The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: TBird1958 on December 22, 2008, 12:39:18 PM

Title: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 22, 2008, 12:39:18 PM
 This is how I've been dealing with no news from BaCH...........
My 50th Birthday present finally arrived from Gibson  ;D  It's only been on order since Mid-August!
I've had this about two weeks now, its easily the best post '88 'Bird Gibson has ever made!
Mine arrived with a reasonable factory set up (says alot!) tho I will get it up to Mike Lull when the snow melts a little around here. It plays great! and it sounds quite different from my standard modern bird by being quite thumpy and a bit darker and tighter overall, I like it alot! As you can see in the pics mine is very red inbetween the pickups, I have no explaination as to why........wood is unpredictable I guess.
The red snakeskin case is pure porno, nice that they left those combo locks off it too. Better yet, its original price was $2300.00 but mine ended up costing 1795.00 so I'm pretty happy! As much as I detest black hardware ( I know this bass would be incredible in chrome) I will likely keep it stock.......We have an New Year's Eve show, I'll be playing this bass for sure  :thumbsup:   
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/sixx-full.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/sixx-body-front.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/sixx-head.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/sixx-body-back.jpg)
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Barklessdog on December 22, 2008, 12:44:29 PM
It looks great Mark, congrats. Not sure about the red spot, I might try to return it and get another one or find a positive about it, like it is the basses bleeding heart. It looks like they screwed up as the red goes around the pickup in an unnatural way. I would at least find out if you could exchange it, then make a decision.

Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Chris P. on December 22, 2008, 12:53:22 PM
Congratulations! Nice bass and the red spot gives it character! It will look gorgeous on you!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: uwe on December 22, 2008, 01:23:18 PM
Darn, I can't see any pics probably due some new internet prohibition crap we've installed. I assume you're talking about your NS Signature Fräulein Rommel? Yes, mine sounds more ooomphy than my reg Birds too, quite unlike what you would expect from maple wings, but here they don't so much brighten the sound as "thudify" it. Go figure. Congrats!

But that black hardware will have to go ...  :o

Uwe
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Lightyear on December 22, 2008, 01:40:11 PM
Purty!  I agree with John - looks like Gibson forgot to spray the toner in between the pickups.  The problem with getting a replacement is that it might not be a nice as the one you have. 

I say chrome it ;D   
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Stjofön Big on December 22, 2008, 02:08:23 PM
Beautiful! Could you say something about the controls? How they work, that is?
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 22, 2008, 03:48:08 PM
 I really don't mind it being a lighter red between the pick ups, this is the first stained finish bass I've ever owned ( after owning at least 25 its about time!) and I rather enjoy its more "organic" look.
The controls are volume for both, and tone for both and an on/off, which also contributes to its sounding different from a standard production 'Bird. The woodwork and QC on mine is overall quite nice, Gibson should offer 'Birds this way as a standard, to my ear its a very thumpy different sound.
The thought of it with chrome hardware and big clover tuning machines makes me weak................. ;)   
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Lightyear on December 22, 2008, 05:18:46 PM
The thought of it with chrome hardware and big clover tuning machines makes me weak................. ;)   

The hesitation you are feeling about chrome is nothng more than "Antichrome's" long distance mind control :P ;D

I woud have have a hard time at swapping stuff on my new baby - still it would look very cool with some shine...
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: PWV on December 22, 2008, 05:47:14 PM
Wow Mark!  That bass is the shizzle - we need to have a Bird-fest here real soon.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: rockinrayduke on December 22, 2008, 06:10:04 PM
Wow. That is beautiful, Mark! Happy 50th!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: shadowcastaz on December 22, 2008, 06:13:39 PM
Chrome and leave it alone. That will look awesome in chrome. The natural bug bit me years ago so  I know the feeling.I usually am partial to the nickle myself but that will scream with chrome. If you  wear a foil hat or fedora it will keep the  mind controllers at bay. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Dave W on December 22, 2008, 06:22:48 PM
Congratulations, Mark. If you're satisfied with the sound and with the overall workmanship, considering the lowered price, you ought to keep it. Either ask Gibson to fix the finish on that one or just let it ride.

Still, if the red area was unintentional, I have to wonder how they run their inspection department.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Nocturnal on December 22, 2008, 06:40:56 PM
Cool bass mark. I'm jealous!! Gotta get me one of those. Happy 50th!!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Bass VI on December 22, 2008, 09:37:32 PM
"But that black hardware will have to go ..." 

Do my eyes deceive me !?!

Is the Antichrome using reverse psychology?

Chrome would be the Bomb shiz-nasty! Go for it, and do the mirror pickguard while your at it! You can always change it back, but I'll bet you wouldn't want to...............................

Happy Five-0 ( next year for me  :P )

Scott ( Bass not Nikki Sixx )
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: gweimer on December 23, 2008, 07:30:59 AM
I do like that red and black combo.  Nice bass!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: ramone57 on December 23, 2008, 08:54:36 AM
looks very nice, Mark!  that was nice of Gibson to give a decent break on the price, too.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: uwe on December 23, 2008, 11:28:37 AM
Was the price cut due to the finish cock-up?
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 23, 2008, 11:53:39 AM
Was the price cut due to the finish cock-up?

