Bill Walance's restored 1966 Gibson Nonreverse Thunderbird II

godofthunder · April 11, 2022, 09:12:59 AM

It's been almost 6 years since Bill passed, its hard to believe. I have been helping his window disperse his collection. I have mixed feelings owning this bass but I am glad it's with me. Sorry I still can't post photos, I'll do a more comprehensive video later.

BTL · April 11, 2022, 09:31:19 AM

As I mentioned on Facebook, it brings me great joy to know you have that bass. This restoration thread posted on the Reranch forum is what got me interested in the NR shape at the outset.

Pilgrim · April 11, 2022, 09:44:06 AM

I can't think of a better person to have and love that bass. Nicely done.

morrow · April 11, 2022, 10:05:23 AM

You will think of him every time you play that bass .
It will have a good home .

Basvarken · April 11, 2022, 10:13:22 AM

That's awesome Scott.
This bass couldn't have found a better place to stay.

BTL · April 11, 2022, 10:50:03 AM

I went looking for Bill's restoration thread at the Reranch forum, but I believe it was lost in one of the crashes. The closest thing I could find was this:

https://www.reranch.com/reranch/viewtopic.php?t=43737&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

It would be pretty special if we could find or recreate the process of this bass's restoration with Bill's own words and photos.

Dave W · April 11, 2022, 11:10:39 AM

Here you go, Scott.

godofthunder · April 11, 2022, 01:22:10 PM

Bill and I badgering the Gibson rep at the House of Guitars, must be around 2011, we were ceaseless and merciless in our demanding a new Nonreverse from Gibson. Thanks for posting this Dave.

uwe · April 11, 2022, 02:05:54 PM

It has stayed in the larger family, that's a good thing, Scott.

And it's a NonRev, so no DCINN ("deepening the cutaway interventions of notorious nature") need be feared. That bass is safe.

BTL · April 11, 2022, 02:09:01 PM

These are the only two photos I could find at Reranch, plus his avatar:

Rob · April 11, 2022, 06:29:31 PM

Thanks Brad!

OldManC · April 11, 2022, 10:37:59 PM

I think it went to the exact right person. RIP Bill.

godofthunder · April 12, 2022, 04:30:11 AM

Quote from: BeeTL on April 11, 2022, 02:09:01 PM
These are the only two photos I could find at Reranch, plus his avatar:

Thanjs for digging those up Brad!

BTL · April 12, 2022, 08:08:03 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on April 12, 2022, 04:30:11 AMThanjs for digging those up Brad!

My pleasure...I'm bummed there was not more to be found.

shadowcastaz · April 13, 2022, 04:41:11 PM

I met Bill when we were both bidding on that bass on evilbay. He turned out to be one of the nicest people Ive met on line.A very talented gentleman