Thunderbird Club

[Miles_ONeal]

Hey all I was just getting ready to pull the pin an buy a new Epi Vintage Pro when a buddy sent me a CL listing for a 2013 IV Sunburst in mint condition. I know the Vintage is a better instrument but I can get this IV for 300 and it really is mint. Is the Vintage worth the extra 500? I was ready to spend it but now I'm wondering.

I really liked playing my IV. It's a good bass. But the CP and VP are much nicer and I decided to start modding the IV because I never played it any more.. Thinner necks, better pickups, some contours so they don't dig into your body so much, etc. You *might* be able to sell the IV for $400 - $500 if you aren't thrilled with it. Some people can pull that off. Not me.

 

[BklynKen]

It's Lonely Tuesday...

View attachment 4720954

Where's The Gimp?

 

[Stealth57]

Where's The Gimp?

I resemble that comment.

 

[El Diablo Rojo]

Good move. You won't regret it. Different strings make a real difference, so do yourself a favor and try a few different sets. Boomers, Rotos and Cobalt Flats all sound great on them.

I have Rotos on my P Bass and love them. The IV I played had D'addario ECB82 Chrome Flats and I liked the sound of those but I understand the IV and the VP have different PUPs so not sure if that's a good comparison

 

[JIO]

King George?

Nosmo King ...

 

[PhR75]

Good "wettnesday", it pours around here. That's why I chose this as a soundtrack to my morning drive. Karl Jenkins' old Nucleus riff refined and that Holdsworth solo...never too long. Roy Babbington on Fender Bass VI, John Marshall killing it on drums and a rare sound of Mike Ratledge's Lowrey through a Leslie.

 

[Basvarken]

Here's and official Gibson Thunderbird you don't see very often:
It's a five string Gibson Studio Thunderbird from 2005. Gibson hasn't offered many five string bass models over the years. This is one of the very few official releases. The traditional Thunderbird design was changed on the Studio version (both four-string and five -string): the body shape is slightly smaller and the edges are rounded off. A major change in the construction is the use of a glued in neck rather than the traditional Thunderbird neck through construction. The body does not have the raised center piece. And the use of the 3D bridge is also a deviation to the previously used bridges on Thunderbirds.

 

[godofthunder59]

Is that a CP? For 150?!

Looks like the bolt on version to me.

 

[Larry V]

Which one of you beautiful psychos did this? I love it.

That came out WAAAAAYYYYY better than I thought it would. Pretty awesome!

Here's and official Gibson Thunderbird you don't see very often:
It's a five string Gibson Studio Thunderbird from 2005. Gibson hasn't offered many five string bass models over the years. This is one of the very few official releases. The traditional Thunderbird design was changed on the Studio version (both four-string and five -string): the body shape is slightly smaller and the edges are rounded off. A major change in the construction is the use of a glued in neck rather than the traditional Thunderbird neck through construction. The body does not have the raised center piece. And the use of the 3D bridge is also a deviation to the previously used bridges on Thunderbirds.

I have a minty Ebony Studio V just like the one in this picture. It's a boat anchor but sounds amazing while thumping along on the B string.

 

[dagrev]

I have Rotos on my P Bass and love them. The IV I played had D'addario ECB82 Chrome Flats and I liked the sound of those but I understand the IV and the VP have different PUPs so not sure if that's a good comparison

Very different pickups--and--the VP has them located in the "almost" correct positions. Which Gibson (and some Epis) seems to have a difficult time finding for better tone.

Roto Nickel plated strings would be a nice option as well. I have to say that I've put SIT Power Steels on two basses (one being '06 Thunderbird) and they sounded great on both.

 

[JJR58]

Saying you should uncover your bird doesn't sound as intended.

Just might apply to this gang.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

That's awesome Geo!

+1..yeah, friggin’ hysterical…..will bring my wig jic…

 

[dagrev]

It's Lonely Tuesday...

View attachment 4720954

Every time I see one of those Mk heads I miss mine....

 

[TBird1958]

Here's and official Gibson Thunderbird you don't see very often:
It's a five string Gibson Studio Thunderbird from 2005. Gibson hasn't offered many five string bass models over the years. This is one of the very few official releases. The traditional Thunderbird design was changed on the Studio version (both four-string and five -string): the body shape is slightly smaller and the edges are rounded off. A major change in the construction is the use of a glued in neck rather than the traditional Thunderbird neck through construction. The body does not have the raised center piece. And the use of the 3D bridge is also a deviation to the previously used bridges on Thunderbirds.

I have the four string version and I find it to be a very solid bass, well made, perfect balance, nice low action, the neck is a bit bigger than a standard neck thru Bird, really much like the 2021 Non Reverse. I also think the TB Plus pickups sound really good on this bass, they seem a bit tighter and produce a more focused note, probably due in part to the set-neck construction. Although little noticed by most, they are a really nice variation on the traditional Thunderbird.

 

[Hondapunk]

I have the four string version and I find it to be a very solid bass, well made, perfect balance, nice low action, the neck is a bit bigger than a standard neck thru Bird, really much like the 2021 Non Reverse. I also think the TB Plus pickups sound really good on this bass, they seem a bit tighter and produce a more focused note, probably due in part to the set-neck construction. Although little noticed by most, they are a really nice variation on the traditional Thunderbird.

Nice Trifecta of Gibsons there. Are there any missing outside of the photo ?

 

[dagrev]

Sounds like a....

 

[TBird1958]

Nice Trifecta of Gibsons there. Are there any missing outside of the photo ?

At least 9-10, bad luck to count them tho.

 

[Hondapunk]

All Gibson?

 

[TBird1958]

All Gibson?

Thunderbirds, yes. But not all are Gibson, there's a Greco, Jackson, Orville, Epi and of course a Lull in addition to the Gibsons.

 

[Hondapunk]

Thunderbirds, yes. But not all are Gibson, there's a Greco, Jackson, Orville, Epi and of course a Lull in addition to the Gibsons.

Way more sane than having 13 cats !!! But I love 'em all. Cats ,basses and guitars.