2015 Updated Thunderbird

[patman]

I've always wanted a T-Bird, since about 1977.

Guess I just have to let it go.

[lowend1]

But hasn't a well-known Des Moines-based TBird collector of fine repute always preached to us that a variety of approaches, even those that do not dare speak their name immediately, is the spice of life? And there really isn't a typical TBird sound, some people create a piano ring tone with it, others are much warmer and darker.

I'm actually quite interested how that new TB is gonna sound (judging from how those pups sound on the EB basses and the G-3 Tribute, I don't think that a TBird sound will no longer be recognizable). I'm thinking of (re-)enlisting the help of a certain Des Moineser to obtain a specimen and have it undergo his/her usual strict testing regime so (s)he can report his/her fondlings/findings here? We need einen Experten. Or eine Expertin.

Des Moines???

[TBird1958]

Des Moines???

Billy, I live in Des Moines, a small suburb south of Seattle, just up the hill a little from Puget Sound. It was first settled by people migrating west from Iowa.

[lowend1]

Somehow, you didn't seem like an Iowa kinda guy.

[Highlander]

I was in Birmingham earlier in the week, and I aint talkin' 'bout Alabama...

I believe there's several London's over in the USofA too...

And as for standin' on a corner in Winslow er... Buckinghamshire...?

People got lonely and homesick and took what they knew with them everywhere...

[TBird1958]

Somehow, you didn't seem like an Iowa kinda guy.

I'm only kinda normal on the outside 

I doubt I could stand doing more than just passing through Des Moines IA, I need mountains and water nearby to feel right.

[Dave W]

I'm only kinda normal on the outside 

I doubt I could stand doing more than just passing through Des Moines IA, I need mountains and water nearby to feel right.

How about a freeway overpass and a stock pond? 

[uwe]

Billy, I live in Des Moines, a small suburb south of Seattle, just up the hill a little from Puget Sound. It was first settled by people migrating west from Iowa.

Ah, I didn't know about the migration thing.

[TBird1958]

Too bad it was dark when you arrived Uwe, we could have spent a half hour in the back yard counting commercial aircraft as they pass overhead, simple I.D. plus tire manufacturer are both possible 

My little paradise!

[the mojo hobo]

Interesting note: the Babicz bridge on the new T-Bird is a three point mount and a direct replacement for earlier 3 point bridges. Not on sale yet, but...http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-3-point-four-string-bass-bridge-gibson-style.htm

And Sweetwater's description says:

"New chrome 3-point full-contact adjustable bridge and Grover Shamrock tuners for tuning stability".

Gibson claims it's "black chrome".

[uwe]

I was wondering about that from the pics of the new TB, but wasn't sure, this now reveals it. They obviously did not want to leave that part of the business to Hipshot alone (to whose product I see some similarities, but they are pobably due to the necessity of the three point mount).

Oh woe, Holy Immaculate Three Point, thy foes were many, however unjust their cause, but I (and Mark!) never wavered in our faith, we solemnly vow to uphold your memory in the wretched hardware darkness that has now befallen us ...

[TBird1958]

Oh woe, Holy Immaculate Three Point, thy foes were many, however unjust their cause, but I (and Mark!) never wavered in our faith, we solemnly vow to uphold your memory in the wretched hardware darkness that has now befallen us ...

  I LOVE MY 3 POINTS! 

[FrankieTbird]

Interesting note: the Babicz bridge on the new T-Bird is a three point mount and a direct replacement for earlier 3 point bridges. Not on sale yet, but...http://www.fullcontacthardware.com/fch-3-point-four-string-bass-bridge-gibson-style.htm

I think that will be the best option for those that want to replace their "3-leg-O-Matic" bridges, but I'm sure it won't be cheap.  If I was redesigning that bridge, I would have moved the string anchor point further away from the saddles, but I guess they didn't see that as an issue.   
     

[Blackbird]

My 2002 bird's has the 3 point and it's just fine...she's setup pretty low and fast..

[uwe]

  I LOVE MY 3 POINTS! 

Yes, all good things come with three holes.