The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on September 01, 2011, 08:00:00 AM

Title: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 01, 2011, 08:00:00 AM: Seems they're due out soon.......in Silverburst with my beloved 3 point ;)

(http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/628/304/DV016_Jpg_Large_H71170.001_silver_burst.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/silver_burst.jpg)

(http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/635/826/DV016_Jpg_Large_H71170.001_silver_burst_body_closeup.jpg)

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/gibson-limited-run-explorer-electric-bass-guitar/h71170000001000
Title: Re: Gibson Explorer re issues
Post by: ramone57 on September 01, 2011, 08:04:14 AM: the finish is rather pedestrian for you, Mark! ;D
Title: Re: Gibson Explorer re issues
Post by: TBird1958 on September 01, 2011, 08:12:31 AM: Indeed! I want flaming pink with leopard spots ;)
Title: Re: Gibson Explorer re issues
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 08:27:58 AM: Finally an Explorer like it should be, maho, long scale and TB Plus. You don't need more for a good rock bass. Amen.

It's like they finally listened to what I said all along!
Title: Re: Gibson Explorer re issues
Post by: gearHed289 on September 01, 2011, 08:29:37 AM: G.A.S. attack!!!
Title: Re: Gibson Explorer re issues
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 08:34:30 AM: I think we still all deserve a pic of Fräulein Rommel with that bass, don't you think? Agreed then.

Mark, you are herewith unconditionally instructed to order the beast on my behalf, the usual regulations apply, i.e. I paypal you, you receive and play (pictorial evidence), leave copious amounts of DNA material on the bass and, after some weeks, send her onwards to ze Reich!!!

Will you do as told and is your paypal address still the same?

Hey, I never said I was anything less than an impulsive buyer! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Uwe

PS: And for once in your life you will be able to play a high E - not like with your other silly basses!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Bionic-Joe on September 01, 2011, 08:41:35 AM: Yes!!! It looks great!!! Finally some t bird pickups in an explorer!!! But again...I deallly...I would love one in Korina...with Chrome Orville Pickups and an old school t bird tuneomatic bridge!!! Or maybe...a nice Tahiti Coral on it!!!! No seriously. This is how they should be making those basses!!! Not those schaller bridges and whatever crappy pickups they had before. Congrats!!!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 08:43:47 AM: Grabber pups they were. Undernourished, middish Grabber cheapo pups. And then medium scale. Not to mention maple necks and alder (sometimes maho) bodies ... brrrr ... :-\
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Chris P. on September 01, 2011, 08:56:52 AM: WOWWW!!!! I love that bass!!!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 01, 2011, 08:57:54 AM: Your wish is my order Herr Moderator!
I will report back ASAP
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 08:58:38 AM: Good girl you are. Always have been. Money sent.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 01, 2011, 09:41:03 AM: Expected 9/7/2011, you have one ordered as of now ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 09:44:10 AM: That was one smooth transaction, lubed just right.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Denis on September 01, 2011, 09:47:19 AM: That could be a cool bass, if that color was ditched in favor of natural mahogany. :)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Basvarken on September 01, 2011, 09:58:31 AM: Oh no! Now I need to drive to Frankfurt to shoot just this one bass. :o :mrgreen:
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 09:59:13 AM: Naw, I really like silverburst and I think it is just great on an Explorer shape, really accentuates it. I remember silverburst Iceman guitars and they were gorgeous too.

At the end of the day this is of course just a set neck TBird with better high register access and a 22 fret neck, but who cares?! That shape breathes and oozes pure, unadulterated rock'n'roll and Gibson (Ted McCarthy) invented it, not Ibanez, Alembic, Warwick, Dean or whoever. About time they lived up to it too. This is their best take on it by far, the late fifties stuff (short scale, with the Explorer headstock grafted onto an EB-2 neck), the eighties aberration (medium scale), my Custom Shop version (excellently made out of Korina and beautifully resonant, but who needs a short scale Explorer, that is about as fitting as a Mustang with a diesel engine) and the credible attempt Epi model (long scale, but let down a little by the pups) included.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on September 01, 2011, 10:34:43 AM: I hope this one doesn't let you down, soundwise.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 10:40:19 AM: I can't see that happening, this is a tried and trusted meat and potatoes combo, nothing can go wrong. If there is one company that knows how to cobble some maho planks, a three point bridge and TB Plus soap bars together, then it is located in Nashville. It's not like the Flying V shape and its inherent issues of not sounding right with a bass, the Explorer shape is great for a bass. JAE knew that.

