Thunderbird Club

[ThunderFox]

I'm a beaker of Builders (with a spot of milk and a sugar) and digestives kinda guy but my wife is a cuppa Twinnings loose leaf fanatic. Regardless, I learned very early in my marriage to my Brit wife that you better make tea right or not make it at all. Between pots and kettles and trivets and cozeys and strainers and hotting a pot and steeping the tea and pouring cream before the tea and sugar after, there's a very specific routine indeed. She dumped more than one pot of my tea down the drain in disgust when we first got married.

We brits really love tea, whether you like it with or without milk, loose tea leafs or in a bag, whatever it is, it has to be done right. I've seen a few people making the tea wrong, and people have gotten quite mad about it, and gone and made it themselves. We always remember who makes the tea badly.

 

[RedVee]

I love everything about that bass, except for the body. I'd hafta send it to Carlo to get the upper horn shaved back for more of a Newport, Coronet, or maybe Les Paul jr. DC kinda vibe out of it.

again with the Thunderbirds are heavy comments - not sure why.

On the Embassy, I kinda like it. Wider at the nut than the T'Bird Vintage too @theFixer . They're Thunderbird siblings I think.

Another, not that great, review:


I do like the look. The black and cherry versions especially.

They remind me of the EB of 2013 & 2014 a bit.

 

[RedVee]

View attachment 2637557
The strawberry cupcake one says green tea on the box. It's made by PG Tips. I just thought they were weird herbal teas that they made. But I have had proper green teas in the past, that was just a funny one I tried. But I believe that the Cupcake one I tried was a flavoured green tea. It has actual tea leaves in it. I checked the back of the box and other sources on the internet, and it checks out, plus it says green tea on the front of the box too.

Well in that case...

 

[theFixer]

again with the Thunderbirds are heavy comments - not sure why.

On the Embassy, I kinda like it. Wider at the nut than the T'Bird Vintage too @theFixer . They're Thunderbird siblings I think.

Another, not that great, review:


I do like the look. The black and cherry versions especially.

They remind me of the EB of 2013 & 2014 a bit.

From the specs I've gathered, I believe the neck profile is similar to that of the 2017 EB. I'd like to get to check 'em out

 

[ThunderFox]

again with the Thunderbirds are heavy comments - not sure why.

On the Embassy, I kinda like it. Wider at the nut than the T'Bird Vintage too @theFixer . They're Thunderbird siblings I think.

Another, not that great, review:


I do like the look. The black and cherry versions especially.

They remind me of the EB of 2013 & 2014 a bit.

I think this review showed more of what the bass actually sounds like, compared with the Epiphone demo, but it's didn't go too much into detail, at all. I still don't feel informed enough. Anderton's & Dawsons usually do things like this fairly indepth, or at least show what all the pickup combinations sound like, so I'm hoping one of those channels makes a review soon.

 

[ThunderFox]

Adding on to the topic of the Embassy. I believe the Embassy and the new Thunderbird both have the same pickups, and a similar sound.

Just looked up on the Anderton's website (UK Music store), The Embassy bass is going to cost about £329, but the Thunderbird is gonna be £499.

This is where my confusion lies. The new Vintage T-Bird is going to replace the Classic Pro T-Bird. The Vintage has Epiphone made pickups while the Classic has Gibson USA pickups. So why is the new bass, with Epiphone stock pickups gonna cost £499, and the old classic with American USA Gibson pickups in it was £350. Surely it should be the other way round. Big difference at this price point. Yet we seem to get less than it's predecessor. Apart from a few asthetic differences and a pickup change, it's not different. The pickups maybe a new design, but they are still made in Asia, so it should be cheaper, shouldn't it? The Embassy is a new design for them to make (well, not a 'new' design, but I mean a bass the manufacture hasn't made in ages, so they need to train their staff how to make it). So I would have expected that one to be more expensive.

I'm not against this new T-Bird, I think it's cool. But I don't understand the extra £150 on top for parts that are less expensive. I don't know how they can charge that price. I would have accepted £400 max because of inflation, and too match the active pickup version like the classic did, but not £500. I think it's a bit too much.

