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Gibson Thunderbird vs. Epiphone Thunderbird

#21
I put the Hipshot Bridge and Gibson T-Bird pickups in my MIK 'Bird.
It sounds GREAT! Nothing to complain about. It totally rocks. I play though an Ampeg SVT 350H with 2 Hartke 4x10 cabs. Super sweet! Switched the front strap to the backplate, no neck-dive. Never played a Gibson so I don't know about them.
 
#22
Energy said:
Sorry for hijacking the thread...



That's exactly what I'm planning to do. i already got a pre-owned Ept T-Bird Gothic (mahogany body!) and I'm thinking of planting a Warmoth neck into it:

4745303371_d002dae5b6.png


TBird1958,
would you mind sharing your experience and post some pics of your Fenderbird?

EDIT:
Did a search and pretty much found everything I was looking for!
Great job with the Fenderbird, TBird1958!! I particularly like the fact that it's got a lefthand neck! Very cool.
Click to expand...


:)


Thanks for asking, it was a relatively easy project, the trick is to shave the sides and heel of the neck to fit the Epi's pocket. Fret locations were marked so intonation would be easy and so "reach" out to the lower frets and balance could be mantained.
I used Gibson ferrules to mount and Allparts 3 point because they sit a full 1/4" lower than Epi's, pickups are S/D single coils potted in N.O.S. Gibson covers.

thunderbirds022.jpg

thunderbirds023.jpg


Shot of the back, put the strap pin at the heel.
NikkiSixx017.jpg
 
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#24
jumbodbassman said:
vey nice bass mark . string spacing looks wrong - versus the gib bridge versus fender neck.
Click to expand...


Maybe so, my experience with Fenders is limited. However this neck feels (to me) way better than the stock Epi one. Currently I have this bass set up BEAD in lieu of a fiver Studio and am liking it's tone a lot.
 
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#25
An Epiphone T Bird will surely sound millions times better with the Lollar pickups. I am personally grateful to Mr. Lollar for actually making these FOR Epiphones (no routing needed whatsoever.) Bear in mind that they will always be more expensive than the bass they modify, which is a surprising business decision by Lollar, but one I am grateful for. My Epi bass became world class with his pickups. Mine is not a T bird, but the pickups fit perfectly.

So, the Lulls are great for Gibson T birds, and the Lollars for the Epi T birds.

I add this just for your consideration. If you like your Epi in feel, etc. you could try the Lollars and save up a lot of cash, avoiding a new and pricey Gibson bird (not bashing them either.)
 
#26
ejaggers said:
I have an epi tbird iv that sounds pretty good to me, but the action is really high, and I can't get it lower. If it can be lowered I don't know how. I've noticed that people replace the bridge on these, so can someone tell me if you can really hear a difference? I'd like to change it if it will make it a better player. But sound different? Would that be true?
Click to expand...

hipshot makes a direct replacement for the 3-point bridge on the epi/gib tbirds and its a vast improvement in all areas. it doesnt change the tone but adjustments are almost effortless (intonation, individual string spacing/height ect) and the difference in clarity and sustain are huge.

the hipshot is an aluminum bridge that actually sits on the guitar, rather than over in on stilts lke the 3-point. personally it made a difference on my epi tbird, one that not only you could hear but you can feel. when you pluck a string you can feel the vibration go thru the entire body. it opens up the guitar nicely.

edit* i got mine brand new off of e-bay for $40 cheaper than buying from anywhere, i would suggest looking there.
 
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