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Gibson Thunderbird IV
- Thread starter InRodweTruss
- Start date
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,898
- 142,256
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
"I can't say I'm a fan, and neck dive is ridiculous."
Trust me, I'm not here to "convert" anyone....I always get a kick out of hearing that statement tho! All post 88's have have the strap pin at the neck heel, where it belongs. That alone changes the point of balance, the "neck dive" myth is just that, myth.
Here's where it belongs.... easy enough to retro fit on a 76.
Trust me, I'm not here to "convert" anyone....I always get a kick out of hearing that statement tho! All post 88's have have the strap pin at the neck heel, where it belongs. That alone changes the point of balance, the "neck dive" myth is just that, myth.
Here's where it belongs.... easy enough to retro fit on a 76.
It's too bad they, (Gibson) discontinued the Studio model. Aside from the set neck, they're every bit a TBird otherwise. Love my 5 string, no comparison to the Epiphones at all, I've tried them side by side. The Gibsons feel different, and definately sound different. I'd have another if I weren't so hung up on Rics. Oh, and the Studios listed for about $600 less than the regular version, mine was $1200.
I didn't know the studios were discontinued. I played an ebony one and it was perfect for rock and metal. It was a bit heavy but nothing a nice strap couldn't fix and it was on sale for $950.
No more Thunderbird Studios, or Thunderbird IVs in any color besides Vintage Sunburst..................
I just picked up a Classic White Thunderbird IV (brand new) for $1,300.00. I thought it was too good to pass on, especially since it is no longer made!
In fact, one of it's many virtues. Ever notice how the bass player is usually the one to get squeezed when space is tight? Not when he's swinging one of these...
/rick
Tbird, can you elaborate? Like you, there was a time when I played nothing but birds; mostly 60's, but I did have a '76 once. I have no experience with the newer ones though; I'm curious how they stack up.
/rick
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,898
- 142,256
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
"No more Thunderbird Studios, or Thunderbird IVs in any color besides Vintage Sunburst.................."
Ahhhh....... not true! These two 'Birds are somewhere on Gibson's Schedule for 2008, a Shavo (from SOAD) sig model, along with a new Nikki Sixx sig.
"Tbird, can you elaborate? Like you, there was a time when I played nothing but birds; mostly 60's, but I did have a '76 once. I have no experience with the newer ones though; I'm curious how they stack up."
Most notably the pick ups are completely different in post '88 production, there where at least two versions of these, here's what they look like. These two have had their black plastic outer shells stripped off and are potted into N.O.S. chrome covers, as part of a project to change the black hardware over to chrome for a more vintage look.
I really like both versions, 70's 'Birds are warm, vintage and growly, with lots of sustain, sound good with a pick for rock, but they tend to ride *low* in the mix with a band so a big amp is helpful. Post 88's are feature the same neck thru construction with a smaller headstock and overall the neck is smaller, they balance fine and again sound good with a pick, the modern pick ups can be a bit harsh, not everyone's cup of tea! but with a band these tend to stand out better in the mix.
I like them both for what they are.....they need to be eq'd differently than say a Fender, so I think a lot of guys don't like them for that......and frankly Gibson's QC hasn't ever been something to cheer about! Get to know your local luthier real well.........Mike Lull does all my set up and paint work, its money well spent, he is quite simply one of the BEST out there.
Ahhhh....... not true! These two 'Birds are somewhere on Gibson's Schedule for 2008, a Shavo (from SOAD) sig model, along with a new Nikki Sixx sig.
"Tbird, can you elaborate? Like you, there was a time when I played nothing but birds; mostly 60's, but I did have a '76 once. I have no experience with the newer ones though; I'm curious how they stack up."
Most notably the pick ups are completely different in post '88 production, there where at least two versions of these, here's what they look like. These two have had their black plastic outer shells stripped off and are potted into N.O.S. chrome covers, as part of a project to change the black hardware over to chrome for a more vintage look.
I really like both versions, 70's 'Birds are warm, vintage and growly, with lots of sustain, sound good with a pick for rock, but they tend to ride *low* in the mix with a band so a big amp is helpful. Post 88's are feature the same neck thru construction with a smaller headstock and overall the neck is smaller, they balance fine and again sound good with a pick, the modern pick ups can be a bit harsh, not everyone's cup of tea! but with a band these tend to stand out better in the mix.
I like them both for what they are.....they need to be eq'd differently than say a Fender, so I think a lot of guys don't like them for that......and frankly Gibson's QC hasn't ever been something to cheer about! Get to know your local luthier real well.........Mike Lull does all my set up and paint work, its money well spent, he is quite simply one of the BEST out there.
I didn't like the original Nikki Sixx Blackbird, but I like that one (except for his name on the pickguard).
I got really GAS-y about them until I tried one out. Handled like a brick (small hands), and sounded a bit muddy.
I loved mine- a '96 Gibson S/B that I put Roto rounds on. It roared through an SVT in a way my Fenders didn't, and it balanced perfectly and was very light.
I found the reach to the first frets a bit long, which was the only minor quibble. I sold it because it didn't fit with the music i was playing, but I wouldn't mind owning another for the sheer fun of them.
The quality was surprisingly good on mine, as I'd seen some shocking finishes and construction lapses on others from the modern era. I don't really understand Gibson as a bass manufacturer, too much weirdness going on, though I love some of their other models, too (e.g non-reverse Thunderbirds).
I found the reach to the first frets a bit long, which was the only minor quibble. I sold it because it didn't fit with the music i was playing, but I wouldn't mind owning another for the sheer fun of them.
The quality was surprisingly good on mine, as I'd seen some shocking finishes and construction lapses on others from the modern era. I don't really understand Gibson as a bass manufacturer, too much weirdness going on, though I love some of their other models, too (e.g non-reverse Thunderbirds).
Good thing I bought my white Thunderbird IV and cherry Thunderbird Studio 4 string when I did! I love my T-birds, they are the sound and look of ROCK!!
I just picked up an epibird, first impression was that the set up was TERRIBLE although the frets are well dressed. After lowering the action adjusting the truss rod and recutting the nut MUCH deeper, I now love it! For a bass that I bought to practice set up on, it plays absolutely great booty for miles.
yeah um, actually dude, they do play comfy and have good sound,so it looks like thats just your opinion,and you just might be wrong....
W
wildcard
Guest
+1"I can't say I'm a fan, and neck dive is ridiculous."
Trust me, I'm not here to "convert" anyone....I always get a kick out of hearing that statement tho! All post 88's have have the strap pin at the neck heel, where it belongs. That alone changes the point of balance, the "neck dive" myth is just that, myth.
Here's where it belongs.... easy enough to retro fit on a 76.
W
