Thunderbird Club

[Engle]

Both the upper and lower 'bouts are completely different in shape, '64 Gibson has a much more pronounced hump on the upper and the correct traditional shape of the lower. Epi has a lesser hump to the upper and the lower bout intersects the body at a different fret than the Gibson, it was specifically re-done, so the Epi always looks a bit "off".

Sexy Gibson goodness......
The proportions are just "right"

Epi redesign, note that lower 'bout.
Bombay Blue is the bomb!

The big difference I notice is the neck on the Epi VP/60's/64 is set further out. That gives you better access to the highest frets, but also makes the bass longer. It's easiest to see when you compare the position of the bridge relative to the end of the body.

 

[GBassNorth]

Did a little setup on the '64, enough so I could play it without fret buzz. First impression is it is very thumpy, yet well defined. Some of that thump is likely due to the mutes. The tone control doesn't seem to make a huge difference.

View attachment 7163702

I’m absolutely no vintage bird expert, but I thought all the early birds had a tin can liner in the control cavity.

 

[Stealth57]

I’m absolutely no vintage bird expert, but I thought all the early birds had a tin can liner in the control cavity.

Mine has silver paint and a silver lining on the cover.

 

[GBassNorth]

Mine has silver paint and a silver lining on the cover.

Like I said, I’m far from an expert on that year bird. I may be confusing it with the 1966 NR birds.

 

[DJ Bebop]

 

[Gaolee]

these are the de facto standard in the valley....RF powered and really versatile, you change tips (and hence power) in literally 20 seconds...they heat up in 10....pricey but when you solder daily....
View attachment 7163692

I don't solder on a daily basis, but using crummy tools is a PITA. I have a day job for a reason.

 

[Engle]

I ordered a better UV light to check. 395nm. The color coming down from the HS matches the color coming up the neck from the body. If the UV light show a repair, I’ll get the luthier’s name and put it on a trophy.

The other clue would be if the lacquer is checked everywhere except at the repair area.
Regardless that is a beautiful instrument!

 

[Stealth57]

The other clue would be if the lacquer is checked everywhere except at the repair area.
Regardless that is a beautiful instrument!

Only see checking on the body. The HS and neck are smooth. I guess it’s possible to reshoot the entire neck.

 

[MCF]

If you are looking for single guitar stands, 2 pack Hercules Stupid Deal.

Stupid Deal of the Day | Musician's Friend

That’s a good deal. George gave me one for a birthday present a few years back. They are great stands.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

7enderbird 7riday ....

 

[TBird1958]

Friday's 7enderbird Phollies.......

Flouncy dress fun

 

[Count Bassie]

Philadelphia Luthier? Or on eBay, the ModBar that goes at the back of the 3-point...

"Modbar" brings no results on eBay. Still looking...

 

[Stealth57]

Hyphenated...my mistake.

GIBSON® EPIPHONE® BASS BRIDGE 3-POINT (MOD-BAR!) | eBay

 

[Stealth57]

If anyone is looking for an Epi E1, great deal at $250 with gig bag.

Log in to Facebook

 

[dagrev]

Did a little setup on the '64, enough so I could play it without fret buzz. First impression is it is very thumpy, yet well defined. Some of that thump is likely due to the mutes. The tone control doesn't seem to make a huge difference.

View attachment 7163702

Cool! Fender pots.

 

[Stealth57]

Cool! Fender pots.

You see something I don't...besides the messy soldering?

 

[dagrev]

Someone with a '64 have a photo of the control cavity?

Well I had one. But after looking thought no telling how many pics I didn't find it. Would have been quicker to go get the bass and take the back off and take another pic. But not being deterred and searched here knowing I posted it.

 

[dagrev]

I’m absolutely no vintage bird expert, but I thought all the early birds had a tin can liner in the control cavity.

Mine didn't and I don't recall the '64 Epi having one. The '66 NR has a copper can liner, however.

 

[dagrev]

Can't play that kinda smooth stuff on a rock Thunderbird. Cool stuff!

 

[Count Bassie]

Hyphenated...my mistake.

GIBSON® EPIPHONE® BASS BRIDGE 3-POINT (MOD-BAR!) | eBay

Lol, thanks!