Thunderbird Club

[lloganbracee]

(most) EMG pu's are active (low impedance). Most other pu's are passive and matched with an active preamp creates the active character of the output. (if I'm understanding your inquiry correctly)

You understood correctly. The more I’ve looked around the more I’ve started to consider that going passive might be where it’s at for TB’s.

I can’t find any samples of the Thunderbird replacements by EMG. I’m not interested in going in blind.

 

[JIO]

You understood correctly. The more I’ve looked around the more I’ve started to consider that going passive might be where it’s at for TB’s.

I can’t find any samples of the Thunderbird replacements by EMG. I’m not interested in going in blind.

I'm sure they (EMG) offers something. I've used Wilkinson hb pu's and they do the big T-bird "angry piano" thing with the right electronic harness/strings/amp, but routing would be required as they are full sized buckers. Many people here like the various T-bird RI pu's (Loller, Thunderbuckers etc) so it's a matter of personal choice.

 

[RedVee]

You understood correctly. The more I’ve looked around the more I’ve started to consider that going passive might be where it’s at for TB’s.

I can’t find any samples of the Thunderbird replacements by EMG. I’m not interested in going in blind.

@GBassNorth may know of something

 

[GBassNorth]

You understood correctly. The more I’ve looked around the more I’ve started to consider that going passive might be where it’s at for TB’s.

I can’t find any samples of the Thunderbird replacements by EMG. I’m not interested in going in blind.

@GBassNorth may know of something

EMG does make pickups that will fit in the Eppi Goth route with very little if any modification to the bass. I. Don't know if that's true for his particular TBird but it's easy enough to figure out by just measuring the length, width and depth of the existing routes and finding an EMG pup that will drop in. Look here...
EMG TB Series Thunderbird Bass - Best Bass Gear

I looked at EMG but in the end I went with Bartolini pups. Never been that fond of active pickups. Active preamp with passive pups is the route I'd go. The Aguilar OBP-2 just fit in the Goth control cavity. Keep in mind, if you convert passive to active you'll most likely need to add one or two additional pots to the cavity and you'll need a battery box route as well.

 

[Count Bassie]

It's time to 'fess up: I no longer own a Thunderbird (waits for hubbub to settle). The Epi Blackbird I had was never, in my mind, the real deal, and after mods done it became less than itself... more a garage-bat. Granted, it was a sweet playing, cool garage-bat, but after being a player, with some small cred to my "career" and some colorful history, I decided I needed something I could actually feel good about presenting my bass-player-ness with. So I sold it and made a move.

I'd like to get me a real, honest bird, maybe a nice NR. But with my truck getting a new engine and teenagers with new budding life needs, I'm out of the NBD circle for a while. I'd also like to be able to hang with you guys, it's been almost a real-live sanctuary to be able to come to and hide out, when it gets weird out there.
So there it is. Things change, it's a big workd full of stuff and opportunities. Glad to know you guys, even when I'm scarce I still feel kinda connected here. Not to get sentimental, but hey. We're folks.

That's all.

There will be Birds...

 

[TwyreZ]

I think TwyreZ has a set of Bartolinis for TBirds he may be trying to unload (if he hasn't already)..

I’m not looking at making a purchase quite yet (this hobby is too expensive), I just want to get some recommendations & listen to samples to start. Soon enough, though!

PS: Pre-amp suggestions welcome, too!

Sorry not me, they were for sale in the classifieds.

 

[TwyreZ]

Really interested in this string conversation for a T-Bird going on here. Strings can be so much fun.

What I’m really curious about, however, is ACTIVE pickup replacements. I have an Epiphone TB Pro IV with the stock pickups that I want to replace at some point. It needs a new setup before I really get to using it (which makes this string discussion fun — I have tons & tons of options), but I know I’m going to want new pickups.

The problem is that most of the pickups I know of for TB’s are passive. I’m looking at active as of right now. What are your recommendations?

it's a shame, last week EMG TBDC were on discount sale at bestbassgear...

 

[Nocturnal]

It's time to 'fess up: I no longer own a Thunderbird (waits for hubbub to settle). The Epi Blackbird I had was never, in my mind, the real deal, and after mods done it became less than itself... more a garage-bat. Granted, it was a sweet playing, cool garage-bat, but after being a player, with some small cred to my "career" and some colorful history, I decided I needed something I could actually feel good about presenting my bass-player-ness with. So I sold it and made a move.

I'd like to get me a real, honest bird, maybe a nice NR. But with my truck getting a new engine and teenagers with new budding life needs, I'm out of the NBD circle for a while. I'd also like to be able to hang with you guys, it's been almost a real-live sanctuary to be able to come to and hide out, when it gets weird out there.
So there it is. Things change, it's a big workd full of stuff and opportunities. Glad to know you guys, even when I'm scarce I still feel kinda connected here. Not to get sentimental, but hey. We're folks.

That's all.

There will be Birds...

Roger, just because you don't have a Bird doesn't mean we don't want you here. Stick around. We like having you here.

