Thunderbird Club

[BuddhaFingas]

I'm using my Les Paul Tribute in Reggae-pop (mostly recording) project. Thankfully, no issues.
I've got Chrome flats on it, and it sounds great.

Yours should be under warranty from Gibson.

Was bought new from Southpaw, and is registered, so should be, yes.

Ive never tried using Gibson service.

Any experience with them?

Things like how picky are they about work by others, and how long they take?

 

[Engle]

New here. First post. Obviously. Looks like Thunderbird Club is the place to start.

Dreamed of playing bass since the mid-1980's. Didn't own a bass until last Autumn when I scored a free IbanezSG300 at a garage sale.

Began weekly lessons almost 6 months ago. Last month I figured I'd treat myself to a birthday bass as I was sticking to lessons and learning.

It was going to be a Fender P-bass or the Thunderbird. My teacher and I agreed on the P-bass would be a good choice.

The Thunderbird just appealed to me in a fun and cool looking way! This is my Epiphone Thunderbird '64 in Silver Mist.

View attachment 7445965

Welcome! That's a pretty sweet second bass

 

[BuddhaFingas]

Yep. What I was thinking if he bought it new. Pickups are supposed to have a lifetime warranty.

Isn’t that pickup just a DeCola in a solid cover? I would reach out to Jim DeCola at Gibson and see what they can do.

Any suggestions in how a nobody like me would go about making a contact like that?

I did try hitting Gibson Support up about buying a spare when I was first trying to solve it. They referred me to their online store, which does not sell them.

 

[JJR58]

Thank you, and good to know it's ok to ask, because I was wondering with such a long thread if there was a technical Thunderbird thread for specific questions!

Always ask.
That so-called search function is for the birds.
Pun intended.

Sorta

 

[MCF]

Any suggestions in how a nobody like me would go about making a contact like that?

I did try hitting Gibson Support up about buying a spare when I was first trying to solve it. They referred me to their online store, which does not sell them.

I would initiate a warranty claim. Ken @BklynKen went trough it a couple years ago and IIRC communicated with DeCola directly during the process.

 

[MCF]

Was bought new from Southpaw, and is registered, so should be, yes.

Ive never tried using Gibson service.

Any experience with them?

Things like how picky are they about work by others, and how long they take?

I would think after talking to them, they would set you up with an authorized tech in SoCal, send them a replacement pickup, and have them install it for you.

 

[dagrev]

I did,but not on stage..I really didn’t need the Rick “o” sound for what I was doing at the time. We were just a three piece balls to the wall band.
What a difference over 50 years makes.
Cheers.
View attachment 7445949

Where'd the young dude go?

Had a regular Dr visit and blood work this morning. Dr walked and greeted as always. Asked how I was doing. I told him I'm older, dumber and uglier. Other than that I'm great. He cracked up--and made no offered to address any of the three.

 

[Engle]

I would initiate a warranty claim. Ken @BklynKen went trough it a couple years ago and IIRC communicated with DeCola directly during the process.

And Ken's issue was tougher to resolve.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Thank you, and good to know it's ok to ask, because I was wondering with such a long thread if there was a technical Thunderbird thread for specific questions!

There is a wiki, although it only scratches the surface.

 

[dagrev]

New here. First post. Obviously. Looks like Thunderbird Club is the place to start.

Dreamed of playing bass since the mid-1980's. Didn't own a bass until last Autumn when I scored a free IbanezSG300 at a garage sale.

Began weekly lessons almost 6 months ago. Last month I figured I'd treat myself to a birthday bass as I was sticking to lessons and learning.

It was going to be a Fender P-bass or the Thunderbird. My teacher and I agreed on the P-bass would be a good choice.

The Thunderbird just appealed to me in a fun and cool looking way! This is my Epiphone Thunderbird '64 in Silver Mist.

View attachment 7445965

You chose very well! Great basses, especially if you want that vintage vibe and tone. Next year you will have earned another Thunderbird.

 

[dagrev]

Thank you, and good to know it's ok to ask, because I was wondering with such a long thread if there was a technical Thunderbird thread for specific questions!

Rule 1: Buy a Thunderbird.
Rule 2: Never search--always ask.
All other rules pertain to acquiring more Thunderbirds.

The brain trust on all things Thunderbirds resides here. If someone here doesn't know it, it's likely not true!

 

[dagrev]

Any suggestions in how a nobody like me would go about making a contact like that?

I did try hitting Gibson Support up about buying a spare when I was first trying to solve it. They referred me to their online store, which does not sell them.

I would start by contacting Gibson via the website. If no response, maybe the dealer can give you a more direct contact or contact them for you.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Define normal as applied to bassists/this bunch.

normal...

not normal?..

 

[RedVee]

A RAM 1500 Laramie parked next to me at the shops.

I thought you may like the sticker.

 

[BuddhaFingas]

And Ken's issue was tougher to resolve.

I would initiate a warranty claim. Ken @BklynKen went trough it a couple years ago and IIRC communicated with DeCola directly during the process.

I would think after talking to them, they would set you up with an authorized tech in SoCal, send them a replacement pickup, and have them install it for you.

And Ken's issue was tougher to resolve.

Worth a shot. I'll take one last look at it but It's pretty clear i'll need to either replace it or have them do it... and with Gibson I might actually get the original replaced.

Hope they dont get pissed that I shielded the cavity.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Back at ya

View attachment 7445753

do you have any sound clips of that setup?...

 

[Stealth57]

do you have any sound clips of that setup?...

Willbird + B-15? I know you’re not a pedal person.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Willbird + B-15? I know you’re not a pedal person.

your 64 into the Peg

 

[Stealth57]

your 64 into the Peg

The first part of this is the 64 with the original bridge and the Badbird with the tone dimed and zeroed. The rest is other basses. All running through the B-15 mic'd. The 64 had SIT Power Steel strings. The full explanation is in the YouTube caption.

 

[GBassNorth]

The first part of this is the 64 with the original bridge and the Badbird with the tone dimed and zeroed. The rest is other basses. All running through the B-15 mic'd. The 64 had SIT Power Steel strings. The full explanation is in the YouTube caption.

Loved em all, kinda highlights some of the sound variation out there in the Tbird world. I especially liked the sound of the CP, nice and smooth but still well defined notes, very even across the strings. What strings are on your CP?
I haven’t tried any mic recordings yet, just DI. What mic did you use with the B-15?