Thunderbird Club Pt 6

[godofthunder59]

Over all build quality was so so. A Epi Bolt on Thunderbird would embarrass it. My Jackson Kellybird that cost $299 creams it. The stock pickups didn't cover the span of the strings The E and G strings were noticeably quieter. The build quality was meh poor finish, buff marks, bare areas touched up with marker. Big split out drill hole under the neck plate, I presume that was to hang the body while finishing. The control cavity cover isn't even recessed, just a rough cut bit of plastic. The tuners suck and will have to be replaced. The fingerboard either has glue on it or it's been burned in. The bridge also is sub pare not having individual saddle adjustment. Not worth the money imho. The only reason I didn't send it back is I moved a strap button, which to Waterstones credit they said send it back anyhow but I had already started routing.

I guess it's your Waterstone V8 right?

I was wondering when we would be getting a review from you...

Would you mind elaborating on what you found dissapointing about it???

 

[TBird1958]

Total Gas Killer Scott........







That's ok

 

[jaibeau]

I'll try to make a trip up to see your bass next week, it sounds like it'll be great!

Body and neck won't arrive from the finish shop for a couple of weeks-

 

[Nocturnal]

Over all build quality was so so. A Epi Bolt on Thunderbird would embarrass it. My Jackson Kellybird that cost $299 creams it. The stock pickups didn't cover the span of the strings The E and G strings were noticeably quieter. The build quality was meh poor finish, buff marks, bare areas touched up with marker. Big split out drill hole under the neck plate, I presume that was to hang the body while finishing. The control cavity cover isn't even recessed, just a rough cut bit of plastic. The tuners suck and will have to be replaced. The fingerboard either has glue on it or it's been burned in. The bridge also is sub pare not having individual saddle adjustment. Not worth the money imho. The only reason I didn't send it back is I moved a strap button, which to Waterstones credit they said send it back anyhow but I had already started routing.

I was hoping for a good report on the Waterstone. Guess I will cross that off my wish list

 

[hillerup]

Over all build quality was so so. A Epi Bolt on Thunderbird would embarrass it. My Jackson Kellybird that cost $299 creams it. The stock pickups didn't cover the span of the strings The E and G strings were noticeably quieter. The build quality was meh poor finish, buff marks, bare areas touched up with marker. Big split out drill hole under the neck plate, I presume that was to hang the body while finishing. The control cavity cover isn't even recessed, just a rough cut bit of plastic. The tuners suck and will have to be replaced. The fingerboard either has glue on it or it's been burned in. The bridge also is sub pare not having individual saddle adjustment. Not worth the money imho. The only reason I didn't send it back is I moved a strap button, which to Waterstones credit they said send it back anyhow but I had already started routing.

Damned! Was i t really THAT bad?!

That review of yours really do make my idea of turning an Epiphone Pro-V into an 8-stringer sound like a good idea, after all...

 

[hillerup]

And speaking of a Pro-V:

I actually managed to get a hold of a second-hand one a couple of week ago:

Not only was I able to find one in the right colour, it was also the exact same one I missed out on a couple of month ago...

The original seller sold the bass to a guitarplayer that wanted to try and play bass (not exactly my first choice for my first bass).

After that I kept a close eye on the classifieds, as I figured it would pop up again real soon.

 

[YOU LAND]

Hi and welcome here Bluzman90!

It's a rare color, if I recall this correctly Gibson did a very short run (less than 10 pieces) of these for a shop in Japan, they're definately not Pelham Blue. Over the years I've seen a couple come up on ebay. Of course knowing Gibson it could be something else entirely - It's beautiful, again welcome here, you're #354

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Oh!
This collar is "Sapphire Blue"
I bought in 2000y!

 

[Johnny78]

Always wanted a rd since I first saw one, whenever one became available either didn't have the funds or not enough funds. Not a fan of Krist Novaselic or Nirvana but when Gibson reissued the rd as his signature model I knew it may be my only chance to own one I wouldn't have to restore. Replaced the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot and had some Bill Lawrence Bass Humbuckers installed, a coil tap, and three way switch. Easily my favorite bass.

 

[Nocturnal]

I am GAS-ing for an RD so bad lately!!! I like the mods you did.