 

[theFixer]

I think this review showed more of what the bass actually sounds like, compared with the Epiphone demo, but it's didn't go too much into detail, at all. I still don't feel informed enough. Anderton's & Dawsons usually do things like this fairly indepth, or at least show what all the pickup combinations sound like, so I'm hoping one of those channels makes a review soon.

If I were in a situation in which I was being forced to make a blind purchase of a bass with which I was unfamiliar... this Embassy Pro would be the first place I'd go (goofy upper horn or not). If you break it down & look at it's components... there's no doubt in my mind that it's a winner! Thin, flat, solid mahogany body... mahogany set neck... puts me in mind of an SG/EB3 kinda thang (in terms of tonal response etc.). Give it a T-birdish bridge, and T-bird pups... I don't see how ya could go wrong! It's got "Gibsonality"!

4 hunnerd bux? I'd feel fairly safe with that gamble

 

[RedVee]

Adding on to the topic of the Embassy. I believe the Embassy and the new Thunderbird both have the same pickups, and a similar sound.

Just looked up on the Anderton's website (UK Music store), The Embassy bass is going to cost about £329, but the Thunderbird is gonna be £499.

This is where my confusion lies. The new Vintage T-Bird is going to replace the Classic Pro T-Bird. The Vintage has Epiphone made pickups while the Classic has Gibson USA pickups. So why is the new bass, with Epiphone stock pickups gonna cost £499, and the old classic with American USA Gibson pickups in it was £350. Surely it should be the other way round. Big difference at this price point. Yet we seem to get less than it's predecessor. Apart from a few asthetic differences and a pickup change, it's not different. The pickups maybe a new design, but they are still made in Asia, so it should be cheaper, shouldn't it? The Embassy is a new design for them to make (well, not a 'new' design, but I mean a bass the manufacture hasn't made in ages, so they need to train their staff how to make it). So I would have expected that one to be more expensive.

I'm not against this new T-Bird, I think it's cool. But I don't understand the extra £150 on top for parts that are less expensive. I don't know how they can charge that price. I would have accepted £400 max because of inflation, and too match the active pickup version like the classic did, but not £500. I think it's a bit too much.

I understand what you are saying but maybe it underscores what a screaming bargain the Classic is/was ?

I assume it is 'marketing'. Perhaps they are trying to move Epiphone or at least the Thunderbird, a little upmarket with the new Vintage. Using the Embassy as a 'backfill' for those with 'sticker shock'.

The longer the wait for the Vintage the more I think of looking for a used Classic. Prob get one with a case for the price of the Vintage new. But I'm guessing the street price for the Vintage will be less than the advertised price.

 

[theFixer]

Adding on to the topic of the Embassy. I believe the Embassy and the new Thunderbird both have the same pickups, and a similar sound.

Just looked up on the Anderton's website (UK Music store), The Embassy bass is going to cost about £329, but the Thunderbird is gonna be £499.

This is where my confusion lies. The new Vintage T-Bird is going to replace the Classic Pro T-Bird. The Vintage has Epiphone made pickups while the Classic has Gibson USA pickups. So why is the new bass, with Epiphone stock pickups gonna cost £499, and the old classic with American USA Gibson pickups in it was £350. Surely it should be the other way round. Big difference at this price point. Yet we seem to get less than it's predecessor. Apart from a few asthetic differences and a pickup change, it's not different. The pickups maybe a new design, but they are still made in Asia, so it should be cheaper, shouldn't it? The Embassy is a new design for them to make (well, not a 'new' design, but I mean a bass the manufacture hasn't made in ages, so they need to train their staff how to make it). So I would have expected that one to be more expensive.

I'm not against this new T-Bird, I think it's cool. But I don't understand the extra £150 on top for parts that are less expensive. I don't know how they can charge that price. I would have accepted £400 max because of inflation, and too match the active pickup version like the classic did, but not £500. I think it's a bit too much.