The only gripe you can have with this model is that it's hardly something new or daring but an amalgam of old recipes.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: godofthunder on September 01, 2011, 11:17:26 AM: None here localy :( I have been thinking of pulling the trigger on one. Looks like they got it right I would have liked a mahogany finish with a pg though.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 12:16:47 PM: With a burst finish, I prefer it naked, but with unfinned wood - korina or maho - the pg gives it that vintage touch. It'll look great with my Epi silverburst TBird!

(http://assets.svpply.com.s3.amazonaws.com/large/239082.jpg)

(http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/628/304/DV016_Jpg_Large_H71170.001_silver_burst.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Denis on September 01, 2011, 12:33:17 PM: I just noticed that the pups are black but all the other hardware is chrome. HALF-BREED! FREAK! ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 01, 2011, 12:53:25 PM: Denis, sit down and stop disturbing class. We'll discuss this later. With your parents.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 01, 2011, 01:06:04 PM: The transition from the black to "silver" looks far to clinical, imdo... just like a black binding effect gone seriously wrong...

Yeah, I know, moi with no coloursense whatsoever... but these are "shades", not colours...
I've always thought the Explorer shape looks best in a natural or solid colour - If I had the greens it would be trans-cherry and mahogany and gold hardware, maybe black, with chrome running in a poor third...

Now I've hacked everyone in the Chrome Dimension off I disappear again... :vader: :popcorn:
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Pilgrim on September 01, 2011, 01:09:23 PM: Quote from: Basvarken on September 01, 2011, 09:58:31 AM
Oh no! Now I need to drive to Frankfurt to shoot just this one bass. :o :mrgreen:

....Held by the proud owner, once it has been appropriately test-driven by his much-respected test pilot!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 01, 2011, 01:54:18 PM: All it needs is some white tape on the upper back bout with "EET FUK!" written on it and I'll be all over that like white on rice (and the bass as well).
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: exiledarchangel on September 01, 2011, 01:55:38 PM: Mee likey sexplorerz ;)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 01, 2011, 01:59:07 PM: Welcome back my Angelic comrade...!

I knew the Italians took August off on holiday but where's you bin hiding...?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: gearHed289 on September 01, 2011, 02:16:13 PM: I think Uwe should buy 2 so one can be sanded down to see what's really underneath all that spray paint. :P

This is a tough one.... Give me strength! I DON'T need another 4 string, I DON'T need another 4 string, I DON'T need another 4 string, I DON'T need another 4 string..... I'm about to sell 2.....
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 01, 2011, 03:07:36 PM: Sell two buy one free (of guilt) ;D

A very masculine instrument with great pose-ability factor...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 01, 2011, 03:08:55 PM: Quote from: BUFF on September 01, 2011, 01:06:04 PM
The transition from the black to "silver" looks far to clinical, imdo... just like a black binding effect gone seriously wrong...

IMO the "burst' looks like a photoshop job though I imagine it's not. I'm not a fan of Silverburst but I like the bass. No way they'd do it natural. They'd have to select and match the wood for grain and it would cost a ton. I'm guessing it's a 3 piece body.

I posted this elsewhere, it's from a 22" wide Honduras board that I own 12 more lineal feet of...anyone for a 1 piece natural ExplorerBird?
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Project%20JAEbird/P1040440.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Freuds_Cat on September 01, 2011, 07:56:46 PM: That looks great but I hope the neck width is a bit narrower than the Epi was. That is the one thing I cant come to terms with.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 02, 2011, 12:25:21 AM: Yeah, the Epi is a hunk, most Epis are in comparison to Gibson models. I don't mind wider necks playingwise, I just don't like their looks.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 02, 2011, 01:48:27 AM: Quote from: Freuds_Cat on September 01, 2011, 07:56:46 PM
That looks great but I hope the neck width is a bit narrower than the Epi was. That is the one thing I cant come to terms with.

