Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The itch to get another bass has hit me. I have been playing the '73 - Jetglo, all stock (thanks for all the info on NOT replacing some components - and I will post pics in the very near future) since 1977 as my only bass!! (Man I'm old).

I have been out playing both new and used/'vintage' Gib$on Thunderbirds and am trying to determine how the sound will complement that of the 4001. On the 'Ric I go for a bright sound with crisp roundwounds. The thought would be to run flats on the Tbird and drive a different sound.

I know this is a 'Ric forum so I am looking for a constructive comparative discussion. Also, any goods links for a Gib$on forum.

Thanks

powersM3

Well, try this one:

http://p219.ezboard.com/bthedudepit.

Scroll down to 'Gibson Basses'.
As for Ricks versus T'Birds, each has its own thing going, IMO. I enjoy T'Birds as much as I do Ricks. The only reason I currently own eight Ricks and only one T'Bird (a 76 Bi-Centennial) is that T'Birds are very hard to come by in my country, Portugal (Europe).

I love, love, love my T-Bird.
It's a 2001 in vintage sunburst. I've never put flatwounds on it, but that may be an interesting experiment.
I love my Ricks & Gibson equally, but you could always simplify it to the old "single coils vs. humbuckers" argument. Both have their certain appeal, but the humbuckers do give (IMHO) a rounder, fuller sound. I was worried that when I got my T-bird it would be all boomy Gibson low end, but it has that along with crisp mids & punchy highs.
All of the guys in my band seem to prefer the T-bird over the Ricks...but I have 3 Ricks & one Gibson. (What do guitarists & drummers know anyway?!)

Also, the neck on the T-bird is VERY thin & VERY fast - a little top heavy but still a comfortable instrument to play. I have always put roundwounds on it & have played it often & hard for 3 years & have no complaints.

One interesting sidebar though in regards to quality control/craftsmanship at RIC & Gibson:

Of my 3 Ricks only one was purchased brand new, (my 2003 Monty Brown 4003). I got it from Mike Parks & it came out of the box in perfect shape & perfectly in tune.
I got my T-bird directly from the Gibson factory & not only was it missing 2 pickguard screws, but the nut was cut so badly that you couldn't play an open 'A' without it buzzing horribly. I got a new nut cut & a setup from my ace luthier & all was well, but there is a certain pride (as well as charm) with the RIC manufacturing process I believe.

Sorry I've rambled so long, but I am a big T-bird fan. Buy one & you won't be disappointed.

Remember, WWJND (What would Jared Nakanishi do?)
"DO IT"!!!!!!!!!!!

I've still got my eye open for a good one at the right price, Chris. Let me know if you see one.

oooh just missed one at the same place where I got lucky.


The T-bird went for $800+!

Damn...I didn't do it

oops I did it again!

Hey Jared,
I think we'd all "do it" with that particular model....

Nah, I prefer Aguileraglo myself....