Gibson '76-'79 Thunderbird pickup?

Rotwang · #1 11-15-2012, 03:41 PM

I noticed this pickup for sale:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121019500197...84.m1438.l2648
Is this what he says it is? If not, what year/make?

bassvirtuoso · #2 11-16-2012, 08:22 AM

Yep, I think I know that guy.

It's definitely a 70's original (70's have the three screw spots on the pickup, compared to the 60's which have only two).

These Thunderbird pickups are MUCH different sounding than the 60's (which is somewhat of the Holy Grail Thunderbird tone) and the modern black ones. These are sidewinder pickups. Some love this tone, most don't when compared to the others.

bassclef112 · #3 11-16-2012, 09:11 AM

+1

I had a '78 TBird in almost pristine condition. Though it was a joy to play, IMO opinion it sounded absolutely awful. Very grindy and edgy - then again I didn't have an SVT to play through, but it wasn't working with my rig. It wasn't the sound I wanted.

Though I never played a 60's TBird I did have a 2000, and I thought it was great. Night and day difference in favor of the 2000.

Rotwang · #4 11-17-2012, 03:06 AM

I didn't think think the original Bill Lawrence pickups were potted.