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Thunderbird Club

Have you guys seen this video before???


It has made me feel a bit wary of whether or not to go for the USA thunderbird or seek out an orville....it has that 60's vibe and tone. I know a few people here have both... There are usually a few nice ones floating around. Would getting one shipped be risky with its massive headstock? I wouldn't think so but you never know.... They go for about 1000 bucks less than a USA.


Thanks for sharing... :)

That has got to be one of the best (if not the best) bass demo I've ever seen so far...

Finally somebody who does a demo demonstrating different playing styles, and not just finger style as on all other YT videos...

And we even get through different amp + cab combos....

Very well done... :)
 
I have an Orville, mine has been re-finned and along with that it got a pretty nice two point bridge. So it now resembles a '63 TBIV, however it differs from some Thunderbirds in that it's a set neck as opposed to neck thru. I can't speak about the original QC since mine is a refin, but I'd expect typical very good Japanese quality, the pickups are hot and have a very nice tone to them - I'm always very glad I got the chance to buy mine - it came from a buddy on another forum.

funhouse004.jpg



Even have a little video
 
Doesn't look to me that the Orville headstock is substantially larger than my Epi's. My Goth was shipped without a case (I remember back when there was no such thing as a new bass not coming with a case...) and didn't have any issues.

Or how about this one, I bought a used Kubicki Factor at Guitar Center in SF in the late 90's. They had two, and I decided on one of them. The sales dude who was assisting me said "yah, what a cool bass huh?, I was here when it came in and when we opened the case I went - all right!" When I said, "ok, I'll take it - comes with a case yes?" to which he answered - "no case, didn't come with one."
 
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I'm thinking about making my Gaskell look more like a 76 Gibson. I have pickups and a bridge in mind as well as knobs, I'm unsure about the tuners. I was looking at squire vintage and same with fenders, 60s reissue, AVRI. they all have the riveted stem, the squires have a smaller footprint for the plate, not sure. I'm not looking to shell out a ton on this. Suggestions?
 

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I'm thinking about making my Gaskell look more like a 76 Gibson. I have pickups and a bridge in mind as well as knobs, I'm unsure about the tuners. I was looking at squire vintage and same with fenders, 60s reissue, AVRI. they all have the riveted stem, the squires have a smaller footprint for the plate, not sure. I'm not looking to shell out a ton on this. Suggestions?


Can you take a pic of the back of the headstock and have a ruler in the shot as well? The headstock looks about the same size as an Epi bolt on - but some reference would help.
 
That orville really sounds great. Still dark but has some high end response. I haven't gone to my local store to try the 2014 bird they ordered in. I suppose the pickups have a big part to play in that difference, also the set neck. I do enjoy how a neck through produces low end.

That Orville really do sound sweet... :)

But if you're considering this, then why not just buy an Epi Classic Pro and mod the hell out of it?

My guess that would be substantially cheaper...
 
That Orville really do sound sweet... :)

But if you're considering this, then why not just buy an Epi Classic Pro and mod the hell out of it?

My guess that would be substantially cheaper...

I suppose I really like the I vintage styling already on the orville. Larger headstock/tuners. I've found one for a good price, I have asked if it comes with a case, that will be a huge factor for me.

I am going to go check out the 2014 Tbird this week so it will be interesting!! Either it will be USA modern, or MIJ vintage.
 
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