 

[Larry V]

It's time to 'fess up: I no longer own a Thunderbird (waits for hubbub to settle). The Epi Blackbird I had was never, in my mind, the real deal, and after mods done it became less than itself... more a garage-bat. Granted, it was a sweet playing, cool garage-bat, but after being a player, with some small cred to my "career" and some colorful history, I decided I needed something I could actually feel good about presenting my bass-player-ness with. So I sold it and made a move.

I'd like to get me a real, honest bird, maybe a nice NR. But with my truck getting a new engine and teenagers with new budding life needs, I'm out of the NBD circle for a while. I'd also like to be able to hang with you guys, it's been almost a real-live sanctuary to be able to come to and hide out, when it gets weird out there.
So there it is. Things change, it's a big workd full of stuff and opportunities. Glad to know you guys, even when I'm scarce I still feel kinda connected here. Not to get sentimental, but hey. We're folks.

That's all.

There will be Birds...

What Andy said.

I think it's safe to say we've seen a drop off in your participation over the last couple of months. I figured it's just life and priorities getting in the way. Sorry to hear the TBird is gone but hopefully the next one will be more inline with your bass-player-ness.

...and yes, we're folks, rich or poor, left, center, right, young or old... just folks...

Keep at it... no one ever gets to a better place by sitting back and waiting for good things to happen.

 

[Instagator]

Did anyone here beat me on an EBay auction last night? It was for a broken neck Vintage Pro T-Bird in white.
I hope it went to a good home.

 

[TBird1958]

It's time to 'fess up: I no longer own a Thunderbird (waits for hubbub to settle). The Epi Blackbird I had was never, in my mind, the real deal, and after mods done it became less than itself... more a garage-bat. Granted, it was a sweet playing, cool garage-bat, but after being a player, with some small cred to my "career" and some colorful history, I decided I needed something I could actually feel good about presenting my bass-player-ness with. So I sold it and made a move.

I'd like to get me a real, honest bird, maybe a nice NR. But with my truck getting a new engine and teenagers with new budding life needs, I'm out of the NBD circle for a while. I'd also like to be able to hang with you guys, it's been almost a real-live sanctuary to be able to come to and hide out, when it gets weird out there.
So there it is. Things change, it's a big workd full of stuff and opportunities. Glad to know you guys, even when I'm scarce I still feel kinda connected here. Not to get sentimental, but hey. We're folks.

That's all.

There will be Birds...

You're always welcome here Roger!

For everyone else that reads this that isn't a member or owner of a T Bird, you're welcome too. It should be quite obvious from our view count that lots of folks stop by without posting - The welcome mat is always out, what draws us together (Thunderbird basses) is just the beginning of sharing and getting to know one another.

 

[Count Bassie]

Roger, just because you don't have a Bird doesn't mean we don't want you here. Stick around. We like having you here.

Thanks, I like this place and the people in it. So, cheers!

What Andy said.

I think it's safe to say we've seen a drop off in participation over the last couple of months. I figured it's just life and priorities getting in the way. Sorry to hear the TBird is gone but hopefully the next one will be more inline with your bass-player-ness.

...and yes, we're folks, rich or poor, left, center, right, young or old... just folks...

Keep at it... no one ever gets to a better place by sitting back and waiting for good things to happen.

Nope. And yep! Forward is the way. Thanks Larry, my bird is out there...

You're always welcome here Roger!

For everyone else that reads this that isn't a member or owner of a T Bird, you're welcome too. It should be quite obvious from our view count that lots of folks stop by without posting - The welcome mat is always out, what draws us together (Thunderbird basses) is just the beginning of sharing and getting to one another.
View attachment 3024917

Thanks Mark, and well said. The heppest part of TB is probably the most stalked...

 

[bylar13]

The first run of Bach Birds was a total of 30 I believe. Whatever the number was, it was very low. Mine came from the second (thin bodied) run. I would be surprised if Bach even hit 100 pieces before they stopped building them.

There is a cherry red Bach on eBay for a good price. The seller is a guy some of us know from the LBO and a good dude. These don't turn up often and this one is less $$ than I sold my ebony model for.

Is there a general consensus at to whether the Bach t-birds are worthwhile?

 

[JJR58]

Yum! Is that a 2016?

It's older, i just don't remember the year though.

 

[heatheroo1]

I pop in to view the posts regularly. Until this recent thread, it seemed the conversation was non-TBird related and I wasn't motivated enough to go back through it all to see what was actually being discussed. That being said: I am a lifelong T-Bird player, having bought a '77 new. Its still my daily player but is getting shaky. I had a thread in the setup forum regarding a broken truss rod. I ended up driving 800 miles round trip to have Dan Erlewine look at it. He repaired the truss rod but the neck wont straighten out/untwist. Currently I am just living with it. With the E and A bridge saddles at the very end of their adjustment, the intonation is pretty close. Even though I keep telling myself "if Dan says that is as good as it can get and just leave it alone"...I unstrung it yesterday and made a jig to backbow the neck. I left it like that for 1/2 the day and then tried to tighten the truss rod. No go....it will not move and I am definitely not going to force it. I restrung it and it was better initially but now it has mostly gone back to the bow that was there previously. Oh well......it is what it is. Me and that bass have been together through 40+ years of crappy bars to nice theaters. I am thinking about ordering an Epi Pro T-Bird (or whatever they are called....) to see how they sound with the idea of retiring the '77. I wish I knew of some place local I could try one.