I'm no expert... but I'd say that, among the possible reasons for the price differential would be the fact that the Thunderbird is neck-thru as opposed to set neck. The fact that the new 'bird is going to be a vintage spec reissue (no matter how large or small of a departure that is from the standard issue... ya just know it's gonna have an affect on the price tag). Finally... the Embassy is a cool enough bass or whatever... but the Thunderbird is a legend, and commands a higher tag. As for the pickups... I honestly don't care where they're made, so long as they've got "the sound". If they nailed down a way to give us a good vintage repro... they can build it in Timbuktu as far as I'm concerned. The question is... how good can a mass-produced, budget priced pickup sound? I guess we'll get to find out here in the next few months! I'm looking forward to everybody's reviews

 

[Gaolee]

Don't use it much, but would probably miss it if it was gone. Just like the saying, "You don't know what you've got, till it's gone". (I'll stop there before I start singing a Cinderella classic).

No Disney stuff there:

 

[Gaolee]

Summer here is the best! It's rained exactly twice at my house since late June - less than 1/8". It's dry, sunny and beautiful like very few places can be.

Hey! None of that, now!

 

[Gaolee]

Yes, took a couple of years to train him indoors out of hoying milk in everything. Milk and me don't really get along...

My system thinks milk from cows is barbaric. Milk from goats and sheep is OK, but only as cheese, and even then in low doses.

 

[theFixer]

I understand what you are saying but maybe it underscores what a screaming bargain the Classic is/was ?

I assume it is 'marketing'. Perhaps they are trying to move Epiphone or at least the Thunderbird, a little upmarket with the new Vintage. Using the Embassy as a 'backfill' for those with 'sticker shock'.

The longer the wait for the Vintage the more I think of looking for a used Classic. Prob get one with a case for the price of the Vintage new. But I'm guessing the street price for the Vintage will be less than the advertised price.

I'm gonna toss a couple spit balls atcha...

First... Maaaaaan... the only reason I'm not losin' my s#!t & droolin' like a fool over these new Vintage Pros, is because I know I can't play 'em cuzza the pencil thin necks. Since that's not an issue for you... I would urge you to hold out for one. I think you'll be kicking' yerself if you don't.

Second... In the off chance that you might not be happy with the Vintage Pro... the price of the Classic Pro has nowhere to go but down once the new one's released. In the days & weeks following the release of the Vintage Pro... you will see a surge of used Thunderbirds available on the market, from everybody trading in for the new model. It's a great time for bottom feeders & bargain hunters

 

[theFixer]

No Disney stuff there:

I'll respond with my personal favorite of his...

 

[JIO]

Just got back from seeing/hearing bands at my local (walking distance) music spot. The band playing as I left played wrock and the bass player played a very nice white Gibson (at least that's what the tr cover said) T-bird bass - looked pretty clean/new. It had a big black-faced hs, chrome Kluson-style tuners, chrome pu's and a chrome 3-point bridge. It's possible it had an ebony fb. Was this an upgraded bass or did Gibson recently sell something like this? Anyway - I waited to hear it when I saw it carried in, with 2 Mesa cabs & a Mesa 400+ head - serious riggig. 2 loud guitarists and I could hear the bass but it was a blob of non-distict bottom. I think the pillow-of-bass sound works in some situations/certain styles of music but I sorta' expected pick-powered clanky wrock bass to cut through. Everyones different but I like definition on top of the pillow-of-bass, especially in a space like it was in where everything was blobbing together into wrock soup. I optimally try to get that 3-layer tone of fat bottom, flavorful mids and a defining top-end, usually articulated with a pick. In places like this tavern (I've played there many times) which is not a great acoustical space, you kind of lose the mid-section and lows are a given so getting that top-end is critical for distinction. A T-bird does that really well so I was disappointed and left after the second song.

 

[RedVee]

I'm gonna toss a couple spit balls atcha...

First... Maaaaaan... the only reason I'm not losin' my s#!t & droolin' like a fool over these new Vintage Pros, is because I know I can't play 'em cuzza the pencil thin necks. Since that's not an issue for you... I would urge you to hold out for one. I think you'll be kicking' yerself if you don't.

