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asriel
08-08-2008, 05:47 PM
I have SN# 0284XXXX Thunderbird (Gibson).

Could you tell me what pots come stock?
the volume pots are stamped "Gibson 74-XXXXXX"
and the tone pot has been replaced with a 100K "made in Japan"

If I were to replace ALL of the pots and the capacitor, what
should I put in?

Thank-you

aquateen
08-09-2008, 09:41 AM
the schematic calls for 500k audio taper pots for volume, 250k audio taper pot for tone and a .047 cap.

http://www.gibsonbass.com/graphics/thunderbird_wiring.jpg

asriel
08-09-2008, 08:57 PM
thank-you. I have that schematic, and I figured that is what 'used' to come stock, but I had seen other threads that mentioned Gibson using 100k or 300k pots...

the tone pot had been replaced (before me) with a 100k pot, and the cap has no label on it!

if I presume the stock Gibson V pots are 500k, and I put a proper CTS 250k w/ .047 cap in place of the replacement pot --- will this cause me issue if the V pots are not 500k, but either 100k or 300k ?

Perhaps I should just put all new pots... I'll do that.

Thank-you for your help.

Asriel...

kyral210
08-12-2008, 03:44 AM
There is no need to replace your volume pots unless they are scratchy, as they are Gibson and the right value.

Just put a new 250k audio taper pot in place of your 100k Japanese one. Also, add a Sprague Orange Drop 0.047uF capacitor. I am doing this to my Epiphone Thunderbird, which currently have 500k pots all round.

aquateen
08-12-2008, 12:09 PM
There is no need to replace your volume pots unless they are scratchy, as they are Gibson and the right value.

Just put a new 250k audio taper pot in place of your 100k Japanese one. Also, add a Sprague Orange Drop 0.047uF capacitor. I am doing this to my Epiphone Thunderbird, which currently have 500k pots all round.


you're right, this is the least invasive repair.

justinmc
07-14-2009, 02:47 PM
I had a hard time finding these images; here are some relevant ones:

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/mcjustin_photos/gibsonWiringDiagrams.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/mcjustin_photos/76tbirdWiredInSeries.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk191/mcjustin_photos/76tbirdWiredInParallel.jpg

the schematic calls for 500k audio taper pots for volume, 250k audio taper pot for tone and a .047 cap.

http://www.gibsonbass.com/graphics/thunderbird_wiring.jpg

-Mack Rainodes