I just saw the spec sheet for the New nonreverse! Scale 34", two TB Plus pickups, black hardware.Finish choices Pelham Blue and Tobacco Sunburst. Available around September 23 MAP is $1,199.00 I may be able to get them for less. Mine will be the first one in and I will give it a full review here. It looks pretty good in pictures, smaller headstock and a triangle control layout. If you are interested I can have the HOG order one in your choice of color.
Nice that they're finally coming out with it. Not surprised that they're going with black, that was more or less expected. Price sounds reasonable.
Why are they sticking to black hardware? The 80's are over. What's the deal?
Quote from: ilan on August 15, 2012, 12:29:21 PM
Why are they sticking to black hardware? The 80's are over. What's the deal?
They have boxes of it lying around? What do I know ? I can't say I'm surprised. Maybe they have stock in chrome aftermarket parts so they get us coming and going.
The price sounds good for this. I am a little surprised by the black hardware, but kind of hard to judge without seeing it. A pelham blue one would be nice to add to my collection. Can't do anythign about it right now tho :-[
Is this going to be a limited run or stick around for a while? Regardless, I know I'm going to want a blue one.
Limited run as far as I know.
Wow - can't wait to see how this turns out! I tend to favor the chrome as well, but the PB w/black hardware has some potential to look pretty cool I bet.
I would love to see some pictures...
If I had 'em I'd show 'em. They'll turn up soon enough.
I'm interested in one for sure. Let me know!
Those were initially planned with chrome but I luckily talked them out of it, pointing to the fact that they would not want to be perceived catering to a small archaic bling-bling obsessed minority, but rather do things in style. It was hard work, but worth the effort.
Availability of chrome hardware cannot be the issue, Grabber II, Novoselic RD and Explorer all had chrome three-point bridges and tuners. I think it is actually a conscious design decision to keep Gibson TBird hardware black. It does have its fans, you know.
Am I ordering one for our C-in-C?
Are we already wetting out latex panties for this, Fräulein Rommel?
I will certainly order one but perhaps Scott can seduce me with his HOG prices ... I have to distribute evenly on the West and East Coast, Mark!
You're afraid I would give the black hardware a stinging review ;)
Scott's got a good line on them, go for it!
I'm curious to know what kind of tuners Gibson will put on them: big cloverleafs or the regular T-bird style.
If the headstock is smaller I would think they would use the smaller tuners like on the current models. Guess it depends on how small they make the headstock.
It actually reminds me of Carlo's headstock.
Quote from: uwe on August 15, 2012, 04:35:06 PM
...
Availability of chrome hardware cannot be the issue, Grabber II, Novoselic RD and Explorer all had chrome three-point bridges and tuners. I think it is actually a conscious design decision to keep Gibson TBird hardware black. It does have its fans, you know.
You're right, if this does come out with black hardware then it has to be deliberate.
I'm glad it's 34" and not short scale as the Gibson guy told me and others.
Quote from: uwe on August 15, 2012, 05:31:45 PM
Are we already wetting out latex panties for this, Fräulein Rommel?
I will certainly order one but perhaps Scott can seduce me with this HOG prices ... I have to distribute evenly on the West and East Coast, Mark!
Uwe I will keep you apprised, what color do you want?
Unless the tobacco burst is very much different to traditional sunburst, I'd go for pelham.
Quote from: TBird1958 on August 15, 2012, 05:37:21 PM
You're afraid I would give the black hardware a stinging review ;)
Scott's got a good line on them, go for it!
You'll get the new EBF to order for. You can't be playing TBirds all the time, you need to break with some of those nasty habits of yours! Besides, with all due respect and you know that I am your greatest fan here, Non-Revs don't go together with your boots at all.
I understand the excitement about this reissue because it is deemed here as an iconic design (but in my book overshadowed by the much more beautiful Rev), but it is hard to fathom how this will sound any different to the TB Studio of the midnoughties. The only difference is the bridge. The Studios were nice basses, bit thuddier than a real TBird, but not quite the singing upper register sustain. They should have done much better than they did.
Looking at the release policy of the last few years, Gibson - at least by its own previous standards - has reissued a wealth of models. Given how small their bass market share is, it can't be economical to keep them all in production, hence all those limited runs which satisfy those niche markets of people who crave for a Flying V or Non-Rev bass. It's not a bad business model if you ask me and one that reflects the fact that they never managed to create a winner model lasting over decades such as Fender P, Fender J, 4001 and Stingray and that - let's face it - the world at large and the converted family of Gibson diehards are not really holding their breath for an all-out new Gibson bass model (though the attempt of the EBF is commendable).
Wow, this is amazing news. I wonder how much influence the sale of a few hundred BaChbirds had on the decision making at Gibson?
Scott, are they going with the traditional 2 part bridge or a 3 pointer?
Two point...................In Black! ;)
Quote from: ilan on August 15, 2012, 12:29:21 PM
Why are they sticking to black hardware? The 80's are over. What's the deal?
Henry only learned to draw the Asian symbols for black in business school before graduating.
Black three point. :rolleyes:
Quote from: godofthunder on August 16, 2012, 10:23:19 AM
Black three point. :rolleyes:
Damn! In that case you'd think some enthusiast would have a notion to have his own made! ;)
Somehow I feel like this is going to "miss the mark" (no pun) for me, but I'll keep an open mind about it until I see pic of one. I'm down to one Non Reverse ( the Big Pinkie) in part because I favor the Reverse body shape - and when I'm choosing which bass to play at a show or rehearsal the Reverses always get the nod.
I can't see buying another bass that I'll need to change all the hardware out on and have the feeling that'll be the deal breaker for me.
Picky, spiteful girl!
After 44 years Gibson finally revisits the NR. I am compelled to buy one just because. I expect it will be on par sound with the Studio versions of the Thunderbird but it will have the all important access to the upper register! I will see how I like it if it warrants it I'll put one Thunderbucker in the neck and chrome it out. If I don't like it I'll flog it on fleabay and buy another Cataldo.
Quote from: uwe on August 16, 2012, 02:19:59 PM
Picky, spiteful girl!
Somebody has to hoist the flag of good taste here ;D
Hoiserie what?! Will you for once leave your choice of undergarments out of this?
Well, I am looking forward to it. I never had a chance to even see a Thunderbird Studio but I always wanted to, and if they were offered in Pelham I might have made an effort. I never really cared for the reverse body style either. Black hardware is OK with me too, as is the three-point. I'd rather have a bass that I can afford to buy rather than a picture of a period correct reissue that I couldn't afford.
Amen! Down with purism and the Chrome Klux Klan. Anoint the three-point!
I reckon the 2 point is one of the defining factors of the NR. Booooo :P
Quote from: Freuds_Cat on August 17, 2012, 09:34:56 AM
I reckon the 2 point is one of the defining factors of the NR. Booooo :P
I seriously doubt they have the original 60s tooling for separate bass bridge and tailpiece, otherwise they would have used it before now. They would need to invest in new tooling or buy from an outside source. Retooling for the bass department isn't likely for Gibson at this time. We know they will buy from an outside source at the right price. Maybe they felt it wasn't practical at this price point.
I'd rather see a Babicz bridge ( as on "The EB" that's coming out) than a three-point. Just as far from tradition as the three-point, but IMHO a much better bridge.
Define "far from tradition" - the 3 point was introduced in 1973 and has been in continuous service longer than any other bridge. Except for a phase in the mid eighties - post-RD and pre-TB reissue - it was always employed. It's a Gibson tradition and btw you can intonate correctly with it too, unlike the early TB bridges.
Quote from: Freuds_Cat on August 17, 2012, 09:34:56 AM
I reckon the 2 point is one of the defining factors of the NR. Booooo :P
Quote from: uwe on August 15, 2012, 04:35:06 PM
I think it is actually a conscious design decision to keep Gibson TBird hardware black. It does have its fans, you know.
They use a two piece setup on the current LP so it's not like they couldn't do it here. I'm thinking Uwe's earlier conjecture makes the most sense. The body may hearken back to the original but the rest of it (including headstock) is an update based on Gibson's current ideas. The black hardware marks it as a present day bird.
Present day my ass!
Leftover black hardware from the '80s!? ;)
I just have the feeling this isn't going to please either camp - modernist or tradionalist.
I'll ride the fence...............kinda like my sexuality, grass is green on both sides ;D
Ruddy painful if it's a pickett fence... :o
As long as the hardware isn't pink, I bas(s)ically don't give a rat's ass. And even pink could look interesting on an all-black bass. Neon-pink with matching DR strings.
Never mind the fin... feel the wood...
(after an expression in the "cutting" trade - never mind the quality, feel the width... ;))
How many "new" Gibson's have there been in the last twelve months - is this going to be a record "year" ...?
Quote from: uwe on August 17, 2012, 12:07:29 PM
Define "far from tradition" - the 3 point was introduced in 1973 and has been in continuous service longer than any other bridge. Except for a phase in the mid eighties - post-RD and pre-TB reissue - it was always employed. It's a Gibson tradition and btw you can intonate correctly with it too, unlike the early TB bridges.
Okay, okay, it's been around a long time, that makes it a tradition for better or worse. You know what I mean, though: the original NRs didn't have it.
Gibson had other guitar bridges in the 70s. They had no problem going back to the original styles on the guitars. We all know that basses don't have that priority under the present ownership.
I'm not against 3 point bridges, in fact on some basses I wouldn't have anything else. I'm not even against Gibson making certain improvements to the instrument. A volute maybe? and the smaller headstock makes sense to me. I could also understand them putting modern style forward tuners instead of the reverse ones. So I dont think I qualify as a purist but the 2 piece bridge just has such an impact on the styling of that bass! I'm scared to ask opinions of weather or not there is a tonal difference ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/gcarlston/Thunderbirds/non%20Gibson%20Thunderbirds/75GrecoNRbird01.jpg)
Well, there is precedent... ;D
But Herr Carlston! Stringholder and three point is belt and suspenders and looks crowded. If you must anchor the strings somewhere else use string-thru for Chrisssssakes!
String thru is a design aspect I always like. Not because it does wonders for sound - it doesn't -, but because it looks good. And has the side effect of doing away with rattling strings on saddles no matter how low you go with the bridge. To be fair, a separate stringholder with a three point will do that too as the stringholder is alway going to be lower than a three point even at its lowest setting.
Quote from: uwe on August 18, 2012, 02:18:33 AM
But Herr Carlston! Stringholder and three point is belt and suspenders and looks crowded. If you must anchor the strings somewhere else use string-thru for Chrisssssakes!
String thru is a design aspect I always like. Not because it does wonders for sound - it doesn't -, but because it looks good. And has the side effect of doing away with rattling strings on saddles no matter how low you go with the bridge. To be fair, a separate stringholder with a three point will do that too as the stringholder is alway going to be lower than a three point even at its lowest setting.
Agree on both. Also string-thru can teach some manners to some rudy 3-point bridge posts that wanna get liberated from their positions! :D
Quote from: TBird1958 on August 17, 2012, 02:18:45 PM
Present day my ass!
Leftover black hardware from the '80s!? ;)
I just have the feeling this isn't going to please either camp - modernist or tradionalist.
I'll ride the fence...............kinda like my sexuality, grass is green on both sides ;D
If you have not been out in the world you would know the 80's is back in style. Neon colors and Black. Does not mean I like that look, but Gibson is in fashion now. Hold on to that old shirt or tie and it comes back again.
;)
Quote from: Dobby on August 18, 2012, 09:04:32 AM
If you have not been out in the world you would know the 80's is back in style. Neon colors and Black. Does not mean I like that look, but Gibson is in fashion now. Hold on to that old shirt or tie and it comes back again.
;)
I'm going to disagree with you John, I'll give you two examples.
- Automobiles, look at just about anything current and you'll see some chrome on grilles, wheels etc.
- I work in the Lighting Industry, guess which finish is the most sought after, hottest thing for fixture finish - Chrome, and Polished Nickel. Black isn't quite dead as a color for fixtures (Gold is dead) and interior appointments but there's precious little.
Honestly, I see far more interest in what's called "mid-century modern" based in no small part on the popularity of "Mad Men".
- If we look at fashion, I'd say you' re mush closer to the mark with your '80s comment, and I love '80 fashion, especially girls wearing boots and tights ;)
Regardless of other trends, where have any of you noticed a trend back to black hardware on guitars and basses? I sure haven't.
I like black trim on sports cars and sedans, etc. But chrome looked best on '60s cars, especially when the paint was metallic. I think (and hope) some chrome makes it onto these NRs. The Pelham Blue especially would look good with chrome hardware.
I'm thinking I'm going to like the Pelham Blue with black hardware. And if they would do Cardinal Red with black hardware that would kick major ass.
Unless it's a vintage model, chrome looks cheap and old-fashioned on a modern car these days. And black hardware on basses is still a feature on a quite a few new boutique basses as well. I find it more of a design statement than clobbering on some chrome. With unfinished wood it goes together extremely well. Nature knows black, but it doesn't know chrome - Silver Surfer excepted of course.
I want a neon color TB with pitch-black hardware!
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 04:56:19 AM
I want a neon color TB with pitch-black hardware!
trend setter! :P
A hot pink Tbird with black hardware would kick ass.
So would a Hello Kitty Bass ;D
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 04:56:19 AM
Unless it's a vintage model, chrome looks cheap and old-fashioned on a modern car these days. And black hardware on basses is still a feature on a quite a few new boutique basses as well. I find it more of a design statement than clobbering on some chrome. With unfinished wood it goes together extremely well. Nature knows black, but it doesn't know chrome - Silver Surfer excepted of course.
I want a neon color TB with pitch-black hardware!
Chrome looks great on my Ford Ranger and it's certainly not vintage.
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 04:56:19 AM
Unless it's a vintage model, chrome looks cheap and old-fashioned on a modern car these days. And black hardware on basses is still a feature on a quite a few new boutique basses as well. I find it more of a design statement than clobbering on some chrome. With unfinished wood it goes together extremely well. Nature knows black, but it doesn't know chrome - Silver Surfer excepted of course.
I want a neon color TB with pitch-black hardware!
Black, in the truest sense does not exsist in nature either. Something can be black but for the human eye to see it, light must strike it, as soon as that happens it becomes a shade of black i.e very dark gray.
Black trim looks great on a Lotus Elise and it's certainly not vintage either.
I want pictures, and found this interesting preview: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Firebird/Gibson-USA/2011-Firebird-Studio-Non-Reverse.aspx
So they are just doing the same program with 4 strings. Same two colors, same smaller headstock, and off-the-shelf hardware borrowed from mainstream models.
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 04:56:19 AM
I want a neon color TB with pitch-black hardware!
Thankyouthankyou
thankyou...! I am soooooooo off the hook... ;D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1slq_FwRN8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AL73LYo64A
Back to the chrome/non-chrome debate... I'm heading for the shed...
