Thunderbird Club

[GBassNorth]

The NR VP tribute has been fit tested and is ready to go off to the finisher for a Shoreline Gold Metallic finish (same color as Gibsons Gold Mist Polly finish). Irv did his magic on the pickguard from a custom template I created.
Here she is in Raw Fit Test form next to her Epiphone VP brother (note the aged white guard and the slightly enlarged logo)…

With identical strings on the Reverse VP and my NR VP I can dial in a bit more grit as well as warmth on the NR VP, mostly attributable to the control layout.

For those wondering, is there really any difference between the new Gibson 2021 NR and the one I’m building? Actually, yes, quite a lot. My NR VP has a Wenge/Wenge bolt on neck vs Gibsons Mahogany/rosewood set neck. In preliminary sound checks the Wenge neck does tighten up the sound a bit, less cream and more gritty sugar. Like all stock Epiphone VP pickups, the ones on my build are wound a bit brighter with a touch more grit than the new Gibson NR pickups. And importantly, the VP NR neck pickup placement is in the traditional 1960’s location for a bit more clarity and punch and a little less warmth than the Gibson neck pup location. My VP NR also utilizes a fender spec shaped neck and the Epiphone two piece bridge. Control wise I have it set up as master volume, neck vol/tone, bridge vol/tone so even though I’m using the same pot and cap values as the Eppi VP I’ll have a bit more control over the tone of each individual pickup. Here’s a pic of the two NR basses side be side…

Note the difference in neck pup placement between the Gibson NR and my VP NR when I overlay the Gibby pickguard onto the VP NR….

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

some cool stuff today…….finally warming up some…

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

and the grand prize goes to!!….

 

[BklynKen]

The NR VP tribute has been fit tested and is ready to go off to the finisher for a Shoreline Gold Metallic finish (same color as Gibsons Gold Mist Polly finish). Irv did his magic on the pickguard from a custom template I created.
Here she is in Raw Fit Test form next to her Epiphone VP brother (note the aged white guard and the slightly enlarged logo)…
View attachment 5068886
With identical strings on the Reverse VP and my NR VP I can dial in a bit more grit as well as warmth on the NR VP, mostly attributable to the control layout.

For those wondering, is there really any difference between the new Gibson 2021 NR and the one I’m building? Actually, yes, quite a lot. My NR VP has a Wenge/Wenge bolt on neck vs Gibsons Mahogany/rosewood set neck. In preliminary sound checks the Wenge neck does tighten up the sound a bit, less cream and more gritty sugar. Like all stock Epiphone VP pickups, the ones on my build are wound a bit brighter with a touch more grit than the new Gibson NR pickups. And importantly, the VP NR neck pickup placement is in the traditional 1960’s location for a bit more clarity and punch and a little less warmth than the Gibson neck pup location. My VP NR also utilizes a fender spec shaped neck and the Epiphone two piece bridge. Control wise I have it set up as master volume, neck vol/tone, bridge vol/tone so even though I’m using the same pot and cap values as the Eppi VP I’ll have a bit more control over the tone of each individual pickup. Here’s a pic of the two NR basses side be side…
View attachment 5068885

Note the difference in neck pup placement between the Gibson NR and my VP NR when I overlay the Gibby pickguard onto the VP NR….
View attachment 5068884

From your photos here, you're telling me you really want it to be a RNR like mine!

 

[Engle]

I actually liked the first one you posted better, slow and heavy. I also liked when The Stones did Chuck Berry tunes slow and heavy. Love Keef's playing and Charlie's drumming on this.

Bill Wyman's walk up during the solo is great as well.

 

[Engle]

The NR VP tribute has been fit tested and is ready to go off to the finisher for a Shoreline Gold Metallic finish (same color as Gibsons Gold Mist Polly finish). Irv did his magic on the pickguard from a custom template I created.
Here she is in Raw Fit Test form next to her Epiphone VP brother (note the aged white guard and the slightly enlarged logo)…
View attachment 5068886
With identical strings on the Reverse VP and my NR VP I can dial in a bit more grit as well as warmth on the NR VP, mostly attributable to the control layout.

