Clarky Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Having just missed out on acquiring a Fender Pino last week and with some cash consequently burning a hole in my pocket, I went for a spot of comfort buying and ended up with this rather lovely and essentially new (Oct'09) T'bird (from Old Horse Murphy, aka Nick). I have always desired one of these (since being a UFO fan in the 70s and later a Damned fan) but never really assumed it would be right for me due to heavy weight (so I thought), neck dive issues etc. Then I picked it up and discovered its really light, despite mahogany body (certainly no heavier than my CIJ P bass), and has no discernible neck dive. Furthermore its sounds really RAWKKKK, like a very punchy P bass on the neck pickup. Will try it out at band practice tomorrow but its looking good right now. Here's a couple of pics nicked from Nick's FS ad (hope thats OK mate?) [attachment=49289:TB1.jpg][attachment=49290:TB2.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Looking good! Clarky...there are now two non-Fenders in your stable! Quick, get another Fender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonybassplayer Posted May 9, 2010 Share Posted May 9, 2010 Lovely bass, all you need now is a Wishbone Ash trib band looking for a Martin Turner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey1-8 Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Lovely bass Clarky, how are you finding it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 12, 2010 Author Share Posted May 12, 2010 Used it for band practice on Monday night. The guys loved the in-your-face sound, esp the drummer. The skinny neck will take a little bit of getting used to but is very slick (I can see why headstock breaks are all too common). I need to tweak the setup slightly and do find it very irritating that Gibson didn't include a truss rod adjustment tool (I have ordered one from eBay). Will probably use it at our next gig (Underbelly, Hoxton Sq, London next Tuesday) and see how it goes. Its a great alternative to a P bass in a rock setting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey1-8 Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Yeah the neck's quite a change from a P bass. I had my T-bird set up really nicely about 3 years ago and I've not had to adjust the truss rod or alter the action since. Great stability in that sense. The bridge can be a bit of a pain to adjust as well, but once you’ve got it in the right position it’s rock solid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzz Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Clarky without a P-Bass, shocker Glad to see T-Bird love is expanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutToPlayJazz Posted May 12, 2010 Share Posted May 12, 2010 Lovely bass, Clarky. I've always liked how these play and sound, although I have no use for one personally. Now where did I put my big afro wig, leather waistcoat & mirror shades? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 12, 2010 Author Share Posted May 12, 2010 [quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='835368' date='May 12 2010, 03:30 PM']Lovely bass, Clarky. I've always liked how these play and sound, although I have no use for one personally. Now where did I put my big afro wig, leather waistcoat & mirror shades? [/quote] Bilbo borrowed them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I'm not enjoying this Fender deviation to odd shaped basses Nice one though, never ever gelled with Thunderbirds....I think its mainly the sound, and the fact you HAVE to have them slung low! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted May 13, 2010 Author Share Posted May 13, 2010 [quote name='Sibob' post='835968' date='May 13 2010, 10:31 AM']you HAVE to have them slung low! [/quote] You are bang on here - I rehearsed it the other night and it only worked slung low. Maybe its psychology ('cos its so RAAWWWKKK!) but also, as a pick player, the body contours don't work for my right hand with the bass at waist height (as in, the top edge digs in to my wrist). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Lovely bass Clarky. Nothing looks better than Pete Way on stage thrashing his T bird to within an inch of it`s life! [attachment=49629:Picture_064.jpg] Jez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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