous times. Is there a "Cliff's Notes" equivalent for YT videos?

 

[GBassNorth]

Nice. Now rotate the strings and do it again! I'm only half joking. I would be interested in seeing how various string changes affect how you rate each bass, and would help clarify how much of a role strings play on each bass verses the bass itself.

I'm always amazed how on some basses strings make a huge difference and on others less so. Regardless of my favorite strings at any given time, I always like to find what I think is the best match for each bass.

That’s actually a very good point and something I briefly thought about doing.

Different string types make a huge difference in the sound of any given bass. I actually considered (for a very short time) buying six sets of a middle of the road plain Jane string (D’Addario XL nickel rounds come to mind). But figured I’d likely have to go thru a full set up on some of the basses, adjusting relief and action and intonation, etc. Big PITA.

With the exception of the BlingBird, I’ve played these basses enough that I kinda know each if their strengths and shortcomings and can pretty well predict how they’ll respond to different strings.

At this point I think it would be safe to assume that if all the basses had XL nickel rounds the Greco would still hold top dog position, the next two (Goth and BlingBird) could possibly flip positions (EBCF really bring the Goth to life, take those away and it would most likely drop in rank). The 2015 was born to have tapes on it, take those away and it definitely drops. The bottom two (2013, VP) could flip, the VP is very string sensitive and sounded phenomenal with EBCF but horrible with DR Silver Stars, the Fender strings are the best rounds I’ve found for that bass.

On the other hand, equip each bass with EBCF strings and the Greco would still dominate, the VP might jump up just below or tied with the Goth and possibly bump the Bling to fourth place. The 2015 would suffer immensely and possibly fall to last.

So it’s not just a matter of all the basses having the same string, it’s also a function of which string that is. Of the bunch, the one bass that seems to shine bright regardless if string selection is the Greco. I haven’t found a string yet that doesn’t sound perfect on that bass.

Another test I was seriously considering would have been soundly discounted in most TB discussions but actually makes a lot of sense to me. Basically I would take a bass and run it thru all three heats adjusting pup volumes and tone pots until I found the magic setting that sounded best overall for that bass. Then do that with each of the other basses. Once they’re all set to their best setting compare them all back to back. I’d expect the ranking to be much much harder with a lot of ties. I might still do this once I get the sound file posting figured out.

 

[GBassNorth]

I’ve not noticed a volume drop between any of the strings on the ‘15. I’m running Dunlop stainless steel Superbrights on it and couldn’t be happier.

No volume drops on my 2015 either, the 2013 is a different story. Haven’t tried the Superbrights but I’m not really a SS string person. La Bella black tapes on the 2015 are amazing and really give this bass a sound unique from my other birds.

 

[GonePlaid]

every Jazz or P?……hmm…can’t wait to hear them clips…

If we weren't each searching for that 'perfect' sound(combination of bass, strings, pups, fingers/pick, amp, whatever), we'd all be playing a P through a B-15.

 

[GBassNorth]

every Jazz or P?……hmm…can’t wait to hear them clips…

“Just about Every Jazz or P bass I’ve played”. Yes.
I haven’t played yours, so feel free to send it to me and I’ll give it a try.

 

[dagrev]

That’s actually a very good point and something I briefly thought about doing.

Different string types make a huge difference in the sound of any given bass. I actually considered (for a very short time) buying six sets of a middle of the road plain Jane string (D’Addario XL nickel rounds come to mind). But figured I’d likely have to go thru a full set up on some of the basses, adjusting relief and action and intonation, etc. Big PITA.

With the exception of the BlingBird, I’ve played these basses enough that I kinda know each if their strengths and shortcomings and can pretty well predict how they’ll respond to different strings.

At this point I think it would be safe to assume that if all the basses had XL nickel rounds the Greco would still hold top dog position, the next two (Goth and BlingBird) could possibly flip positions (EBCF really bring the Goth to life, take those away and it would most likely drop in rank). The 2015 was born to have tapes on it, take those away and it definitely drops. The bottom two (2013, VP) could flip, the VP is very string sensitive and sounded phenomenal with EBCF but horrible with DR Silver Stars, the Fender strings are the best rounds I’ve found for that bass.