According to Musician's Friend 1.695 inches at the nut, approximately 1 11/16". That's wider than a Precision, (1.625, 1 5/8"), let alone a TBird's 1.5 inches.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 02, 2011, 01:56:52 AM: Yes, Musician's Friend are very perceptive in that way. Look how they also spotted the well-hidden toggle switch :o and clearly recognized how 20 frets can provide you with a high E. ??? Miracles of knowledge of these online sellers. :rolleyes: I'm sure the nut width was similarly resourceful researched. :vader: It's not like they don't care about such things. :-X

Features
Body Type: Explorer
Body Wood: Mahogany
Scale Length: 34
Neck Joint: Set
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard: Rosewood
Neck Shape: Slim Taper
# frets: 20
Nut Width: 1.695"
Fretboard Radius: 12
Bridge: Fixed
Pickup Bridge: TB Plus Ceramic Humbucker
Pickup Neck: TB Plus Ceramic Humbucker
Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Tone
Tuners: Grover
Hardware color: Chrome
Pickup selector: 3-Way
Limited run
Case: Hardshell
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 02, 2011, 04:03:43 AM: Think they measured the nut? That's a very odd dimension. If they did it might be correct.

I would think it is more likely information was imported directly from a supplied spec sheet, especially considering the obvious mistakes.

Have to confess I didn't check anything but the nut width spec.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 02, 2011, 04:05:14 AM: It's Gibson's fault to supply bad information, but Musician's Friend's to publish it uncorrected.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 02, 2011, 04:07:40 AM: Quote from: uwe on September 02, 2011, 04:05:14 AM
It's Gibson's fault to supply bad information, but Musician's Friend's to publish it uncorrected.

It's also possible MF hadn't even SEEN the actual bass when the page went up.

"we didn't know and it wasn't immediately apparent"
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Freuds_Cat on September 02, 2011, 04:11:26 AM: my epi is 43.5mm @ the nut. We changed to metric when I was 8 years old and I decided against doing the whole fraction thing, just confusing really. At least you guys have met me halfway with your decimal inches. :P
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 02, 2011, 04:17:53 AM: Quote from: dadagoboi on September 02, 2011, 04:07:40 AM
It's also possible MF hadn't even SEEN the actual bass when the page went up.

"we didn't know and it wasn't immediately apparent"

LOL - caught me!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Denis on September 02, 2011, 05:05:10 AM: Quote from: uwe on September 01, 2011, 12:53:25 PM
Denis, sit down and stop disturbing class. We'll discuss this later. With your parents.

Too late, I've already been thrown out of class.

All kidding aside, I think that's a surprisingly good price for a new bass from Gibson. I hit that link expecting it to be $3500 or something.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 02, 2011, 05:30:39 AM: There is a lot of wood to it and it's a limited run plus the outsize case must cost something too, but other than that it's a TBird minus the time- and materal-consuming neck thru construction. It's priced about right I think. By the ingredients only, it's neither lavish nor a lovelessly cobbled together piece of junk like the 80ies models were. It's a coherent re-release or in fact the first release of a worthy Explorer bass model by Gibson. It infuriates me how they missed the market when everybody and his brother - cue in Rick Savage of the Def Leps - wanted to play the Explorer shape in the early eighties. Had they produced something back then equivalent to the TBird 1987 release, history might have been different.

I wouldn't be surprised if Warwick's comparative success with the Stryker kick-started some action by Gibson here. It's a bit like Gibson building a bass with a Thumb-like look and Warwick not having an equivalent for it. Of course, that doesn't happen with a well-prepared, diligent Teutonic Kömpänie knowing its market. Mad German scientists, however, held the design plans the wrong way up and look what we are left with:

(http://www.zikinf.com/_gfx/matos/dyn/large/warwick-adam-clayton-reverso-signature_2.jpg)

These Krauts, how they overengineer every- and anything ...

And now for something completely different: Did you know that, strictly as a bass player, I personally think that Adam Clayton ...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on September 02, 2011, 07:23:37 AM: The 1.695" dimension is standard on many USA Gibsons, for example the LP Standard and Studio and the SG Standard and Special.

