Thunderbird Owners - What case do you use?

[mikeowen17]

As the thread suggests - what cases are out there which fit the Thunderbird. I've already found the obvious ones (Epiphone) but was wondering if any standard issue cases fit the thunderbird.

Extra points for anyone who can identify a good gig bag or case I can carry on my shoulders!

[godofthunder59]

I have some '76 cases that I use and the newer Gibson case is nice except for the poodle white interior. A flight case is ideal but heavy. I would not carry a Thunderbird (Gibson) in a gig bag. Good way to loose your headstock.

[mikeowen17]

Yeah, I'm trying to find a used Gibson case.

Mine is a 77 and I have the OHSC, but it is wrecked - and a headstock break on this one would be the third time! I only got it back from a headstock repair yesterday!

[TBird1958]

Even tho it's bigger I prefer the contemporary Gibson case for all of my 'Birds - with a '77 I usually fold a small towel lengthwise on the lower 'bout - helps keep it from shifting around.

[rockscott]

My tbird pro is a big long bass, i ordered the epi case & waited forever for it. Its a real nice case, set me back $100.

[4String Thing]

I have a $100 Coffin case. Fits nice and snug. Has a big compartment for stuff. And it's pretty strong. I'm 150lbs and have stood on it a few times during practice. Looks pretty sweet too.

[bassplayer8953]

I own a 1990 Thunderbird, came with the standard Gibson Tbird case,p%^y pink interior on that one. Also an Epi Pro, and it's standard Epi Tbird case.

Both cases are great for hauling/storing/protecting Tbirds IMO. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to haul the Gibson in the Epi case, as it affords just as much protection as the Gibson case. I would think that the Epi case would be just the solution to the OP's case issue. $100 is cheap to pay for that kind of protection for a vintage bass, especially one that's prone to headstock problems. And I agree that I would never haul a Tbird in a gig bag...any gig bag.

[Showdown]

I have two '76 Tbirds. One I purchased new (the one in my avatar) and I have it in the original case. The other I bought used without a case and use the Epi case. The Epi case is a good case, I don't regret getting it at all.

I also have a Ritter gig bag made for Thunderbirds that I use on rare occasions. I only use it when I have complete control over the conditions because Tbirds are prone to broken necks. I only use it with the bird I bought used that has already had a broken neck. I wouldn't recommend the gig bag for every day use. I only use it for rehearsal because we rehearse at a hanger at the airport and it is about a 200 yard walk from the parking lot to the hanger. In that situation I can be very careful with it. I wouldn't take it to a gig in a gig bag.

[godofthunder59]

My '76 resides in a epi case, very nice case for the $.

[rdwil191]

I only have Epi birds...at the moment, but I'd never put them in a gig bag. When I ordered my ebony IV from MF, I also ordered a black Musicians Gear case. Just checked & they're still only $50. They're cheap, but mine has been used/transported about 150 times in the 14mos. I've had it...cheap protection + it holds my d.i. box, strap, cables, tuner, etc. I also fold a towel & put it below the lower wing to help prevent shifting. I have the Epi case, too, but it's just used to store whichever bass I'm not using.

[AtomicPunk]

Can you post a link to the Musicians Gear case?

[bassplayer8953]

Originally Posted by AtomicPunk

Can you post a link to the Musicians Gear case?

I own one of these, which I use with another bass I have. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...luxe-bass-case

While the MG case is an excellent value (now on sale @ $39, btw) it does not fit my Epi Pro Tbird, nor my GIbson Tbird. The Tbirds (49" long) are about an inch longer than the case (compartment opening is 48"). The Epi IV might be shorter, but anyone considering should get out a tape measure first. The Tbird is one loooong bass.

[Jammin Johneboy]

Long & McQuade in Canada sells this Yorkville Hardshell case made for specifically for Thunderbirds : Long & McQuade - Yorkville Sound Hardshell Thunderbird Bass Case

[Showdown]

Originally Posted by Jammin Johneboy

Long & McQuade in Canada sells this Yorkville Hardshell case made for specifically for Thunderbirds : Long & McQuade - Yorkville Sound Hardshell Thunderbird Bass Case

That looks exactly like my Epi case.

[Johnny Crab]

Epi case for Epi Pro V, Orville by Gibson TB, Brice(Rondo) TB, Orville(Epi Japan) TB.
IMO, the Epi case is better than the Gibson case b/c the Epi case has a real handle while the Gibson case has a leather(?) wrap handle that ends up unwrapping....

[johnk_10]

i use an Epi case for my modded non reverse bachbird. IIRC the non reverse is actually a tiny bit longer than the reverse. i got mine new for $69 shipped about a year ago.

[Bongolation]

I got a '70s reissue Gibson case for $10 at a Guitar Center sale for my '63 T-II, which came with no case when I bought it for $75 in '71.

[Saarik]

Wait... so the thunderbird (apparantly listed as 50.5") fits in a 47.5" Musician's Friend case?!

So that's 128cm vs 120...
WHAAT

EDIT: or does that 47.5" not include the utility compartment?

[Trooper1911]

Interesting find,and not yet mentioned, are the BC Rich cases. I got one used off some guy on the adds, for 50$ shipped, I even have 2 inches or so free space, so i made some foam inserts to hold my epi in place

[bassplayer8953]

Originally Posted by Saarik

Wait... so the thunderbird (apparantly listed as 50.5") fits in a 47.5" Musician's Friend case?!

So that's 128cm vs 120...
WHAAT

EDIT: or does that 47.5" not include the utility compartment?

MF or MG case does NOT fit... The only cases that will bit a bird are Gibson or Epi bird cases.