Thunderbird Club

[Chucky Stiletti]

Now that's a real bass.

did you know John Entwistle recorded “My Generation” (solo included) on one?….

 

[dagrev]

Thx Donnie! so, take it the pot is 500k?..
thx again Dude….

You bet. Sorry, forgot the pots. Does this help? Only code other than the date code that's not covered.

 

[The EDP]

Interesting info about the Rex. Do you have pics without the covers or take some? And of the control cavity?

 

[dagrev]

I’m new to the flock. Please instruct me on how to tone shape a thunderbird to sound like (e.g., a p bass)

I don't change my EQ with playing most basses. And honestly I don't want it to sound exactly like a Pbass. It can't because it sounds better! (And I love my Pbasses.) I would suggest not trying to get it to copy anything and and fool around with the EQ to make it sound as best to your liking regardless what it may or may not approximate. I let all mine do their own thing. But depending on which Thunderbird you have likely cutting some bass might be a start in getting you to Pbass territory.

 

[MCF]

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Thanks! I haven’t paid a lot of attention to the Rex. I will now!

 

[JJR58]

did you know John Entwistle recorded “My Generation” (solo included) on one?….

That I did not know. And not surprised.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

You bet. Sorry, forgot the pots. Does this help? Only code other than the date code that's not covered.
View attachment 5217907

perfect, thx again D.

 

[dagrev]

@Miles_ONeal ….
a warm “howdy” from the weird coast….
BRISKET….
View attachment 5217881

We drove to Nashville a few days ago just to get out and eat at "Jack's." (That's how much we like good BBQ!) Killer BBQ--and the sides all worth going there to as as well--and you get a plate full not the typical thimble size sides. Always great food. There are a few other great places there as well, but Jack's is like home.

Dude in the middle must be "wanted" since he didn't look to happy!~

 

[Engle]

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Why do you want to pot them? Do you have feedback issues?

 

[Engle]

did you know John Entwistle recorded “My Generation” (solo included) on one?….

Thought that was a Pbass.

 

[dagrev]

dunno…..this one makes that Acoustic rig (never a fan) sound ok…
https://youtube.com/shorts/20UF-D7DcxE?si=hW8-0RDbwuSsIB3q

They sound better live than LZ did!

 

[ThaCoast]

Ah gotchya. Well it may be me in that regards if i decide to go for those xD



I'll go in CAD price since thats where i'm located.

Price for each set: (tx/shipping incl.)
ChinaBuckers: 130$ (on reverb.com)

Eppi 760Probuckers: 250$ (on reverb.com)

Gibby NR Reissues: 396.50$ (389$ if i bought in store, save the shipping costs)

Gemini Dominators: 310.95$

Now onto a sound demo on youtube. All of which sound good in their rights still. 3 of 4 are nickel/chrome plate covers. Dominators in thunderbird format is nickel plate (they offer this in soapbar form which is black only).

In my personal taste, i definitely prefer a bird in parallel vs series (least with ceramic magnet pickups). Alnico 5 (or 8 of the Gemini offerings) may sound good in both series/parallel. Tough my bird will only be on/off, both parallel always. & split coil is of no need, i got other basses for that aspect in tone.

Lots have raved about the chinabuckers from eyparts, Epiphone & Gibson offerings have their diehards too. Gemini definitely is an untested underdog, & might be a game changer for lots of us if they prove to be everything we'd want.

Videos:

Non reverse Gibby:



Epiphone pro760:



Chinabucker:


Gemini dominator

Watching these videos & more on both the Gibson NR & Epi 60's Pro; Both of their respective pickups (gibson's custom shop vintage reissue bird pups, & epis 760 probuckers), sound great. Personally though, i'm leaning ever slightly to the 760's. There's something about them in terms of bite & clarity. Yes the Gibson's have more low end/low mid character, however i ultimately dime my mids on my 70s peavey amps (tweak the Hi & Lo mids on my GK 400rb where hi mids give me the clear, while cutting in the lo mids to not muddy up the drives hitting the front of the amp).

 

[MCF]

@Miles_ONeal ….
a warm “howdy” from the weird coast….
BRISKET….
View attachment 5217881

Those ribs look good!

 

[dagrev]

Shhhh... Don't tell anybody.

Actually, it's because a Thunderbird has to choose you. If it doesn't, it won't behave at all. It will neck dive. It will be muddy. It will force you to wear cargo pants and flip-flops on stage. It will make bacon taste like tofu.

If one chooses you, it balances perfectly. It has all kinds of sounds in it and you can play anything with it and it will sound great. It will march through a mix like Sherman went through Georgia if you want it to, but it won't if you ask it politely not to. It will make everything taste like bacon, dogs will love you, cats will actually acknowledge your presence, and your preferred groupie configuration will suddenly discover that you are far more interesting than the lead guitarist.

So, don't give away the secret. It stays in here.

Word!

 

[MCF]

I don't change my EQ with playing most basses. And honestly I don't want it to sound exactly like a Pbass. It can't because it sounds better! (And I love my Pbasses.) I would suggest not trying to get it to copy anything and and fool around with the EQ to make it sound as best to your liking regardless what it may or may not approximate. I let all mine do their own thing. But depending on which Thunderbird you have likely cutting some bass might be a start in getting you to Pbass territory.

This.

 

[dagrev]

Thanks ever so much, they turned up a couple of hours ago, looking forwards to trying them!!

You're very welcome. Love to hear back on what you think after a couple goes with them.

 

[TBird1958]

A thing showed today...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

We drove to Nashville a few days ago just to get out and eat at "Jack's." (That's how much we like good BBQ!) Killer BBQ--and the sides all worth going there to as as well--and you get a plate full not the typical thimble size sides. Always great food. There are a few other great places there as well, but Jack's is like home.

Dude in the middle must be "wanted" since he didn't look to happy!~

all the more reason to come visit you Sir!

 

[MCF]

Watching these videos & more on both the Gibson NR & Epi 60's Pro; Both of their respective pickups (gibson's custom shop vintage reissue bird pups, & epis 760 probuckers), sound great. Personally though, i'm leaning ever slightly to the 760's. There's something about them in terms of bite & clarity. Yes the Gibson's have more low end/low mid character, however i ultimately dime my mids on my 70s peavey amps (tweak the Hi & Lo mids on my GK 400rb where hi mids give me the clear, while cutting in the lo mids to not muddy up the drives hitting the front of the amp).

As Ken said, it’s hard to compare based on vids. There are too many variables. And individual preferences. Not to mention differences in what each of us hear. You really can’t go wrong which ever way you go so long as it pleases you. And there are a lot of 760 Probuckers starting to show up used. They were hard to find for the first three or so years.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

A thing showed today...