That doesn't prove it's correct for this new bass, but at least it wouldn't be unusual.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 02, 2011, 07:31:17 AM: Quote from: Freuds_Cat on September 02, 2011, 04:11:26 AM
my epi is 43.5mm @ the nut. We changed to metric when I was 8 years old and I decided against doing the whole fraction thing, just confusing really. At least you guys have met me halfway with your decimal inches. :P

That neck decimal was weird for me. Makes a little more sense now that you explain it's a standard Gibson dimension, Dave.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: gearHed289 on September 02, 2011, 07:48:05 AM: I seem to remember the Gibson web site saying the T-Bird Studio 5 string had a nut width of 1.5''. :-\
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: gearHed289 on September 02, 2011, 09:43:48 AM: BTW - anybody know exactly what they mean by "limited run"? 50? 100? However many they can sell? 8)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 02, 2011, 10:12:38 AM: For some reason 400 pieces sticks in my mind - but remember, we're talking about my mind ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: stiles72 on September 02, 2011, 10:25:19 AM: Not to go off subject - but with the focus on a new Gibson bass...

Has anyone heard of or seen a new Thunderbird due to come out? I was at Guitar Center yesterday and they had a white with chrome Epi Bird hanging on the wall (looked nice), and after playing it - the manager and a couple other sales guys said I should wait until they get the new Gibson version in. They calimed they had seen it on one of their internal GC sites, and that it was classic white with gold hardware and definitely a Thunderbird bass - not a Firebird Guitar. I've been googling it today - but haven't found any trace. My gut reaction is that it really was a Firebird VII they saw...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 02, 2011, 02:15:52 PM: If I may quote 69Vette (OldManC)

I need another Thunderbird! ;)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: exiledarchangel on September 03, 2011, 03:06:58 AM: Quote from: BUFF on September 01, 2011, 01:59:07 PM
Welcome back my Angelic comrade...!

I knew the Italians took August off on holiday but where's you bin hiding...?

Took some vacations on the cheap, and also some kinda job popped up, lets hope I will be lucky on that. Needtofundsomegoddamnedprojecktsdammit! :D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: SKATE RAT on September 03, 2011, 05:27:01 AM: i'd love a 'bird. but i'm afraid if i got one i'd start shaving my legs and wearing womens clothing
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 03, 2011, 06:35:49 AM: Yes, it doth corrupt those who are not firmly grounded.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: godofthunder on September 03, 2011, 07:29:25 AM: Quote from: SKATE RAT on September 03, 2011, 05:27:01 AM
i'd love a 'bird. but i'm afraid if i got one i'd start shaving my legs and wearing womens clothing

No need to worry.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/2490222010083345702UeYHLt_ph.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/23793_109837489030297_100000121405519_257972_1747341_n.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on September 03, 2011, 07:43:52 AM: Quote from: SKATE RAT on September 03, 2011, 05:27:01 AM
i'd love a 'bird. but i'm afraid if i got one i'd start shaving my legs and wearing womens clothing

Like that's a bad thing? ;D

Your quote....... "You know the rule, No boots, No Glam!"

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NastyHabitsat7Cedars12of175.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 03, 2011, 09:22:57 AM: Quote from: godofthunder on September 03, 2011, 07:29:25 AM
No need to worry

(http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/imageBank/cache/e/Ena-sharples.jpg_e_a75253b029348973f48c81beb98ee195.jpg)
Now then... watch wot your saying 'bout wimens kloven yung man...! ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: PhilT on September 03, 2011, 01:54:09 PM: Well, I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why she talked like a woman but looked like a man
Our Ena
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 04, 2011, 01:33:31 AM: Never been a fan of Corrie but she was certainly iconic...

A lady from the very early days of "independant television" when all we had here was two channels, in glorious blackandwhitenecolour...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 04, 2011, 02:40:39 AM: I've seen a gold hardware TBird before. In white, modern headstock, black teflon pups, late eighties or early nineties, did not have a Custom Shop stamp, but must have been original, I'm not aware that a gold three point was ever available aftermarket. It looked alright if you like that Gretsch look. If they do something like that now, I'd wish they'd do in a three pup style as with a Firebird VII.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 04, 2011, 09:44:01 AM: That natural TB "VI" you have has gold hardware or is it just poor recall on my behalf...?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 04, 2011, 05:20:22 PM: Yes it has, but that was an absolute one-off, it doesn't even have a serial no, but was a pet project by Phil Jones on the basis of a discarded Francis Buchholz order.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 05, 2011, 01:11:03 PM: ... and if I also recall you thought it a shame that there was not a followup on the design as you rated her quite highly...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 06, 2011, 04:12:25 AM: It's a Korina, not a maho TBird, so it sounds a little brighter and upfront. And the pups are sixties replicas.

