Thunderbird Club

[Chucky Stiletti]

This one always cracks me up when I see one! Gotta be hard to gauge turning this boat!

View attachment 3219922

had a gf who used to hate those with a passion....she called them "date rape cars"....

 

[Engle]

oh man, what memories....for us budding players in the days of no cable and only three national networks I used to really look forward to this show as it was pretty much the only guaranteed weekly TV event where you could see basses and bass players.....virtuosity (didn't know how good these guys were, I was only 13) was just icing on the cake....

As a kid, I had no idea who those guys were - just that I liked the goofy humour and the playing. I wasn't into country growing up, but watching that show gave me some reference. Many years later, I got an upright and started jamming with a roots/country band. The style and harmonies felt comfortable right away.

 

[GonePlaid]

Very Nice! You should be proud

+1

 

[GonePlaid]

had a gf who used to hate those with a passion....she called them "date rape cars"....

Did she ever explain that?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Did she ever explain that?

never asked..

 

[GonePlaid]

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Hell of a player.

Very typical big band style walking bass, really well done. Gatemouth sure saved a lot on picks.

 

[GonePlaid]

never asked..

It seems an odd thing to say about a 1/2 pickup,1/2 car. I had one for awhile(Chevy). It was pretty quick, but for me it wasn't enuff of either. It had an ill-fitting topper, which leaked, and was a PITA to load gear. Looked cool though.

 

[Tooned]

From View attachment 3219727, this is the info on one of my EpiBirds:
View attachment 3219724

Edit... the link I posted wouldn't work because apparently guitar dater, when put together, spells a word that the TB censorbots don't like so I put the image of the URL instead

I got my dating info from a post on the gibson forums here: Invalid Link Removed

..and because everything you read on the internet is true I just believe it is all correct.
This is what it says there(copy and pasted). I think mine follows the first format. First 6 digits 170823. 2017 August, made at Samick in Indonesia.

There are basically four distinct formats, also called identifiers, in which order serial numbers occur on Epiphone instruments. For Japanese and refurbished models, which are special cases, see bottom.

YYMMFFRRRRR

• YY = year of manufacture
  
• MM = month of manufature
  
• FF = factory ID
  
• RRRRR = ranking number

Example: 08121520333 = 2008 / December / factory 15 / unit 20333

Note: Models from 2008 and onwards omit the factory ID letter prefix. Pre-1994 productions also frequently omit the factory letter codes and appeared as all digits, e.g. 3042779.

FYYMMRRRR

• F/FF = factory ID
  
• Y/YY = year of manufacture
  
• MM = month of manufacture
  
• RRRR = ranking number

Example: 3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: S93021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: SI01021234 = Samick Indonesia / 2001 / February / unit 1234
Example: SI010212345 = Samick Indonesia / 2001 / February / unit 12345

Note: There may be no factory designator for some 1993 and earlier models. A single digit month of manufacture may occur for some 1997 and earlier models. The ranking number may consist of any number of digits.

FYYMRRRR

• F = factory ID
  
• YY = year of manufacture
  
• M = letter code to corresponding month
  
• RRRR = ranking number

Example: R01B0123 = Peerless Korea / 2001 / February / unit 0123.

Note: The month of manufacture is single letter corresponding to each month such as A = January, B = February, etc.

FYYSSSS

This serial number formats is solely used on Epiphone Elite or Elitist models.

• F = factory ID
  
• Y = single digit year of manufacture (2002-2009)
  
• YY = double digit year of manufacture (2010-Current)
  
• SSSS = sequential ranking number

Example: F21234 = Fuji-gen Japan / 2002 / unit 1234
Example: T101234 = Terada Japan / 2010 / unit 1234

Factory Letter Codes

The following is a comprehensive list of factories and countries for serial numbers that start with at least one letter.

• B - Bohêmia Musico-Delicia (Czech Republic)
  
• BW - ____?____ (China)
  
• CI - Cort (Indonesia)
  
• DW - DaeWon (China)
  
• EA - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Acoustic
  
• ED - Dongbei (China) = In Chinese "Dongbei" means Northeast.
  