For those wondering, is there really any difference between the new Gibson 2021 NR and the one I’m building? Actually, yes, quite a lot. My NR VP has a Wenge/Wenge bolt on neck vs Gibsons Mahogany/rosewood set neck. In preliminary sound checks the Wenge neck does tighten up the sound a bit, less cream and more gritty sugar. Like all stock Epiphone VP pickups, the ones on my build are wound a bit brighter with a touch more grit than the new Gibson NR pickups. And importantly, the VP NR neck pickup placement is in the traditional 1960’s location for a bit more clarity and punch and a little less warmth than the Gibson neck pup location. My VP NR also utilizes a fender spec shaped neck and the Epiphone two piece bridge. Control wise I have it set up as master volume, neck vol/tone, bridge vol/tone so even though I’m using the same pot and cap values as the Eppi VP I’ll have a bit more control over the tone of each individual pickup. Here’s a pic of the two NR basses side be side…
View attachment 5068885

Note the difference in neck pup placement between the Gibson NR and my VP NR when I overlay the Gibby pickguard onto the VP NR….
View attachment 5068884

That VP NR is looking sweet! Good idea on the stacked pots.
I have the template if anyone else wants that pick guard shape for a Rosser body build.

 

[MCF]

Wasn’t someone looking for a YBA-200?


View attachment 5068972

Oh my. That is a GREAT price. Oh so tempted. But I’ve got ‘nough ‘splainin to do.

 

[Stealth57]

Oh my. That is a GREAT price. Oh so tempted. But I’ve got ‘nough ‘splainin to do.

You could store it here

 

[MCF]

The NR VP tribute has been fit tested and is ready to go off to the finisher for a Shoreline Gold Metallic finish (same color as Gibsons Gold Mist Polly finish). Irv did his magic on the pickguard from a custom template I created.
Here she is in Raw Fit Test form next to her Epiphone VP brother (note the aged white guard and the slightly enlarged logo)…
View attachment 5068886
With identical strings on the Reverse VP and my NR VP I can dial in a bit more grit as well as warmth on the NR VP, mostly attributable to the control layout.

For those wondering, is there really any difference between the new Gibson 2021 NR and the one I’m building? Actually, yes, quite a lot. My NR VP has a Wenge/Wenge bolt on neck vs Gibsons Mahogany/rosewood set neck. In preliminary sound checks the Wenge neck does tighten up the sound a bit, less cream and more gritty sugar. Like all stock Epiphone VP pickups, the ones on my build are wound a bit brighter with a touch more grit than the new Gibson NR pickups. And importantly, the VP NR neck pickup placement is in the traditional 1960’s location for a bit more clarity and punch and a little less warmth than the Gibson neck pup location. My VP NR also utilizes a fender spec shaped neck and the Epiphone two piece bridge. Control wise I have it set up as master volume, neck vol/tone, bridge vol/tone so even though I’m using the same pot and cap values as the Eppi VP I’ll have a bit more control over the tone of each individual pickup. Here’s a pic of the two NR basses side be side…
View attachment 5068885

Note the difference in neck pup placement between the Gibson NR and my VP NR when I overlay the Gibby pickguard onto the VP NR….
View attachment 5068884

George! That is fabulous! Wilkins going to do the finish, right? Get that to him Monday when he opens. You’re lucky you live so close to him. I really hope it’ll be ready for the GTG (but please, don’t rush the finish. But you know that.). I have got to play it when it is finished!

 

[MCF]

You could store it here

I’ve imposed enough.

 

[Stealth57]

I’ve imposed enough.

Since when is spending someone else’s money an imposition

 

[Stealth57]

NOS to spiff up the 200s.

 

[JJR58]

I've had adjustment screws gradually lower themselves on Fenders before (not in a week though). I had a buddy years ago with an old Jaguar who used to have to put pieces of matches in the threads so they wouldn't fall down. Worn right out.

Guess I’ve been lucky in that respect.
Of all the Fenders I’ve owned, only had to replace one bridge that did what Chucks is doing.

 

[JJR58]

If I were ever going to buy a J Bass (highly unlikely), this would be at the top of the list.
For Sale/Trade - TRADES UPDATED! PRICE DROP! Fender Adam Clayton Jazz Bass
Man. There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of Fenders in the classifieds.