I sometimes wish Gibson was a bit more experimental on woods. I love maho, make no mistake, it is my favorite tone wood, but I wouldn't mind a full maple bird.

Or one with bubinga wings and purpleheart nine ply neck. :gay:
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Chris P. on September 06, 2011, 06:04:04 AM: I guess you can play an all maple RD for a maple-ish Thunderbird-ish sound?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 06, 2011, 06:13:00 AM: Quote from: uwe on September 06, 2011, 04:12:25 AM

I sometimes wish Gibson was a bit more experimental on woods. I love maho, make no mistake, it is my favorite tone wood, but I wouldn't mind a full maple bird.

Gibson has more important things to do...I don't. How about a 1 piece 'burst flame maple with maple neck and single ThunderBucker 66MAX and L1K passive 3 pot tone system? Bound body and set neck optional. Sorry, no through neck...yet. ;D
(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Project%20JAEbird/cmap1.jpg)

(http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae241/cata1d0/Project%20JAEbird/cmap2.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Chris P. on September 06, 2011, 06:23:47 AM: Cool!!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 06, 2011, 09:27:37 AM: You been sneaking round the back of Gibson's woodyard...? ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: dadagoboi on September 06, 2011, 09:45:02 AM: Quote from: BUFF on September 06, 2011, 09:27:37 AM
You been sneaking round the back of Gibson's woodyard...? ;D

Judging by the exclusively solid finishes of their recent bass intros they don't have anything as nice as I can get ;)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 06, 2011, 10:10:50 AM: RRREOWWWWW...!

(claws away kitty) ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 06, 2011, 11:16:56 AM: Quote from: Chris P. on September 06, 2011, 06:04:04 AM
I guess you can play an all maple RD for a maple-ish Thunderbird-ish sound?

But that is set neck. Would a neck thru maple TBird sound like a true long scale humbucker Ric?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: gearHed289 on September 06, 2011, 12:05:45 PM: I've been toying with the idea of a Ric with mahogany wings and an extra pair of humbuckers in the T-Bird positions...

C'mon, I'm not any more disturbed than any of you other guys! :P
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on September 06, 2011, 02:10:42 PM: Quote from: uwe on September 06, 2011, 11:16:56 AM
But that is set neck. Would a neck thru maple TBird sound like a true long scale humbucker Ric?

How different is the sound of an NR and a Reverse, then re-pose the question...?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: godofthunder on September 06, 2011, 02:19:11 PM: Quote from: uwe on September 06, 2011, 11:16:56 AM
But that is set neck. Would a neck thru maple TBird sound like a true long scale humbucker Ric?
Ask Bill (drbassman) ;)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 07, 2011, 06:37:11 AM: It has happened before. A silverburst Explorer I mean. Look at this (a Dethklok Thunderhorse Signature model, Dethklok being some - grunt! - death metal band I've never heard of):

(http://www.themusiczoo.com/images/2-21-11/7045_Gibson_Dethklok_Thunderhorse_Explorer_101410558_1.jpg)

Me like, but I think it is proof that a pg would have taken away from rather than add to the design. Of course the binding is an upgrade touch.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 07, 2011, 12:53:02 PM: Quote from: uwe on September 07, 2011, 06:37:11 AM
It has happened before. A silverburst Explorer I mean. Look at this (a Dethklok Thunderhorse Signature model, Dethklok being some - grunt! - death metal band I've never heard of):

You might want to check out Dethklok (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/metalocalypse/index.html). I think they would appeal to you on multiple levels. Murderface even plays a TB Studio 5'er!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 07, 2011, 04:26:59 PM: Do they sing or is it cookie monster vocals? I can't take more of that than what you find on modern Bullet for my Valentine or Slipknot CDs.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 07, 2011, 06:52:15 PM: Just follow the link. I'll be tremendously surprised if you don't approve.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 08, 2011, 06:58:08 AM: Ok, now I get it, I wasn't aware that they were originally an animated band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXWaVz4yogI

