Don’t hold your breath. Get one of these and have fun!You and me both!!! Do I dare hold out for a Non-Reverse Epi?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Epiphone ‘64 Thunderbird
- Thread starter BearlyBass
- Start date
What are you waiting for?Ohh girl at Epiphone prices and in green no less! I just might have to become a bird-man!
When released in 2017, the original Vintage Pro was $699. Without a case or bag. Adjusted to 02/24 value, that is $888.00. Just Sayin’…
I've got 2 of the older Classic Pro and I couldn't be happier with them. One needed some work on the fb edges but nothing too bad for what they sold for new, back then.
I’ll likely expand on this with more detail tomorrow, but my silver mist Thunderbird arrived safely today. Short immediate impression: awesome. If you liked the fit, finish, and tone of the previous vintage inspired Thunderbird from Epiphone, I think you’ll be happy with these.
There are however some differences between this and my 2022 Epi Thunderbird. I’ll list them here and will take some pictures when I’m back at home (some of these have little to no bearing on the sound and function, but still caught my eye):
Tuners - same vintage vibe, just a bit different in execution and feel. Not Wilkinson branded.
Neck shape - I’ll have to take some calipers to it tomorrow, but under the thumb it’s just a bit more of a chunky C. There’s more shoulder, so I find my thumb planted more in the center rather than wrapping around. My ‘22 feels like a jazz bass neck. This feels like a skinny P bass neck. I have no idea how much either of these models varies in neck shape from one example to the next, so grain of salt.
Different strap buttons - closer to vintage Klusons instead of the mushroom heads on my ‘22.
Different neck angle - some may call it subtle, and who knows how consistent it is across the range, but I felt it immediately. The ‘22 has a shallower neck angle. I’ll do some math tomorrow to better describe it, but it’s significant enough that the neck pickup on this new bass has a spacer whereas the ‘22 does not.
Pickguard graphic: the new design utilizes a lighter weight line (aka thinner) and is shifted in location. I dig it.
I did grab one picture of the pickup cavity while I was changing the strings. So, in case there’s any question whether these actually have the multilaminate under all that beautiful paint:
There are however some differences between this and my 2022 Epi Thunderbird. I’ll list them here and will take some pictures when I’m back at home (some of these have little to no bearing on the sound and function, but still caught my eye):
Tuners - same vintage vibe, just a bit different in execution and feel. Not Wilkinson branded.
Neck shape - I’ll have to take some calipers to it tomorrow, but under the thumb it’s just a bit more of a chunky C. There’s more shoulder, so I find my thumb planted more in the center rather than wrapping around. My ‘22 feels like a jazz bass neck. This feels like a skinny P bass neck. I have no idea how much either of these models varies in neck shape from one example to the next, so grain of salt.
Different strap buttons - closer to vintage Klusons instead of the mushroom heads on my ‘22.
Different neck angle - some may call it subtle, and who knows how consistent it is across the range, but I felt it immediately. The ‘22 has a shallower neck angle. I’ll do some math tomorrow to better describe it, but it’s significant enough that the neck pickup on this new bass has a spacer whereas the ‘22 does not.
Pickguard graphic: the new design utilizes a lighter weight line (aka thinner) and is shifted in location. I dig it.
I did grab one picture of the pickup cavity while I was changing the strings. So, in case there’s any question whether these actually have the multilaminate under all that beautiful paint:
I have been thinking about getting a black Vintage Pro for a while. I saw the new models and wondered about a 200€ price increase as well, because I don't see any difference in the specs.
But, unfortunately, your post makes a lot of sense. Guess I have to take a decision on the last of the black ones fast...
I really want to see these in person. I wonder if they have the wider nut of the Rex Brown Epi. They certainly seem to have increased the neck angle which isn't a bad thing and will help ensure the bridge can go low enough to low action. I like the colors but I have a problem with the laurel fretboard choice. Laurel is a cheap wood frequently used in inexpensive furniture and home decor. I'm not a fan of its look in general and feel it looks cheap. The examples on the Epiphone website don't look to promising. The other nitpick is probably just a result of the photo angle, but to me the headstock looks like it angles down to me like the old active T-Bird Pro. I was really looking forward to these but from the pics I'm just not vibing. I was really hoping for see through vintage cherry finish. I'm definitely going to check the local shops give them a play.
To me that looks like a shallower angle but raised from the body, 70s Gibson-style, like my Ripper clone and Burny 75 V clone (and old 81 Explorer E2, etc...). My CPs have the neckjoint end of the body angled back more and the board placed directly on the body face, making the stright height way lower over the neck pickup becoming much higher at the bridge.
The laurel doesn't bother me too much. At least the grain is fairly closed. It'll darken up over time, moreso with an ultra thin coat of boiled linseed oil.
Get both. Seriously. The Gibson NR is the best Thunderbird Gibson has made since 2015 Reverse. .
Given the current economy, they’re pretty reasonably priced, though of course I wish they cost less. And there are three color options to date, not two! A silver (mist?), Inverness green, and ember red. All of which are much prettier than the Epi online images.
I don’t recall if it was here or Reverb, but I saw a Gibson NR for $1200 recently.You and me both!!! Do I dare hold out for a Non-Reverse Epi?
The one in New York that the seller won’t ship? That’s a crazy deal that someone really needs to grab.
