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NBD! Epiphone Thunderbird

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by thedudebrah, Dec 15, 2012.

  1. Dec 15, 2012 #1
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    Cross this one off of my Gas list. Was out Xmas shopping with a friend and her boyfriend and she suggested we stop in a small music shop near my house since both her boyfriend and myself are musicians. Found this hanging on the wall and played around a little bit through a crappy 20 watt combo. Needs the string height adjusted, but the neck is straight and it plays great. A few small dings, but other wise it's in great shape! Got it for $250.

    Only have one pic cause I wanna set this thing up and play.
    36CD2387-AF10-4AA7-8240-C97206E23B44-6614-0000043CDFA29393.jpg
     
  2. Dec 15, 2012 #2
    Dredmahawkus

    Dredmahawkus

    Nov 4, 2012
    Boston
    nice looking!

    almost the same thing happened to me today! I was shopping online for gifts then went to GC site and bought a GK neo 2-12.
     
  3. Dec 15, 2012 #3
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    Got it set up to my liking and played it for a few hours. Sounds great through my acoustic b200. Can't wait to play it through my SVT rig.

    Is it worth upgrading the pickups or anything, or should I just leave it as-is?
     
  4. Dec 15, 2012 #4
    T-Bird

    T-Bird

    Apr 29, 2007
    Finland (Northern Europe)
    Hi.

    Gongrats on the NBD.

    Unless You're looking at Gibson PU's, or better yet Lulls, I wouldn't bother.

    Everybody claims that the originals are lacking, but AFAIK there's just no substitutes that much better on the market.

    I do have to admit that I do have a Model-One in mine next to the FB, but I also use the originals. And did for a long time before the mod.

    Regards
    Sam
     
  5. Dec 16, 2012 #5
    stiles72

    stiles72

    Mar 20, 2009
    Albany IL
    The stock Epi pups work well IMO. I did a bunch of upgrades on my Epi IV and went with a Lull in the bridge position (because I wanted something chrome) but left the stock neck pup under the handrest. I think it has a great deep tone, especially with the tone knob off. Combined with the bright Lull pickup, it makes a nice balance between thump and definition.

    LULLPUPS035.jpg
     
  6. Dec 16, 2012 #6
    P. Aaron

    P. Aaron Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Sep 16, 2002
    Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
    T-Birds look cool all day...congrats!
     
  7. Dec 16, 2012 #7
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    Love that color Stiles!

    Any way to counterbalance the massive neck dive I'm getting with this thing?
     
  8. Dec 16, 2012 #8
    DethByDoom

    DethByDoom

    Sep 23, 2012
    Houston,Tx
    You over paid.
     
  9. Dec 16, 2012 #9
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    Oh well! :D
     
  10. Dec 16, 2012 #10
    hdracer

    hdracer

    Feb 15, 2009
    Elk River, MN.
    A wide suede strap and learn to play with your right forearm resting on the rear bout of the bass.
     
  11. Dec 16, 2012 #11
    hdracer

    hdracer

    Feb 15, 2009
    Elk River, MN.
    You didn't get a smokin deal but with a hard case and the bass being in good shape you didn't get ripped ether.
     
  12. Dec 16, 2012 #12
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    I checked my local Craigslist while I was in store and saw them going or around 235. They also threw in a pack of new strings for me. I think I made out alright. Thanks for the tips on neck dive too!
     
  13. Dec 16, 2012 #13
    DethByDoom

    DethByDoom

    Sep 23, 2012
    Houston,Tx
    They're 299 brand new now that the classic IV pro is out. Which is vastly improved. The case is 100 new. Not a ripoff but… yeah. Enjoy man, but if you can return might wanna consider the new classic pro.

    Neck dive… move strap pin to use one of the neck plate bolts.
     
  14. Dec 16, 2012 #14
    TBird1958

    TBird1958 As a matter of fact....I am your Queen! Staff Member

    Mar 13, 2008
    Seattle Washington
    Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups

    Buy an extra set of strap pins and put one here...........:)

    1300251470.jpg
     
  15. Dec 16, 2012 #15
    thedudebrah

    thedudebrah

    Jan 9, 2012
    Philly suburbs
    Never would have thought of that! Thanks!
     
  16. Dec 16, 2012 #16
    Kopfjaeger

    Kopfjaeger Guest

    Jun 3, 2011
    I stopped by my local Sam Ash and played the new Epi classic pro. It's a neck through made in Indonesia but has Gibson America wound pups. The sound was very good and I was amazed by its light weight. Fit and finish was OK. It was sorta like comparing Ikea furniture with Ethan Allen furniture. You can get comfortable on the stuff Ikea sells but you enjoy Ethan Allen quality more.

    The set up was horrendous. I could have driven my truck under the strings above the 9th fret but the bridge appeared to be raised way up. The strings felt like crap but that is an easy fix. Priced at a bit lower than $600. without the case was a good price but I need another bass like I need another hole in my stupid head!! I've never played a Gibson made Thunderbird, I'm told they are "da bomb".

    Sepp
     
  17. Dec 17, 2012 #17
    eccles77

    eccles77

    Nov 3, 2009
    Behind the fridge
    I wouldn`t change the stock pup`s. I have the same model as yours and in the rehersal studio we use, it sounds good crancked up loud through an SVT and an 8x10. The guitarist who I was playing with couldn`t believe the sound that was coming from a cheap bass.