Dave, that, uhum, Ford Ranger you mentioned, I assume that is pick-up truck, right? (We need an angelic icon here.) Yeah, I bet chrome looks great on those and it's easier to wipe off the blood spots from the deer and coon hunting too ...
Turning to our Seattle chief biologist and how all natural black is actually very dark grey, I always thought that it is in fact very dark blue? But whatever, real dark grey is black enough for me.
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 03:03:19 PM
Dave, that, uhum, Ford Ranger you mentioned, I assume that is pick-up truck, right? (We need an angelic icon here.) Yeah, I bet chrome looks great on those and it's easier to wipe off the blood spots from the deer and coon hunting too ...
Turning to our Seattle chief biologist and how all natural black is actually very dark grey, I always thought that it is in fact very dark blue? But whatever, real dark grey is black enough for me.
;D
Quote from: uwe on August 20, 2012, 03:03:19 PM
Dave, that, uhum, Ford Ranger you mentioned, I assume that is pick-up truck, right? (We need an angelic icon here.) Yeah, I bet chrome looks great on those and it's easier to wipe off the blood spots from the deer and coon hunting too ...
...
Yes, it's a pickup. Handy for hauling, I'm not a hunter.
Put embarrassed icon here ...
Hey, I was just trying to be my usual sardonic self!!! I was expecting you to be all over me telling me that a Ford Ranger is not a pickup nor does every American - even in more rural, snow-prone areas - drive one.
I did leave the chrome rifle holder in the driver cabin out though!!!
Clichées and preconceptions are your compass through life, I always say, just don't trust the needle always!
In the name of all upstanding forum members, I herewith demand a pic of that Ford Ranger, so we can deliberate on its chrome garnishing!!!
Ah...the heck with all of you with your Black Vs. Chrome...How about GOLD???????? Huh??????
;D
Quote from: uwe on August 22, 2012, 04:15:37 AM
Put embarrassed icon here ...
Hey, I was just trying to be my usual sardonic self!!! I was expecting you to be all over me telling me that a Ford Ranger is not a pickup nor does every American - even in more rural, snow-prone areas - drive one.
I did leave the chrome rifle holder in the driver cabin out though!!!
Clichées and preconceptions are your compass through life, I always say, just don't trust the needle always!
In the name of all upstanding forum members, I herewith demand a pic of that Ford Ranger, so we can deliberate on its chrome garnishing!!!
It's in the garage now, I'll try to remember to take a pic later. It's just the front end and wheels, Rangers never had lots of chrome.
Chrome rifle rack? Is that what it is? I thought it was an umbrella holder. ;D
It must be an old one. Gun racks these days use black hardware ;D
I had a '99 Ranger similar to this one. I loved mine!
(http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/05/10/17/41/1999_ford_ranger_2_dr_xlt_standard_cab_stepside_sb-pic-30318.jpeg&sa=X&ei=Gwo1UOzyJqPu0gGsrYCYBg&ved=0CAkQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNGtpg30SzZIdmISxINw9kxxB9HaiA)
Not that it mutt-ers, but I wanted to trans-mitt the notion that those vehicles are handy for traveling with dogs too. You know how that fine practice of rooftop transporting them has gone out of fashion.
To my eternal chagrin, I noticed that my Volvo V-70 has some chrome too ...
Quote from: Baz Cooper on August 22, 2012, 07:12:24 AM
Ah...the heck with all of you with your Black Vs. Chrome...How about GOLD???????? Huh??????
;D
I got gaudy covered with the PC... ;D
Sorry, it was pouring when I got back so no pics today. Nothing special, just a silver 2011 4x2 Supercab XLT 4-cyl 5-speed. Looks like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2011_Ford_Ranger_XLT_--_NHTSA.jpg).
that looks like my old truck, circa 2000. same color as well.
here is a mouth fulla' chrome.
http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty/
We had a nice little Ranger 4x4 with the extended cab and little suicide doors. Nice truck. Less than a year after we got it, my wife got pregnant, and there was nowhere to put a baby seat!
Quote from: Dave W on August 22, 2012, 07:59:55 AM
Chrome rifle rack? Is that what it is? I thought it was an umbrella holder. ;D
In ze old country, it holds a Heidelberg dueling saber.
gun racks seem to have fallen out of favor down here in the new south. most late model trucks have extended cabs so whats the point. if you do see one it has a fishing rod or umbrella in it. i remember the days of actual guns in racks but now its a sure fire cop magnet.
I have to admit that I raised riding a pick up - for its more "manly" image - with Edith once. And all I got was an unhelpful: "Not with me in it, you aren't!"
The car is nice, Dave, and I'm relieved to find it's mostly silver rather than chrome!
Quote from: Pilgrim on August 23, 2012, 11:06:33 AM
In ze old country, it holds a Heidelberg dueling saber.
Some profound knowledge of Heidelberg frat pack practices there! And you're right, if something like that was offered, the fraternity idiots would sure use it to cart their sabers around.
I've not been without a pickup truck since 1984, when I bought a '59 Studebaker Scotsman. Studebaker made and sold the truck so cheap in part because there were no frills, not even a heater. The "Studebaker" name was in chrome and that's it.
Then I bought an '89 Dodge Dakota. It was the basic 4x4 with the snowplow package. It's options were geared for supporting the snowplow itself, though it never had one mounted. The only chrome on it were the headlight rings, the mirrors and front bumper.
Now I drive a '91 Dodge W250 3/4 ton 4x4 with a Cummins diesel. The grill, front bumper and mirrors are chrome and that's it. All the other trim is black.
As they say, "chrome don't get you home".
Quote from: Denis on August 23, 2012, 06:24:50 PM
I've not been without a pickup truck since 1984, when I bought a '59 Studebaker Scotsman. Studebaker made and sold the truck so cheap in part because there were no frills, not even a heater. The "Studebaker" name was in chrome and that's it.
I remember those. You might not be aware that heaters weren't standard equipment on many cars back then. Most dealers ordered all their cars with heaters, but base models of less expensive cars and pickups could sometimes be bought without them.
I'm really looking forward to how the new line of NR's will turn out. Really hoping Gibson will release chrome pups, but it's not likely. Meh, all still be patroling GC for 'em once they come out! ;D
Trucks are nice, I agree, but guess whats cooler than 'em? Tracktors! No need for chromey distractions. :D
(http://www.lakelandimages.co.uk/Forum%20pics/0010/June/fun/TractorGirl.jpg)
For those who want to reserve a NR you can call the House Of Guitars 585-544-3500 and ask for Curt. They ordered 8 of each. It will be easier to deal directly with them. I am getting a Pelham for sure and I may pick up a Sunburst if I like the bass.
Man, I truly wish Inverness Green was an option!
Quote from: uwe on August 17, 2012, 03:51:06 PM
As long as the hardware isn't pink, I bas(s)ically don't give a rat's ass. And even pink could look interesting on an all-black bass. Neon-pink with matching DR strings.
Didn't Gibson make pink Q-80s with black hardware?
:mrgreen:
Quote from: Denis on August 24, 2012, 07:01:56 AM
Man, I truly wish Inverness Green was an option!
You mean like my '68???
Now all I think about is plowing!
Quote from: Baz Cooper on August 24, 2012, 11:07:14 AM
:mrgreen:
You mean like my '68???
I just love that color!
Quote from: OldManC on August 24, 2012, 11:11:48 AM
Now all I think about is plowing!
Plow that furrow! :thumbsup:
That can be an expensive furrow to plough, quite Deere really...
I ordered mine! In sunburst.
I will pick one up with a broken headstock in a year or so.
I am thinking of plowing too. Maybe the back muddy.
Quote from: drbassman on August 24, 2012, 01:58:20 PM
I ordered mine! In sunburst.
Nice! I am starting to think one of each :)
drbassman,
How much did it end up costing, if you don't mind me asking of course?
I 'm ordering mine tomorrow or Monday ordered mine today.
Quote from: Johnbob on August 24, 2012, 04:04:08 PM
drbassman,
How much did it end up costing, if you don't mind me asking of course?
MAP (minimum advertised price) is 1,199.00. I think you can do better at the HOG. Now you will have to pay sales tax (ugh) and shipping so keep that in mind. I'm told only 300 are being made I have no idea how many will make there way to GC and MF.............................. if at all. My thoughts are if you want one get one while you can. Who knows in 4 months you may see these up on ebay for a steal. Me I'm gett'n while the getting is good.
Quote from: Johnbob on August 24, 2012, 04:04:08 PM
drbassman,
How much did it end up costing, if you don't mind me asking of course?
I'm a little embarrassed to say that I don't even ask. I, like Scott, practically live at the shop and they give me great discounts as I've probably bought 25 basses there over the last 5 years. I just call, tell them what I want and we settle up when it comes in. It's a great relationship we have built up over time. I am a newby compared to Scott who grew up around the corner from the place. If the list is around $1200, they'll give you a good deal off that I expect.
Quote from: Denis on August 24, 2012, 07:13:24 AM
Didn't Gibson make pink Q-80s with black hardware?
Jawohl, they did.
Quote from: OldManC on August 24, 2012, 11:11:48 AM
Now all I think about is plowing!
I think she just woke up like this one morning and had no real explanation.
Also explains the Greek deficit. What do you expect to get done with farm help like her?
Quote from: drbassman on August 24, 2012, 05:50:03 PM
I'm a little embarrassed to say that I don't even ask. I, like Scott, practically live at the shop and they give me great discounts as I've probably bought 25 basses there over the last 5 years. I just call, tell them what I want and we settle up when it comes in. It's a great relationship we have built up over time. I am a newby compared to Scott who grew up around the corner from the place. If the list is around $1200, they'll give you a good deal off that I expect.
I guess I did grow up there! As a kid I bought records and stuff and then my first bass. I started working there in '76 and on and off through '86 and still maintain a business relationship with them, well friendship really I've know these cats alooooong time. I am not sure of list price, MAP is just under 1,200.00.
Quote from: uwe on August 24, 2012, 07:13:02 PM
I think she just woke up like this one morning and had no real explanation.
Also explains the Greek deficit. What do you expect to get done with farm help like her?
That's a very practicle outfit! ;)
I would love to do this.
Cashflow and shipping with the added burden of having to pay import duties due to it costing more than $1000 and my common sense is telling my GAS to shut the hell up :-[
QuoteMAP (minimum advertised price) is 1,199.00. I think you can do better at the HOG.
If you could walk out of HOG with one of these basses for $1000, I would say that's a really good price. Man, I want to order one but I need to hold myself back because financially, it would be a really bad idea. Owning a Pelham Blue NR Bird is a dream of mine but I have to say, I would definitely have to chrome it out. Like many of you, I'm also not super into some of the non-classic elements of it, smaller headstock, black hardware & 3-point bridge. BUT.... I think after making some mods to it I can put up with some of the other shortcomings. We all know that adding chrome covers over the pickups is not a problem and switching out the tuners and bridge with chrome ones also wouldn't be that hard or that expensive and I'm sure you can make some of your money back by selling the original parts on Ebay. Obviously, you can't do anything about the headstock but after all is said and done, I can probably be okay with a slightly smaller headstock and 3 point bridge.
Another thing, it's bad enough ordering a bass without playing but I definitely couldn't order it without even seeing a picture of it. I'm really surprised that there are no pictures floating around yet especially since it's supposedly coming out in less than a month.
Though my name is on one, I'm undecided on color so HoG told me they'd email me photos earlier this coming week after they've called me back. They told me they'd have a really good price for me so I'm looking forward to what info they give me.
I'm leaning heavily towards Pelham Blue and am keeping absolutely an open mind about the black hardware on it. I think the black might be a real nice contrast with the metallic blue but also think it might look good, more subtle on the burst.
Can't wait to hear back from them!
And I'm coming to the realization that I probably swing towards liking the NR shape a little more than the regular Thunderbird.
I've got the chrome hardware all ready for mine, including Orville TB pups.
Quote from: drbassman on August 25, 2012, 05:13:34 PM
I've got the chrome hardware all ready for mine, including Orville TB pups.
I'm sure that will look great Bill!
Quote from: TBird1958 on August 25, 2012, 06:52:35 PM
I'm sure that will look great Bill!
You bet! It will be fun to do.
You may want to try Mike Lull or Jason Lollar pickups instead..Those Orvilles are Noisy....
Quote from: Baz Cooper on August 27, 2012, 08:33:42 AM
You may want to try Mike Lull or Jason Lollar pickups instead..Those Orvilles are Noisy....
But you are always searching for Orville pickups! Say, are you trying to corner the market on them? ;D
Thunderbuckers would probably be a good alternative and less expensive than Lulls.
Quote from: Baz Cooper on August 27, 2012, 08:33:42 AM
You may want to try Mike Lull or Jason Lollar pickups instead..Those Orvilles are Noisy....
I haven't found them noisy, like their tone well enough too. They're in the Surf Green Orville and the Big Pinkie 8 string you made. That said, I like the tone of Lulls a lot better warmer, growly and soundhow tighter.
I think Baz is just trying to liberate those "noisy" Orvilles from Bill ;)
Quote from: godofthunder on August 27, 2012, 02:31:53 PM
I think Baz is just trying to liberate those "noisy" Orvilles from Bill ;)
I could probably be armtwisted out of a set, problem is it'll take some Lulls to replace them! ;D
has anyone compared the tone of thunderbuckers to lull pickups? i sure like the 66 thunderbucker i got.
Quote from: godofthunder on August 27, 2012, 02:31:53 PM
I think Baz is just trying to liberate those "noisy" Orvilles from Bill ;)
That was my thinking!
Quote from: tubehead on August 27, 2012, 04:25:50 PM
has anyone compared the tone of thunderbuckers to lull pickups? i sure like the 66 thunderbucker i got.
Of all the sound clips of Lulls, Thunderbuckers and Lollars, I liked the '66 Thunderbucker sound the best.
Quote from: tubehead on August 27, 2012, 04:25:50 PM
has anyone compared the tone of thunderbuckers to lull pickups? i sure like the 66 thunderbucker i got.
Me and my Lull live, with and without a pick just turn it up thru some good speakers.
Warning! Drag Queens are near ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvbYYEP_Jt0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASDzuP3hAYM
No seriously I know I was a mental case for those orvilles for quite some time...But...when I tried to install a set in my Candy Apple Red Tom Petersson Hamer Thunderbird 8 string bass...they just sounded too noisy for some reason...I bought a set of Lulls...and they work fine...May not be as overdriven..but VERY nice pickups.
I should have pictures today :)
Damn, Mark!! Those are fantastic cuts! You get a fantastic sound out of that T-bird, and the whole band sounds great.
Quote from: Pilgrim on August 29, 2012, 11:05:19 AM
Damn, Mark!! Those are fantastic cuts! You get a fantastic sound out of that T-bird, and the whole band sounds great.
+1 its a fact.
"Me and my Lull' So funny if you are Dutch and you read this about you:)
I know!
