Cheap but Good Thunderbird Pickups?

[NKBassman]

I'll admit, I don't really know anything about Thunderbirds. The body shape doesn't do it for me, I've never played one, and I don't have a good handle on how they sound. I don't even really know what they're ideally supposed to sound like, let alone what makes them sound they way they do, or which years or design iterations are more "correct" or well regarded than others.

What I do know is that I've been seeing more and more demo videos of high end basses containing Tbird pickups which sound amazing. Most recent notable mentions being the Lull IMA4 signature bass, and basses by Chris Seldon which I've been drooling over on Instagram. My impression of these basses is that they sound like a meaner, growlier P bass.

Since I can't afford or justify a $7500(CAD) Lull at the moment (likely ever), I've got half a mind to try retrofitting a typical P bass with some Tbird pickups just to see if I like it. I think I will like it, but I'd really rather do this experiment without shelling out big money for a set of Lollars or something else similarly well regarded but expensive.

So, are there any decent Tbird style pickups out there that hit the mark in terms of tone without costing an arm and leg?

 

[Hans on Bass]

I like these very much: Thunderbird Bass Pickup Vintage Style for Gibson,Chrome/Nickel

I bought them directly from eyparts. No problems, fast delivery (to Germany), everything fine.

Edith says: Actually I just did this: retroffiting one of my P-Basses with such a EY-Thunderbird-PU. With great result, especially since the bass body is made of mahogany. The bass sounds now clearly different from a standard P-bass - and clearly in the direction of Thunderbird.

 

[kodiakblair]

Like @Hans on Bass I've used those Eric Customs from Ey Guitar.

Bought them after reading, TB's very own godofthunder, Scott Dasson thread on them.

I hesitate to post this. $45 Thunderbird pickups.

 

[Hans on Bass]

 

[MCF]

I'll admit, I don't really know anything about Thunderbirds. The body shape doesn't do it for me, I've never played one, and I don't have a good handle on how they sound. I don't even really know what they're ideally supposed to sound like, let alone what makes them sound they way they do, or which years or design iterations are more "correct" or well regarded than others.

What I do know is that I've been seeing more and more demo videos of high end basses containing Tbird pickups which sound amazing. Most recent notable mentions being the Lull IMA4 signature bass, and basses by Chris Seldon which I've been drooling over on Instagram. My impression of these basses is that they sound like a meaner, growlier P bass.

Since I can't afford or justify a $7500(CAD) Lull at the moment (likely ever), I've got half a mind to try retrofitting a typical P bass with some Tbird pickups just to see if I like it. I think I will like it, but I'd really rather do this experiment without shelling out big money for a set of Lollars or something else similarly well regarded but expensive.

So, are there any decent Tbird style pickups out there that hit the mark in terms of tone without costing an arm and leg?

Go with a set of either of these. Buy direct from the Gibson Pickup Shop or Sweetwater. Nicely priced. Vintage Alnico or modern ceramic. Take your pick. They’re the real deal. Use stainless rounds and your PBass will roar like no other.
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And get a Thunderbird!

 

[NKBassman]

Great suggestions so far! Thanks everyone.

 

[MCF]

Like @Hans on Bass I've used those Eric Customs from Ey Guitar.

Bought them after reading, TB's very own godofthunder, Scott Dasson thread on them.

I hesitate to post this. $45 Thunderbird pickups.

Greetings my Peavy friend! I lust for your collection. And wish I were in Falkirk instead of here.

Scott is a Thunderbird guru. His opinion is certainly worth listening to. And yes, he likes the Chinabuckers. He also likes the similar (but not the same) 760 Probuckers that come in the Epiphone 60’s Thunderbird (formerly called the Vintage Pro or “VP” for short) and Embassy basses. And for the price, they’re great. I do think they sound a little thin in the low end, even with the bass boost switches on my SVT and Mesa rigs engaged. Just my perception of them.