 

[vegas532]

Always wanted a rd since I first saw one, whenever one became available either didn't have the funds or not enough funds. Not a fan of Krist Novaselic or Nirvana but when Gibson reissued the rd as his signature model I knew it may be my only chance to own one I wouldn't have to restore. Replaced the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot and had some Bill Lawrence Bass Humbuckers installed, a coil tap, and three way switch. Easily my favorite bass.
View attachment 359720

VERY nice!

 

[hillerup]

Always wanted a rd since I first saw one, whenever one became available either didn't have the funds or not enough funds. Not a fan of Krist Novaselic or Nirvana but when Gibson reissued the rd as his signature model I knew it may be my only chance to own one I wouldn't have to restore. Replaced the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot and had some Bill Lawrence Bass Humbuckers installed, a coil tap, and three way switch. Easily my favorite bass.
View attachment 359720

How does the coil tap work on the sound? Does is alter the sound much - Could you upload some examples?

Also does the switch work on both the pickups - And how did you wire it up?

I have a bass with two humbuckers I'd like to wire with either VTVT + a 3-way switch (basically like a Les Paul), or alternately VVT + a 3-way switch + a coil tap switch.

I just can't seem to find a wiring diagram that show a coil tap switch working for both humbuckers.

 

[sigmundklaus]

Dear Gibson Gurus,
Help me

How much is an acceptable price for a T-Bird Studio 5 string (cherry), in good condition, without original case (but with a hard case).

Thanks a lot!

 

[godofthunder59]

I'd say $750-$1000 in the USA. Are you buying local or via the internet? They didn't make a ton of these so it's kind of rare but that doesn't necessarily mean it's worth a lot.

 

[TBird1958]

Dear Gibson Gurus,
Help me

How much is an acceptable price for a T-Bird Studio 5 string (cherry), in good condition, without original case (but with a hard case).

Thanks a lot!

+1

Scott's right on the money.

That's only T Bird I really still want, even tho I'm not a fiver person.

 

[sigmundklaus]

Thanks a lot, King and Queen

Than I think I am going to pull the trigger on this one

It is offered for 690 Euros... soooo ... that is about $ 900 ... in really really good condition.

That would also be my "ticket" back into this club - I've sold all my Epi T-Birds and bought a Midtown and an Explorer

 

[stiles72]

It's not the cover of Rolling Stone, but my Blackbird made the front page of the Clinton Herald Newspaper in Clinton, IA today. Our rock/cover band played at Tegeler Music's 3rd Annual Labor Day Wekeend Music benefit concert, and this year's proceeds went to the Wounded Warrior Project. We had a blast- even though our band doesn't even play Baracuda! lol

Link Removed

 

[BlkHeli]

Always wanted a rd since I first saw one, whenever one became available either didn't have the funds or not enough funds. Not a fan of Krist Novaselic or Nirvana but when Gibson reissued the rd as his signature model I knew it may be my only chance to own one I wouldn't have to restore. Replaced the 3 point bridge with a Hipshot and had some Bill Lawrence Bass Humbuckers installed, a coil tap, and three way switch. Easily my favorite bass.
View attachment 359720

Anyone have experience with the Novaselic RD in BEAD tuning? I'd love to get one of these but not sure how it would work out...1200 for the bass doesn't leave a lot left over for new pickups, etc.

 

[BlkHeli]

Oh, also I posted a while back looking for a number. Here's my 76 ibby TBird again:

 

[Showdown]

It's not the cover of Rolling Stone, but my Blackbird made the front page of the Clinton Herald Newspaper in Clinton, IA today. Our rock/cover band played at Tegeler Music's 3rd Annual Labor Day Wekeend Music benefit concert, and this year's proceeds went to the Wounded Warrior Project. We had a blast- even though our band doesn't even play Baracuda! lol

Link Removed

Lead bassist? That's a new one to me. Do you get more money than a regular bassist?

 

[BklynKen]

It's not the cover of Rolling Stone, but my Blackbird made the front page of the Clinton Herald Newspaper in Clinton, IA today. Our rock/cover band played at Tegeler Music's 3rd Annual Labor Day Wekeend Music benefit concert, and this year's proceeds went to the Wounded Warrior Project. We had a blast- even though our band doesn't even play Baracuda! lol

Top notch, Clint!