More like me and my "naughty bits" ;)
HoG has no idea when the NRs may show up. Could be this month, could be 6 months.
Patience, patience, patience.
And they do come with hardshell cases. :)
My store told me when I ordered mine that Gibson told him it would be 6 months.
Quote from: Muzikman7 on September 06, 2012, 10:19:24 AM
My store told me when I ordered mine that Gibson told him it would be 6 months.
Plenty of time to save up for one!
Quote from: drbassman on September 06, 2012, 11:20:05 AM
Plenty of time to save up for one!
I was thinking the same thing.
I just got a look at the new NR's on TB. I'm a little disappointed. I had my fingers crossed for chrome hardware and chrome pickups. Eh, I'll continue stalking ebay for BaCHbirds. I'm still pretty excited about the new Epiphone Thunderbirds! ;D
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/Freuds_cat/Non%20Reverse%20Thunderbird/NewNRTbird.png)
Description
Features:
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Baked Maple, Dot Inlays, 34" Scale, 20 frets
Hardware: Black Chrome / Mini
Grover Bass Keys
Electronics: Dual TB Plus (Black covers)
Plastics: White
Case: Hardshell Case
Finish: Pelham Blue
Baked Maple fingerboard? What the hell? :o
http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/17932/#Description-tab (http://www.long-mcquade.com/products/17932/#Description-tab)
Quote from: Freuds_Cat on September 14, 2012, 06:53:48 AM
Baked Maple fingerboard? What the hell? :o
It's ecologically sound, don'cha know?
The funniest thing about it is the strap button still on the upper horn. Everyone has known since the 1960s that's a bad idea on Thunderbirds of any kind!
Quote from: Denis on September 14, 2012, 09:35:30 AM
The funniest thing about it is the strap button still on the upper horn. Everyone has known since the 1960s that's a bad idea on Thunderbirds of any kind!
A 20 cent washer will fix that in a hurry.
Quote from: Denis on September 14, 2012, 09:35:30 AM
The funniest thing about it is the strap button still on the upper horn. Everyone has known since the 1960s that's a bad idea on Thunderbirds of any kind!
Different hardware, electronics and fretboard, but original strap button location. Gibson's idea of authenticity in basses. :P
Ahhhh! the penny dropped as I was getting into bed last night. Gibson are using Baked maple for fingerboards because they dont have enough Rosewood due to the lawsuit. Strange days....... ???
does anyone know what kind of tonal difference using baked maple instead of rosewood might cause,if any?
Quote from: Freuds_Cat on September 14, 2012, 07:19:49 PM
Ahhhh! the penny dropped as I was getting into bed last night. Gibson are using Baked maple for fingerboards because they dont have enough Rosewood due to the lawsuit. Strange days....... ???
They were using baked maple and granadillo on some models. Now they're using laminated rosewood on some models. May take a while to get things sorted out.
Quote from: tubehead on September 14, 2012, 11:31:29 PM
does anyone know what kind of tonal difference using baked maple instead of rosewood might cause,if any?
I don't know. Baking it may give it a little more surface hardness which may affect tone, but it still won't be as hard as a rosewood.
Quote from: Dave W on September 15, 2012, 12:00:20 AM
They were using baked maple and granadillo on some models. Now they're using laminated rosewood on some models. May take a while to get things sorted out.
I don't know. Baking it may give it a little more surface hardness which may affect tone, but it still won't be as hard as a rosewood.
Which is why maple boards usually have a paint finish on them.
Laminated rosewood? OMG :o Plywood fingerboards no less! LOL ;D
What is that Ric does to the dark maple strip they use in necks - they have a proprietary name for it but it's dark as well - is this just baked maple too?
It's Shedua, sometimes referred to as Ovangkol.
"Which is why maple boards usually have a paint finish on them."
I thought that was only to keep them from all dirtying up because of the lighter untainted wood?
Quote from: uwe on September 17, 2012, 07:28:34 AM
"Which is why maple boards usually have a paint finish on them."
I thought that was only to keep them from all dirtying up because of the lighter untainted wood?
Could be...rock maple can definitely be as hard or harder than rosewood.
AFAIK the real reason is that maple doesn't have the natural oils that rosewood and many other exotics have. It will deteriorate without a finish even if it's kept clean. The oily woods have natural protection.
baked maple sounds like cookies. i think they could have come up with a better name although baked is what it is.
"Baked maple" reminds me of potato chips. :)
Quote from: ilan on September 15, 2012, 11:10:57 PM
It's Shedua, sometimes referred to as Ovangkol.
Yeah, I've heard that mentioned before but in the last factory tour video that was posted Jim Hall says something along the lines of "Billybob here is assembling necks on basses by install
karflamulated maple between two pieces of maple". I'll have to dig around for the video again - my memory has failed me before :rolleyes:
Baked maple may be an alternative to rosewood but it's just isn't the same - now if it were impregnated with some type of resin or polymer that truly altered its tonal and wear characteristics....
Do we really know how this is baked, or anything else about the process? Does Gibson claim it does anything other than change the color?
I'll be surprised if Gibson keeps doing it long term. They had a temporary situation. In the long run, it's just not what they do.
I'm not obsessed with fretboard material - I can hear the difference between a maple and a maho bass, but not really between an ebony and arosewood board. Any wood that won't fall off, warp the neck or look all too ugly, is fine by me. They don't have to chop off the last protected tree on earth for it either.
What has bugged me on the fretboard material of Gibson basses in the last decade is that the boards shrink more than they used too, almost all my new basses get spiky after a while. No idea whether that is more specific to ebony or to rosewood and whether baked maple will shrink more or less.
I also wondered if oils or something were impregnated into the wood to make it last without being finished. I found this site that explains the process and results:
http://www.andertons.co.uk/News/aid1158/gibson-baked-maple-fingerboard-guide.asp
The process is called Torrefaction and it makes the wood denser and gives it water repelling properties. And supposedly adds a bit of top end to the tone.
Interesting. I've become a fan of maple boards anyway, so this process and outcome work for me. Although, I wonder why Gibson just didn't go with another dark oily wood instead of baked maple. I assume the maple is cheaper in the end.
If I bought one of those...I'd have a rosewood or Ebony fretboard installed. With Gibson horrible quality control, you may need a fret job or fret file right from the git go.
Quote from: uwe on September 18, 2012, 04:12:12 AM
....
What has bugged me on the fretboard material of Gibson basses in the last decade is that the boards shrink more than they used too, almost all my new basses get spiky after a while. No idea whether that is more specific to ebony or to rosewood and whether baked maple will shrink more or less.
It's not specific to either wood. It's not happening with other guitar manufacturers anywhere near as often as you hear it happening with Gibson. Whether it's the quality of the wood they're buying or some problem with the way they handle it or age it is anyone's guess.
Quote from: Dave W on September 18, 2012, 07:51:25 AM
It's not specific to either wood. It's not happening with other guitar manufacturers anywhere near as often as you hear it happening with Gibson. Whether it's the quality of the wood they're buying or some problem with the way they handle it or age it is anyone's guess.
I've noticed that the fret ends can stick out more during the really cold dry winters we have here in Upstate NY. With -45% humidity and forced air heating, our homes and businesses are very dry and shrink happens! Typically, things calm down as soon as spring hits and the frets are fine with minimal dressing of the edges. We even have to worry about our acoustic guitars cracking, etc. during our winters! What a pain!
My only experience with "spiky" fret ends has been on my Fenderbird's Korean Mighty Mite all maple neck. Every winter... I bought a nice fret file from StewMac last year, and of course we ended up with a mild winter and no shrinkage. Not complaining, but I had hoped to file them down the next time they started sticking out.
Quote from: Dave W on September 18, 2012, 07:51:25 AM
It's not specific to either wood. It's not happening with other guitar manufacturers anywhere near as often as you hear it happening with Gibson.
People also tend to bitch about certain things while giving other things a pass, even if they issues are the same.
Back in the early '90s an industrial designer friend of mine attended an auto show and met an engineer who worked in the plant where the Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclipse were built. The engineer said dealers received a fraction of the complaints about the Mistubishi Eclipse than they received received about the Eagle and Plymouth despite the fact they were made by the same people on the same assembly line.
Another example would be my former boss. She complained endlessly about her VW Golf she bought new. She finally got rid of it and bought an Accord. The Accord went to the shop at least 4 or 5 times for a window which refused to roll up or roll down. She NEVER complained about that.
When I used to sell the stuff, new Ibanez guitars had spikey fret edges. Their fret dressing was ok, especially when compared to the lower end stuff. You could tell they had been seated and filed, but for whatever reason the wood and frets would just not be in synch by the time they got hauled out of the cartons and put on hangers or stands. I always figured they were using fresher wood and then throwing them on boats for a few weeks - heat,cold, and humidity going apesh!t on them for a couple of weeks. Then truck and warehouse. Then us. Not the best recipe.
Quote from: Denis on September 18, 2012, 01:56:41 PM
People also tend to bitch about certain things while giving other things a pass, even if they issues are the same.
Back in the early '90s an industrial designer friend of mine attended an auto show and met an engineer who worked in the plant where the Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser and Mitsubishi Eclipse were built. The engineer said dealers received a fraction of the complaints about the Mistubishi Eclipse than they received received about the Eagle and Plymouth despite the fact they were made by the same people on the same assembly line.
Another example would be my former boss. She complained endlessly about her VW Golf she bought new. She finally got rid of it and bought an Accord. The Accord went to the shop at least 4 or 5 times for a window which refused to roll up or roll down. She NEVER complained about that.
This is a possibility with Gibson. You may hear about it more because Gibsons are more expensive and buyers expect more. OTOH Uwe has had enough experience with this happening that there may be something wrong somewhere in the process.
Quote from: drbassman on September 18, 2012, 09:06:33 AM
I've noticed that the fret ends can stick out more during the really cold dry winters we have here in Upstate NY. With -45% humidity and forced air heating, our homes and businesses are very dry and shrink happens! Typically, things calm down as soon as spring hits and the frets are fine with minimal dressing of the edges. We even have to worry about our acoustic guitars cracking, etc. during our winters! What a pain!
Winters here are just as cold and dry. It can and does happen, though not always. OTOH from what I've read, and from what Uwe is saying, there may be a problem that's not just related to low humidity.
Quote from: Dave W on September 18, 2012, 05:19:41 PM
This is a possibility with Gibson. You may hear about it more because Gibsons are more expensive and buyers expect more. OTOH Uwe has had enough experience with this happening that there may be something wrong somewhere in the process.
Winters here are just as cold and dry. It can and does happen, though not always. OTOH from what I've read, and from what Uwe is saying, there may be a problem that's not just related to low humidity.
Well, start with very young trees that were forced to grow as fast as possible in a plantation like setting as compared to a tree that grew in the rain forest for decades in a truly natural environment. The latter will not have tight growth rings and the former will have wider rings from forced growth. Also, smaller logs do not lend themselves to being quatersawn so you're forced to flat sawn stock that moves more.
Quote from: Lightyear on September 18, 2012, 07:57:47 PM
Well, start with very young trees that were forced to grow as fast as possible in a plantation like setting as compared to a tree that grew in the rain forest for decades in a truly natural environment. The latter will not have tight growth rings and the former will have wider rings from forced growth. Also, smaller logs do not lend themselves to being quatersawn so you're forced to flat sawn stock that moves more.
Makes sense, if that's what they're doing.
If truth be told, it has happened on my Rics (the S models without the binding) too. Germany just seems to be a drier climate than most US states. And of course my Gibsons in the office are in an air-conditioned environment all the time. And as it is an old building with less than state of the art modern air conditioning, the humidity is less than great. Once a bass is ten or more years old it does stop however.
Quote from: Denis on September 17, 2012, 03:24:46 PM
"Baked maple" reminds me of potato chips. :)
Makes me think of old radios. Bakalite.
I guess if you "bake" it then it will be perceived as different to what Fender use maybe? :rolleyes:
Quote from: uwe on September 19, 2012, 04:14:41 AM
...Once a bass is ten or more years old it does stop however.
That reinforces the point about improperly dried wood. The modern process is much speeded up compared to when lumber didn't go from tree to kiln so quickly. This allowed an initial stabilizing period of air drying, especially imported logs that had been cut a long time before they got to the kiln.
Knowing Gibson they're probably using Half Baked Maple.
Half-baked assed maple?
I too have noticed that 10 years seems to be the magic amount of time for a neck to stabilize and start behaving.
Quote from: patman on September 19, 2012, 06:39:30 AM
I too have noticed that 10 years seems to be the magic amount of time for a neck to stabilize and start behaving.
A good reason to buy vintage instruments: anything that is going to happen to them has already happened. :)
The stiffness of vintage wood - that does make me look forward more lightheartedly ...
I wouldn't want to bake anything though, that probably hurts.
Mmmmmmm.........stiff wood ;)
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 19, 2012, 06:11:32 AM
That reinforces the point about improperly dried wood. The modern process is much speeded up compared to when lumber didn't go from tree to kiln so quickly. This allowed an initial stabilizing period of air drying, especially imported logs that had been cut a long time before they got to the kiln.
That's my exact thought. By and large, lumber of any type today hits the market with more moisture than was common 40 years ago. It's as true for specialty woods as it is for general lumber. No one is willing to age and dry it very thoroughly.
All this talk about wood!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzLjb0_v-CM
Speaking of Gibson Non Reverses, what's the word, Thunderbird? Any news on delivery dates yet?
Still waiting.................................
Makes me think of baked apples, baked Alaska, etc. I'll take a chance on one. Replacing the fretboard with rosewood later on if the maple goes "bad" wouldn't be that hard to do.
[drool] We have a Bramley just outside the sun-lounge door, with the apples pretty close to picking... mmm, mmmm [/drool]
Quote from: godofthunder on September 20, 2012, 08:18:05 AM
Still waiting.................................
I've heard everything from 6 weeks to 6 months! Who knows with the Gibson gang?
lol yeah I get a different answer every time. It's pretty much when they show up they show up.
Quote from: Lightyear on September 17, 2012, 08:51:43 PM
Yeah, I've heard that mentioned before but in the last factory tour video that was posted Jim Hall says something along the lines of "Billybob here is assembling necks on basses by install karflamulated maple between two pieces of maple". I'll have to dig around for the video again - my memory has failed me before :rolleyes:
Baked maple may be an alternative to rosewood but it's just isn't the same - now if it were impregnated with some type of resin or polymer that truly altered its tonal and wear characteristics....
Found it here at 6:07 : http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=6870.0
JH is talking about a 330/360 neck something along the lines of "...laminated neck with
radified maple" ? ???
Quote from: Lightyear on September 21, 2012, 09:55:55 PM
Found it here at 6:07 : http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=6870.0
JH is talking about a 330/360 neck something along the lines of "...laminated neck with radified maple" ? ???
