Thunderbird Club

[Engle]

Miles is spot on. The neck is slightly larger than a Gibson. Not a Pbass neck by any means, but just a little larger. Can't go wrong with that Epi. They hit it out of the park. I have a '64, and like my VP so much I bought a second one. They will likely (or can be), more aggressive, but can do smooth as well as anything. My white one even has flats on it (GHS) and sounds fantastic. It will tend to have a little less lows than the Gibson--but amps have knobs for a reason. But I never adjust my amp when going from VP to Gibson. If I could only have one bass and it couldn't be my '64--it would be a VP.

View attachment 4958226

One of the differences from the 60’s Gibsons is the VP neck is placed further out from the body, giving better access to the upper register, but requiring a longer reach to the first fret.

 

[MCF]

Hmm, took me a bit to get used to the reach with my Gibson vs my Fenders, so you say the Eppi is even a bit more?

Also, are the white ones hard to come by? I’d really like white. I think I can get a deal on a brand new black one, but the white ones look so much better to me. I love the tobacco burst on my ‘97, not to mention the genuine relic’ing it has as it was played a lot by previous owners. Even has the mandatory neck repair that all Gibson must have!

The reach is slightly longer to me than a Gibson Reverse and about the same as a Gibson NR. Easy enough to get used to, but some comment about it.

White VPs are more scarce than the Black Burst ones. Epi stopped producing white ones around 2019 or 2020. Never understood why.

 

[MCF]

If he moves back here I hope he’s close to the tristate area.

I think he’s looking further south.

 

[JJR58]

I think he’s looking further south.

Ah, gotcha.
If he chooses South Carolina, i've got a cousin there.

 

[MCF]

And you are spot on with that assessment.

Or even a BaCh. I’m loving my II.

 

[bobyoung53]

A little caturday action.
Yes, Billie likes Jazz basses

View attachment 4958291

Billy looks like a kool kat.

 

[MCF]

Hmm, took me a bit to get used to the reach with my Gibson vs my Fenders, so you say the Eppi is even a bit more?

Also, are the white ones hard to come by? I’d really like white. I think I can get a deal on a brand new black one, but the white ones look so much better to me. I love the tobacco burst on my ‘97, not to mention the genuine relic’ing it has as it was played a lot by previous owners. Even has the mandatory neck repair that all Gibson must have!

If we can pull off another get together this summer like the one at Chucky’s last year in Hollister, you need to come and play the variety of Thunderbirds that will be available. And it is great fun meeting other members.

 

[MCF]

The Lollars are going to sound fuller than the VP's 760s, just more going on especially in the lo-mids. The neck on the VP is noticibly bigger than a '90s Gibson as well, not objectionable, but not the same by any stretch.
Looking for another Bird, I'd suggest a Greco II or an Orville.

I thought I replied to this one with my Comment about the BaCH also being worthy of consideration.

 

[GBassNorth]

And George is one of the wisest. I wish he would stay in SoCal and not move back east as he has talked about. I’ve enjoyed meeting him.

I think he’s looking further south.

Ah, gotcha.
If he chooses South Carolina, i've got a cousin there.

You guys are too kind!
Just a quick update on the move, which was supposed to happen last summer, but got delayed by home improvement projects that were dragging behind schedule. The revised move plan from just a few months ago was to head to the South East coast (Hilton Head or Amelia Island) by the end of December 2022 when the last home upgrade was to be completed.

Just before we planned to list the house for sale my wife started experiencing abdominal pains. We immediately went to the doctor and after several tests it was confirmed she has an aggressive form of cancer on her liver, gall bladder and pancreas. She starts chemo next week. So needless to say we’ve put a lot of our move and financial plans on hold.

The blessing in disguise is that with all the delays on the move we by default have ended up in very close proximity to UCLA Medical and other top notch cancer doctors and treatment facilities. SoCal is the best place for us at this time. I suspect we’ll be here for at least the next 6 months, maybe longer.

Thoughts, prayers and well wishes are always welcome, but no need to derail this thread with that.

On a related Thunderbird note, I will be trying to get my wife to help me with my current Tbird build (finish selections, pickguard designs, etc.) anything to keep her busy and her mind off of other issues.

 

[JJR58]

Billy looks like a kool kat.

She’s a sweetheart.
I’m cat sitting for my cousin for 3 weeks here in the city.
There’s also another hellion here.

 

[GonePlaid]

The reach is slightly longer to me than a Gibson Reverse and about the same as a Gibson NR. Easy enough to get used to, but some comment about it.

White VPs are more scarce than the Black Burst ones. Epi stopped producing white ones around 2019 or 2020. Never understood why.

Ran outta white paint?

