Hi, Everyone!
I've been lurking here since I got my 'bird a couple months ago and thought I'd introduce myself. As a longtime Jazz Bass player I was shocked when I picked up a T-bird for the first time and fell completely in love with its sound, playability and of course its looks! Why hadn't I ever even considered one before? I guess it was the slightly higher price compared to a US Fender and the notion that they were strictly rock basses meant to be played with a pick (I play mostly vintage country, fingerstyle with flats). I even work at a music store that carried Gibson at one time and I don't remember us stocking many T-birds, maybe a black or sunburst one here and there. I don't recall ever plugging one in. What a mistake--I could've gotten a sweet employee discount!
No other bass I've played feels like an extension of me like the Thunderbird does. The high output, instant attack and incredible sustain make for one amazing instrument! Plus mine weighs just under 8 lbs. and there's none of the dreaded neck dive. The workmanship on mine is top notch except for a little orange peel where the body wings meet the raised center part which I guess is pretty common. I was able to improve it somewhat with some 2000 grit sandpaper and Meguire's products. Uwe and Scott, I think you both own one of these--how was the finish on yours?
I've never been a black hardware guy but with this color I think it works. The pickups are undeniably ugly but they sound so sweet I can live with them. My fretboard doesn't have much grain to it but the inlays and fretwork are nicely done. I still don't know if mine is preciosa or baked maple as the Gibson website says. I wonder if there's some way to tell?
Anyway, thanks for all the great information and the entertaining posts--I look forward to participating!
My apologies to those who have seen these photos before on TB.