He's saying retified. See this RRF discussion from earlier this year: http://www.rickresource.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=403942
Very interesting, since he says it's harder and more stable. The linked pdf gives some further detail. That doesn't mean this is what Gibson is doing, but it certainly could be.
I chatted with Kurt at the HOG yesterday and he was on the phone with the Gibson rep. The rep said a couple months for the NR and then the Midtown basses will come out after that. For what it's worth, these guys are never right in my experience. So, take it for what it is.
Quote from: Dave W on September 21, 2012, 10:22:20 PM
He's saying retified. See this RRF discussion from earlier this year: http://www.rickresource.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=403942
Very interesting, since he says it's harder and more stable. The linked pdf gives some further detail. That doesn't mean this is what Gibson is doing, but it certainly could be.
Thanks Dave! The PDF was very interesting and to my mind this sounds like what Gibson is doing. Retifcation is a registered mark of a French company and it looks like the French did indeed develop this concept. After reading the article I'm less skeptical of the baked maple than I was and I have to say I'm somewhat optomistic about it even though the article stated that some slight loss of mechanical strength is expected. The true test will be several months of testing with some round wound Rotosounds ;)
Quote from: Lightyear on September 22, 2012, 08:45:21 AM
Thanks Dave! The PDF was very interesting and to my mind this sounds like what Gibson is doing. Retifcation is a registered mark of a French company and it looks like the French did indeed develop this concept. After reading the article I'm less skeptical of the baked maple than I was and I have to say I'm somewhat optomistic about it even though the article stated that some slight loss of mechanical strength is expected. The true test will be several months of testing with some round wound Rotosounds ;)
If that's what Gibson means by baked maple, then it ought to be okay. The slight loss of mechanical strength might make it more easily breakable if dropped, but under normal conditions it shouldn't matter. OTOH it's stiffer and has more surface hardness, we can all appreciate that advantage. ;D
Quote from: drbassman on September 22, 2012, 08:26:17 AM
I chatted with Kurt at the HOG yesterday and he was on the phone with the Gibson rep. The rep said a couple months for the NR and then the Midtown basses will come out after that. For what it's worth, these guys are never right in my experience. So, take it for what it is.
Looking a Gibson.com I see the Midtown is listed, but no sign of the non-reverse.
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Midtown-Standard-Bass.aspx
Wonder what happened to Greg Curbow's process for impregnating neck wood with phenolic resin? Cort has the rights to his name, but I've never seen them advertise any kind of bass that has a treated neck. Curbow's still in business isn't it? Didn't Greg's shop manager take it over?
Over on this side of the pond, Thomann in Germany e-mailed me earlier, they expect these at the end of October. 1,149 Euro or c.£910GBP.
It would be rude not to.
P
The Midtown is news to me...
A little press coverage (http://www.notreble.com/buzz/2012/09/26/gibson-unveils-midtown-standard-bass/). The Pelham Blue sure looks nice.
American Musical shows an expected by date of October 15 for all four finishes.
Now that is cooking with GAS...
Sorry to bring this back on track. Key Music (Belgium) are doing the 'birds at 999Euro, or in GBP, a pant wettingly low £800.00. Surely shome mishtake?
P
http://www.keymusic.com/en/product/Gibson-Thunderbird-Non-Reverse-Pelham-Blue (http://www.keymusic.com/en/product/Gibson-Thunderbird-Non-Reverse-Pelham-Blue)
That's 1295 USD which is reasonable. After all it should be lower than the multi-ply neck through version.
It's not on any US retailers' sites yet AFAIK. Long & McQuade has it at $1099 CDN.
Quote from: Dave W on October 02, 2012, 10:39:20 PM
It's not on any US retailers' sites yet AFAIK.
Odd, I wonder why. If they are showing up on sites outside the US, it somehow makes me wonder how many Gibson is actually going to make.
I'm sure they will make enough that everyone who wants one gets one.
Haha, then maybe it will only be 300!
Earlier in this thread, Scott said he was told the MAP will be $1199 US. Considering that and the $1099 CDN price, the prices at Key Music are probably accurate.
Key are saying January 2013 availability. Thomann (Germany) end of October. <shrugs>
P
...I just got an e-mail from Key (Belgium) saying they may not get these until March or April next year.
You know, my heart sinks. Does anyone actually know when the NRs are actually coming out?
P
We've waited for almost 45 years now ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPcpDeqY2cQ
Must be getting closer:
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Thunderbird-Studio-Non-Reverse-Bass.aspx
I've checked Gibson's website each week in case these showed up. Now that I see pics, I'm tempted to switch my order from blue to burst.
I notice the fretboard is rosewood, not baked maple, according to the specs.
I wonder if baked maple is just a temporary thing at Gibson. Time will tell.
Quote from: Denis on October 17, 2012, 07:24:05 PM
I've checked Gibson's website each week in case these showed up. Now that I see pics, I'm tempted to switch my order from blue to burst.
I notice the fretboard is rosewood, not baked maple, according to the specs.
Come on Denis, you know you want one of each :mrgreen:
Since the EB showed up I've been looking almost daily.
Of course, but I can't afford two of them!
For the hell of it I asked if there was any chance in hell they'd paint one Inverness Green for me. No dice...
Kurt told me that! You could buy one then send it back to Gibson and for 2k they'll paint it whatever you want!
Quote from: godofthunder on October 18, 2012, 06:51:06 AM
Kurt told me that! You could buy one then send it back to Gibson and for 2k they'll paint it whatever you want!
Hahaha, you must have asked him right after I did!
Quote from: Denis on October 17, 2012, 07:24:05 PM
I've checked Gibson's website each week in case these showed up. Now that I see pics, I'm tempted to switch my order from blue to burst.
I'm with you here. I'm not really a fan of sunbursts, but with a Hipshot on there (already ordered) instead of that piece of junk Gibson call a bridge it would look very sweet.
P
Quote from: godofthunder on October 18, 2012, 06:51:06 AM
Kurt told me that! You could buy one then send it back to Gibson and for 2k they'll paint it whatever you want!
Given my experiences with the Custom Shop I severely doubt that. The notion that if you throw money at Gibson, then they will do it for you seems to be overtly romantic. :-\
its kind of odd that they did a bridge / tailpiece for the les paul bfg bass but did not put it on here.
Quote from: Denis on October 17, 2012, 07:24:05 PM
I've checked Gibson's website each week in case these showed up. Now that I see pics, I'm tempted to switch my order from blue to burst.
I notice the fretboard is rosewood, not baked maple, according to the specs.
Even though the burst is pretty standard - I'm liking it more too.
Quote from: tubehead on October 18, 2012, 02:20:17 PM
its kind of odd that they did a bridge / tailpiece for the les paul bfg bass but did not put it on here.
That thing intonates nowhere as good as the ole tried and trusted Holy Trinity, that's why!
Quote from: uwe on October 18, 2012, 02:18:43 PM
Given my experiences with the Custom Shop I severely doubt that. The notion that if you throw money at Gibson, then they will do it for you seems to be overtly romantic. :-\
Years ago, mid 80's maybe I contacted Gibson to refin my '68 NR Thundebird II, back then they said S1,200. I almost choked. Maybe now they are not so willing ?
Around 1982 or 83 I stopped by Mark Erlewine's old shop on Guadalupe and noticed he had some Thunderbird bass neck thru neck blanks. Not sure if they were old stock or not but they had the larger head. I asked him how much it would cost to build the never produced Thunderbird VI bass (bound ebony board with pearl blocks and 3 pickups) He said around 2k. Considering Michael Stevens had a used 1964 Thunderbird IV for $600 I passed. :)
DAMN!!! How can you contact him???
Quote from: Baz Cooper on October 18, 2012, 08:04:45 PM
DAMN!!! How can you contact him???
Mark Erlewine is still in business as Erlewine Guitars. Are you hoping he still has blanks that he had 30 years ago at his old location? That's optimism!
Rob Hacker at the Custom Shop in Austin built several Thunderbirds from genuine Gibson blanks, I saw one of them when he took it back in on a trade. He never said where he got the blanks, wonder if he got them from Erlewine.
Quote from: the mojo hobo on October 17, 2012, 07:17:36 PM
Must be getting closer:
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Thunderbird-Studio-Non-Reverse-Bass.aspx
Wow, Gibson's already taken that link down and the NR is no longer listed on their page.I was mistaken...the NR is relegated to the last page, even after the Epis.
Link is here now:
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/Thunderbird-Non-Reverse-Bass.aspx
I just got an e-mail. No release date or anything, just a linked thingie.
P
Quote from: Denis on October 19, 2012, 12:43:02 PM
Wow, Gibson's already taken that link down and the NR is no longer listed on their page.
I was mistaken...the NR is relegated to the last page, even after the Epis.
It is listed last because the default sort order is by popularity. If you change it to 'newest' the NR is first, followed by the EB and the Midtown ;)
And all three of them are giving me GAS.
Well, my order is in for a vintage sunburst, through Key Music, Belgium. ;D
Free shipping as well! Woop. Let's hope TNT don't deliver it in two parts.
P
Could be by installments...?
The Pelham Blue looks appealing.
Sweetwaters site has some detailed pics of a Pelham Blue NR. From the photos, it looks like the grain is really pronounced on the body. For anyone who has one, are those just visible through the clear, or can you feel the texture? On my IV, the body and back of neck are smooth, but the trim around the headstock is textured.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BANTPBCH/
(http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeup/xl/1600-BANTPBCH_detail1.jpg)
seems like that's what Gibson is going for with the Pelham Blue finishes. the EB-11 was like that, too, and I remember somebody making the same observation on another recent model finished in PB. when I played an EB-11 at Chuck Levin's, it was definitely noticeable but I couldn't feel the grain.
??? What's an EB-11? Your term for the new design EB?
no, the new LP Jr shaped model. I got the models confused! :P
The naming of the EB line was always unfortunate and logic-defying.
Quote from: stiles72 on December 01, 2012, 02:27:36 PM
Sweetwaters site has some detailed pics of a Pelham Blue NR. From the photos, it looks like the grain is really pronounced on the body. For anyone who has one, are those just visible through the clear, or can you feel the texture? On my IV, the body and back of neck are smooth, but the trim around the headstock is textured.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BANTPBCH/
(http://www.sweetwater.com/images/closeup/xl/1600-BANTPBCH_detail1.jpg)
Looks like Gibson is going for the pragmatic approach again. It will save them a lot of labour costs. No endless pore filling, sanding etc
BTW I've got a Pelham Blue BaCHbird in the works too... :popcorn:
Quote from: ramone57 on December 02, 2012, 08:21:32 AM
no, the new LP Jr shaped model. I got the models confused! :P
Not as confused as the Gibson designers who came up with it.
Quote from: uwe on December 02, 2012, 08:30:03 AM
The naming of the EB line was always unfortunate and logic-defying.
They wanted to name it "lame attempt to design something sort of like the original doublecut Junior EB-0" but wisely decided on EB-11 instead. :P
The grain didn't show through on the NR RI I saw a couple weeks ago at the HOG.
It does on mine, but I hadn't noticed it until reading about it in this thread, so I looked for it and found it.
Even the Firebirds have this it is not bass specific just see,s to be their finishing process. Doesn't bother me any. I will say that there is none of that in My Cataldo NRs finish ;D
Quote from: the mojo hobo on December 02, 2012, 01:00:09 PM
It does on mine, but I hadn't noticed it until reading about it in this thread, so I looked for it and found it.
I thought you Gibson guys liked seeing the mahogany grain through the finish....?
Quote from: Pilgrim on December 03, 2012, 09:21:54 AM
I thought you Gibson guys liked seeing the mahogany grain through the finish....?
Some do. I doubt if most do, especially on a more expensive guitar or bass. Gibson has filled the grain even on its less expensive models until a few years ago. As a sometimes woodworker, I don't mind it, but it goes against tradition in guitar building.
Quote from: Dave W on December 03, 2012, 09:28:06 AM
Some do. I doubt if most do, especially on a more expensive guitar or bass. Gibson has filled the grain even on its less expensive models until a few years ago. As a sometimes woodworker, I don't mind it, but it goes against tradition in guitar building.
I agree with Dave. I don't mind seeing the grain, in fact the grain on my NR is beautiful. But seeing the finish falling into the grain and being able to feel it is another story. On my NR burst, they did a really nice job filling and finishing. Nothing like the blue one above.
Quote from: Dave W on December 02, 2012, 10:40:56 AM
They wanted to name it "lame attempt to design something sort of like the original doublecut Junior EB-0" but wisely decided on EB-11 instead. :P
Man, I stop paying attention for a few years, and tie up my disposable income in a mortgage and fathering a kid, and THAT's when Gibson decideds to put out/reissue all the basses we've been lusting for for years (this, the EB2 reissue and the NR TB). Please at least tell me it was long scale (not really a fan of Pelham Ble and it having a bridge pup).
Sorry still catching up here.
Quote from: Granny Gremlin on December 03, 2012, 10:15:03 AM
Man, I stop paying attention for a few years, and tie up my disposable income in a mortgage and fathering a kid, and THAT's when Gibson decideds to put out/reissue all the basses we've been lusting for for years (this, the EB2 reissue and the NR TB). Please at least tell me it was long scale (not really a fan of Pelham Ble and it having a bridge pup).
Sorry still catching up here.
Yep, both are 34" scale.
Quote from: drbassman on December 03, 2012, 09:53:00 AM
I agree with Dave. I don't mind seeing the grain, in fact the grain on my NR is beautiful. But seeing the finish falling into the grain and being able to feel it is another story. On my NR burst, they did a really nice job filling and finishing. Nothing like the blue one above.
+1 I don't mind seeing the grain, but don't think I'd want to feel the texture of it
Quote from: stiles72 on December 03, 2012, 04:21:24 PM
+1 I don't mind seeing the grain, but don't think I'd want to feel the texture of it
If you can see the wood grain under a solid or metallic color, you can feel it. Different story with stain, clear or clear over stain finishes.
IMO, Gibson should be able to fill grain on any instrument with less than an hour of labor per unit and very little material expense in an industrial setting. Of course it takes the right equipment and properly trained labor.
I didn't think I'd like the thin non gloss that's on Uwe's new G-3, but really, it's quite nice.
Quote from: dadagoboi on December 03, 2012, 04:32:04 PM
If you can see the wood grain under a solid or metallic color, you can feel it. Different story with stain, clear or clear over stain finishes.
IMO, Gibson should be able to fill grain on any instrument with less than an hour of labor per unit and very little material expense in an industrial setting. Of course it takes the right equipment and properly trained labor.
I can accept this on my solid finish Melody Maker. The original was a sunburst with filled grain but in 2012 dollars it would be almost twice as expensive as the current model. An hours' worth of labor to fill and a multi-step lacquer process would really up the street price.
I don't see this being acceptable on $1000+ instruments.