On the other hand, equip each bass with EBCF strings and the Greco would still dominate, the VP might jump up just below or tied with the Goth and possibly bump the Bling to fourth place. The 2015 would suffer immensely and possibly fall to last.

So it’s not just a matter of all the basses having the same string, it’s also a function of which string that is. Of the bunch, the one bass that seems to shine bright regardless if string selection is the Greco. I haven’t found a string yet that doesn’t sound perfect on that bass.

Another test I was seriously considering would have been soundly discounted in most TB discussions but actually makes a lot of sense to me. Basically I would take a bass and run it thru all three heats adjusting pup volumes and tone pots until I found the magic setting that sounded best overall for that bass. Then do that with each of the other basses. Once they’re all set to their best setting compare them all back to back. I’d expect the ranking to be much much harder with a lot of ties. I might still do this once I get the sound file posting figured out.

Another consideration would be what they sound like if gigging, or at least in mix. Likely half of my basses sound just OK at home but sound amazing in a big room. All of what you are doing documents very well the complexity of getting the tone we prefer. Then there is the amp and cab equation as well! When I've changed rigs I often have to change some strings. And some basses start sounding better and some not. No wonder we're all a little nuts. And I agree with your views of the tone and volume being valid considerations as well. Some basses of mine it matters more than others. G&Ls seem the most consistent as the vol goes up or down.

 

[GonePlaid]

Somebody say toobs?(not mine) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

“Just about Every Jazz or P bass I’ve played”. Yes.
I haven’t played yours, so feel free to send it to me and I’ll give it a try.

…..let’s start with-’em clips…..

 

[GBassNorth]

Another consideration would be what they sound like if gigging, or at least in mix. Likely half of my basses sound just OK at home but sound amazing in a big room. All of what you are doing documents very well the complexity of getting the tone we prefer. Then there is the amp and cab equation as well! When I've changed rigs I often have to change some strings. And some basses start sounding better and some not. No wonder we're all a little nuts. And I agree with your views of the tone and volume being valid considerations as well. Some basses of mine it matters more than others. G&Ls seem the most consistent as the vol goes up or down.

Again excellent points!
I can’t speak to gigging since I don’t do that much anymore, but I’ve always found a noticeable difference in what sounds best in my bass room and what sounds best in a bar setting, which is different than a dinner setting and an outdoor setting. You can certainly go nutz chasing the perfect tone.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

If we weren't each searching for that 'perfect' sound(combination of bass, strings, pups, fingers/pick, amp, whatever), we'd all be playing a P through a B-15.

I should be so lucky…..

 

[GonePlaid]

“Just about Every Jazz or P bass I’ve played”. Yes.
I haven’t played yours, so feel free to send it to me and I’ll give it a try.

I played a J once(sitting in). It was OK, I guess, but I've been playing the 67(?)NR since 73 as my number 1 (numero uno, ichi-ban, etc.)since then. My hands and it are very used to each other; more so than any of the other 3 [yeah, only 3] basses. I've played it in everything from a folk-y duo to a 60 piece concert band, including piano/drums/bass cocktail gigs; jazz trios/quartets/quintets; rock groups of 3 to 7 members; 15-17 piece big bands; 4 to 7 piece bands sight reading shows behind singers and comics, and some other [stuff]. It makes me happy. Why bother with anything else?

 

[Nocturnal]

Entirely unrelated....I was at work and talking with the secretary. She was telling me about a program she watched about a writer (Dorothy Kilgallen) who had been investigating JFKs assassination and who out of the blue "took her life." This was highly unlikely. Anyway, I'm pulling up Youboob and one of the suggestions for me was a 2 hr documentary about.....Dorothy Kilgallen. I have never even searched or looked for anything related to JFK, and don't recall ever hearing of this writer. Big Tech is listening, so if you ever say anything about Thunderbird's neck diving or anything negative about Thunderbirds, there is a record of it somewhere maybe even some whack job's computer or laptop.

I know this kind of thing happens as phones are always listening, same with Alexa, etc. For that reason I refuse to have one in my house. The phone is bad enough.

That movie keeps showing up in my YT feed as well. No clue why it does because I have never watched any videos related to that before.

