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Topics - finlover

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Gibson Basses / Recordings with a Les Paul bass

« on: March 04, 2015, 09:49:31 AM »

Hi, Guys,

Here are a few covers our band recorded recently with my 2013 Les Paul bass strung with flats going straight into the board. I'm singing lead on "Big River" and "Crying Shame" and our rhythm guitarist, Gerry, sings lead on "Little Sister". I hope you enjoy them!

https://clyp.it/yxb0n5g3

Gibson Basses / Thunderbird pickup dilemma

« on: August 12, 2012, 09:25:31 AM »

Okay, this is so silly but it's eating away at me and I need some advice. I love everything about my LE Cherry Thunderbird except the way the pickups look! Those plain flat black blobs of plastic look so cheap compared to the rest of the bass. Thing is that they sound awesome--HUGE with nice even string response.

Being a lover of all things vintage I'm a sucker for a chromed out T-bird, especially those shiny pickup covers and trim rings. The surprising thing is that the black hardware looks really good against the cherry finish. Plus the black seems to tame the odd looks of the 3-point (which set up beautifully for me), and I like the way the black tuners don't break up the lines of the headstock.

So the obvious fix is to retrofit new covers and trim rings to the factory pickups, which seems a little scary considering the potential for damaging them. Or do I order new Thunderbuckers or Lollars? At $600 a pair, I have a hard time justifying the Lulls although I'm sure they're amazing. Like I said, I'm happy with my sound--but is it just because I don't know what I'm missing with the aftermarket p/us?

Also, should I go with black chrome to match the other hardware or bite the bullet and go for chrome everything? (I already know what you're going to say, TBird1958

). Real Gibson chrome 3 points don't seem to turn up very often and I'm not wild about the oversized looks of the Hipshot. Or would it look too weird if only the pickups were chrome (they would match the centers of the knobs)? Or should I just get over it and learn to live with the TB Pluses as they are?

Now do you see what kind of nonsense rattles around in this brain of mine? There are people in the world with actual problems--SHEESH!

Gibson Basses / LE Cherry Thunderbird IV

« on: May 24, 2012, 04:29:03 AM »

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.