+1
I like to see (and feel) the grain and I think it's in line with an overall design tendency in the last 20 years or so not to hide the natural surface structure of something anymore. It's strictly cosmetic too, doesn't make the bass sound any better (some would say worse! :-X ) or more durable. A bass is essentially a piece of wood (or several), I don't mind that you can still feel and see that (I know: "Buy a Wishbass then instead!" ;) ) as long as I don't draw a splinter from it.
The mind (my mind at least) is a funny thing. When I held my first Gibson TBird in hand in 1998, I was horrified at the wavy kitchen brush paint job with dents in the wood and all. These days I like that and rate high gloss ultra-even finishes as cheap along the lines of "what are they hiding underneath it?".
But then what do I know? I also like the carved look of my LP BFG which, interestingly, always attracts attention from non-guitar- and non-bass-players alike who marvel at the rugged surface ("Is that crocodile?").
Quote from: uwe on December 04, 2012, 04:45:08 AM
The mind (my mind at least) is a funny thing. When I held my first Gibson TBird in hand in 1998, I was horrified at the wavy kitchen brush paint job with dents in the wood and all. These days I like that and rate high gloss ultra-even finishes as cheap along the lines of "what are they hiding underneath it?"
Not only I like seeing the grain, but also like the way nitro wears out and gets gloss marks and all sorts of dirtyness. Plus, the smell.
Sniffing your basses can be addictive! :P
note to self: don't buy any instruments from these perverts.
(who am I kidding; I name all of mine).
What's wrong with slimy basses that smell like dead fish?
(http://www.nodakoutdoors.com/image/index_pages/smallmouth_bass_fishing.jpg)
There's no right or wrong here. It's more a matter of what guitar buyers usually expect.
In the mid-90s, when Schecter was US-only, they made a very nice series with unfilled stained ash bodies in addition to their more expensive lines. They were really great looking and feeling yet they didn't sell. Now maybe if they had been in the 500-700 range the line would have been a success, but they were in the lower teens.
As we all know, mahogany is not such a looker, the porous structure gives it at least a little something!
I would much rather see/feel some grain than have that mile deep poly crap that Fender uses. I hate that stuff!
Wait!!! We are now in concrete danger of approaching "finish (or lack of it) influences sound".
LOL, I'm somewhat tickled that that debate still rage.... but lets not ruin Dave's day.
Jake, don't you dare! You know you still have that "string-thru affects string tension"-thing running against you.
Nothing much has changed, Dave still cracks the whip. Freedom is slavery, ignorance is truth.
Afterthought: Depending on placement, string-thru can sure affect my tension! :-*
Quote from: uwe on December 04, 2012, 10:36:04 AM
....
Afterthought: Depending on placement, string-thru can sure affect my tension! :-*
Better loosen the support strings on your assless chaps.
I never said finish doesn't affect sound. Just that I haven't seen or heard any evidence of
audible difference in a plugged-in solidbody.
"I never said finish doesn't affect sound."
The Ministry of Truth hath spoken faster than you can say "revisionism"!!! :mrgreen:
"We are at war with Eastasia. Oceania has always been at war with Eastasia. We were never at war with Eurasia."
No revisionism, period. Wish those old threads were up somewhere.
Now off you go to Two Minutes Of Hate.
So we've been talking about these things for a decade.... maybe we should test them experimentally already?
Just don't put Uwe in charge because I'm worried he might damage his truss rod by cranking it down too hard and not using lube.
Mr. Steel. :mrgreen:
Achtung; steif unnachgiebig rute!
Wait!
Who's cracking the whip on my ass?!
I knew I had been missing something.
This place is heading for hell (cats) in a hand cart... :vader:
There's a Pelham Blue one posted on the TB Thunderbird club thread that has a chrome bridge - ahhhh Gibson ;)
I just looked over there and found it. Bizarre that they shipped it with chrome bridge but black tuners.
Does Uwe collect for hardware finish?
I saw that on tb as well. Such a cruel tease Gibson!
My soul is of cavernous black. I think chrome looks inherently cheap. I have nothing against metal, but then I want it to look like nickel or brushed matté stuff.
I have to say that I do prefer nickel to chrome, but you get what's available when you're attracted to shiny objects!
I kinda liked the black
IIRC Chrome is actually the most expensive of those three to produce.............I don't mind a good polished nickel but too often it tarnishes, I could likley deal with Gibson's use of black on hardware *if* they offered it as a choice ( the plastic pup covers just look cheap to me tho), I daresay they'd increase sales with this option.
2nd on the nickel - the patina it develops over time is great. Chrome is more expensive and rusts/pits over time.
And you don't even like bondage binding.
Quote from: Granny Gremlin on December 05, 2012, 08:40:44 AM
2nd on the nickel - the patina it develops over time is great. Chrome is more expensive and rusts/pits over time.
Traditional chrome is a 3 step electroplating process: copper first over a properly polished metal surface, then nickel and finally chromium. It is highly durable and rust resistant. Some modern cheaper chrome has done away with the copper and/or nickel under the chromium. That can produce a cheap chrome that looks very blue and doesn't have the high rust resistance of "triple chrome."
Nickel plating is done the same way except no chrome layer. Nickel tarnishes but can be polished back to original appearance if maintained.
The element chromium resists rust. It's the component in stainless steel that makes it "stainless".
I just don't understand how Gibson could ship a bass with mixed hardware like that. Who thought that was a good idea?
I dunno about that, but everything chrome always pitts eventually barring meticulous care, and to quote the internets: ain't nobody got time for that (when you have multiple basses, and guitars, and drums and cars and...).
Also too shiny; nickel is more (and here my communist upbringing rears it's ugly head) working man's chic. I just like the look of it better (aalways have; Uwe your memory is failing..... though the bit about bondage was rememberd correctly, I have learned to like it in some cases... except cream; cream coloured plastic, whether pup surrounds or binding, always looks cheap to me).
Quote from: Dave W on December 05, 2012, 09:04:15 AM
I just don't understand how Gibson could ship a bass with mixed hardware like that. Who thought that was a good idea?
Silly question. Gibson's decisions on material combination are not based on something as fickle as a "good idea", but on inventory necessities!
Besides, that bass is already now highly collectible. And in 20 years from now some kid on a forum will shoot off his mouth when he sees it on (Appl)e-Bay:
"That can't be original, they wouldn't have mixed chrome and black hardware, the seller is a liar." And a twenty years older Dave W,
(http://img.posterlounge.de/images/wbig/van-rijn-rembrandt-alter-mann-in-rotem-gewand-171349.jpg)
still quick and nimble on the touchscreen (one in midair - Minority Report style!),
(http://blog.unitymedia.de/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/minority_report.png)
even though eyesight isn't what it used to be, will answer:
"No, he's not. I've forgotten more things than you will probably ever learn or understand, but I recollect how they did ship some of those those out in a hardware material mix back then. And this isn't a matter of opinion either, there is only one set of facts. And I remember them all."
Quote from: uwe on December 05, 2012, 09:01:29 AM
And you don't even like bondage binding.
The hell I don't ;)
You're such a tease ;D
Whatever tick(le)s your box, Mark ... 8)
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mehskoj4NP1qzr8nao1_500.jpg)
Quote from: uwe on December 05, 2012, 09:28:33 AM
Silly question. Gibson's decisions on material combination are not based on something as fickle as a "good idea", but on inventory necessities!
Besides, that bass is already now highly collectible. And in 20 years from now some kid on a forum will shoot off his mouth when he sees it on (Appl)e-Bay:
"That can't be original, they wouldn't have mixed chrome and black hardware, the seller is a liar."
...
Your scenario assumes anyone will ever think anything from 2012 by Gibson is collectible.
And it won't be "(Appl)e-Bay", more likely it will be someplace headquartered in China that only accepts yuan, which will have replaced the dollar and euro.
Didn't people think CBS-era Fenders were crap when they were new? Now look how much they are going for. Ridiculous.
Quote from: Denis on December 05, 2012, 01:17:14 PM
Didn't people think CBS-era Fenders were crap when they were new? Now look how much they are going for. Ridiculous.
Naw, I pretty much don't like 7enders from any era, I'm an equal oppourtunity disliker ;)
Don't get upset, just my .02.
Quote from: Dave W on December 04, 2012, 10:44:11 PM
I just looked over there and found it. Bizarre that they shipped it with chrome bridge but black tuners.
Do you really think Gibson QC is that bad? It would be so easy to hoax this. Imagine some one who already has a Thunderbird or two, maybe some spare parts, gets a new Thunderbird and sees "Hardware - Chrome" on the box. Wanting to change strings anyway, takes an extra minute to toss on the chrome 3 point that he already had. Instant conversation piece.
The fellow that got that one has a couple of 'Birds, but they're newer Reverses with black hardware - FWIW I think it's something that was done on a whim when the bass was assembled.
Call me skeptical. I just think it is more likely that someone would prank the TB community than someone at Gibson do it on a whim, and Gibson QC pass it.
I'd deem it collectible! Cock-ups (I use the term in all innocence) like that are nice. For years, my old record shop had DP's Come Taste the Band as a gatefold with the pics from the Machine Head gatefold inside (or the other way around, I forgot). Always wanted to buy it for my DP vinyl collection (though I had both albums several times over) and then one day it was gone! Darn. I also have a Shades of Deep Purple reissue which featured the originally intended cover
(http://www.deep-purple.net/discography/shades/shadesheritage.jpg)
When the album was rereleaased on vinyl in the nineties, some dope in the archives mistook the projected sleeve for the original one and for about a week Virgin and HMV sold Shades of DP with that cover before someone noticed and all the records were returned, the sleeves (much cooler than the original release)
(http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/1969/cover_932111192005.jpg)
going into the shredder. Now highly collectible and I have one, yeah!
A TBird with a factory botched material mix I would take over a "correct" one anyday. If one of you guys was the owner, you would already have my offer on the table.
When I bought Deep Purple's Made In Europe back in the mid 70's I was surprised to find inside the Richard Pryor Bicentennial Ni**er record instead!! (they were both released the same year and also on Warner Brothers in the US) I had a really tough time trying to explain to the clerk that it was how it came from the store. I also have a Rolling Stones Now LP that has the same label (Side A I think) on both sides of the LP.
Quote from: uwe on December 05, 2012, 05:18:49 PM
I'd deem it collectible! Cock-ups (I use the term in all innocence) like that are nice.
Give me a week and I'll have one too. :mrgreen:
These are just as collectable as D-Day painted GI helmets but a lot easier to fake.
Anybody have a chrome 3 point they want to sell?
Quote from: the mojo hobo on December 05, 2012, 06:35:14 PM
Give me a week and I'll have one too. :mrgreen:
These are just as collectable as D-Day painted GI helmets but a lot easier to fake.
Anybody have a chrome 3 point they want to sell?
Now what are you going to do if you get a mismatched one from the factory? Better document yourself opening the package or no one will believe it! ;D
Oh come on, Gibson wouldn't know a chrome TB pup if it bit them in the arse. :o I think the shipping label maker was messing with our heads.
Quote from: Dave W on December 05, 2012, 08:55:02 PM
Now what are you going to do if you get a mismatched one from the factory? Better document yourself opening the package or no one will believe it! ;D
I will demand scientific proof for a factory cock-up or otherwise I won't buy it! I have an LP by a Gibson Custom Shop apprentice (built from left-overs while he was there, oversized body, curliest of curly maple flat-tops and, jawohl, even an EMG P split-coil as well as a hipshot bridge) that has two chrome, one nickel and one smoked black tuner(s). I like that a lot.
Enough about Gibson. You guys know that they're just imitating the real thing from Czech Republic... :mrgreen:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228305_255636771231435_1198867843_n.jpg)
That's blatant product placement if I've ever seen it... ;D
With all these additional products, Rob, do you ever see a completion of Ze Kollection book...? or will it be produced in a "loose-leaf" format to allow space for additions... ;)
Quote from: Basvarken on December 06, 2012, 04:05:50 PM
Enough about Gibson. You guys know that they're just imitating the real thing from Czech Republic... :mrgreen:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228305_255636771231435_1198867843_n.jpg)
(
in a sniggering tone) Yeah, with a maple neck!
Quote from: uwe on December 06, 2012, 06:25:47 PM
(in a sniggering tone) Yeah, with a maple neck!
But with chrome and a decent bridge. :P
Quote from: uwe on December 06, 2012, 06:25:47 PM
(in a sniggering tone) Yeah, with a maple neck!
Nope. Mahogany all the way!
How Id I miss this new Bach? Looks great Rob. I hate to say it but Ihas more in common with a real 60's NR Than Gibsons latest offering.
Quote from: godofthunder on December 07, 2012, 04:57:51 AM
How Id I miss this new Bach? Looks great Rob. I hate to say it but Ihas more in common with a real 60's NR Than Gibsons latest offering.
It's a refin Scott. I had a Transparent Red TH-2 that I did not want to sell because it had a blemish in the lacquer on the top side.
I took all the hardware and electronics off and had it refinned by a guy who is a professional car painter.
Picked it up yesterday and put all the hardware back in place straight away. I couldn't resist to put a new pickguard with bird on.
I don't think I am going to keep this one.
Once I have the wiring soldered it'll be ready for sale.
Quote from: Basvarken on December 07, 2012, 12:26:29 AM
Nope. Mahogany all the way!
Not mine and you have admitted as much! If I may quote: "People were not expecting a full mahogany bass for that kind of money!" You posted it yourself.
Maybe they changed the recipe for the "Rob Signature Model". :mrgreen:
The B&CH is a nice bass, very good value for money, maple or nor. But wood - unlike finish - does influence sound.
The My Czechbird does not have the warmth and bottom fullness of the original, but a little more snap, no doubt courtesy of just that maple neck.
That was the first series Uwe.
They've been all mahogany ever since the second series.
This one is a third series model.
They're looking great.
Set or bolt on?
Set neck of course!
I have a vintage B&CH with maple neck then!!! Very rare.
Will you take CAD at parity with the Euro? ;D :rolleyes: :-\
Quote from: uwe on December 07, 2012, 07:49:53 AM
I have a vintage B&CH with maple neck then!!! Very rare.
Yes, only 50 were made of this first series!
Now you need a full mahogany one too :rolleyes: :mrgreen:
Quote from: Granny Gremlin on December 07, 2012, 07:55:24 AM
Will you take CAD at parity with the Euro? ;D :rolleyes: :-\
Almost Jake!
For 500 CAD it's yours
Quote from: Basvarken on December 07, 2012, 07:56:45 AM
Yes, only 50 were made of this first series!
Now you need a full mahogany one too :rolleyes: :mrgreen:
So the first 20 Bachs had maple necks? So, is this breakdown correct?
Series I: 20 made in white, thick body, no belly cut, thick maple neck, mahogany body, single pickup
Series II: 30 made (10 black, 10 white, 10 Sonic Blue), thin body, belly cut, thin mahogany neck, mahogany body, single pickup
Series III: Unknown number made (Trans Cherry with single or two pups and Honeyburst with single pups), thick body, no belly cut, thick mahogany neck, mahogany body.
