Gibson Thunderbird or a holiday....?

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 4:47 am

I recently sold my 1973 Fender P bass on Ebay. This may have been a dumb move as I really miss this thing, or more to the point, I miss the sound & ‘vibe’ of the bass.

It was always a good bass for a driving rock track or an ‘ol blues. I also liked its growl and almost Ricness with a slightly twangy top end.

Anyway….. I have a rather unhealthy desire to get a Gibson Thunderbird to replace the ‘P’. This desire is a bit crazy really as in all my 48 years I have never tried one! I just always loved the recorded sound of John Entwistle and was it Martin Turner (?) from Wishbone Ash, again an almost Ricky sort of growly, rocky type thing.

Is this just a midlife crisis thing or are these very attractive basses worth checking out? Does anyone have one?

My basses over the years have been Ric 4001, V63, Fender P & J, Musicman Stingray, & Overwater. Does the Gibbo feel like any of these to play?

Maybe I just need a holiday…..?

rickengeezer · Post by **rickengeezer** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:53 am

Well, if I were offered a choice between a Thunderbird or a holiday of the same value, I would take the bass. Then again, so would almost everyone here. Perhaps you should ask at rec.overdue.vacation and get a balanced opinion!

seth_lorinczi · Post by **seth_lorinczi** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:56 am

I have a trashed '70s T-Bird awaiting a respray we I type.

It's kind of a toss-up: They are definitely cool looking, and have a unique sound (though I think of them as more warm and tubby than growly).

On the other hand, they're unwieldy and unbalanced. Just kind of awkward feeling, especially compared with a Ric.

But they're so dang cool looking....

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 6:20 am

I have a Thunderbird and dare say, like it a little more than my old '73 4001! (ducking). I get a little more bottom end punch out of it and yes, it does snarl, like a caged beast!

Took me a little while to get used it, but now I love it. And cool factor is very high!
I need to get a new 4003 (BBR) and I'm sure I will love the sound of that.

lshaia · Post by **lshaia** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:27 am

Bob, you may be able to have the best of both worlds: with a starting bid of $2685, maybe this "new" Bird comes with tickets to the UK to pick it up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64402&item=7314633057&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I have lusted after a Bird for years; it's a beautifully designed instrument. I even received Permission in February to buy an ebony Bird, but could never find one. Of course, since Permission in my house has a very short half life I bought something else lest I squander the opportunity. I still want one, though.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:35 am

holiday

80stingray · Post by **80stingray** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 7:39 am

Bob, you're not the only one who wants a T-bird. I've been thinking about it for a long time. Always loved John Entwistle and recently purchased the Jethro Tull Dvd "Live At The Isle Of Wite". Glenn Cornick is playing an old 63 or 64 single pickup version and it is the coolest. I'd probably get an older 60's model or the 76 bicentenial version.

henny · Post by **henny** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:16 am

Get a replacement Precision and have a cheaper holiday! Bingo!

I know there's the whole excitement/suspense/tension thing with having or expecting a bass... it's a magic feeling, only money can buy.

Do what you want I say, both sound like great options! Just do what seems right over time, let one or the other grow on you before you make a snap.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:21 am

I'd get the T-Bird. Squire played one in the Tormato album. I like the Nikki Six version in black with ebony fretboard and Maltese cross markers. The white ones are cool too. You may be able to afford a vacation too if you get the Epiphone version.

edski · Post by **edski** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:42 am

My son wanted one of those once...we actually had a store order one, but alas...it never came in.

All for the best. He likes his Ibanez, it was cheaper, easier to get a case (not sure the Epi model would have come with one) for the more conventional guitar. And I got to use the deposit money for little things like strings.

Oh boy, Squire used one on Tormato? What an endorsement!

henny · Post by **henny** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:54 am

Squire's was a non-reverse with some mods.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:50 am

I just spotted this ad:

Bass, gibson nonreverse thunderbird iv, circa 1967, ember red, $2500...
posted: April 11, 2005, 10:45 AM
--------------------------------------------------
BASS, Gibson nonreverse Thunderbird IV, circa 1967, ember red, $2500

I can provide a link to it if anyone is interested; e-mail me off-Forum if you do.

tony_carey · Post by **tony_carey** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 10:20 am

Bob, I used a precision for two years ('76-'77) & a Ric ever since. But I must admit to having a severe hankering for a thunderbird & always have had. There is just something about them. I know I'll never have one though, because if I get spare money, I begrudge spending it on anything but a Ric! I just get a Ric 'mist' come over me that I just can't fight!

lars · Post by **lars** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 1:10 pm

I have two T-birds, one -76 bicentennial and one 91 "modern". They are two very different basses. The 76 has a metallic click and a savage tone, while the -91 is more sivilized and versatile. The sound is not very far from an old rick (without the cap). The neck is very thin on both. The ergonomics is another story. The bird is LONG and badly balanced. After playing it, the rick feels like a guitar! I rest my elbow on the long bout and get a quite comfortable playing position that way.
The T-bird looks fantastic in any colour, mine are both standard sunburst.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Apr 13, 2005 2:24 pm

I've always loved the look of a T-Bird (not as much as a Rick), but I never bought one since I could never play them comfortably when sitting.