Second... In the off chance that you might not be happy with the Vintage Pro... the price of the Classic Pro has nowhere to go but down once the new one's released. In the days & weeks following the release of the Vintage Pro... you will see a surge of used Thunderbirds available on the market, from everybody trading in for the new model. It's a great time for bottom feeders & bargain hunters

I see you've met me then....

Yes, I'm waiting to try a Vintage Pro and the Embassy. I want to try for myself as well as feed off all the - I hope many - video reviews and comparisons. The Classic Pro is still in my mind and if the Vintage hadn't been released I'd be looking there so I will try as well. If it turns out I don't like the necks I will look at the Embassy more closely and search for a used EB and choose between them. Phew! That's the plan - right at this moment anyway.

I am concerned after the Chris Catero videos that they have increased the weight on the Vintage over the Classic.
I think not - why would they? But I will check that out as well.

 

[theFixer]

Just got back from seeing/hearing bands at my local (walking distance) music spot. The band playing as I left played wrock and the bass player played a very nice white Gibson (at least that's what the tr cover said) T-bird bass - looked pretty clean/new. It had a big black-faced hs, chrome Kluson-style tuners, chrome pu's and a chrome 3-point bridge. It's possible it had an ebony fb. Was this an upgraded bass or did Gibson recently sell something like this? Anyway - I waited to hear it when I saw it carried in, with 2 Mesa cabs & a Mesa 400+ head - serious riggig. 2 loud guitarists and I could hear the bass but it was a blob of non-distict bottom. I think the pillow-of-bass sound works in some situations/certain styles of music but I sorta' expected pick-powered clanky wrock bass to cut through. Everyones different but I like definition on top of the pillow-of-bass, especially in a space like it was in where everything was blobbing together into wrock soup. I optimally try to get that 3-layer tone of fat bottom, flavorful mids and a defining top-end, usually articulated with a pick. In places like this tavern (I've played there many times) which is not a great acoustical space, you kind of lose the mid-section and lows are a given so getting that top-end is critical for distinction. A T-bird does that really well so I was disappointed and left after the second song.

Was the band all running through a PA, or is it a smaller venue?

 

[Dadagoboi]

Popular urban myths, chapter 9, Tea and Coffee.

Bagged tea is the equivalent of instant coffee, a poor alternative to the real thing. I drink mine the way the way it's done where it's grown, full leaf, full strength, and properly steeped at 208F. It doesn't include milk, sugar, lemon, or cookies. $65 a pound and worth it.

Brits know as much about proper tea drinking as they do dental hygiene.

 

[theFixer]

I see you've met me then....

Yes, I'm waiting to try a Vintage Pro and the Embassy. I want to try for myself as well as feed off all the - I hope many - video reviews and comparisons. The Classic Pro is still in my mind and if the Vintage hadn't been released I'd be looking there so I will try as well. If it turns out I don't like the necks I will look at the Embassy more closely and search for a used EB and choose between them. Phew! That's the plan - right at this moment anyway.

I am concerned after the Chris Catero videos that they have increased the weight on the Vintage over the Classic.
I think not - why would they? But I will check that out as well.

I wouldn't worry too much about the weight issue. I mean... correct me if I'm wrong, but don't most T-birds come in around 9 pounds or so? That ain't bad. The 2017 EB is a lightweight at approx. 7.5 pounds. Those oversize LPBs like veebass just got, come in around 11 - 12 pounds. That puts the 'bird towards the low side of the middle weight spectrum. It's hard to imagine that they could've added a noteworthy amount of weight...

 

[theFixer]

Bagged tea is the equivalent of instant coffee, a poor alternative to the real thing. I drink mine the way the way it's done where it's grown, full leaf, full strength, and properly steeped at 208F. It doesn't include milk, sugar, lemon, or cookies. $65 a pound and worth it.

Brits know as much about proper tea drinking as they do dental hygiene.

The day just wouldn't be complete with out a shot being fired into the crowd from somewhere in Florida