I'm afraid it'll have to wait until after we gut and redo the kitchen in any case. Very GAS inspiring though.
Quote from: Denis on December 07, 2012, 08:17:15 AM
So the first 20 Bachs had maple necks? So, is this breakdown correct?
Series I: 20 made in white, thick body, no belly cut, thick maple neck, mahogany body, single pickup
Series II: 30 made (10 black, 10 white, 10 Sonic Blue), thin body, belly cut, thin mahogany neck, mahogany body, single pickup
Series III: Unknown number made (Trans Cherry with single or two pups and Honeyburst with single pups), thick body, no belly cut, thick mahogany neck, mahogany body.
Yes I think this is correct. Although I'm not sure if there were actually 20 or more in the first series. I thought there were 50 made, but you may very well be right.
Series IV introduced an arm cut.
Series V introduced a volute and thicker neck.
The Robunderbird legacy. I stand in awe! :o :o :o :o :o :o
It may look like an awful lot of BaCHbirds were made. But actually each series was made in very small numbers, as the BaCH workshop is very small and they just don't have the room to build huge amounts.
I'm not sure how they decide which models to build, but to me it looks like they say; okay this week it's Telecaster time and next week let's build some more BaCHbirds. I am yet to discover a pattern in their mysterious production ways... :-[
Don't try to understand Pepik logic. They don't even believe in stop lights for heaven's sake. ;)
Rob, I thought the first series was 50. And looking back in my old emails, there's one from you dated Oct. 31, 2008 saying that you had an email from BaCH saying all 50 were ready.
Thanx Dave, yeah that's how I remembered it. Denis made me doubt myself.
But I also remember some of the guys that subscribed had to wait for the second series.
You're right, some did have to wait. The first 50 basses were reserved for 42 buyers and there were 14 more on the waiting list. I was on the waiting list and got an email from Roman about 5 months later. Since I didn't buy one, I don't know if that would have been from the first or second series.
Hi Guys & girls, I stumbled accross this post yesterday and thought I'd join up. I'm the guy from that other site with NR with mixed chrome and black hardware. I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy but I'm afraid I'm not trying to dupe anyone. I cant explain why Gibson sent out the bass the way they did or why they printed labels with "chrome" on the hardware description. I'll try to post a pic of the bass that was sent to me when I bought it. Reguardless of why or how they did it I really like the look of the chrome, I'm toying with the idea of swapping out the tuning machines just to see what it looks like.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n614/tlkroon/129820502-angle-l.jpg)
Anyway, love my gibsons. In addition the 3 birds I've also got a '79 Ripper and an early '67 EB-3 that was built to '66 specs...but that's a whole 'nother consipspiracy :mrgreen:
Welcome aboard, Atlas! Glad to have you here, and that's a beautiful bass regardless of it's mixed heritage. :)
beauty bass Atlas.Cant get over how strange they look with the front pickup so far forward...
Not another American... :mrgreen:
Welcome to the mix...
Quote from: Denis on December 07, 2012, 08:17:15 AM
Series II: 30 made (10 black, 10 white, 10 Sonic Blue), thin body, belly cut, thin mahogany neck, mahogany body, single pickup
When stripping it, I found that my "series II" actually had a thin
maple neck!
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/thunderbird/refin/DSCF0008.jpg)
Scarf joint too:
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/thunderbird/refin/DSCF0034.jpg)
Nice to see you here!
This is place where Gibson bass is the spoken word! ;)
Post those other beauties of yours anytime!
Quote from: 66Atlas on December 08, 2012, 01:30:37 PM
Hi Guys & girls, I stumbled accross this post yesterday and thought I'd join up. I'm the guy from that other site with NR with mixed chrome and black hardware. I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy but I'm afraid I'm not trying to dupe anyone. I cant explain why Gibson sent out the bass the way they did or why they printed labels with "chrome" on the hardware description. I'll try to post a pic of the bass that was sent to me when I bought it. Reguardless of why or how they did it I really like the look of the chrome, I'm toying with the idea of swapping out the tuning machines just to see what it looks like.
Anyway, love my gibsons. In addition the 3 birds I've also got a '79 Ripper and an early '67 EB-3 that was built to '66 specs...but that's a whole 'nother consipspiracy :mrgreen:
Welcome!
I kinda like the mixed hardware on your NR - great lookin' bass!
My Beautiful Bach bird is a 3rd series I believe.Its all mahogany thick body it had no tummy cut(it does now)and it has a thin neck.In my opinion these are as close as it gets to a real one. Other than control cavity cut,its pretty close to my real 68.Even in sound.My 68 is alittle more throaty than the Bach wich has got a really nice punch to it.The new Gibsons are nice looking but they seem to be more of a novelty approach to the design.Dont get me wrong,Im probably gonna buy one anyway lol.If it wasn't for the weight factor,I would probably have a few Bachbirds They are as close as it gets right now.(http://)(http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss305/sqwelchbass/PC080044.jpg)(http://[[img]http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss305/sqwelchbass/PC080045.jpg)/img]
Thanks for the welcome all, Not to Hijack the thread but here's an old shot of the kids on the back porch before the NR came along.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n614/tlkroon/P1010565.jpg)
Now back to talking T-birds, Love the look of those Bach's!
Nice tribe!
Quote from: 66Atlas on December 08, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Now back to talking T-birds, Love the look of those Bach's!
Never could/would have sprung for a 60s pelham blue NR, nor did I ever expect Gibson to re-release one... and so those BaCHs were a dream come true. Had I not done this to my BaCH, I'd be all over one of the new Gibbies
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/thunderbird/refin/bach24.jpg)
That's pretty, I kind of wish Gibson had gone with the colored headstock like that. I know it's not traditional but I like the way it makes the TR cover stand out.
Quote from: 66Atlas on December 08, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Thanks for the welcome all, Not to Hijack the thread but here's an old shot of the kids on the back porch before the NR came along.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n614/tlkroon/P1010565.jpg)
Now back to talking T-birds, Love the look of those Bach's!
Really nice group of basses there!
BTW don't worry about hi jacking a thread, we'll be discussing electric trains or Ritchie Blackmore anytime now ;)
Welcome Atlas 66!!
Quote from: chromium on December 08, 2012, 02:01:41 PM
When stripping it, I found that my "series II" actually had a thin maple neck!
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/thunderbird/refin/DSCF0008.jpg)
Scarf joint too:
(http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/0chromium0/forums/thunderbird/refin/DSCF0034.jpg)
Far out! Maybe I should pull a tuner on my two Series IIs and see if I can tell what kind of wood Bach used on them. I'm curious now!
Quote from: Nokturnal on December 08, 2012, 03:55:09 PM
Welcome Atlas 66!!
Indeed! I rather like his new NR with mixed hardware. Matches the black and silver knobs!
As long as this has turned into another thread where we show our spiffy NRs... ;D
Honestly, I think I like NRs more than regular T-birds.
Series II, Sonic Blue. It's not really such a light blue. This one is hard to photograph!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/BaCH-TH1%20Sonic%20Blue/SonicBlue.jpg)
Series II, Black: I've since switched the tone pot and jack and replaced the pots with CTS and LaBella flats. It's damn near my favorite bass since my JJ was swiped.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/DSC05057a.jpg)
Series III, Cherry: CTS pots and LaBella flats.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/BaCHbird%20TH-2/DSC06095a.jpg)
New NR. The thing is a powerhouse!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/2013%20Gibson%20Non%20Reverse%20Thunderbird/2013GibsonNonReverseThunderbird.jpg)
Epi NR. Gone, but certainly not forgotten!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/DSC05949a.jpg)
Quote from: 66Atlas on December 08, 2012, 02:47:28 PM
Thanks for the welcome all, Not to Hijack the thread but here's an old shot of the kids on the back porch before the NR came along.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n614/tlkroon/P1010565.jpg)
Now back to talking T-birds, Love the look of those Bach's!
Love the Ripper!
Quote from: Denis on December 08, 2012, 06:59:34 PM
As long as this has turned into another thread where we show our spiffy NRs... ;D
Honestly, I think I like NRs more than regular T-birds.
Series II, Sonic Blue. It's not really such a light blue. This one is hard to photograph!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/BaCH-TH1%20Sonic%20Blue/SonicBlue.jpg)
Damn. I should have kept that one.
Quote from: Denis on December 08, 2012, 06:59:34 PM
As long as this has turned into another thread where we show our spiffy NRs... ;D
Honestly, I think I like NRs more than regular T-birds.
Epi NR. Gone, but certainly not forgotten!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/DSC05949a.jpg)
I know where it lives now ;D It is off getting a new finish as we speak.
I had one just like that! Probably should have kept it just for grins. I did keep the case when I sold it. ;)
I had the 5 string version of that.............
I didn't get on well with that bass.
Quote from: TBird1958 on December 10, 2012, 08:53:05 AM
I had the 5 string version of that.............
I didn't get on well with that bass.
I hated the neck, but otherwise, I loved it! :P
The necks are a little thicker than I prefer, but I live with it. Could be easy enough to put a Jazz type neck on it if I ever get the urge for that. The Bach is soooo much more comfortable to play.
The string spacing on the 5er was not good for me, way too close.
A great candidate for a fender bird..
i like those models.
Quote from: TBird1958 on December 10, 2012, 08:53:05 AM
I had the 5 string version of that.............
I didn't get on well with that bass.
I still have it. They should have called it USS TBird given neck width and weight. Gives new meaning to the word neck-heavy, right up there with a Kramer alu neck. But unsinkable at Pearl Harbour, no doubt.
Quote from: uwe on December 11, 2012, 02:49:47 PM
I still have it. They should have called it USS TBird given neck width and weight. Gives new meaning to the word neck-heavy, right up there with a Kramer alu neck. But unsinkable at Pearl Harbour, no doubt.
But then, you never let anything go, it was a very neck heavy bass - I can deal with that, the string spacing killed it for me.
My Kramer V was way worse in the neck dive arena, again I could deal, but that single bridge pup left me far less than satified :P
I finally dotted the i's on the refinned BaCHbird this week. So I put it up for sale on my Facebook page.
And within the hour it got sold to a German bass player. Don't worry, it's not Uwe.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483470_258852320909880_261724095_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/17882_258852820909830_1767975451_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522465_258853117576467_1849215043_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532453_258853257576453_1123008928_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/31608_258853387576440_1712195485_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/282805_258853504243095_66972131_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/60805_258853624243083_1646798965_n.jpg)
I think I should do another one :)
Beautiful!
That turned out nice!!
Quote from: TBird1958 on December 10, 2012, 08:53:05 AM
I had the 5 string version of that.............
I didn't get on well with that bass.
I played one for a while as well. The spacing was very tight! I can pretty much deal with any type of spacing on a 5 string but that was pushing it. Had the original case too which was huge!
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2h4m4ja.jpg)
Here is a Halloween gig pic from several years ago. I'm certain it will catch Uwe's eye!
Is there a bass in that photo? I'm all eyes for the girl in the olive drab and the boots!
Quote from: Denis on December 14, 2012, 08:16:12 PM
Is there a bass in that photo? I'm all eyes for the girl in the olive drab and the boots!
Good I'm not the only one
Quote from: Hörnisse on December 14, 2012, 06:12:17 PM
I played one for a while as well. The spacing was very tight! I can pretty much deal with any type of spacing on a 5 string but that was pushing it. Had the original case too which was huge!
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2h4m4ja.jpg)
Here is a Halloween gig pic from several years ago. I'm certain it will catch Uwe's eye!
Why should it catch my eye? Ace Frehley is overrated as a guitarist and not nearly as good as Ritchie Blackmore.
Quote from: uwe on December 15, 2012, 08:31:41 AM
Why should it catch my eye? Ace Frehley is overrated as a guitarist and not nearly as good as Ritchie Blackmore.
LOL! ;)
Well, I'm after all the ..., wait for it, let's get this together now ... Board's Resident Ritchie Blackmore Apologist, I have a job to do!!!!
the R.R.B.A is watching....
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okJ3WULP1Jk/TgNhtxTNQcI/AAAAAAAADis/qw3tzmzRGSM/s1600/BigBrother.jpg)
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but has anyone in Europe ordered/received one of these yet? My order has been on with Key Music in Belgium for a couple of months now...they're expected mid-January. No one else seems to have stock (yet).
Happy New Year too!
P
Quote from: planetgaffnet on January 01, 2013, 06:42:47 AM
Sorry to resurrect this thread, but has anyone in Europe ordered/received one of these yet? My order has been on with Key Music in Belgium for a couple of months now...they're expected mid-January. No one else seems to have stock (yet).
Happy New Year too!
P
Perhaps it would be best to do what we do for Uwe. But it here and then ship it to Europe.
Quote from: Denis on January 01, 2013, 08:45:18 AM
Perhaps it would be best to do what we do for Uwe. Buy it here and then ship it to Europe.
I guess getting one of you guys to buy it would have been an option (but as a newbie, I didn't really think it would have been the decent thing to ask), but I'd probably have been hit with import duties on top of the bass price and the shipping costs. £800 all in isn't too bad to be honest, but I still feel like a kid waiting for his birthday. The wait is driving me a little nutso :)
P
I've also ordered mine from Keymusic. I've sent them an e-mail yesterday, but no reply yet. In december I got an e-mail saying that they would be delivered somewhere around april, but their website still states the 10th of january as a delivery date.
I got an e-mail (from Key) yesterday saying end of January. I do wonder how hard it can be to get these into Europe.
P
Session Music in Frankfurt has announced to me that it will get them.
Quote from: planetgaffnet on January 09, 2013, 03:09:47 PM
I got an e-mail (from Key) yesterday saying end of January. I do wonder how hard it can be to get these into Europe.
P
Atleast you got an estimated delivery date. They just told me they honestly have no idea when they'll be in.
I did't say I had a delivery date. :mrgreen: Delivery dates with Gibson, are you mad? :mrgreen: They told me "they will be there when they are there and we'll have two or three". "Two or three" should already oversaturate the German market. Tell you what, when they are in, I'll let you know and maybe you want to get one too then. Blue or sunburst?
I meant that they gave planetgaffnet "some sort of estimate of a possible delivery date if the planets align" . I've allready payed an advance on the bass at keymusic, so I'll just have to wait.
I have an email from Session Music, I'm picking mine up tomorrow!
Quote from: uwe on January 11, 2013, 11:45:47 AM
I have an email from Session Music, I'm picking mine up tomorrow!
Cock. Really? Show me the Money! Show me the moneeeeeeeeeeeeey!
P
Quote from: uwe on January 11, 2013, 11:45:47 AM
I have an email from Session Music, I'm picking mine up tomorrow!
Sweet! Did you go for burst or Pelham Blue?
Blue Meanie! I liketh the black hardware on it, always liked black und blue as a combo (no insinuation there!!!!).
