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here is a quick transformation of my blackbird. I got a hipshot bridge and hipshot clover tuners for Christmas. Cheers!
Huge improvement IMO (both looks and function). I had a Hipshot Supertone bridge & Ultralite tuners on my old Epi bird. I loved that bass. Never should've sold it.
IMO, yes.
I've owned a couple of Gibson/Epi basses over the years and (of course) all had the 3 point bridge. I don't dislike the stock bridge, but I did find it somewhat challenging to adjust. Once you get it setup, they play great. Regardless, I replaced the stock bridge on my Epi Thunderbird with a Supertone and absolutely loved it! More mass on the body, better intuition, easier to adjust, easy to install, etc. I think it improved the bass in every way.
One of my buddies always loved Gibson basses but refused to play them simply because he hated the 3 point bridge. He played my Epi and offered to buy it. LOL. I've heard similar things from other TB members. They're really great bridges.
There are some disadvantages to the Supertone however:
I've owned a couple of Gibson/Epi basses over the years and (of course) all had the 3 point bridge. I don't dislike the stock bridge, but I did find it somewhat challenging to adjust. Once you get it setup, they play great. Regardless, I replaced the stock bridge on my Epi Thunderbird with a Supertone and absolutely loved it! More mass on the body, better intuition, easier to adjust, easy to install, etc. I think it improved the bass in every way.
One of my buddies always loved Gibson basses but refused to play them simply because he hated the 3 point bridge. He played my Epi and offered to buy it. LOL. I've heard similar things from other TB members. They're really great bridges.
There are some disadvantages to the Supertone however:
- At $120… they're pricey!
- If your bass has a bridge cover, it will not fit after the Hipshot is installed
- They ruin the vintage vibe
I just bought one on eBay for about $86. IMO function out weighs look. 9 times out 10 when you are gigging most people do not notice little small things like a different bridge on a bass.
Anyway I bought my epi used and the previous owner broke the truss rod cover and put a Gibson truss rod cover on it. So a different bridge ain't nothin but a thing. G.Y.S.O.T! (Get you some of that!)
Anyway I bought my epi used and the previous owner broke the truss rod cover and put a Gibson truss rod cover on it. So a different bridge ain't nothin but a thing. G.Y.S.O.T! (Get you some of that!)
Good price! I've discovered you can usually find Hipshot stuff cheaper from retailers than buying direct from the factory.
I'm not sure why. You'd think it would be cheaper buying direct. In any case, let us know what you think of the bridge when it shows up.
The trick I've learned to keep the "ferrels" in, is to make sure that however you adjust the two back "ferrels" the front one is
slightly higher and NEVER lower....The even or lower front "ferrel" apparently allows the angle for the "ferrels" in the rear to pull out
I've played the newer white classic IV and was super impressed, was lot better than the silver burst I bought and modded. Seems like the quality is a step better than the $300 versions, pickups and wood?
The neck was super comfortable, more like a jazz than a p.
I need to get back into the club, you guys need to talk me out of getting a modern player jazz or T-40
The neck was super comfortable, more like a jazz than a p.
I need to get back into the club, you guys need to talk me out of getting a modern player jazz or T-40
Classic pro, now that I did the research, I see the difference in wood, neck and pickups....tempting. I need something to compliment the Ric, P and grabber that isn't as expensive.
Questions:
1) What size peg hole and/or Hipshot # tuner would I use on a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV?
2 What options has anyone found on a gig bag that would fit a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV? I've found the Reunion Blues gig bags to be short, and I am a fan of gig bags (small car).
Thanks in advance
1) What size peg hole and/or Hipshot # tuner would I use on a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV?
2 What options has anyone found on a gig bag that would fit a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV? I've found the Reunion Blues gig bags to be short, and I am a fan of gig bags (small car).
Thanks in advance
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,898
- 142,253
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Questions:
1) What size peg hole and/or Hipshot # tuner would I use on a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV?
2 What options has anyone found on a gig bag that would fit a T-Bird Classic Pro-IV? I've found the Reunion Blues gig bags to be short, and I am a fan of gig bags (small car).
Thanks in advance
Hipshot has a new set out that isn't on their website designed for modern Thunderbirds, email them!
Re their pricing, Hipshot will only sell at their MSRP, legit dealers buy product from them at a discount and often mark their prices down from the MSRP, encouraging you to purchase from their dealer network.
I called Epiphone this morning, and the guy said 10mm (?!). He knew nothing of tuner keys for a T-Bird per say. Then I called Hipshot, and the guy "thought" it might be 3/8's inch. I'll just hold on until I get some solid info, as these guys didn't gain my trust in the knowledge of their products. No emergency. I've already ordered Dunlop strap locks and an Epiphone hard case (Sweetwater does love me, already). I'm still in search of a long enough gig bag. Everything in it's time
Since Thunderbuckers are self shielding, is there any reason to shield my bass before installing the new pickups, pots etc?
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
The hipshot d-tuner is a gb7 which is a gotoh replacement,should be able to work out the normal tuners.
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