Anyway.....thanks for listening.

 

[JJR58]

I pop in to view the posts regularly. Until this recent thread, it seemed the conversation was non-TBird related and I wasn't motivated enough to go back through it all to see what was actually being discussed. That being said: I am a lifelong T-Bird player, having bought a '77 new. Its still my daily player but is getting shaky. I had a thread in the setup forum regarding a broken truss rod. I ended up driving 800 miles round trip to have Dan Erlewine look at it. He repaired the truss rod but the neck wont straighten out/untwist. Currently I am just living with it. With the E and A bridge saddles at the very end of their adjustment, the intonation is pretty close. Even though I keep telling myself "if Dan says that is as good as it can get and just leave it alone"...I unstrung it yesterday and made a jig to backbow the neck. I left it like that for 1/2 the day and then tried to tighten the truss rod. No go....it will not move and I am definitely not going to force it. I restrung it and it was better initially but now it has mostly gone back to the bow that was there previously. Oh well......it is what it is. Me and that bass have been together through 40+ years of crappy bars to nice theaters. I am thinking about ordering an Epi Pro T-Bird (or whatever they are called....) to see how they sound with the idea of retiring the '77. I wish I knew of some place local I could try one.

Anyway.....thanks for listening.

I'm sure there will be some here that might have something to offer in regards to your situation. Check back. Lots of knowledgeable folks here.

 

[Larry V]

I pop in to view the posts regularly. Until this recent thread, it seemed the conversation was non-TBird related and I wasn't motivated enough to go back through it all to see what was actually being discussed. That being said: I am a lifelong T-Bird player, having bought a '77 new. Its still my daily player but is getting shaky. I had a thread in the setup forum regarding a broken truss rod. I ended up driving 800 miles round trip to have Dan Erlewine look at it. He repaired the truss rod but the neck wont straighten out/untwist. Currently I am just living with it. With the E and A bridge saddles at the very end of their adjustment, the intonation is pretty close. Even though I keep telling myself "if Dan says that is as good as it can get and just leave it alone"...I unstrung it yesterday and made a jig to backbow the neck. I left it like that for 1/2 the day and then tried to tighten the truss rod. No go....it will not move and I am definitely not going to force it. I restrung it and it was better initially but now it has mostly gone back to the bow that was there previously. Oh well......it is what it is. Me and that bass have been together through 40+ years of crappy bars to nice theaters. I am thinking about ordering an Epi Pro T-Bird (or whatever they are called....) to see how they sound with the idea of retiring the '77. I wish I knew of some place local I could try one.

Anyway.....thanks for listening.

Sorry to hear that your '77 is being considered for retirement.

Also sorry we go on about all things non-TBird related in here but I think it makes us all a bit closer as a "Club" goes here on TalkBass.

The new Epi's that are getting all the raves are called Vintage Pros and the reviews are really great but beware that a few of them have come in on the heavy side compared to the 8.5 lbs. bogey you might want to shoot for. Sweetwater will weigh the bass you're ordering for you and you can say yay or nay. Some have been reported at close to 10 lbs. so better to be safe than sorry. Good luck in your search.

 

[dieselman]

It's time to 'fess up: I no longer own a Thunderbird (waits for hubbub to settle). The Epi Blackbird I had was never, in my mind, the real deal, and after mods done it became less than itself... more a garage-bat. Granted, it was a sweet playing, cool garage-bat, but after being a player, with some small cred to my "career" and some colorful history, I decided I needed something I could actually feel good about presenting my bass-player-ness with. So I sold it and made a move.

I'd like to get me a real, honest bird, maybe a nice NR. But with my truck getting a new engine and teenagers with new budding life needs, I'm out of the NBD circle for a while. I'd also like to be able to hang with you guys, it's been almost a real-live sanctuary to be able to come to and hide out, when it gets weird out there.
So there it is. Things change, it's a big workd full of stuff and opportunities. Glad to know you guys, even when I'm scarce I still feel kinda connected here. Not to get sentimental, but hey. We're folks.

That's all.

There will be Birds...

Well that's sad to hear BUT! Your not getting out that easy. You know too much. Once your in your IN. There will be another bird in your life. Things happen for a reason.

 

[TBird1958]

Is there a general consensus at to whether the Bach t-birds are worthwhile?

I had two, they're really quite nice set neck basses, the neck is right there when it comes to shape and profile. I found mine to be very good players. I put Lull pickups in them both and really loved the tone. Ultimately, I'm in the Reverse camp and regrettably let them both go, wish I'd kept the black one - it was sold recently.

 

[JJR58]

Well that's sad to hear BUT! Your not getting out that easy. You know too much. Once your in your IN. There will be another bird in your life. Things happen for a reason.

This is indeed true, you ain't going no where Rog.