And if I may add some more heresy since we're at it: I like the black headstock and that it is smaller. Soundwise, it's raunchier and a bit more scooped than a Rev sibling would be. Outside of the Non-Rev nerds of this forum I can't see much of a market for it, but a fine bass it is. At a good price.
I'll compare it to that Czech imposter tomorrow.
Just checked the Key Music site. Pelham Blue models in stock now. Can't be long for my VS can it?
P
Played the Czech imposter, a Gibson 1967 original and the RI at a rehearsal, observations:
- ergonomically, the RI balances best, the Czech worst, eat your heart out purists, but the smaller headstock and tuners on the RI make sense coupled with its fatter body (67: 1 1/4" at upper horn, RI close to 1 1/2"),
- the Czech has the scoopiest sound, the RI the fullest sound, the 67 is somewhere in between,
- the 67 has that overdrive sheen to it, the Czech the pronounced high mids and the RI the most prominent low mids and the most focus of the bass frequencies which are stronger than on the other two without being all over (if the Czech or the 67 offered the same amount of bass as the RI than they would be all over it is my guess).
- RI has fattest neck, but still most comfortable one (to me). 67 feels wider though it isn't (both are 2 1/8" at the 11th fret).
All three basses sound fine, the RI just feels more substantial and better balanced. The sounds differ, but are within one family. If you dial the neck pup of the RI back a little with the bridge pup full throttle, it approximates the sound of the 67 albeit still a bit darker and fuller/less scooped.
Which BaCH are you comparing with the '67 and the RI, a TH-2?
Quote from: planetgaffnet on January 20, 2013, 06:04:16 AM
Just checked the Key Music site. Pelham Blue models in stock now. Can't be long for my VS can it?
P
Shouldn't be too long now. I'm picking up my Pelham Blue one later today after work from Key.
I played the NR at practice last night and our guitar player loved it. He asked if I changed the pickups and I said yes. He noticed after one song it sounded different and complimented it. So, it looks like the NR will see regular playing time, if my shoulder holds out! The longer reach can be a problem when you have arthritis! :P
With the arrival of My New Gibson NR and my Cataldo NR so close together I am afraid my Gibson has barley seen the light of day. ;D
Quote from: Denis on January 21, 2013, 06:51:29 PM
Which BaCH are you comparing with the '67 and the RI, a TH-2?
One of the earliest single pup ones, but I of course dialed down the bridge pup on the other two when comparing them to the sound of the B&CH.
Quote from: godofthunder on January 22, 2013, 06:28:33 AM
With the arrival of My New Gibson NR and my Cataldo NR so close together I am afraid my Gibson has barley seen the light of day. ;D
Next Monday, it will probably get a test run with a set of......... :rimshot: ....Orville TB pups!!! 8)
You TB Plus heathens, infidels, pagans, agnostics and atheists!!!
Did I miss anyone? You'll all burn in ceramic magnet hell.
Ok...Time to start talking about Hitler....LOL!!!
Dave,,,what was that theory again...about how every internet topic eventually leads to talk about Adolf???
Godwin's Law!
I need the "Love that dare not speak it's name" ;D
I'll raise you a Hellcat...
Quote from: TBird1958 on January 22, 2013, 01:52:15 PM
I need the "Love that dare not speak it's name" ;D
Will anyone's daughter suffice?
or anyone's son?
[wquote author=HERBIE link=topic=7193.msg124569#msg124569 date=1358893881]
I'll raise you a Hellcat...
[/quote] Only here would that makes sense.
Quote from: nofi on January 22, 2013, 05:10:12 PM
or anyone's son?
;D
Consenting adults................. ;)
Let's try this again. Maybe Uwe will jump in.
The love that shall not be named and "Anyone's Daughter". I thought someone would connect the dots...
I've finally picked up my "Bluebird"
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/Demonturtle/bluebird.jpg)
Ah, she's a beauty!
Very nice! Funny how different the blue ones look depending on the light.
Quote from: gweimer on January 22, 2013, 06:37:14 PM
Let's try this again. Maybe Uwe will jump in.
The love that shall not be named and "Anyone's Daughter". I thought someone would connect the dots...
Ritchie Blackmore!!! The song is his tribute to Albert Lee btw, he rated Lee very much.
Quote from: Denis on January 23, 2013, 06:42:52 AM
Very nice! Funny how different the blue ones look depending on the light.
Plus the fact that it's been through "hipstergram" on my phone.
Quote from: uwe on January 23, 2013, 09:52:33 AM
Ritchie Blackmore!!! The song is his tribute to Albert Lee btw, he rated Lee very much.
No idea what the reference meant, but Ritchie Blackmore can't be all bad if he likes Albert Lee.
There, I said it.
Quote from: Denis on January 23, 2013, 06:42:52 AM
Very nice! Funny how different the blue ones look depending on the light.
.....must......resist......
house of blue light?
Richie who?
Quote from: Ampig on January 23, 2013, 01:08:03 AM
I've finally picked up my "Bluebird"
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/Demonturtle/bluebird.jpg)
This is beautiful!
That picture really makes the blue look nice!
Heads up if anyone is looking - AMS has a returned/scratch n dent blue NR for $899
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GIB-BANT-LIST
Quote from: TBird1958 on January 23, 2013, 12:57:20 PM
This is beautiful!
Mine is making it's way across the country now. Set to arrive on Monday! Zzounds.com had a scratch and dent when I ordered mine as well. But they're also offering a 12 payment plan with no interest on a number of Gibson basses including the NRs and the gold top LPs.
Quote from: stiles72 on January 23, 2013, 01:08:27 PM
That picture really makes the blue look nice!
Heads up if anyone is looking - AMS has a returned/scratch n dent blue NR for $899
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GIB-BANT-LIST
Quote from: saltymonkey on January 23, 2013, 01:08:40 PM
Mine is making it's way across the country now. Set to arrive on Monday! Zzounds.com had a scratch and dent when I ordered mine as well. But they're also offering a 12 payment plan with no interest on a number of Gibson basses including the NRs and the gold top LPs.
The reason AMS and Zzounds both have a scratch and dent is because it's the same bass. Same Day Music , AMS and Zzounds are three different companies sharing the same inventory and warehouse.
I've always bought from AMS because they offer an extra year's warranty on most items, although I've never had to use it.
The 12 payment option is nice, but it's not exactly zero interest. True, AMS doesn't charge you any interest, but they bill whatever credit card you use in 12 installments, and your credit card does charge interest. So unless you pay at least your minimum credit card payment due plus the billed amount in full every month, you'll be paying interest.
Quote from: Dave W on January 23, 2013, 02:29:27 PM
The reason AMS and Zzounds both have a scratch and dent is because it's the same bass. Same Day Music , AMS and Zzounds are three different companies sharing the same inventory and warehouse.
I've always bought from AMS because they offer an extra year's warranty on most items, although I've never had to use it.
The 12 payment option is nice, but it's not exactly zero interest. True, AMS doesn't charge you any interest, but they bill whatever credit card you use in 12 installments, and your credit card does charge interest. So unless you pay at least your minimum credit card payment due plus the billed amount in full every month, you'll be paying interest.
Thanks Dave. I did not know that. And about the CC interest well of course if you don't pay the full amount every month. But the payments are $99 and change, totally affordable for me. I didn't have $1200 to buy a new NR this month but mine is showing up on Monday. Pelham Blue please and thank you!
Arrived a couple of days early! It's really nice, plays and sounds fantastic. The factory set up is even good.
(http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn3/saltymonkey/_DSF0686_zpsd6142d43.jpg)
Europe update. Key Music advise that Gibson Europe are quoting production difficulties in the US and are giving February 25th as the delivery date for the VS and (hold your breath) June '13 for the Pelham Blue.
Ho hum.
P
If you like I can get one for you.
I appreciate the offer, I really do, but the import duty and other add-ons are enough to make me hold on for another month. Luckily my band have just hired a new singer, so there's no real urgency in that respect. Thanks anyhow.
Best
P
Quote from: planetgaffnet on January 26, 2013, 03:23:18 AM
Europe update. Key Music advise that Gibson Europe are quoting production difficulties in the US and are giving February 25th as the delivery date for the VS and (hold your breath) June '13 for the Pelham Blue.
Ho hum.
P
And yet I allready have mine from Key.
The GC NAMM video shows off an NR. Not a lot of real info, but nice to see some basses...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUEf_ie0dvQ
If he says "check this out" one more time, I'm gonna reach through the interwebs and smack him!
No mention of the G-3 so maybe it's already unavailable.
And he seems to think the volute is "really really cool" ;)
Quote from: stiles72 on January 27, 2013, 11:51:02 PM
And he seems to think the volute is "really really cool" ;)
He acts like the volutes are sexy pants bulges...
I like the guy. I also like volutes, Warwick does them too, so they are German engineering approved! . And he taught me that the syllable stress on volute is on the "lute" and not on the "vol"; you Anglo-Americans and the weird emphasis on your syllables, there never seems to be a rule!
there are rules but no one pays attention to them. :rolleyes:
Always liked the pronounciation of A-rabs (Ay-rabs) in Tom Sawyer! :mrgreen: It drove our English teacher mad when we started pronouncing it that way all the time. Problem is that I inadvertently sometimes still use it today. :mrgreen:
So if there are rules, why is volute not pronounced like tribute, but rather like dilute? Explain the differentiation to me, I'm eager to learn that most confounding secret of the English language.
We put the accent on "lute" not "vol".
Quote from: stiles72 on January 27, 2013, 05:20:09 PM
The GC NAMM video shows off an NR. Not a lot of real info, but nice to see some basses...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUEf_ie0dvQ
Did anybody notice how he says about the SG Standard bass:
"We've got it in long scale, we've got in short scale ..."? ??? At 2:40. Is that just a gaffe or is he maybe referring to the Epi EB-3 or is there something out there we don't yet know of?
Quote from: uwe on January 28, 2013, 11:38:19 AM
Did anybody notice how he says about the SG Standard bass: "We've got it in long scale, we've got in short scale ..."? ??? At 2:40. Is that just a gaffe or is he maybe referring to the Epi EB-3 or is there something out there we don't yet know of?
I noticed that too but I think he's just referring to their bass line in general not the SG in particular.
Quote from: uwe on January 28, 2013, 07:33:12 AM
So if there are rules, why is volute not pronounced like tribute, but rather like dilute? Explain the differentiation to me, I'm eager to learn that most confounding secret of the English language.
Rules are meant to be broken. The rules say tribute should be pronounced like dilute. I don't know why we pronounce tri-bunal and trib-ute the way we do.
Quote from: nofi on January 28, 2013, 07:19:29 AM
there are rules but no one pays attention to them. :rolleyes:
I be's resemblin' that RE-mark!
Quote from: the mojo hobo on January 29, 2013, 05:17:49 AM
Rules are meant to be broken. The rules say tribute should be pronounced like dilute. I don't know why we pronounce tri-bunal and trib-ute the way we do.
Some people in Minnesota pronounce "Duluth" as "Dilute".
The farmer was tending his plough,
when he suddenly swallowed some dough.
He started to cough
and then to hiccough,
which left him feeling quite rough!
-----
I wonder what would help my cough?
A cup of coughey should.
At least it wouldn't bump me ough,
and it might do me gould
Quote from: Denis on January 29, 2013, 06:58:46 AM
Some people in Minnesota pronounce "Duluth" as "Dilute".
old Uno and Toivo joke:
Hey Uno, does this bus go to Dulut'?
No Toivo, she goes beep beep like all the others.
May I take from this discussion that you are unable/unwilling to help me with any stressing-the-right-syllable advice? :mrgreen:
Never mind, there are still enough people in Germany that say Tshibson rather than Gibson. And I-an Tshillan of Deep Purple of course. Speaking of him, he pronounces Duluth nicely here at 3:06, probably world's only fusion (health warning to Dave!) song that name-checks Duluth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQR9BY2nVyY
Saw that live... ;D
How I envy you.
Quote from: uwe on January 29, 2013, 06:41:17 PM
How I envy you.
I opened a show for Gillan. Got to speak to him briefly, too. 8)
I had a pint with him in St Albans (well, he was a few tables over with the rest of the band before the gig - Randy California was the support act that night) and sold a set of Marquee pics (still not scanned them) to John McCoy via management - had to drop them into Kingsway - biggest surprise for me that evening was seeing IG's gold disc for JCST on the wall - never even knew he'd got one for it... the manager I saw told me Lloyd Webber wanted him to do the stage show...
Uwe... I just got lucky - right place right time - in the space of a few months I saw him five times at the Marquee with 4 different lineups - IGB, Gillan with Byrd, Gillan with Byrd AND that other guitarist, and Gillan with Torme... I'm disgusted with myself for missing PAL though...
... and then theres the lot over the other side of the pond, seeing the likes of GFR and Foghat, and Mark for seeing the original Alice Cooper Band - oh so envyous... I am a monster Duane Allman fan, not to mention Berry Oakley, so imagine me listening to someone telling me about seeing them at the Fillmore, and SRV and Tommy Shannon telling me how much they rated ABB after they saw them play...
Everyone of us has seen some band that someone else on this forum would love to have seen... I missed seeing Free but saw Bad Co; I gave away a ticket for the first Blizzard of Oz tour as I was playing; Sabbs cancelled a gig with VH as support so never got to see them...
How can I call myself a Quo fan living in the UK and never seeing them in their heyday...
You have an instrument collection that is the envy of any Gibson bass player anywhere in the world, Sir... fact... ;)
I'm seeing the original Quo-oho-ho-ho at Wembley Arena on March 17!!!!!!
Will Francis recognize me from 1976 in Wiesbaden? ??? ??? ???
I saw Randy with Ozzy. I was unimpressed. It must have been due to his youth and relative inexperience but compared to then already old hands like Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody (Ozzy opened for Whitesnake), he was outright sloppy. As was John Sykes when I saw him with Lizzy and Whitesnake. Should have worked more on his timing and less on his hair.
Quote from: uwe on January 31, 2013, 06:48:35 AM
I'm seeing the original Quo-oho-ho-ho at Wembley Arena on March 17!!!!!!
Will Francis recognize me from 1976 in Wiesbaden? ??? ??? ???
Uwe
I remember seeing Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley being interviewed on MTV Europe years ago and this German lady phoned in. It became apparent she
may have had few minutes/seconds of horizontal integration with one of them (probably Mr Simmons) and he clearly had no recollection of her. It was a joy to see them squirming in their middle-aged leather pants. Francis? I'd reckon not.
Where are you staying? I'm happy to offer up my spare room for a night.
P
That is true. How depressing. He didn't even lay me down and roll me over so I could let him in back then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxRZSMn3kKU
I have managed to drag Edith along even though she is of the firm view that Status Quo have only written one song in their life which they play all the time. We have a nice hotel and will actually stay over the weekend in London. Thanks for the offer!
Uwe
a lot of people think like your wife.
Pah, heathens! Again, again, again, again ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCAoP3HrVKU
Mines finally on its way. Huzzah!
