Epiphone turned gibson...but how?

[Andii Syckz]

Hey guys,

I have another thread dealing with the same thing. And i was wondering how i can modify my epiphone thunderbird goth (mahogany wood/maple neck) to make it sound like a gibson. What pickups would you guys suggest for my bird to sound gibson or with a bit more bite?

[spiltcoil]

First thing you wanna do is grab a set of Lollar Tbird pups. They are designed as drop in for the Epi models. Also, research the correct capacitor values and wiring the the original Gibsons. Keep in mind, the Epi's are bolt on, consist of 'sen' wood and have a different finish makeup. Those last three go a long way in NOT making up the T-Bird sound.

[grendle]

Look at the bridge too. The Gibson is heavier I believe. Won't make a world of difference but will give that little bit of depth and highend clarity your missing. There are some Gibson vs epi comparo's on you tube, Mostly guitars. The last part of the tone puzzle a few have figured out is the bridge. Again not huge, but the last touch your probably looking for. Your mileage may vary.

[walterw]

yeah, a pickup upgrade will make a big difference, but nothing else will.

[stiles72]

Here's my Epiphone Limited IV that I "Gibsonized". Thunderbirds are more versatile than they get credit for, and I use this one just as much as my Gibson birds for live use. I actually left the Epiphone neck pickup in, since I alwasy turn the tone down on the neck pup anyway and blend it with a treble bridge pickup for a deep tone that doesn't get lost in the mix.

Upgrades:

Hipshot Ultralite Clover Tuners
Gibson TRC
Bone Nut
DR Black Beauties
Ebay bridge cover and handrest
Silver top Gibson knobs
Chrome Epiphone bridge
Silver jack nut
Silver pickguard screws
Vintage Gibson thumbrest
Mike Lull bridge pickup
Tone control wired to only affect neck pickup
Strap locks relocated (closer to the tail fin and closer to the lower horn on back side of body)

[Andii Syckz]

nice bass you got stiles72. But i'm not looking to make my epi bird turn complete gibson 60's-70's style. And i think if i change the pups, i want something black i don't want chrome on my goth bass it'll just look awkward to me anyway. But the jack, can i replace it with a larger one or can i do like a gibson style and mount it on the bottom of the bass, but how do i fill in the original jack hole?

[SGD Lutherie]

I believe I'm the only person making direct replacements for the Epi birds:

[Andii Syckz]

Originally Posted by grendle

Look at the bridge too. The Gibson is heavier I believe. Won't make a world of difference but will give that little bit of depth and highend clarity your missing. There are some Gibson vs epi comparo's on you tube, Mostly guitars. The last part of the tone puzzle a few have figured out is the bridge. Again not huge, but the last touch your probably looking for. Your mileage may vary.

If I get a hipshot 3 point fit in gibson bridge, will that help with sustain? I've heard lots about it.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

If I get a hipshot 3 point fit in gibson bridge, will that help with sustain? I've heard lots about it.

I find the Hipshot aluminum bridges really bright out the high end nicely and have great sustain.

[chee666]

Originally Posted by stiles72

Here's my Epiphone Limited IV that I "Gibsonized". Thunderbirds are more versatile than they get credit for, and I use this one just as much as my Gibson birds for live use. I actually left the Epiphone neck pickup in, since I alwasy turn the tone down on the neck pup anyway and blend it with a treble bridge pickup for a deep tone that doesn't get lost in the mix.

Upgrades:

Hipshot Ultralite Clover Tuners
Gibson TRC
Bone Nut
DR Black Beauties
Ebay bridge cover and handrest
Silver top Gibson knobs
Chrome Epiphone bridge
Silver jack nut
Silver pickguard screws
Vintage Gibson thumbrest
Mike Lull bridge pickup
Tone control wired to only affect neck pickup
Strap locks relocated (closer to the tail fin and closer to the lower horn on back side of body)

What size Hipshot Ultralite Clover Tuners did you use ? 3/8 or 1/2 ? Whats the hole sizr 9/16 ?
Thanks.