 

[GonePlaid]

You guys are too kind!
Just a quick update on the move, which was supposed to happen last summer, but got delayed by home improvement projects that were dragging behind schedule. The revised move plan from just a few months ago was to head to the South East coast (Hilton Head or Amelia Island) by the end of December 2022 when the last home upgrade was to be completed.

Just before we planned to list the house for sale my wife started experiencing abdominal pains. We immediately went to the doctor and after several tests it was confirmed she has an aggressive form of cancer on her liver, gall bladder and pancreas. She starts chemo next week. So needless to say we’ve put a lot of our move and financial plans on hold.

The blessing in disguise is that with all the delays on the move we by default have ended up in very close proximity to UCLA Medical and other top notch cancer doctors and treatment facilities. SoCal is the best place for us at this time. I suspect we’ll be here for at least the next 6 months, maybe longer.

Thoughts, prayers and well wishes are always welcome, but no need to derail this thread with that.

On a related Thunderbird note, I will be trying to get my wife to help me with my current Tbird build (finish selections, pickguard designs, etc.) anything to keep her busy and her mind off of other issues.

Best wishes for positive outcomes.

 

[JJR58]

You guys are too kind!
Just a quick update on the move, which was supposed to happen last summer, but got delayed by home improvement projects that were dragging behind schedule. The revised move plan from just a few months ago was to head to the South East coast (Hilton Head or Amelia Island) by the end of December 2022 when the last home upgrade was to be completed.

Just before we planned to list the house for sale my wife started experiencing abdominal pains. We immediately went to the doctor and after several tests it was confirmed she has an aggressive form of cancer on her liver, gall bladder and pancreas. She starts chemo next week. So needless to say we’ve put a lot of our move and financial plans on hold.

The blessing in disguise is that with all the delays on the move we by default have ended up in very close proximity to UCLA Medical and other top notch cancer doctors and treatment facilities. SoCal is the best place for us at this time. I suspect we’ll be here for at least the next 6 months, maybe longer.

Thoughts, prayers and well wishes are always welcome, but no need to derail this thread with that.

On a related Thunderbird note, I will be trying to get my wife to help me with my current Tbird build (finish selections, pickguard designs, etc.) anything to keep her busy and her mind off of other issues.

Oh wow G!
When it rains it pours.
My best good vibes and well wishes are with you both.

 

[TBird1958]

A little caturday action.
Yes, Billie likes Jazz basses

View attachment 4958291

Is this little tiger a new addition, Jeff?

So cute, I'm hopelessly in love with kitties!

 

[GonePlaid]

My pix are notoriously 'fuzzy'.

Then again, so am I.

 

[JJR58]

Is this little tiger a new addition, Jeff?

So cute, I'm hopelessly in love with kitties!

Im cat sitting the little guys for my cuz and her hubby.
I love them so V.

 

[TBird1958]

You guys are too kind!
Just a quick update on the move, which was supposed to happen last summer, but got delayed by home improvement projects that were dragging behind schedule. The revised move plan from just a few months ago was to head to the South East coast (Hilton Head or Amelia Island) by the end of December 2022 when the last home upgrade was to be completed.

Just before we planned to list the house for sale my wife started experiencing abdominal pains. We immediately went to the doctor and after several tests it was confirmed she has an aggressive form of cancer on her liver, gall bladder and pancreas. She starts chemo next week. So needless to say we’ve put a lot of our move and financial plans on hold.

The blessing in disguise is that with all the delays on the move we by default have ended up in very close proximity to UCLA Medical and other top notch cancer doctors and treatment facilities. SoCal is the best place for us at this time. I suspect we’ll be here for at least the next 6 months, maybe longer.

Thoughts, prayers and well wishes are always welcome, but no need to derail this thread with that.

On a related Thunderbird note, I will be trying to get my wife to help me with my current Tbird build (finish selections, pickguard designs, etc.) anything to keep her busy and her mind off of other issues.

George,
I know we all wish for the very best concerning your wife, it sounds like she's near to the very best care possible and that, of course is the most important thing. We all care, lean on us if you need to Bass Brother.

 

[GBassNorth]

The Lollars are going to sound fuller than the VP's 760s, just more going on especially in the lo-mids. The neck on the VP is noticibly bigger than a '90s Gibson as well, not objectionable, but not the same by any stretch.
Looking for another Bird, I'd suggest a Greco II or an Orville.

Good points!
I know if I had a thousand bucks burning a hole in my pocket I’d be looking at a used Greco II, or a White VP, or a BaCH IV in that order. The Greco would get a set of Roto flats, the VP would get Cobalt flats and the BaCH would get SIT Power steels.

 

[TBird1958]

Im cat sitting the little guys for my cuz and her hubby.
I love them so V.

I love the doggies too, but I'm just gushy over kitties last couple years.

 

[JJR58]

I love the doggies too, but I'm just gushy over kitties last couple years.

Awwwwww.