P
OK, here's mine. I've done a few things. Put on a Hipshot Supertone, switched the tone control and output jack, installed some Dunlop Straploks, new boots and a set up.
Rehearsed with it last night. Tonally somewhat different to my other TBs...muddier and less aggressive; will tweak as the weeks go by. Pickups need some foam under them. All good.
P
(http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/16361_10200598793594229_984569369_n.jpg)
Check out the TRC on this NR on Sweetwater's site... looks like someone grabbed it from the lefty bucket:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BANTPBCH/
(http://www.sweetwater.com/images/guitars/BANTPBCH/128720458/128720458-detail3-large.jpg)
(http://www.sweetwater.com/images/guitars/BANTPBCH/128720458/128720458-front-large.jpg)
^ ^ ^
Gibson kwality control at its best.
It's a Reverse trussrod cover...
¿????s????? ??s no? p?p
Bugger, it didn't work...
Keep it, that's a lovable cock-up. Makes it a rarie. And you have less issues deciphering the TRC while playing the thing!!!
So if I may ask, how much do these actually cost? Is the $1200 or so I see when I look online right, or is that the "list price" that nobody ever seems to pay? I've never actually bought a BRAND-NEW bass , especially one this expensive so I don't know how this works. Like, by the time I save that much $ up will anybody have these for sale anymore, and will they go up in value as they get older(do the vintage ones really cost 2-3X a new one) or is waiting a legitimate strategy? I suppose I could find one I could afford in a couple years but that's gonna be one broken in 3 pieces...
I think mine was $1195. Given that Gibson made 400 of them I'm pretty sure you'll never lose money on one. And yeah, a vintage NR really does cost 2-3x this price! Unless you're REALLY lucky.
It's decently priced. Not too many years ago Gibson would have priced it higher. I'm not sure though whether there is a market for 400 Non Rev buyers so there is a chance that a few of them might crop up on Ebay in, say, half a year at lower than a thousand bucks.
Quote from: Denis on March 21, 2013, 03:30:36 PM
I think mine was $1195. Given that Gibson made 400 of them I'm pretty sure you'll never lose money on one. And yeah, a vintage NR really does cost 2-3x this price! Unless you're REALLY lucky.
Mine's gonna be here by Tuesday, and CDN was $1099.
Quote from: uwe on March 21, 2013, 04:03:43 PM
It's decently priced. Not too many years ago Gibson would have priced it higher. I'm not sure though whether there is a market for 400 Non Rev buyers so there is a chance that a few of them might crop up on Ebay in, say, half a year at lower than a thousand bucks.
In fact it has already happened. Maybe twice.
There are two on eBay right now. Still, I'm glad I got mine when I did, especially since I think it was one of the first couple bursts to make it out!
I actually regret getting my blue one even though it was one of the first NRs to make it out. I only played it twice. The first time was great. The second time was a 4 hour gig and it gave me shoulder pain even using a wide strap. On the other hand I hadn't played my Bach since before I got the Gibson NR until last night and it sounded awesome and felt good too.
There's no mistaking that it's a big bass! 4 hours is a long time to stand watching a show as well!
I think mine is on the heavy side.
And I have become used to using a Carvin that is a feather-weight.
I'm really looking forward to mine when it's in. Bass weight doesn't usually bother me much, but I'm not playing in a multi-set band either.
I'm pretty sure it will sound great.
If not, I'm to blame, I recommended it. :-X
Quote from: uwe on July 23, 2013, 05:22:10 AM
If not, I'm to blame, I recommended it. :-X
I know I won't be disappointed!
I'm just debating on adding one of those Edge Gibson straps I saw...but $150 is a lotta dough for a strap. But dang is it nice..
It's not Victory-style heavy! That bassy substance (more than both an original or a B&CH would have) has to come from somewhere.
Too heavy basses --- tsk, tsk, tsk ... are people in this forum getting old or what? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Quote from: uwe on July 23, 2013, 08:38:00 AM
It's not Victory-style heavy! That bassy substance (more than both an original or a B&CH would have) has to come from somewhere.
Too heavy basses --- tsk, tsk, tsk ... are people in this forum getting old or what? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I'm not old, I'm chronologically gifted. :P
Balance is more important to me than weight. If it's heavy but well balanced, that's usually okay with me. Better that than a neck diving lightweight.
To me, no Non Rev will ever sit as good as a Rev, but it is not an uncomfortable bass. My B&CH though would have been drafted as a Czech national into a Stuka squadron no doubt. The body is just too light. Almost as bad as an Epiphone Embassy.
Just picked it up, and back at the office. And no, my office is not like one of our fellow Gibson players/collectors! :)
Only had a 10 minute test drive at the store:
1) Vintage burst simply looks great! I already forgot I sold a 4003 for it.
2) Neck feels a bit meatier all around compared to my 2002 'bird, but not by much (at least by feel).
3) While I'll still be 95% pick playing, this is much more finger-style friendly than '02 bird
4) Sound...tough for me to describe right now since it was a small amp....but it is a pleasant surprise (again, what 4003??)! It's similar to the bird, but different. I'll have a real idea when I rehearse on Thursday. Bridge pickup only dials in a nice jazzy tone. Seems tighter like the Money bass I had.
5) Weight is a non-issue, doesn't really feel any heavier than the 02 rev.
6) Having clear access up to 19 frets is unusual.....as I do like to visit there..
Thanks again for the recommendation, Uwe. It was a last-minute thought when I messaged you when I added that to the list :)
We aim to serve.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AL3lxZC9BXs/UQMnB0zt_sI/AAAAAAAAF00/j_3ezYwrLwI/s320/pinhead-1024-768.jpg)
In a band situation, it should offer considerably more ooomph than any Rev. A Rev is sweeter in the high register, but for pushing a band forward, look no further than this beast ...
Quote from: Blackbird on July 23, 2013, 02:11:45 PM
4) Sound...tough for me to describe right now since it was a small amp....but it is a pleasant surprise (again, what 4003??)! It's similar to the bird, but different. I'll have a real idea when I rehearse on Thursday. Bridge pickup only dials in a nice jazzy tone. Seems tighter like the Money bass I had.
Hmmm. Mine was just mud. It's well documented elsewhere. Took it to my tech and he replaced all the guts with decent pots. The Gibson pots were just sucking all the life out of it. Tonally (now), it's Thunderbirdish, but phatter, probably due to the body mass. I like it a lot (now), but it's never going to be my go-to bass.
P
Quote from: planetgaffnet on July 24, 2013, 01:08:49 AM
Hmmm. Mine was just mud. It's well documented elsewhere. Took it to my tech and he replaced all the guts with decent pots. The Gibson pots were just sucking all the life out of it. Tonally (now), it's Thunderbirdish, but phatter, probably due to the body mass. I like it a lot (now), but it's never going to be my go-to bass.
P
That's really interesting. I'd say that it seems more focused overall, but tomorrow's the bigger test.
Glad you like it so far!
Quote from: uwe on July 23, 2013, 11:41:12 AM
To me, no Non Rev will ever sit as good as a Rev, but it is not an uncomfortable bass. My B&CH though would have been drafted as a Czech national into a Stuka squadron no doubt. The body is just too light. Almost as bad as an Epiphone Embassy.
Blasphemer! :vader:
E....
m.....
b....
a.....
s.....
s......
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
y!!!!!!!!!!!
They should have called it "Epiphone Gravity"!
Quote from: uwe on July 24, 2013, 09:17:37 AM
E....
m.....
b....
a.....
s.....
s......
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
y!!!!!!!!!!!
They should have called it "Epiphone Gravity"!
LOL! Ain't you got some lawyerin' to do?
btw - my Embassy hangs reasonably well with the S Strap. I didn't have a Crown Royal bag of nickels handy. :mrgreen:
Quote from: Blackbird on July 24, 2013, 06:23:27 AM
That's really interesting. I'd say that it seems more focused overall, but tomorrow's the bigger test.
I dropped all my other basses when it arrived (new bass syndrome) and just tweaked my amp to deliver a close facsimile of my desired/usual Geddy Lee/Jean-Jacques Burnel mashup tone. I found that I was adjusting the set up constantly, trying to eke out more tone, but in truth all I was getting was mud.
I took the bass to my regular tech; he desoldered/isolated everything, tested the pickups (fine/hot), but all three pots were measuring in the low 200K levels. My tech said he would have expected the pots to be 500K units (I've since found out Gibson put 300Ks in), so he theorised the pots were sucking the tone out of the bass. He replaced the pots (to 500K units), put in a new cap and bingo! Sorted.
P
Hmm, if you still have the old pots could you post the numbers? I'm curious to see if mine has the same ones.
Denis
I mailed them to Neephid for his Ripper renovation - he was happy to take them, otherwise they would have gone in the bin. Shoot him a PM.
P
Will do, thanks!
Well....non-rev won'em over. But a couple liked the 4003 look better.
Quote from: Blackbird on July 26, 2013, 08:07:32 AM
Well....non-rev won'em over. But a couple liked the 4003 look better.
For the look of the 4003 I'll sell 'em my '76 4001 for 4 grand.
Even the idoltry prevalent in this forum hasn't made me blind to the fact that a Non Rev is one ugly duckling of a bass. Always has been, always will be. But nature inevitably compensates and it has redeeming qualities.
gotta disagree here...I like the look. I would love to have one of the modern ones.
Very true Uwe, I fell in love with the bass for the sound and the feel not it's looks. The NR has become part of my playing style and image over the years, I dare say it suites me.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/JOHNNYSMOKEBuffaloNYwaterfront8-19-13057.jpg)
Quote from: uwe on July 28, 2013, 08:14:41 AM
Even the idoltry prevalent in this forum hasn't made me blind to the fact that a Non Rev is one ugly duckling of a bass. Always has been, always will be. But nature inevitably compensates and it has redeeming qualities.
It just looks ... quaint. Everybody owning one should get a medal for the "obviously not concerned about looks "-person he/she is. It does have a coolness factor to it though.
Different strokes, I guess. THe NR was the first guitar I ever really wanted (a neighbor had one when I was growing up) and I think it's pretty much the coolest looking guitar out there.
I think they look great. To me, ugly basses are often those boutiquey-looking things with the super long upper horn. All real ugly ducklings in my opinion.
Quote from: godofthunder on July 28, 2013, 08:44:28 AM
Very true Uwe, I fell in love with the bass for the sound and the feel not it's looks. The NR has become part of my playing style and image over the years, I dare say it suites me.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v102/godofthunder59/JOHNNYSMOKEBuffaloNYwaterfront8-19-13057.jpg)
If ever there was a bass made for one person!
Scott, you and an NR = 1
I love the look of them, but Reverses are just better on me.
Quote from: uwe on July 28, 2013, 08:49:58 AM
It just looks ... quaint. Everybody owning one should get a medal for the "obviously not concerned about looks "-person he/she is. It does have a coolness factor to it though.
You say that likes it's a bad thing. 8)
I will admit that the Rev is the much sexier of the two, but the NR does have a certain charm.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b170/gweimer/Gary_TBird1.jpg)
I find them very visually appealing, I suspect they grew on me years ago, but I love it.
And I really like the black hardware/pickups over chrome on the burst.
I used to find NR's ugly. They have grown on me quite a bit over the years and I now have 3 (2 Epi and 1 Bach). I still prefer the reverse model tho.
I never found them ugly or quaint, just different. They don't have the pizazz of the Rev birds, that's true, but they have their own thing going.
Let's agree on that they have a cult following.
Quote from: uwe on July 29, 2013, 11:01:56 AM
Let's agree on that they have a cult following.
True.
For as few NRs as Gibson made they had a pretty good record of being used by well known bass players.
Can't put mine down. If I had the cash I'd grab a blue one.
My burst has the two volume and tone all in a row...with the jack on the bottom. Most I see don't have it configured that way. It's like this:
(http://blog-imgs-32.fc2.com/f/e/n/fender1961/b91f_1.jpg)
Here's Kyle Brock playing one just before getting tear gassed off the stage,
Links,
http://www.ericjohnson.com/electromagnets/html/art.html
http://www.ericjohnson.com/electromagnets/html/gas.html
Quote from: uwe on July 29, 2013, 11:01:56 AM
Let's agree on that they have a cult following.
That's true of most Gibson basses.
Quote from: Blackbird on July 29, 2013, 12:52:40 PM
Can't put mine down. If I had the cash I'd grab a blue one.
My burst has the two volume and tone all in a row...with the jack on the bottom. Most I see don't have it configured that way. It's like this:
(http://blog-imgs-32.fc2.com/f/e/n/fender1961/b91f_1.jpg)
Nice! I think most, if not all, original NRs had the pots all in a row like yours. Some of the BaCHs came this way, some didn't. So far, all the new NRs I've seen have one pot at the bottom where your jack is located in the photo. I agree they look better all lined up!
Finally got round to making some new pics of the Pelham Blue BaCHbird.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1097940_371752676286510_982709520_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1094801_371752642953180_366691751_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/533704_371752629619848_1093434405_n.jpg)
Czech it out!!!!
Wow Rob!
It's really pretty.......Makes me want one all over again :)
Beautiful!
Quote from: Basvarken on August 04, 2013, 11:00:48 AM
Finally got round to making some new pics of the Pelham Blue BaCHbird.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1097940_371752676286510_982709520_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1094801_371752642953180_366691751_n.jpg)
(https://sphotos-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/533704_371752629619848_1093434405_n.jpg)
I really like that...
Pretty. Out of curiosity, does anyone make replacement guards (with the TB logo on them) for NRs? I know everyone will say let the elements take their course, but the slab of white on my VS is overbright...sunglasses bright...I'd love a more creamy one.
P
Yes, Scott (GOT) makes them.
And I have a guy in The Netherlands who makes them for me.
Quote from: Basvarken on August 05, 2013, 01:33:09 AM
Yes, Scott (GOT) makes them.
And I have a guy in The Netherlands who makes them for me.
What sort of price? Will it fit the new NR? I'd prefer something creamier.
P
I am selling the pickguard for 80 euro. Plus some shipping. Depends where you live.
It is a copy after a tracing of an original pickguard from the sixties. If Gibson did not change the body shape and size it will fit.
Sweet simple setup for this fella..
(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o108/thunderbird33/SR5/172905c7-c7ef-4386-8817-a50b0159c962_zps3257d8e2.jpg) (http://s118.photobucket.com/user/thunderbird33/media/SR5/172905c7-c7ef-4386-8817-a50b0159c962_zps3257d8e2.jpg.html)
I do make NR pgs but only 60's pattern the new pgs are quite different.
Quote from: planetgaffnet on August 05, 2013, 12:35:53 AM
Pretty. Out of curiosity, does anyone make replacement guards (with the TB logo on them) for NRs? I know everyone will say let the elements take their course, but the slab of white on my VS is overbright...sunglasses bright...I'd love a more creamy one.
P