Baz Cooper's FINAL Non Reverse Thunderbird II 8 string Bass

[TBird1958]

 It's like a nicotine fit..................With bass guitars.



OTOH The results of your addiction are spectacular Baz 

[Bionic-Joe]

Thanks fella's....I think I need to stop. Regroup. Decompress and Rethink what I am going to do to earn a Living....selling everything I own only makes me sad that I did...doesn't really solve the finances in the long run...

[TBird1958]

 And you've had some real beauties!

Knowing you're a modelmaker and that you've got that set of skills/desire I think you'd be a great luthier........But I have no idea if it pays enough.

[Bionic-Joe]

Thanks.....I thought about it.....not much money in it...Although...there are no more good luthiers left in Chicago.......

[gearHed289]

selling everything I own only makes me sad that I did...doesn't really solve the finances in the long run...

I've always felt that way and have avoided selling stuff for that reason. It's a very short term solution, and then you're soon in the same position, only without some of the cool stuff you used to own.  Hang in there Baz, you're a smart, talented guy.

[Bionic-Joe]

I've been hanging since May 2010...Not sure how much longer....

[Dave W]

Now is probably not the time to become a luthier if you expect to make a full time living from it.

[Bionic-Joe]

So True...It would have been cool if I had started this at a younger age...or if I had a stockpile of cash and a wife who had a great paying job....The struggle goes on!!! And I am still counting my Blessings!!!

[dadagoboi]

So True...It would have been cool if I had started this at a younger age...or if I had a stockpile of cash and a wife who had a great paying job....The struggle goes on!!! And I am still counting my Blessings!!!

I'm 66 next month, have less than $8k invested in equipment ( by no means all at once) and am busy as I want to be.  Currently doing third builds for repeat customers and have hit my build target for the year.  Less than 2 years ago I hadn't sold a bass and had zero cred.

By doing a half decent job on something you like to do and giving value to customers you can make a living at it.  If you're too old now, how old will you be in 5 years?

[Bionic-Joe]

I don't have the money, dude....and i am sinking in massive debt.... Not really able to invest in equipment...nor can I spray in a residential area....Besides...who the hell wants to buy any 8 string basses....