With proper singing this wouldn't be so bad at all. I can take larger than life over the top metal epics in small doses.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 08, 2011, 06:48:24 PM: They ARE just the animated band. All the music is done by the show's creator. He hired some big gun musicians to help on albums and tour, but the whole thing is very Spinal Tap.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: OldManC on September 08, 2011, 11:44:05 PM: Bass solo!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 09, 2011, 01:54:55 AM: Yup, I got that. The animated band came first and then there was a demand. Ignoring the vocals which are a matter of taste (I never liked Venom for that reason too), it's well-made and more musical than a lot of that death metal stuff. But there must be 10 seconds in every male adolescent's life where you are attracted by this stuff. WOAAARRRGH!!!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 09, 2011, 03:27:42 AM: The individual musicians are parodies of famous players/stereotypes: the singer is an amalgamation of Pete Steele and Glenn Danzig, the lead guitarist is Yngwie, the rhythm guitarist is Malcom Young, the drummer is Lars Ulrich and the dude from Tool, and Murderface is Jason Newstead. I absolutely despise the first episode, but the show became VERY funny after that. FWIW, I have liked and continue to like the aggro growling vocals for years, though I do get quite the kick out of watching the new pre-fab "metal" bands put together by the labels that have some skinny kid with a $200 haircut trying to sound like Phil Anselmo; IOW if you're going to have a gutteral vocal, you HAVE to have the life experience to back that up. I also like chugging eighth notes too, though.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 09, 2011, 04:53:16 AM: They have their place!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY96gAVjz_c
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: gearHed289 on September 09, 2011, 08:10:04 AM: Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on September 09, 2011, 03:27:42 AM
I do get quite the kick out of watching the new pre-fab "metal" bands put together by the labels that have some skinny kid with a $200 haircut trying to sound like Phil Anselmo; IOW if you're going to have a gutteral vocal, you HAVE to have the life experience to back that up.

A7X..... 8)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 09, 2011, 08:36:44 AM: Quote from: gearHed289 on September 09, 2011, 08:10:04 AM
A7X..... 8)

The sad thing is that they're one of the better ones. "Modern Rock radio" makes me want to puke. I'll be the first to admit I'm a huge snob about it though, and many "classic metal" bands as defined by popular consensus don't make the cut for me. Hell, I'm not even a metal bassplayer: you can hear me and I do things other than ghost chord roots... I play pedal tones. ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on September 20, 2011, 09:07:10 AM: I am not entirely sure if Gibson's decision to advocate this instrument among its basses as an "Explorer Baritone" and use the pic of a six string guitar to boot

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass.aspx

(http://images.gibson.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/USA/Explorer-Baritone/Gallery-Images/DSXBSBCH1-Product-Navigation-Thumbnail.jpg)

will see it make huge inroads in the bass market ... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

And then the link doesn't even work or maybe some guy in the higher Nashville echelons realized "guys, this bass looks awfully like a guitar, maybe we should recheck ...".

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Explorer/Gibson-USA/Explorer-Baritone.aspx

Consumers looking for a real baritone guitar, otoh, might find the scale length disconcerting:

Solid Mahogany body with hi-gloss Silverburst finish
Comfortable, "Explorer" bass neck profile
34" scale length
Rosewood fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays
Pair of "Thunderbird Bass" humbucking pickups with ceramic magnets
In-line Mini Grover™ tuners with 14:1 tuning ratio
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on September 20, 2011, 07:10:42 PM: Par for the course at Gibson's marketing department. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 01, 2011, 08:12:00 PM: Look and behold, a maple neck ...