I’m A JBass guy, always will be.
I’ll put mine up against most.

And it’s not a Fender.

 

[BklynKen]

I’m A JBass guy, always will be.
I’ll put mine up against most.

And it’s not a Fender.

View attachment 5069085

It's better than a Fender. Wonderful neck.

 

[dagrev]

The NR VP tribute has been fit tested and is ready to go off to the finisher for a Shoreline Gold Metallic finish (same color as Gibsons Gold Mist Polly finish). Irv did his magic on the pickguard from a custom template I created.
Here she is in Raw Fit Test form next to her Epiphone VP brother (note the aged white guard and the slightly enlarged logo)…
View attachment 5068886
With identical strings on the Reverse VP and my NR VP I can dial in a bit more grit as well as warmth on the NR VP, mostly attributable to the control layout.

For those wondering, is there really any difference between the new Gibson 2021 NR and the one I’m building? Actually, yes, quite a lot. My NR VP has a Wenge/Wenge bolt on neck vs Gibsons Mahogany/rosewood set neck. In preliminary sound checks the Wenge neck does tighten up the sound a bit, less cream and more gritty sugar. Like all stock Epiphone VP pickups, the ones on my build are wound a bit brighter with a touch more grit than the new Gibson NR pickups. And importantly, the VP NR neck pickup placement is in the traditional 1960’s location for a bit more clarity and punch and a little less warmth than the Gibson neck pup location. My VP NR also utilizes a fender spec shaped neck and the Epiphone two piece bridge. Control wise I have it set up as master volume, neck vol/tone, bridge vol/tone so even though I’m using the same pot and cap values as the Eppi VP I’ll have a bit more control over the tone of each individual pickup. Here’s a pic of the two NR basses side be side…
View attachment 5068885

Note the difference in neck pup placement between the Gibson NR and my VP NR when I overlay the Gibby pickguard onto the VP NR….
View attachment 5068884

TO: George North
FROM: Gilbert Getifelder Gibson,
RE: NR Bass

Mr. North,
It has been brought to our attention that you have been busy designing and building Thunderbird type basses. We are happy that you are fond of Gibson basses. However, you have crossed an important line in your current endeavors. Our concern is not that you are creating Gipson-style basses. Our issue is that you are using and incorporating ideas that we should have had the good sense to think of and implement ourselves. Your current actions make us look bad--the original creators of the magic Thunderbirds that are loved around the world. (Our marketing department even has data that suggests Thunderbirds are popular on at least two other planets.) We are requesting that you cease and desist from any further Thunderbird creations. If you persist, our counsel, Darrell, Darrell and the other partner Darrell, will have no option but to contact you in person. This you do not want. There is one way we can put this matter behind us. If you will share some of your ideas with us we can forget this whole unpleasant situation (of having people call and want the new Gibson "North" Edition Thunderbirds, which we obviously do not have). We look forward to hearing from you, and more importantly, receiving some of your designs (even the ones you deem unsatisfactory would be great and be a huge help).

Respectfully,
G.G. Gibson

 

[dagrev]

and the grand prize goes to!!….
View attachment 5068997

You got that right!

 

[PhR75]

And it was good. It's been a while since I've played a bar gig with a band playing original material. We did the whole album plus one new song. A few selected covers (Verve and Manics) to fill up.
IE's for the whole band, worked perfectly. We have amps on stage too (guitar amps for the sound, bass amp for the feel plus a mic'ed Leslie for organ) but the overall volume levels are much lower on stage.

This was the last song (not counting the encores). The ending was even more shoegaze-noisy than on the record.

 

[GBassNorth]

I’m A JBass guy, always will be.
I’ll put mine up against most.

And it’s not a Fender.

View attachment 5069085

Nice! How could you possibly go wrong with SD pups, no tort and purple silk! That right there is the tone trifecta.

 

[dagrev]

Oh my. That is a GREAT price. Oh so tempted. But I’ve got ‘nough ‘splainin to do.

You can't talk yourself out of this little problem? And you call yourself an attorney.