Thunderbird Club

[GBassNorth]

I think both of the burst bolt-ons I've had (one Korean, one early Chinese) were that way - the solid-colored ones would be more difficult to notice?



Edit: my remaining made-in-Korea Thunderbird

View attachment 4839593

I love this place! Kara, you’re the best.
That answers the scarf joint question as well as the serial number question. @PaleAngel_90 the Eppi bird bass you’re looking at looks legit! Kara confirmed serial number placement and scarf joints are probably correct for that bass.

 

[Stealth57]

How much later?

I've had a few of the earlier China-made bolt-ons that had it on the plate, in the 2007-2009 range, so I'm guessing newer than that?

Mine is a 2018.

 

[Stealth57]

And Mom had just told them, "Daddy drinks because you cry."

Only Kingfisher

 

[Stealth57]

…so you’re saying he’d beat them?

Butt bongos

 

[KaraQ]

Mine is a 2018.

I wonder when they made the change?

I'll have to go looking through Reverb & eBay postings when I get the chance, see if I can figure it out.....

 

[Gaolee]

There are a few cracks in the headstock and body, didn't you saw? Or was I seeing things?

I didn't look carefully. Find out if those are finish issues or if they are in the wood. If it's just finish, no problems.

 

[Gaolee]

This one looks to be in better condition, also is nearer. Link: Epiphone Thunderbird-IV 2003 Vintage Sunburst Bass Guitar | Reverb

It will be very much like the other one. Big neck, relative, and strap button that needs to be moved. There appears to be a finish crack next to the neck pocket, but that wouldn't worry me much. Worst case, if it really is a crack, play it until it needs to be repaired, then glue it back together. You might even be able to get the price knocked down a little.

And confirming that both of the Korean 'Birds I had over the years had scarf joints. They were not delicate at all.

 

[Gaolee]

My behind is bigger than my chest, also... You're taking quite the interest in my "watermelons" I thought you were straight and spoken for...? View attachment 4839466

Never assume anything about PillO. Everything we know about him is wrong, and even if it isn't, it's subject to change.

 

[Engle]

I think both of the burst bolt-ons I've had (one Korean, one early Chinese) were that way - the solid-colored ones would be more difficult to notice?

Edit: my remaining made-in-Korea Thunderbird

View attachment 4839593

You likely wouldn’t notice at all on a solid colour with a poly finish. That scarf joint is a great construction method and the bass is less likely to suffer a headstock snap than one made without it.

 

[dagrev]

Had to share this one. I think I’ll make it my desktop.

View attachment 4839217

I see kids love you. Comes natural with some people.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Our fearless leader.
View attachment 4839428

darn! some nice guitars in that pic!….

 

[PaleAngel_90]

Never assume anything about PillO. Everything we know about him is wrong, and even if it isn't, it's subject to change.

 

[dagrev]

Yeah. This was a rig George gigged with. It sounds really good. It’s not as versatile as my Mesa TT 800 and Subway 410. But it does sound nice with the Thunderbirds I’ve played through it so far. The ‘21 NR and the Epi Blackbird both sound great. Tonight I’m going to try the VP.

Three of my birds are in John Caruthers’ shop. The ‘15’s bridge volume pot crapped out. And the Pelham Blue Epi also needs a bridge pot. The ‘13 is getting a level, crown and fret end dress. I can’t wait to really hear the ‘15 through it.

Ampeg's are one of several amps that have their own distinct sound and you can't get too far from that in terms of versatility. They either fit what a person wants or they don't, and if it's not a tone one wants, EQing really won't fix that. But for me, when it works, it's wonderful.

 

[dagrev]

Video or it didn't happen...

You can see that kind of think on other forums.

From what I understand.

But you may know this.

 

[dagrev]

No kidding about the drinking part. I went to a show with my wife last night. We met a couple of friends before the show to catch up. My wife and I had one drink apiece at the place we met up. Our friends turned out to be hammered already when they arrived. They seemed fine at first, but then got steadily wobblier. Not much they said made any sense, and she looked like she was probably trashed while putting on makeup. Nothing bad happened, but I wonder how much they actually remember this morning. Fortunately, we were in a different part of the venue for the show, so whatever ugly aftermath might have been wasn't our issue to deal with.

One tell-tale sign is lipstick on the teeth, cheeks (uppers--if lowers, there are other issues), and in the nose.

 

[dagrev]

I think both of the burst bolt-ons I've had (one Korean, one early Chinese) were that way - the solid-colored ones would be more difficult to notice?



Edit: my remaining made-in-Korea Thunderbird

View attachment 4839593

Just why does Peavey goodness have to sneak into the pic?

 

[KaraQ]

Just why does Peavey goodness have to sneak into the pic?

I did that just for you

 

[TBird1958]

Our fearless leader.
View attachment 4839428

Too kind, my friend!
Still can't put that bass down, love it!

 

[dagrev]

I did that just for you

I like it! Well, kind of. It's also reminder of how dumb I was to sell mine..... I was trying to not have money tied up in something I wasn't using after falling in love with tubes. I would actually use it now just for a different flavor once in awhile. Such warm, versatile heads. But you know this! And darn near indestructible.

 

[BklynKen]

Ampeg's are one of several amps that have their own distinct sound and you can't get too far from that in terms of versatility. They either fit what a person wants or they don't, and if it's not a tone one wants, EQing really won't fix that. But for me, when it works, it's wonderful.

Yeah, this is a great combo.