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Thunderbird Club

#71,481
Fab Superlative said:
The boards bloopware is having a tough time keeping up with y'all. same glitch issue on my machine.
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That shrinking text issue is a chronic glitch w/tb. It doesn't happen all the time but does pop up (er.., down) now and then.
 
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#71,483
TBird1958 said:
When the "Classic" first came out I had one to review and keep for about 6 months before sending it to a friend in Germany, overall it best equates to a post '2000 Gibson except for the neck profile, which is slightly flatter and reminds me a bit of a '76. The body is modified with a greater lower 'bout cut and is thin like a Gibson, the headstock is small as are the tuners - These are really nice, they play well, have a more contemporary tone and are a very solid value.
I have a new Vintage Pro, first, it shares nothing with the Classic other than looking like a Thunderbird, the body is thicker, and shaped slightly different, headstock is larger of course, for me the neck is noticeably different, much thicker front to back. The pickups and hardware are of course meant to be like an early '60s issue Bird, tonally it's close to a couple of 'Bird that I have with Mike Lull '63 Spec pickups. Again, a very nice bass, quite different from the Classic.
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Nice to hear such an in depth comparison. Thanks. I pulled the trigger on a VP Tobacco burst that reminded me of my friend’s ‘76 Gibson back in the day (without the Bicentennial bird logo). I play a Precision and Jazz Bass so am comfortable on either neck and I like jumbo frets so from all accounts I’m thinking this Epi will be a keeper. It’s arriving Thursday.

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#71,484
Frankie Fender said:
Nice to hear such an in depth comparison. Thanks. I pulled the trigger on a VP Tobacco burst that reminded me of my friend’s ‘76 Gibson back in the day. I play a Precision and Jazz Bass so am comfortable on either neck and I like jumbo frets so from all accounts I’m thinking this Epi will be a keeper. It’s arriving Thursday.

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Awesome! I think you'll really enjoy it, try rolling off the bridge pick up some, it just nails "the tone" , we'll keep a club slot open for you!
 
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#71,485
kat888 said:
In fact, let's leave this here for people to better acquaint themselves with Cracker's magnificence.

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Cracker is one of my favorite rock bands. I saw them last year with Camper Van Beethoven - both great performances. The real deal. :bassist:
 
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#71,486
Frankie Fender said:
Nice to hear such an in depth comparison. Thanks. I pulled the trigger on a VP Tobacco burst that reminded me of my friend’s ‘76 Gibson back in the day (without the Bicentennial bird logo). I play a Precision and Jazz Bass so am comfortable on either neck and I like jumbo frets so from all accounts I’m thinking this Epi will be a keeper. It’s arriving Thursday.

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That's the specific one? They nailed the wood match on that one. Sometimes, the grain is distracting looking. On that one, it's got exactly the kind of even texture that is perfect. It is there, but it doesn't fight with the shape of the bass. If it sounds and plays as good as it looks, it's an outstanding one.
 
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#71,487
Gaolee said:
That's the specific one? They nailed the wood match on that one. Sometimes, the grain is distracting looking. On that one, it's got exactly the kind of even texture that is perfect. It is there, but it doesn't fight with the shape of the bass. If it sounds and plays as good as it looks, it's an outstanding one.
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I know, right? Yes it is the exact one. I picked it out from three others because of the tight grain for that very reason.

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#71,497
Fab Superlative said:
Sweet! That's a nice one weight wise as well. Yep you and me both are going to have a new VP landing on Thursday.
I also got a sweet deal on that Alpine White one w/case here on TB.
Is this your first 'Bird?
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Congratulations on your purchase. Yes it is my first, but been wanting one since the 70’s. I just couldn’t justify the price of a Gibson to take her out to the bars, and the bolt-on Epi’s never did it for me. When the Classic came out I got interested in the neck-thru build, but wasn’t too keen on the aesthetics. Too reddish in color and didn’t like the black hardware. I guess I was just waiting for something like the VP to come out. I find it visually stunning and for under six bills I couldn’t resist.

If I really like it I may just get another VP in Ebony down the road, because that too is stunning. I had a tough time deciding between the two and the price point is incredible. Then i’ll have a pair of Fenders and a pair of birds.
 
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#71,499
Cool breeze! And If I may offer some initial advise. If you don't have a good stand, like a neck hanger (Hercules) or my personal fav the Hamilton KB38 or a proper rack stand, it would be a good idea to obtain one. Because using a standard cheapo guitar stand for the 'Birds is bad juju. A prime example of this is shown in the Sweetwater pics of your bass, that you posted. Notice how the lower support arms of the guitar stand are cocked to follow the contour of the lower bout? This is not good. And with no neck support- even worse. If you've ever wondered the how's and why's of Gibsons, notorious neck breaks, that's one example of how it happens. And by using an improper stand or propping the bass up against your amp, wall etc; this is carte blanche inviting disaster.
 
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