No...........They dropped prices across the board, my dealer called and told me this several weeks before I got my bass. FWIW I really don't mind that mine is red, its just part of its character. Likely none of them are "perfect" and this one plays well and sounds good soooo...its a keeper  ;D
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: SKATE RAT on December 23, 2008, 08:02:11 PM
..........and the flock grows.very nice. now we need a new pic of all yer boids.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Bass VI on December 23, 2008, 10:46:21 PM
I duuno Mark, I think the finish is probably more wood-weirdness than anything, the Nikki on the Gibson website looks a bit "redder" between the pickups too!

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Nikki-Sixx.aspx

I like it !!!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Muzikman7 on December 23, 2008, 11:44:54 PM
Nice bass Mark, a question is the finger rest? removeable or part of the bridge.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 24, 2008, 12:41:19 AM

 Actually a good question Tony, its hard to tell in the pics I posted and Scott's linked shot shows no finger rest (opti-grab). It is a standard black 3 point with the infamous opti grab in place, Nikki must have much longer fingers than mine tho - while I play with a pick down at the bridge my pinkie doesn't get near that thing!   
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: nofi on December 24, 2008, 05:49:29 AM
imho i think the red is a mistake. for that kind of money i don't think i could live with it.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Barklessdog on December 24, 2008, 06:34:36 AM
For Mark, he plays out so much and his basses get abused (ever see his white bird?), so it's more important that it sounds and plays well, yes looks are important, but I think it's going to be interesting how it will wear/relic down the road, probably look pretty cool with that blood stained heart on it once it gets beat up.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: rockinrayduke on December 24, 2008, 08:19:44 AM
Quote
But that black hardware will have to go .

WHA???? Are we sure that's really Uwe posting?  :mrgreen:

Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Dave W on December 24, 2008, 08:53:52 AM
I think he's suffering from Chrome Affective Disorder and the stress of all that year-end legal work.
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: sniper on December 24, 2008, 09:02:07 AM
i think he has been spiking his yuletide egg nog a bit too much
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Chris P. on December 24, 2008, 09:55:12 AM
Mark, if I'm right you ordered two? one for each one of us? I'll mail my address so you can send it!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 24, 2008, 09:58:02 AM
For Mark, he plays out so much and his basses get abused (ever see his white bird?), so it's more important that it sounds and plays well, yes looks are important, but I think it's going to be interesting how it will wear/relic down the road, probably look pretty cool with that blood stained heart on it once it gets beat up.

 Thing is.......I've had it two weeks and have been playing and enjoying it alot, in doing that my lower right forearm has already buffed the satin finish to a gloss, the reddish bit is hardly a concern for me. I think it will aquire a most interesting case of mojo as time goes by - no need to relic it, the process is already occuring naturally. My toxic sweat is seeing to it nicely (My body is Satan's workshop!).  ;)  



Mark, if I'm right you ordered two? one for each one of us? I'll mail my address so you can send it!

 Honey I'm on it! Just like you're doing with a BaCHbird........................ ;D
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Chris P. on December 24, 2008, 10:07:12 AM
I mail Rob and BaCH every day. Nice swap: a 200 dollar BaCH for a 2.000 dollar Gibson. ;D

Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: PWV on December 24, 2008, 10:40:28 AM
Mark, who's your "T-Bird Dealer?"   Inquiring minds want to know.   ;D
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: rockinrayduke on December 24, 2008, 10:41:23 AM
Quote
(My body is Satan's workshop!).  Wink  

Now there's a sig line waiting to happen!  :mrgreen:

Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Lightyear on December 24, 2008, 02:05:26 PM

 Honey I'm on it! Just like you're doing with a BaCHbird........................ ;D


Now you two kids be nice to one another - you're not even married yet and you are already to the "bickering in public stage" ;D  this usually takes 3 to 5 years in most relationships :P
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 24, 2008, 03:21:09 PM

 He's always trying to take advantage on me............I'm so innocent  ;)
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Chris P. on December 24, 2008, 04:15:26 PM
He's always trying to take advantage on me............I'm so innocent  ;)

We Dutch people always try to get things for free! And takin' 'bout innocence. Mark's like the virgin Mary:)
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 24, 2008, 05:15:07 PM
We Dutch people always try to get things for free! And takin' 'bout innocence. Mark's like the virgin Mary:)

 Well...........At least I have been today.  You always say the nicest things  ;)
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 25, 2008, 02:43:07 PM

 Christmas day new camera fun :)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiBird008.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiBird003.jpg)

Mmmmmm yeah.....it's Drinky Crow  ;)
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: rockinrayduke on December 25, 2008, 04:38:30 PM
Now that picture on the couch you don't even notice the red spot. Good looking bass, sir. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: drbassman on December 25, 2008, 04:54:50 PM
Yip, the more I see it, the more I like it!
Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: Lightyear on December 25, 2008, 07:34:48 PM
Christmas day new camera fun :)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiBird008.jpg)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiBird003.jpg)

Mmmmmm yeah.....it's Drinky Crow  ;)


Nice pics - the spot, at this angle, is not noticeable at all.

Drinky Crow??  I'm a big cartoon fan and I've watched it a couple of times but I still don't quite get it (so I'm slow on the uptake!) ???

Title: Re: My New Thunderbird :)
Post by: TBird1958 on December 25, 2008, 09:35:14 PM

 I only get to see him in my local Alt. weekly newspaper..................
He's my alcoholic inspiration  ;)

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/NikkiBird010.jpg)