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Explorer-Bass.aspx
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on November 01, 2011, 08:25:06 PM: Still just getting backorder emails about this bass as of 11/1 Uwe :-\
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: clankenstein on November 02, 2011, 12:01:03 AM: Preciosa fingerboard ? pray what means this gibsonites?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: godofthunder on November 02, 2011, 04:10:47 AM: Not sure really ! My 2011 Cherry Thunderbird has the same fingerboard. The dealer tells me it's "baked" maple. What that process entails I do not know.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 02, 2011, 04:26:30 AM: Preciosa is a rugged tropical wood with high density and used, eg, for tiles. It's what Gibson is using now after the rosewood and ebony raids until they run out of the preciosa stock they have. I'm not worried though, Gibson will come up with something. Whether a bass has a maple, rosewood, ebony or pao ferro board has never been decisive for me. Maple sounds snappy, but looks a bit cheap and naked except on certain models, rosewood and pao ferro sound better (or should I say characteristic?) than ebony which neither takes away or adds much sonically and a dark (though it's mostly dye anyway) ebony board is a looker, but in the end ...

What surprises me more is the maple neck, Gibson hasn't done maho body/maple neck basses since the 80ies (Explorer, Q-80/90). I wonder why they did it, three possible reasons only (i) they wanted to stay true to the eighties models which also had maple necks (unlikely), (ii) they wanted the sonic characteristics of maple neck (unlikely) (iii) it is the tribute to the headstock shape of the Explorer which is really clamoring for a break if it were made out of short-fibre wood such as maho. My guess is on (iii). I know from my Custom Shop Korina Explorer that Gibson had doubts about headstock stability and decided on an unusual "3 regular tuners + 1 banjo tuner for the G string" combination. The Epi Explorers with their softer wood necks avoided the issue by downsizing the headstocks to greater stability and slanting the downwards (they were grafted on too). The eighties Gibson Explorers had huge headstocks (10.5" as opposed to the puny 8.5" of the Epi), but were made of maple. This new generation doesn't feature a headstock quite as large but certainly larger than the Epi's.

New:

(http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/628/304/DV016_Jpg_Large_H71170.001_silver_burst.jpg)

Old (Halloween Ltd Blood-Run!!!):

(http://www.edroman.com/detail_sheets/images/gibson_explorer_bass_blackblood_autopsy.jpg)

Epi:

(http://www.musik-service.de/images/prx/395743997/i00.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on November 02, 2011, 07:26:01 AM: Uwe is right, dealer is wrong. Preciosa is a naturally dark wood from the Amazon, not related to maple. It's been called a rosewood, but it isn't.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: OldManC on November 02, 2011, 08:18:23 AM: Quote from: from Gibson Explorer page
Tired of guitarists getting all the hip alternative axes while bassists seem stuck in the middle of the 20th century? Grab onto the Explorer Bass from Gibson USA, and ram the low end right into the 21st century

Henry really needs to fire his copywriters...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: slinkp on November 02, 2011, 08:34:07 AM: Quote from: uwe on November 02, 2011, 04:26:30 AM
Maple sounds snappy, but looks a bit cheap and naked except on certain models, rosewood and pao ferro sound better (or should I say characteristic?) than ebony which neither takes away or adds much sonically and a dark (though it's mostly dye anyway) ebony board is a looker, but in the end ...

Huh, really? My ebony-board LPB1 has my favorite unplugged sound by far. It has a beautiful resonant character (mahogany body/neck?) combined with a nice bright snap on top, and I always thought the latter came from the fingerboard.

I don't know for sure what's under the paint but I always assumed mahogany body and neck (I think the guy I got it from said so).

Whatever it is, to my ears there's something magic about that bass that makes it really nice to play around the house.

(Personally though, I've always thought that wood doesn't make a huge difference once you're plugged in ... pickups, amps, speakers matter a lot more to me. Not much of that bright snap translates through the TB Plus pups. Still sounds awesome though.)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 02, 2011, 09:19:18 AM: Yes, ebony is supposed to sound snappier and it is also more durable, hence the ebony boards of most fretless basses. But I prefer the warmth of rosewood, matter of taste only.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 02, 2011, 10:50:46 AM: "Quote from: from Gibson Explorer page
Tired of guitarists getting all the hip alternative axes while bassists seem stuck in the middle of the 20th century? Grab onto the Explorer Bass from Gibson USA, and ram the low end right into the 21st century

Henry really needs to fire his copywriters..."

