White Cloud

There are basses and then there are Smith basses. Gorgeous ... and from what was the best era IMO. Congrats!

As has been said already Fender basses in all of their guises are good, bad, indifferent ... or all and none of the aforementioned! The best thing for me about them is that (unlike many other brands designs) they are quite 'industrial' in that they are designed to be infinitely easy to adjust and maintain. If the truss rod works properly then in theory you can make what initially feels like 'a bad un' feel like a pretty 'good un' ...

Wow!

I'm really sad to hear this news!

Wow. Epic truss rod fail. Be prepared ...Fender may well compound this situation by replacing it!

Apologies for being "that guy" but personally this just doesn't work for me aesthetically at all. That's just my tuppence worth though. I'll bet however that it is extremely functional. All the very best with it!

That looks great!

This is a tragic story and evokes strong memories for me from the 1980's when my brand new Jaydee Supernatural bass rapidly developed a back bow of equal but opposite proportions. It was terminal. I also had a problem like the OP with my Lakland Skyline a few years ago - they shipped me a new neck immediately and paid for a luthier to fit it out and set it up. Great service! The truss rod is THE most important component of any guitar in my experience. I find it incredible that many people buy used instruments without even inquiring as to it's functionality. Broken truss rod = goosed guitar! Funnily enough I also currently own a Fender Flea 61 ... I love that bass.

Nobody gives good reason to avoid Ricks quit like Dave lol.

Big love for Jack Bruce... the man!

My Shuker 5 string is a shade over 8lbs - it has helped my back greatly. I have also just purchased a Fender Flea roadworn jazz and that is in the same weight region (that's apparently light for one of those bad boys). It all makes for a pain free playing experience.

Very wise strategy ... the T Birds are on the left field side of niche. You're going to love it or hate it.

IMO you are quite correct to tread carefully. I adore the aesthetics of the Thunderbird - and they sound just great - but as much as I tried (and try I surely did) I simply just could not get on with them for the reasons outlined elsewhere on this thread (size/unwieldy etc.) Also, a word to the wise, avoid models with the 3 point bridge like the plague if at all possible; it is the single WORST piece of bass guitar hardware EVER conceived! If you really need to scratch the T Bird itch then my advice is opt for the neck thru Epi with Gibson pickups.

I have a bit of a soft spot for them and owned two 4001's during the Eighties. I found them to be one trick ponies ... but it was a good trick (fresh Rotosounds, a touch of overdrive and YEAH BABY!) I recall one occasion whereupon a really talented Fender player looked my Ric up and down and sneered, "Why don't you get a real bass!" I actually never quite understood what he meant at the time ... but now understand. They are not exactly user friendly to set up nor necessarily easy to use. I am also nonplussed as to the sky high pricing. Just my two bobs worth.

Look no further than Jon Shuker - right up his street. For a wildcard option though have a look at Doug Wilkes - daft as a brush but what a luthier he is!!!

Imperious attention to detail, fit finish ... and Jon will invest as much time as you need in advising you (face to face or vicariously) how to achieve the sound that you have in your head. Brilliant builder, a gentleman and in my opinion he undercharges. Give him a call.

Jon Shuker ... British and brilliant.

Ouch! I think this kind of written interaction does tend to suffer in that it can be easy to misconstrue the meaning of the intended communication. I posted the reply in a rush (multi-tasking badly) ... but on review I can see your point. It does appear a tad 'in your face!' Sincere apologies for this, it was not at all in the spirit in which it was intended at all ... As an owner of a 2nd hand Shuker bass I have dealt with Jon directly for similar advice and he was exceptionally kind and helpful. Jon's attitude is that if you own a Shuker bass then he will always offer you his time and expertise! I would thoroughly recommend any Shuker owner (2nd hand or otherwise) to touch base with him for a natter or advice. He is an absolute gent. I sincerely hope your new pup sorts the noise issue.

Is there any reason why you never sought the counsel of Jon Shuker on this matter (given that it's one of his creations)? He is exceptionally knowledgeable.

Agree with this completely. The Sire V7 is imo a step up from both the Squier and the mim. Have you checked out the new 2018 G&L JB tributes? They look very tasty at a good price point.

For me 5 works great because we tend to transpose many of our songs to suit our vocal range. I can do so with impunity without ever losing the low end.

If someone tries to hurt your feelings - and succeeds - then rush, run to the nearest bin ... and dump those hurt feelings! It's his problem ... leave it with him.