thebrig

[quote name='Marc S' timestamp='1422892137' post='2677956'] The Classic Vibe series are outstanding quality, honestly! There are tests on youtube of guitars and basses Some of the tests are blindfold, and the players think they're playing US, and even custom shop instruments... £380 is perhaps a bit more than we're used to paying for something with a Squier logo on it But for the money, I think they are immense quality I'd say they stand up against anything £500 and over I've played a few of the newer Mex Fenders lately, and they're good - but not as good as the CV series IMO I've also played a couple of US basses, new and secondhand, and I think my Squier CV stands up to any of them Same for the VM series really - fantastic instrument for the money Great news thebrig - £120 for a great instrument - happy NBD to you Something of a bargain, I think - enjoy it and if the missus hasn't seen it yet, just convince her you've always had it, in the back of a cupboard somewhere lol [/quote]I can't keep using the same reasons for a bass that suddenly turns up, can I?

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1422718402' post='2676005'] Hey, thebrig. Slow down man, leave some basses for the rest of us. [/quote]I know, that's THREE in a week! A Gibson Thunderbird, Gary Mac's 1975 Fender Precision, and now the Squier VM Precision. I think I have some explaining to do with the misses!

I've literally just bought this VM Precision for £120 off of eBay, it was only listed for a few minutes before I snapped it up. Well pleased! [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221677783228?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.u...K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url]

Strangely, I spotted this a few minutes ago on eBay before reading this thread. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Atlansia-Solitaire-Single-String-Fretless-Bass-Guitar-With-Gigbag-/191497053779?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item2c961d2653

I have problems with all glossed necks, but absolutely no problem at all with untreated necks like you get on Warwicks, and the Ibanez SR range for instance. It's probably an individual thing, our bodies all react differently to different things I guess.

An electronic drum kit can be the deciding factor when it comes to getting gigs in small venues.

Another Burns Sonic Bass here! This was taken in 1966 aged 15, although slightly hidden, you can't miss it, just look out for the "kipper" tie and braces. I borrowed £15 from my older sister to buy it, and then swapped it for some fishing tackle about a year later because I thought that I would never be good enough, sadly, I lacked a lot of confidence when I was younger. I never played bass or guitar again until about six years ago, I am now aged 63, and been in some decent bands for the last five years, and I now realize that I can actually play quite well, so I'm now trying to make up for all that lost time! I really wish I still had it, it was already old and well used when I got, so it would probably be at least 55 years old by now, I'm not sure whether I would still use it, but it would be nice to have it hanging on the wall with all my more modern basses.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1422450092' post='2672778'] Welcome to the club! P [/quote]Cheers Nancy, it was probably you who pushed me into taking the plunge more than most, it's a beauty, and I will give it a real chance,

Well done Shell! I'm 63 and only been playing seriously for 6/7 years now, but I just can't get enough of it now. I relate to everything you say. And Basschat is such an inspiration to us all!

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1422403209' post='2672362'] I was also watching that one on the 'bay but a chronic lack of funds meant no bidding from me :-) Congratulations on scoring a lovely bass. [/quote]I waited until the last minute, no bids had gone in, so I got it for the starting price, well pleased!

[quote name='Urban Bassman' timestamp='1422377413' post='2671882'] You don't mention what strap you have. Might be worth investing in a wider strap or a strap with some padding in it. That will help the shoulder and as they say no gain without pain Nice buy - use it often [/quote]I got myself a Comfort Strapp which does help a bit, I will use it every day at home for a week or two, and will then start using at gigs and rehearsals.

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1422377085' post='2671876'] A Fender P bass which I'm taking delivery of in a couple of weeks. [/quote]Nice one! I already have three precisions which I love, and the Thunderbird is a nice addition.

[quote name='Bassman Sam' timestamp='1422376319' post='2671862'] I was watching that one too. I nearly bid on it myself but grabbed something nice off of here instead. Good score. [/quote]What did you get Sam?

[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1422191942' post='2669619'] All those nice basses sat there not being played [/quote]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIHhwsTeDs0

I should add that it was perfectly set up too, I normally do a few tweaks here and there when I get a new bass, but all I had to do was tune her up and I was away

Just an update re my previous thread: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/254051-gibson-thunderbird-q-as/"]http://basschat.co.u...underbird-q-as/[/url] After reading the replies, I decided to take a punt on a 2008 Gibson Thunderbird I saw on eBay for £745.00 + £30 insured shipping, and included the original Gibson hard case. I won it 8pm on Friday and it arrived at 12.05pm today (Tuesday), it was described as immaculate, and sure enough, it is in absolutely pristine condition. I have just played through our set with it on a strap at home, and have to admit that my shoulder and neck are aching a bit, and I think it will take some getting used to, but I'm going to give it at least six months rehearsing and gigging with it to see if I can get accustomed to it, if I can't, I think that I would have a pretty good chance of selling it on for around what I payed for it. Here are some pics my bird!

[quote name='Billy Apple' timestamp='1422299261' post='2670908'] My Thunderbird is the bass I regret selling. I don't want to repeat what others have said, but the main thing is they're a lot of fun and you feel great playing them. If you pick one s/h for a decent price and it's not for you, then move it along. I'm sure you wont lose. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that. [/quote]Paid £749 for a 2008 model, totally unmarked, as new condition, including the original case, so yes, if I can't get on with it, it might just pop up in the "for sale" section for what I paid for it. Having said that, I'm not going to pre-judge it, I will give it a good six months or so, rehearsing and gigging with it that's for sure.

[quote name='DaytonaRik' timestamp='1422273188' post='2670464'] If you can get to Derby (if its not too far?) this Wednesday evening you're welcome to try mine at our rehearsal rooms. Drop me a PM if you're interested. I'm not sure how much longer it will be in my possession as Mark is taking it in part-ex against a Limelight in the very near future. [/quote]Thanks for the offer Rik, but I have gone and got myself one, it should arrive tomorrow with a bit of luck. I will update after a week or so, to let you all know how I get on with it.

Sorry! I didn't mean to go over the same "old ground" with the "same old questions", I'm just trying to get to the bottom of why there are so many negative opinions on the Thunderbird, and whether they are justified or not, I thought this is what forums are for. I will try one soon for myself, but an hour or so in a shop playing one doesn't always tell you the whole picture, which is why I was seeking advice from those who has, or still does play one. Thanks for the the comments and advice so far, they are all much appreciated.

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1421966277' post='2667342'] Which Gibson Thunderbird are you interested in? There have been several quite major changes to the instrument since it first appeared in 1963, and the 2015 model has little in common with the original other than the body shape. Some of the Epiphone models have far more in common with a Fender Jazz that the Gibson Thunderbird when you look at the construction and woods used... [/quote]I have a budget of around £800, so it will be probably around 7 or 8 years old I guess.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1421967198' post='2667361'] Look, they're lovely basses. Go try a few. If you were local I'd invite you round for an evening to ding mine. The necks are lovely...all of mine have been skinny and fast. They sound great (check my signature for audio). The only bugbear is that f*cking awful three point bridge, but at least you can put a Hipshot on it or (when they become available) a Babicz. Forget about neck dive, it's really not that much of a problem. Whatever you do, PLEASE don't buckle and buy an Epiphone because it looks like a Gibson or has Gibson pickups, because it's not a Gibson. Chalk and cheese. [/quote]If I docide to go for one, I will buy the [i]real[/i] thing, that's for sure.