As a Fender fan, and an owner of one of the Gen 1 60s Original Tbirds with these pickups, I can say they are a *major* step above the standard MIM Fender offering. They’re very good.
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Epiphone ‘64 Thunderbird
- Thread starter BearlyBass
- Start date
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,211
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
I was at a winter NAMM show maybe 10 years ago and was telling a Gibson rep there how much I wanted to see them reissue the '64 T-bird, and what a hot a seller I knew it would be. The Gibson T-birds with the black hardware and pickups looked plain, and I was sure a return to the 60's styling would kill. He was a nice chap, didn't seem to mind my sharing my opinion. Jack Casady then showed up and that was the end of that conversation. But a few years later Epiphone introduced the Pro, and now the '64!
Am I taking credit? Maybe just a little bit. In my own mind.
Gibson can do it, they already have. This is a 2023 bass.
If you’re a Tbird fan at all, and have some money to spend on a new bass, you owe it to yourself to try one of the Epi Tbirds with these pickups. Several comments I’ve read from people who own or owned 64 Tbirds say these are the closest any company has got to reproducing them.
Looks perfect! As much as I like authentic vintage, I'd rather pay $3,000 for a Gibson reissue than $18,000 for a real one.Gibson can do it, they already have. This is a 2023 bass.
The Silver Mist looks great. Now how about Heather Poly, Gibson?
Nice to see some new colours! Now if they only brought back the white one, I'd be tempted to buy a second one... Great idea to include a gig bag too, because there are not many out there that fit them (Thomann has a pretty good one that does, though!).
Anyone saying these are overpriced should go play one. It's a serious instrument, make no mistake. Don't worry about the name on the headstock.
Anyone saying these are overpriced should go play one. It's a serious instrument, make no mistake. Don't worry about the name on the headstock.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,211
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
They're good basses, they pickups are pretty close to the original, there are some aftermarket Repros that get you closer, but they're pretty spendy and not required!
Here's Chuck Garrick of Alice Cooper's band with one.
@TBird1958 So, what’s the 2023 single pickup Gibson above? I’m out of the loop.
Just got my shipping notice from Sweetwater, should arrive tomorrow. Now the question is, how long am I going to wait to swap over my LaBella flats from my other TBird…
My thoughts exactly! The new Epi Firebird I is available in Heather Poly, can I not have a twin?
My thoughts exactly! The new Epi Firebird I is available in Heather Poly, can I not have a twin?
Why is the Firebird 50% more expensive than the Thunderbird? Less wood used, only one pickup…hello????
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,211
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
It's a One - Off from the Custom Shop. It's certainly within their capability to offer it as a production bass.
Gibson USA alnico V pickup and wiring, Kluson tuners, GraphTech nut, and a hard case. Not saying that totally justifies it, but that’s at least part of the equation vs this Thunderbird model.
I saved a lot of money because if it was available in wanderlust green I would have had to buy one. Even though I already have an Embassy in that color
Ohh girl at Epiphone prices and in green no less! I just might have to become a bird-man! 
Im not one for a Tbird, but I don’t think those solid metallic colors look good on any bass. Just reminds me of chewing gum packaging.
I can attest, they are fantastic basses. My white one has been alternating with my Greco 4001S as main show and recording bass. Used it on this live session:
My wallet is safe for the moment, it'd would have been a real issue had they released it in Heather Poly, then I'd need the T-Bird and Firebird I in a matching set.
Congratulations! The Club has been on them for years to do this. Finally. And yes, a II wound be wonderful!Epiphone’s just dropped custom color Thunderbirds:
Thunderbird '64 | Epiphone
I didn’t see another thread here and figured I’d get the conversation started.
Edit: Naturally, the Thunderbird Club was all over this yesterday
Looking over the specs, I’d bet it’s the same as the previous vintage offering just with new colors and a gig bag. If it plays and sounds like its predecessor, I’d be very happy.
I have one in silver coming from Sweetwater
Epiphone’s been doing guitar collaborations with the Gibson custom shop and just released similar Firebirds, but I’m glad they didn’t go that route here. My Epi Thunderbird may be my only modern instrument without modifications… Now, do I want them to release an Epi Thunderbird II in heather poly? Yes. Yes I do.
Get a Gibson Non-reverse Thunderbird and tell me it isn’t a quality instrument.
