thebrig

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.

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1421964834' post='2667316'] I've got three now and owned another two. I'm a little tired of these questions, so here's my headshakingly honest responses: 1 - Forget about neck dive. You play with two hands. 2 - Whaaaaaat? Are you a mental? 3 - No. It's as versatile as a Jazz in that it's got two pickups and VVT. 4 - Good grief. My teenage nephew can reach the nut. He's 13. 5 - Around 3.5cm. My Rickenbacker is a shade over 4.0cm. What sort of difference will that make? As I've said dozens of times on these pages, the Thunderbird is like magic. I'm a pudgy guy in my late 40s. I put it on and I turn into a lithe rock god in my twenties. P [/quote]I take your point Nancy, but the reason for the questions is that I do suffer from neck & back problems, and I'm not that tall, so a long stretch and having to hold up the neck, whilst trying to move my left hand to where it should be, could be a problem to me. As for the nut width, I prefer a narrower neck, I have a jazz neck on my precision because I find it more comfortable. I am asking for advice from TB players, because I have read so many negative things from all the Gibson haters on here.

[quote name='skej21' timestamp='1421964699' post='2667310'] You might also want to check the price of the current 2015 Gibson thunderbird. It's gone up quite considerably since last year; 2014 model was £1199 and the 2015 model is £1899. Might want to grab a 2014 while they're still around if you're serious! [/quote]I will be looking for a second-hand one.

[quote name='tonyxtiger' timestamp='1421963400' post='2667287'] 1. Not that bad. Depends how you position it. The hand you use for fretting can hold the neck at the same time. 2. Yes and yes. It's not purely t birds but all that nitro lacquer also makes them like trying to hold an eel when you're sweating all over it. 3. Not any more so than any jazz style bass. It's all the mahogany that makes it a little darker sounding. Bright strings will add a little top. 4. Yes if you have short arms no if you don't. 5. Very thin on the modern Gibson ones. Thinner than a jazz. Older ones are fatter. Epiphones are fatter too. It's the kind of bass that can be off putting at first but you adapt and get used to it. I've played them for years and still do. Look at any notable T bird player and they can generally manage to play a full on sweaty rock show without having to stop mid song shouting "stop stop the necks diving and the body's leaning away from me" Man up and get one! [/quote]I think I might have to now!