Thunderbird Club Pt 5

[TBird1958]

Originally Posted by darren1970

I'm on the case of another Gibson T-bird.

It's serial number is 003960318. Any idea how I workout the year of manufacture?

Darren

Hey Darren,


That's an '06
Gibson's date codes go like this;

YDDDYXXXX

-First and fifth digits are the year of manufacture.
-Second, third and fourth digits are the numeric day of the year.
-Remaining digits are the instrument's number for that day's production.

[darren1970]

Originally Posted by darren1970

I'm on the case of another Gibson T-bird.

It's serial number is 003960318. Any idea how I workout the year of manufacture?

Darren

OK found outhow to work it out , it's the 39th day of 2006.

D.

[darren1970]

Cheers Mark, just found the Gibson date code page as you posted.

Thanks for confirming it

Darren

[NWOBHM_Kid]

Originally Posted by Tender Prey

New strings and a set up are required with some new basses, but not all. That is all a matter of taste but lower priced basses seem to come from the factory with crap strings, at least in my experiance.

One of the main differences to me with between the Epi Pro and Classic Pro is going to be active electronics on the Pro and passive Gibson pickups on the Classic. The Classic looks more like the traditional Gibson and the Pro seems like a more modern updated look. Personaly I would spend the $100 extra to get the Pro over the standard Epi TBird. I think you would have a better range of sounds over the standard. I don't notice any real variety in sound between the pickups on my Goth or any of the sunburst bolt-on versions that I have played. At $500 the Classic seems like a Hell of a deal and looks more like the traditional Gibson. If you love the Gibson but can't afford it then that seems like a pretty good option. If the pickups are truly USA Gibsons then you will be able to at least get pretty close to sounding like the real TBirds at a much lower price point. Of course this is all just my opinion and others may have other/better views on this.

i think i am edging toward the classic PRO. it is a good set up and id probably stick a set of rotosound strings on there anyway! active pickups are handy, but im not sure if i just prefer the old passive style. i know theres less tone, and the proper gibson tone cant be beat, but theres just less to get in the way or go wrong.... hmm. ive also been looking at the nicky sixx blackbird bass, how does that stack up against the others?

one other thing ive seen a lot said about is the neck dive, how bad can it be on these basses?

[hillerup]

Just found this new Epiphone Thunderbird IV limited edition in TV Silver on the Epiphone press site:

[Tender Prey]

Originally Posted by NWOBHM_Kid

i think i am edging toward the classic PRO. it is a good set up and id probably stick a set of rotosound strings on there anyway! active pickups are handy, but im not sure if i just prefer the old passive style. i know theres less tone, and the proper gibson tone cant be beat, but theres just less to get in the way or go wrong.... hmm. ive also been looking at the nicky sixx blackbird bass, how does that stack up against the others?

one other thing ive seen a lot said about is the neck dive, how bad can it be on these basses?

Never tried a Epi Sixx model, but I love my Gibson version Neck dive is/was an issue with some Tbirds. Most new one's have the strap button located on the back so that helps keep things right. Also a lot of the neck dive can be controlled with a strap that doesn't have a slick back.

I would go for the Classic if I were you.

[epirokker]

Originally Posted by NWOBHM_Kid

one other thing ive seen a lot said about is the neck dive, how bad can it be on these basses?

Neck dive is nonexistent with the Classics.

[Ecko]

I'm in!!!! got a brand new classic pro today!

[Andii Syckz]

Is it possible to swap the 3point for a fixed bridge such as a badass, on an epiphone thunderbird?

[portaflexer]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

Is it possible to swap the 3point for a fixed bridge such as a badass, on an epiphone thunderbird?

I've seen it done, but it's not for the faint of heart because it requires re-drilling and a lot of planning/adjustment. That said, you could always pick up a Hipshot Supertone bridge. It has all the benefits of a Badass, but is a direct drop in. I installed one on my Epi bird and I have never looked back. IMO, the Hipshot is superior to the stock three point in every way shape and form.

[godofthunder59]

I picked it up yesterday Very possibly the first shipped. A review to follow.

[TBird1958]

Welcome Ecko #310, looks like the new Epi 'Bird is a hit!
It'd finally my weekend so I'll get the chance to plug in and play for a few hours - and it's nice (if a little chilly) here in Seattle so maybe some pics with the Subaru later



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[sneha1965]

Originally Posted by godofthunder59

I picked it up yesterday Very possibly the first shipped. A review to follow.

Nice! I've been tempted to pop on one of these. How is the weight and tone?

[Tender Prey]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

Is it possible to swap the 3point for a fixed bridge such as a badass, on an epiphone thunderbird?

I did it on my Epi Goth rebuild, but I was refinishing it. I had to dowel the holes and use a little filler to level things out. I used an ABM style bridge and we had to shim the neck a bit to make it work out right. I would just use the Hipshot tho. Great bridge and it takes almost no effort to install. No patching or painting to worry about either.

[Andii Syckz]

Originally Posted by Tender Prey

I did it on my Epi Goth rebuild, but I was refinishing it. I had to dowel the holes and use a little filler to level things out. I used an ABM style bridge and we had to shim the neck a bit to make it work out right. I would just use the Hipshot tho. Great bridge and it takes almost no effort to install. No patching or painting to worry about either.

true, but i don't want the bulk of the hishot

[portaflexer]

Originally Posted by Andii Syckz

true, but i don't want the bulk of the hishot

A few years ago... Gibson made a Thunderbird Studio model that had a Badass-esque bridge on it. They pop up now and again in the classifieds or on eBay.

[portaflexer]

The Tokai Thunderbirds also have a similar bridge. They're supposed to be pretty good quality too.

[Andii Syckz]

True, but both are set necks. My goth is bolt on. might be a little trickier. But thanks for the info.

[Border]

Greetings, I usually play a Fender American Jazz 5 string, but recently have become quite interested in getting a Gibson bass as well. I have played an Explorer and Thunderbird recently, and liked them both. I am curious as to any 5 string options with the Thunderbird. I see the post with the picture of the 5 string and am not certain if it is an Epiphone or a Gibson. Does Gibson build a 5 string Thunderbird? Did they at one time and have since discontinued them? I have watched EBay for awhile and never see any. I am curious if anyone has owned or played one, and what they thought of it? Thanks.

[PatQ]

Originally Posted by Border

Greetings, I usually play a Fender American Jazz 5 string, but recently have become quite interested in getting a Gibson bass as well. I have played an Explorer and Thunderbird recently, and liked them both. I am curious as to any 5 string options with the Thunderbird. I see the post with the picture of the 5 string and am not certain if it is an Epiphone or a Gibson. Does Gibson build a 5 string Thunderbird? Did they at one time and have since discontinued them? I have watched EBay for awhile and never see any. I am curious if anyone has owned or played one, and what they thought of it? Thanks.

There were Gibson Studio Thunderbirds as 5 string models, with set necks and without the raised center on the body.