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Thunderbird Club

#299,021
Rumblefisher said:
Fantastic reply, thank you :)

I haven’t ruled it out and actually this would be an excellent way to go with some left over cash to invest in whatever upgraded hardware I would like :)
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If you end up going with a ‘15, the black PG is a required mod.
IMG_3543.jpeg
 
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#299,022
MCF said:
I mentioned to my brother that I might ask Frank to let me take it for a spin. I still have my M1 endorsement. Although I haven’t ridden in years. My brother asked if my friend is nuts. I said no. My brother said “he is if he lets you drive it any further than to the end of the driveway.”
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Yo tambien

IMG_9070.jpeg
 
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#299,023
MCF said:
I mentioned to my brother that I might ask Frank to let me take it for a spin. I still have my M1 endorsement. Although I haven’t ridden in years. My brother asked if my friend is nuts. I said no. My brother said “he is if he lets you drive it any further than to the end of the driveway.”
Click to expand...


It's his baby, one really nice thing he treated himself to after getting an inheritance, I'd say doubtful, even I haven't gotten to even sit on it.
He'll let you play any of his Firebirds, the Burgundy Mist one is so pretty.
 
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#299,024
MCF said:
I mentioned to my brother that I might ask Frank to let me take it for a spin. I still have my M1 endorsement. Although I haven’t ridden in years. My brother asked if my friend is nuts. I said no. My brother said “he is if he lets you drive it any further than to the end of the driveway.”
Click to expand...
As much as I like you and don't know your brother. I'm going to have to go with him on this one.
 
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#299,031
Rumblefisher said:
Fantastic reply, thank you :)

I haven’t ruled it out and actually this would be an excellent way to go with some left over cash to invest in whatever upgraded hardware I would like :)
Click to expand...
On the Epi Vintage Pro/60s/64, the only hardware upgrades needed are the tuners and thats arguable. I like Hipshot ultralights. I suppose you could put a bone or tusq nut on it.
 
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#299,033
MCF said:
Can I get one with an autograph please?
Click to expand...

It's not my fave shot.......Just the only one that was any good that showed the '64 - it was cool to take it out for a show.
 
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#299,034
Engle said:
On the Epi Vintage Pro/60s/64, the only hardware upgrades needed are the tuners and thats arguable. I like Hipshot ultralights. I suppose you could put a bone or tusq nut on it.
Click to expand...
I’ve got no issue with the initial Wilkinson tuners used in the early VP’s from ‘17. In fact, the only tuners in any of my Epis that need replacing is the set in my MIC Goth.
 
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#299,035
Hey guys, just a follow up…

I called Gibson and posed my question to them as well…

Actually initially I asked if they make custom instruments, and they said yes, call the Mod shop. I called and they said they make custom guitars but not basses. Sigh. Still, they were pleasant and answered my questions :)

2015 was a redesign year. Redesign elements were:

Babicz bridge
Thicker fretboards, which were sanded and oiled
All t birds were plek’d
Pearl inlays instead of plastic
Electronics were revamped with tappable dual coil pickups and better quality wiring

2018 was another redesign year:

Kept the babicz bridge
Thinner neck front to back but still with thick fingerboard, still sanded oiled and plek’d
Dropped the coil taps, pickups again redesigned for more ‘traditional’ look and sound
Gibson apparently obtained a stash of “super high quality mahogany” that they used for the 2018 run

————————

There you have it. I don’t think there’s a wrong or bad choice, each with its strong points. Honestly the epiphone option is very appealing at 1/2 the price. It’s the vintage pro that’s highly regarded yes? :)
 
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#299,037
Rumblefisher said:
Hey guys, just a follow up…

I called Gibson and posed my question to them as well…

Actually initially I asked if they make custom instruments, and they said yes, call the Mod shop. I called and they said they make custom guitars but not basses. Sigh. Still, they were pleasant and answered my questions :)

2015 was a redesign year. Redesign elements were:

Babicz bridge
Thicker fretboards, which were sanded and oiled
All t birds were plek’d
Pearl inlays instead of plastic
Electronics were revamped with tappable dual coil pickups and better quality wiring

2018 was another redesign year:

Kept the babicz bridge
Thinner neck front to back but still with thick fingerboard, still sanded oiled and plek’d
Dropped the coil taps, pickups again redesigned for more ‘traditional’ look and sound
Gibson apparently obtained a stash of “super high quality mahogany” that they used for the 2018 run

————————

There you have it. I don’t think there’s a wrong or bad choice, each with its strong points. Honestly the epiphone option is very appealing at 1/2 the price. It’s the vintage pro that’s highly regarded yes? :)
Click to expand...
VP for the vintage sound of the Probucker 760s or the Classic Pro, which is a modern Gibson at a fraction of the price. The 2013 CP is the magic year but I love my 2014.
 
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#299,038
Rumblefisher said:
Hey guys, just a follow up…

I called Gibson and posed my question to them as well…

Actually initially I asked if they make custom instruments, and they said yes, call the Mod shop. I called and they said they make custom guitars but not basses. Sigh. Still, they were pleasant and answered my questions :)

2015 was a redesign year. Redesign elements were:

Babicz bridge
Thicker fretboards, which were sanded and oiled
All t birds were plek’d
Pearl inlays instead of plastic
Electronics were revamped with tappable dual coil pickups and better quality wiring

2018 was another redesign year:

Kept the babicz bridge
Thinner neck front to back but still with thick fingerboard, still sanded oiled and plek’d
Dropped the coil taps, pickups again redesigned for more ‘traditional’ look and sound
Gibson apparently obtained a stash of “super high quality mahogany” that they used for the 2018 run

————————

There you have it. I don’t think there’s a wrong or bad choice, each with its strong points. Honestly the epiphone option is very appealing at 1/2 the price. It’s the vintage pro that’s highly regarded yes? :)
Click to expand...
Just my two cents. I own five Gibsons and eight Epiphones. If you can afford a Gibson, that is the best choice IMO. The Epiphone Classic Pro was a great, now discontinued option with Gibson Tbird+ pickups..

The VP is fine, although it is my least played Thunderbird. I go back and forth about offing it, but for what I could get for it, it isn’t worth the trouble trying to find a buyer. YMMV.
 
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