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Thunderbird Club Pt.7

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#661
bass geetarist said:
Just picked this up last Friday. It's my first 5 string, and first Gibson bass, and I'm pretty in love with it right now. I know some say it's not a real Thunderbird, since it has a set neck and slightly different body design, but Gibson saw fit to label it a Thunderbird, so that's good enough for me.
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Any body that says this isn't a real Thunderbird does not know what they are talking about.
Some of the best ( Scott, GodofThunder59 knows :D) Thunderbirds are set neck. All of the Non Reverse models, including the recent reissue are made this way. In addition, Gibson's Japanese production (Orville) are set neck Thunderbirds as are Greco's.
The whole Studio line was very nicely done, the Cherry Fiver being about the sexiest of them, and the B string just kills - It's still the one Thunderbird I don't have in my collection, tho I did get to use a friends for awhile.

Shall I add you to our group - that's an awesome bass
 
#662
TBird1958 said:
Any body that says this isn't a real Thunderbird does not know what they are talking about.
Some of the best ( Scott, GodofThunder59 knows :D) Thunderbirds are set neck. All of the Non Reverse models, including the recent reissue are made this way. In addition, Gibson's Japanese production (Orville) are set neck Thunderbirds as are Greco's.
Click to expand...

Well said, Mark. :)
 
#663
Ironically, all of this arrived yesterday.
 

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#664
TBird1958 said:
Great stuff here!
I just don't feel right playing any other bass.
Re the strings, DR Stainless 45-105 have lots more zing and last way better than Roto's. Ken Smith Rockmasters are also very nice, a bit less zing and clank than the DR's.
Click to expand...

Mark, are you talking about the DR Hi-Beams or DR LO-Riders - They both seem to be stainless steel strings?

I used to have Rotosound Swingbass strings on all my basses back in the '80' and loved the zing & clank of these, when new - But remember them not lasting like this for very long, and would love to try some which hold their zing & clank for longer.

I currently use the DR Black Beauties, which does seem to hold their tone for quite some time, but they are pricey and have a more broken-in sound, which I like a lot, though...
 
#666
TBird1958 said:
Any body that says this isn't a real Thunderbird does not know what they are talking about.
Some of the best ( Scott, GodofThunder59 knows :D) Thunderbirds are set neck. All of the Non Reverse models, including the recent reissue are made this way. In addition, Gibson's Japanese production (Orville) are set neck Thunderbirds as are Greco's.
The whole Studio line was very nicely done, the Cherry Fiver being about the sexiest of them, and the B string just kills - It's still the one Thunderbird I don't have in my collection, tho I did get to use a friends for awhile.

Shall I add you to our group - that's an awesome bass
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply, sure gimme a number!

The B string is pretty killer, which surprised me due to the 34 inch scale (it's my first fiver, but based on what I've read online, 35 is the way to go), and I love the look of the Cherry finish. Maybe it's just the "honeymoon" period, but for sheer looks, it pretty much kills everything else I have right now (several fender guitars/basses, a musicman, a prs....)

I had actually just been looking to strike another bass off my GAS list, which included a T Bird, a Jazz, and a Bongo bass. Fortunately I found this one for a price which I thought was a steal for a Gibson (which included a very fancy, great condition hardshell case), and I had been toying with the idea of getting a 5 for awhile, so this worked out well.

I had actually picked up a 4 string Epi T Bird Pro the week before, but ended up taking it back because I didn't like the way it sat in a mix once I recorded it. Solid construction though, and very versatile, just didn't do it for me.

This being my first Gibson bass, I must say I'm extremely impressed (mainly because of negative comments I've read in general about Gibson bass quality, but also because the few Gibson basses I'd managed to get my hands on previously didn't really feel all that great). I can definitely see myself shelling out for another Gibson bass one day. Maybe and Explorer, or a more traditional through neck T Bird.
 
#667
hillerup said:
Mark, are you talking about the DR Hi-Beams or DR LO-Riders - They both seem to be stainless steel strings?

I used to have Rotosound Swingbass strings on all my basses back in the '80' and loved the zing & clank of these, when new - But remember them not lasting like this for very long, and would love to try some which hold their zing & clank for longer.

I currently use the DR Black Beauties, which does seem to hold their tone for quite some time, but they are pricey and have a more broken-in sound, which I like a lot, though...
Click to expand...

Lo Riders come in Nickels or Stainless Steels. I actually put a set of Nickel Lo Riders on my studio v, and they sound great. Lots of low growl and clank and punch, but still really warm and thunderous.
 
#668
hillerup said:
Mark, are you talking about the DR Hi-Beams or DR LO-Riders - They both seem to be stainless steel strings?

I used to have Rotosound Swingbass strings on all my basses back in the '80' and loved the zing & clank of these, when new - But remember them not lasting like this for very long, and would love to try some which hold their zing & clank for longer.

I currently use the DR Black Beauties, which does seem to hold their tone for quite some time, but they are pricey and have a more broken-in sound, which I like a lot, though...
Click to expand...


DR Hi Beams are similar to Roto's in tone, they definately keep their brightness longer. I always loved how Roto's sounded on my Rickenbacker 4001 - For about a week! :p
A friend put me onto Ken Smith and DR, I've never looked back.
 
#674
SlingBass4 said:
Epi Classic T-Bird #2 (vintage burst) landing tomorrow :hyper:

ETA: By the end of the day :smug:

I've acquired such a T-Bird GAS problem :p
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Nice!

And Congratulations, however, if think we're here to keep you from buying more Thunderbirds....... :smug:


I'm anxious for the NAMM show, hoping Epiphone will announce some new variants of this bass. I.E. colors.
 
#680
^^^ THAT ^^^ is sweet :eek:

Ritter Padded Gig Bag, for Thunderbird bass RCG700-9TB:
Just got one in the mail from some Brit outfit. My suggestion is DO NOT buy one! Fair construction, stitching, storage, padding and looks...BUT...NO neck support! Certainly NOT worth the $125 spent on it. I have conflicting thoughts about it's return, as that trip back is expensive. With a towel, zip tape, and some Velcro I can make it work, but a comparable case could be had for $40-$60. Shipping was quick, and I have no complaints about the seller......there just has to be a better bag out there somewhere that will comfortably fit this bass. The MONO and Reunion Blues are just too tight, and this one is too IMO. The search will continue. Surely some USA manufacturer will pick up on this and run all the way to the bank.

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