 

[GonePlaid]

I should be so lucky…..
View attachment 4585130

First real bass was a 66 EB-3. Got used to Gibson neck profile. I held a P once. It was like 2x4.
I also played the TBird through a B-18 a coupla times. A-fricking-mazing.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

First real bass was a 66 EB-3. Got used to Gibson neck profile. I held a P once. It was like 2x4.
I also played the TBird through a B-18 a coupla times. A-fricking-mazing.

thought you may have been on to something…..
joking aside…just can’t do short scales..

 

[GonePlaid]

thought you may have been on to something…..
joking aside…just can’t do short scales..
View attachment 4585138

On something or on to something? Having started on a Navy issue EB-3, then buying my own, the transition to the 67 NR was 'interesting' to say the least. Once I got used to it, I was fine. Even now, when I have to use my Epi EB-0 'cos of tight space situations, it's really no BFD-to me. Maybe if I'd started on longnecks(wait-that's beer), long scale basses, it would be a problem. It just isn't. IDK why, but as said a few(257?)posts back, I suck equally on all my basses. Especially the one with the full length thumb rest.
LPB2/5 And bofum: Epi EB-0 Ibanez AGB-200

 

[RedVee]

Excellent and tough question. I ranked each bass from most to least favorite in each heat (allowing for ties if necessary).

According to the total ranking of scores across all three heats my most favorite to least favorite would be:
1) Greco with scores of 1, 1 and 2 for a total of 4 - clearly at the top of every category
2) Goth with scores of 3, 1 and 1 for a total of 5 - darn close to the Greco (the Cobalt flats and cap job really make this bird shine)
3) BlingBird with scores of 2, 3 and 1 for a total of 6 - not shabby at all, a solid performer
4) 2015 with scores of 1, 5 and 1 for a total of 7 - this speaks more to the pros/cons of tape wound strings
5) 2013 with scores of 3, 2 and 3 for a total of 8 - unbalanced output on the A string did this bass in
6) VP with scores of 4, 4 and 1 for a total of 9 - shocked, never noticed any shortcomings until this shootout

The Greco on top doesn’t surprise me at all, it’s just a great sounding bass in every setting. However, the VP on the bottom sure surprised me, it’s a fantastic sounding bass, until you play it back to back with some of the others which just seem to have a bit of something extra (more content, expression or character) in their sound. That said, I’d still take my VP over just about every Jazz or P bass I’ve played.

The 2015 faired better than I thought it would, it tied for first place in two of the three heats, but failed miserably at the vibrato heat. Blame both the wins and losses on the tape wound strings. With different strings I suspect this bass would still place a hair below the Greco/Goth/BlingBird, roughly in the middle of the pack. The 2013 Tbird was also an eye opener, the third heat highlighted a major flaw that I wasn’t aware of, there is a noticeable volume drop between the E and A string. Might be a bad string, might be a set up issue, might be some odd phase cancellation or might just be the nature of the bass. I’ll be looking closer at that one.

Thanks for the in depth answer. It will be interesting to compare to the recorded version.

I was surprised the Greco ‘won’ though I know everyone raves about them. That was a great result for the Bling Bird considering you haven’t long got it all together.
The VP was a surprise too, although I assume that the rankings are all within a category of very good sounding basses.

 

[GonePlaid]

Thanks for the in depth answer. It will be interesting to compare to the recorded version.

I was surprised the Greco ‘won’ though I know everyone raves about them. That was a great result for the Bling Bird considering you haven’t long got it all together.
The VP was a surprise too, although I assume that the rankings are all within a category of very good sounding basses.

Well, of course. They're Thunderbirds.

 

[GonePlaid]

I found several recipes on the net. This one looks easy. But I’ll have to figure out the conversions for the measurements. Why can’t the world just measure in cups and spoons?

Yeah. Or ounces. And WTH is a gram(except for crackers)?

 

[GBassNorth]

Thanks for the in depth answer. It will be interesting to compare to the recorded version.

I was surprised the Greco ‘won’ though I know everyone raves about them. That was a great result for the Bling Bird considering you haven’t long got it all together.
The VP was a surprise too, although I assume that the rankings are all within a category of very good sounding basses.

Exactly. Fantastic basses all!

 

[JIO]

every Jazz or P?……hmm…can’t wait to hear them clips…

Barefoot bass-player!