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Thunderbird Club Pt.IV

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#181
Thanks RedNeckBBQ & TBird1958 . it actually sounds like a lot of hassle . I'll might replace these knobs in the future . now it's about time I get my brass bridge cover nickel plated . :D

I 'm thinking of Gibsonizing my 'bird . I am even considering of switching to ultralite elephant ear tuners and a hipshot d-tuner . what do you think ?
 
#182
I don't know what the center-to-center measurment is for the tuners on the Epi Pro, be careful, even on a Gibson if the tuners are in line with each other they will touch.


NikkiII006.jpg
 
#183
yeah , I'm aware . according to a guy who has gibsonized his epi Tbird ... (it was a blue bird as i recall) he hasn't placed the tuners in line , but they kinda formed and arc .
anyhow , i am sure i won't be replacing them in the near future ....

just out of curiosity , have you ever owned an Epi TBird Pro ?

PS. That bass is really A BEAST . I envy you .
 
#184
Not A Pro model Epi. I've played them quite a few times and do like them - I already have an active Thunderbird in my Jackson TBX tho, so it'll do for now. I will say that the Pro's get super reviews from everyone that owns them - A real sucess for Epiphone!
 
#187
Castagnier said:
@TBird1958 : thanks. The bass is a 1976 Bicentennial ( 7 & 6 are included in the logo )
Click to expand...

Yes, but Gibson was pretty slow with production in 1976, the Bicentennial logo was used thru about mid 78. A decal serial # would place it as '76 to mid '77 after which Gibson stamped the S/N into the headstock - Regardless, yours is beautiful example and I appreciate your sharing it with us :)
 
#189
TBird1958 said:
Yes, but Gibson was pretty slow with production in 1976, the Bicentennial logo was used thru about mid 78. A decal serial # would place it as '76 to mid '77 after which Gibson stamped the S/N into the headstock - Regardless, yours is beautiful example and I appreciate your sharing it with us :)
Click to expand...

The serial number is 06241267

Link Removed

And here a video to proove that a Tbird can also be played in a jazz pop band...

 
#191
Very cool, it looks like yours is a '77 bases on the info below in quotes which is from fellow TBer and all around great Jules website http://www.flyguitars.com/gibson/bass/
and Gibson.
If I understand it correctly yours would be '77 production with decal S/N instead of a stamped date - making it an interesting bass. Yours is far, far better preserved than any of my three examples, two of which have broken headstocks, and are refinned and the third likely off to the paint shop later this year.
Thank you for sharing your pics and video, nice chops! :)


"During the period from 1975-1977 Gibson used a transfer that had eight digit numbers, the first two
indicate the year, 99=1975, 00=1976 and 06=1977, the following six digits are in the 100000 to 200000
range. MADE IN USA were also included on the transfer and some models had LIMITED EDITION also
applied. A few bolt on neck instruments had a date ink stamped on the heel area.
In 1977, Gibson first introduced the serialization method that is in practice today. This updated system
utilizes an impressed eight digit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions."
 
#194
cubanbass said:
Wow, really? I love Marcello's playing. So tasteful. I have a live record with him on it that I love!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I just received it when they toured in Switzerland last year... Such a funny experience to watch the public's reaction when Marcello first played a "rock bass" :)
The band is supposed to play in US and Canada in September - October. Just check the website for more info ( no dates announced yet ) : [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#195
Castagnier said:
Yeah, I just received it when they toured in Switzerland last year... Such a funny experience to watch the public's reaction when Marcello first played a "rock bass" :)
The band is supposed to play in US and Canada in September - October. Just check the website for more info ( no dates announced yet ) : [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

Very cool, will check out the dates. That us a show I would definitely want to make.
 
#196
Well I was hoping to join you all with a new Epi pro IV for the last two weeks but some thing or some one doesn't want me to get one. The 1st one showed up last sat. chipped and with a messed up bridge, back it went. Yesterday the 2nd arrives, in a crushed box with the head stock poking out! ( gotta love Fedex...NOT) Head stock is beat up, top wing looks like somebody took a hammer to it. and last but not least, a 3 inch crack in the neck from the nut down. Soooo waiting on a 3rd one. But! I will join with my 96 non-revers Epi bird for now if thats alright? Found it in a pawn shop for a little bit of nothing a few years back, a small set up and some flats and she plays awsome! Hopefully I will post with the pro IV this week sometime. Lol.
026.jpg
 
#197
TBird1958 said:
If I understand it correctly yours would be '77 production with decal S/N instead of a stamped date - making it an interesting bass.
Click to expand...

It looks like one of mine is a '77 with a decal based on what you said, the first two numbers are 06. It looks like it was built shortly before Castagnier's. I wonder when in '77 they changed to stamped.

77Thunderbird.jpg


My other one (the one in my avatar) is a '76 because the number starts with 00 (and I knew that anyway because I bought it new in '76).
 
#198
TBird1958 said:
We'd love a picture when you get the chance - I've added you as #268.


I'm quoting you here for truth :bassist:

" If a Thunderbird claims you, you have to play one. Lesson learned"
Click to expand...

I'm flattered to be quoted, but it is in fact true. There are 'Bird people and non-'Bird people. I play a P-Bass and an EB-2 as well, but there is a place for a Thunderbird that cannot be filled by anything else.

Pictures when it gets here. I'm having some anticipation problems for the time being. Beats me how long it will take. Too long. For the price, with a fitted case, I can't complain, but waiting isn't my favorite thing to do.
 
#199
Can somebody explain the history of the neck pickup? It looks to me like it has moved about an inch and a half over the years. The early 60s birds had the neck pickup in the same position as the single pickup model? The bicentennial bass seems to have moved it closer to the neck? The Current Epi bolt-on model also has it moved forward a bit. The upcoming Epi classic has moved it forward even further so it is in the same position as the current gibson bird. Is there a reason Gibson keeps moving it around?
 
#200
wvbass said:
Can somebody explain the history of the neck pickup? It looks to me like it has moved about an inch and a half over the years. The early 60s birds had the neck pickup in the same position as the single pickup model? The bicentennial bass seems to have moved it closer to the neck? The Current Epi bolt-on model also has it moved forward a bit. The upcoming Epi classic has moved it forward even further so it is in the same position as the current gibson bird. Is there a reason Gibson keeps moving it around?
Click to expand...

I don't know the answer, but from watching them for 35 years it seems that they don't usually have a reason for things they do.
 
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