Thunderbird Club

[Ringhammer]

…same as the one you just got with the controversial decal?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

…same as the one you just got with the controversial decal?

no, turns out (was told it was a 69) but it's a late 70 (the one with the decal) possibly a 71..

 

[Ringhammer]

Neck stamp of my ‘71. From what I have learned the “1” in the 3513 is what makes it a ‘71. Neckplate serial is 289300

 

[Ringhammer]

And this was under the frets, some true relic.

 

[40SpecialDelux]

I'm looking at several Thunderbird models and in a lot of cases only see minor differences. I'm wondering if the differences are factory revisions or if they have been modified.
Is there a good resource that provides a description of the differences between each Thunderbird bass model?

 

[TBird1958]

Which Gibson pickups are they? And where did the Gibson pickups come from?

The pickups in my VP are from a 2021 Gibson Non Reverse, I traded my Epi's 760's for them.

 

[TBird1958]

I'm looking at several Thunderbird models and in a lot of cases only see minor differences. I'm wondering if the differences are factory revisions or if they have been modified.
Is there a good resource that provides a description of the differences between each Thunderbird bass model?

This is actually a big question, there are many Thunderbirds out there, not just Gibson.

 

[GonePlaid]

There was one at a used music store here a pre-Covid. It was a big sucker for sure.

For being 53 y/o it still kicks @$$. 'Farts out' a bit below A on the E, but that can be tamed with proper EQing. I can't turn it up above 8 o'clock(7=off)in the house without rattling plates, glassware, etc.

 

[40SpecialDelux]

This is actually a big question, there are many Thunderbirds out there, not just Gibson.

Wikipedia has a lot of good info. But doesnt really cover all models.

 

[JIO]

So kind of you to say Ken, probably better at that then playing bass.

humm... I'd say multi-talented

 

[GonePlaid]

Wikipedia has a lot of good info. But doesnt really cover all models.

Well, there are a ship(sp?) load of actual Gibson's and Epi's, then there are the Greco's, and who knows how many other copies. Plus the 'homebuilds'. Coupla hundred?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

“Bombshell Bullys” go country….. this is gonna be fun/ny as he11...

 

[Gaolee]

Something from Saturday night, the VP did sound nice with the Gibson pickups!

Bass Face!

 

[JIO]

I saw this on eBay recently. Not sure about the size but it might be an option:

Black 4 String Bass Guitar High Mass Tune-O-Matic Bridge and Tailpiece | eBay

That looks like the same limited saddle reach as a vintage T-bird. Maybe if building a bass where you can seat it optimally, but definitely would be a long-shot that it would work with an existing T-bird.

 

[JIO]

View attachment 5071138
I’ll figure out what to do about the lower wing. Maybe Wilkins can match the color and redo the lower wing. Or there is a guy in Santa Ana who is supposed to be good with finish repairs who I’ll talk to about it.

What I would do is use a clear epoxy tinted to match the finish to fill the missing finish. Once cured, it can be leveled/sanded and buffed. You'd still see where it was, but it would be better. If your guy in SA is good - that's most likely what he'll do.

 

[BklynKen]

Bass Face!

And Bettie's butt looks very happy.

 

[JIO]

I have been missing for a good portion of May. There are over 100 pages I have missed and I have no intention of trying to catch up. Perhaps someone can give me a brief summary...

[unnecessary detail]

Mum finally agreed that she can no longer look after herself and needed to go to assisted living. That started a search for available space in a facility that we (my brother and I) would be happy to see Mum in. The advice I received from one facility (that had 100% occupancy and a 13 person waiting list) was "if you find a place, take it. Assisted living spaces are rare".

After going to see the few that had space available, we were ready to sign a contract. And that was when the hospice called and said that it was time for Mum to be admitted.* So, last week, we got Mum moved in. It is good that she is getting the help she needs to keep her comfortable and maintain her dignity in her last weeks.

The last few weeks have been tiring and draining. On the other side, we finally have a timeline we can work against. I have been making funeral arrangements so that we can have everything in place when the time comes.

* In Ontario, hospice care is limited to the last 90 days of life. So they try as hard as possible to make sure someone is on death's doorstep before admitting.

[/unnecessary detail]

Best dealing with a this situation -

 

[Gaolee]

I'm looking at several Thunderbird models and in a lot of cases only see minor differences. I'm wondering if the differences are factory revisions or if they have been modified.
Is there a good resource that provides a description of the differences between each Thunderbird bass model?

There are only minor differences when it comes to Gibson Thunderbirds made since 1988. The neck angle changed in about 2008 or so. Gibson changed the pickup design off and on over the years. I don't know why, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference in the sound. I'm sure a person with lots of time, access to all kinds of them, and the patience of Job might be able to find sound differences between the different pickups Gibson used over the years.

The Bicentennial Gibson Thunderbirds used a sidewinder pickup. Then there are the originals built in the 1960s. Both have their charms.

Then there are the various Epiphone models. A Classic Pro is essentially a Gibson with a poly finish, built in Asia. Indonesia, I believe. A Vintage Pro or 60s model, is very different in that it has chrome hardware, different pickups, a two piece bridge, and an absolutely enormous headstock. A Pro V or Pro IV is an active bass. Then there are the basic Epiphone Thunderbird IV models. Those have bolt-on necks. The neck profile was like a baseball bat early, and is now much more like a Gibson or another Epiphone.

Then there are Grecos, Orvilles, Burneys, and a bunch of others that I know less about. I completely fell in love with Veronica's Lull Thunderbird.

I'm probably forgetting something.

 

[JIO]

Any method to darkening the fretboard with the leather dye? Do I need to do any sanding?
And I’ll guess the dye will have no effect on the dots, frets?

 

[Gaolee]

“Bombshell Bullys” go country….. this i gonna be fun….
View attachment 5071556

I have been trying to get a country project off the ground. The guitarist just broke his ankle hiking. Jeez!