I guess, internally here, Mark would have something to observe about ramming or rimming or reaming low ends right into anything, no? Other than that I liked the jab at the Fender shape "bassists seem stuck in the middle of the 20th century", it made me smile, never mind how the Explorer shape is from 1959 and therfore a child of that tail fin ridden era (as is clearly evident by the design of the bass) too. But few people know that, so it was alright for the marketing people to insinuate that tail fins are somehow something modern. Say what you will, but playing a Gibson Explorer bass will have nobody thinking you are a Fender player. +1 for corporate identity. If I had been Gibson's marketing department, I would have launched Explorer and Flying V bass together as "Return of the Modernists - Back to the Future". With a pic of Ted McCarthy

(http://www.bigsbyguitars.com/vibe/wp-content/uploads/about_ted_mccarty.jpg)

and the comment "Not everything in the McCarthy Era was bad ... and these two axes may even be used for traditionally American activities ". :mrgreen:

For the benefit of our younger readers, watch this from 6.15 onwards ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDfdzcLD1s4&feature=related

This guy here is Joseph and not Ted McCarthy!

(http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/01/03/mcCarthy_wideweb__470x305.jpg)

I fear Joseph would have thought the V and Explorer "un-American" too! ;)

Uwe
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: godofthunder on November 02, 2011, 01:27:48 PM: Thanks good to know!
Quote from: Dave W on November 02, 2011, 07:26:01 AM
Uwe is right, dealer is wrong. Preciosa is a naturally dark wood from the Amazon, not related to maple. It's been called a rosewood, but it isn't.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on November 02, 2011, 04:58:13 PM: Ted McCarty, not McCarthy.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on November 02, 2011, 05:04:19 PM: Quote from: godofthunder on November 02, 2011, 01:27:48 PM
Thanks good to know!

I just looked it up, the botanical name of preciosa is aniba canelilla. So definitely not a rosewood, which are the various dalbergia species. But google aniba canelilla and you find that the bark is used for a medicinal oil sold as "rosewood oil." Go figure.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 02, 2011, 05:07:41 PM: Ah - that tricky little letter "h"!!!

Paul McCarthy was quite an influence on me as a bassist though!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: PhilT on November 03, 2011, 06:39:03 AM: Where are all these hip alternative guitars then? Surely he can't mean the Firebird X?
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Dave W on November 03, 2011, 08:42:01 AM: Quote from: PhilT on November 03, 2011, 06:39:03 AM
Where are all these hip alternative guitars then? Surely he can't mean the Firebird X?

They're in the Dean catalog. ;D
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 03, 2011, 09:35:59 AM: You have to grant it to them, all Dean models are immediately recognizable. I like the aspect of catalog order too.

(http://stperry.brinkster.net/img/namm07/babes_namm.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Basvarken on November 03, 2011, 09:48:32 AM: didn't know they're called wings... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 03, 2011, 10:00:16 AM: Certainly a concept that, errrm, flies with the targeted consumer group. Most Dean players have pimples, are way past their "best use"-date, no girlfriend and still live at home with their mother ...

I didn't say that Joey DiMaio!!!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on November 03, 2011, 10:35:03 AM: teh metals............... ;)

Just an update on the Explorer as of 11/03/2011, it's not due until 1/20/2012 :-\.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: uwe on November 03, 2011, 11:31:08 AM: All good things come to those who wait.
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on November 03, 2011, 11:53:26 AM: Quote from: uwe on November 03, 2011, 11:31:08 AM
All good things come to those who wait.

Whew! I thought we were gonna have to discuss knob twiddling here ;)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: PhilT on November 04, 2011, 11:23:28 AM: Quote from: uwe on November 03, 2011, 09:35:59 AM
You have to grant it to them, all Dean models are immediately recognizable. I like the aspect of catalog order too.

(http://stperry.brinkster.net/img/namm07/babes_namm.jpg)

I searched "Gibson Girls"
(http://s2.hubimg.com/u/2091541_f260.jpg)
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Highlander on November 04, 2011, 03:55:33 PM: The Germans weren't so keen on Guy Gibson either...
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: Chris P. on November 08, 2011, 07:04:05 AM: The silverburst Explorer bass is on a Dutch shop website as 'coming soon'. Only 1099 euros... If I could spare a grand... Not much money for such a great bass!
Title: Re: (Mark buys a) Gibson Explorer reissue (for Uwe)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 23, 2011, 06:03:15 PM: Just an update here.......The pointy bastard has finally shipped, should see it next week.