• EE - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Electric
  
• F - Fuji-gen (Japan) = Elite/Elitist models (see post below on Epiphone Japan Serial Numbers)
  
• F - Qingdao (China) = Les Paul Standard '59 / '60 / Tribute Models (see bottom of post on F-Serial Numbers Used on LP Std'59/'60 models and Tribute/Plus models)
  
• F/FN - Fine Guitars (Korea) = non-Japanese models
  
• FC - ____?____ (China 2000's) Possibly "Global Fine Supply Ltd."
  
• FC - Fuji-Gen (Japan 1990's)
  
• H - _______ (China?) Found on a 1995 El Nino
  
• G/GG - Identified as early modern Masterbilt acoustics (Epiphone says they have no record of G serials)
  
• GR - Grand Reward (Farida, Guang Dong) China, Seen on some early Masterbilt acoustics
  
• GP - ____?____ (Korea) found on a BB King Lucille from 2001 (verified by Epiphone Customer Service)
  
• I - Saein (Korea)
  
• J - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
  
• J - Unknown. Possibly Jakarta, Indonesia - Found on a 1997 S-310
  
• JK - ??? Korea or Indonesia - Found on a 1999 G-310 Junior
  
• K - Korea Ins. (Korea)
  
• L - Leader Musical Instrument Co Ltd (Korea)
  
• MC - Muse (China)
  
• MR - Mirr factory, China
  
• N - See: FN
  
• O - Choice (Korea)
  
• P/R - Peerless (Korea)
  
• QG - Qingdao Gibson (China) - Interim designation used prior to "EA" & "EE"
  
• S - Samick (Korea)
  
• SI - Samick (Bogor, Indonesia)
  
• SJ - SaeJun (China)
  
• SK - ???
  
• SM - Samil (Korea)
  
• SN - ____?____ (Indonesia)
  
• T - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
  
• U - Unsung (Korea)
  
• UC - Unsung China (China)
  
• WF - ____?____ (China) found on an Accu Bass Junior from 2001
  
• X - ____ (China) - Early to mid 1990's serial number label - Verified by Epiphone Customer Service. Seen on "Epi" brand guitars.
  
• Y - Korea (seen on a PR775CE)
  
• Z - Zaozhuang Saehan (China)

Factory Number Codes

Some models from 2008 onwards have serial numbers that begin with a certain digit.

• 11 = MIC sticker on a '08 Masterbuilt 500
  
• 12 = DeaWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
  
• 13 = China - factory unknown
  
• 15 = Qingdao (China) - electric
  
• 16 = Qingdao (China) - acoustic
  
• 17 = China - factory unknown MIC sticker on a J160E
  
• 18 = China - factory unknown found on one 2009 model bass
  
• 20 = DaeWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
  
• 21 = Unsung, Korea
  
• 22 = Korea (factory still unknown)
  
• 23 = Samick factory Indonesia
  
• I = Indonesia (this letter has appeared as the 5th digit on two authentic new models made in Indonesia)

Note: The factories identified by the codes above are based on patterns which users have observed. The numbers appear as the 5th and 6th digits in the serial number. This information has not been officially confirmed by Epiphone.

F-Serial Numbers on Les Paul Standard '59/'60 Models and Tribute/Plus Models

The latest serial number system used by Epiphone has not yet been completely deciphered. The new "F" models are made in China. The new system seems to be just continously running model numbers rather than a dedicated code for year, month, and place of manufacture.

• F300000 = late 2009 used on LP Std'59/Std'60/Tribute models
  
• Continued around F310650~F311050 in spring 2012 on Tribute-Plus models
  
• Continued around F305000 in 2011
  
• Continued around F310000 in 2012
  
• Continued around F317000 in 2013
  
• Continued around F324000 in 2014
  
• Continued around F330000 in 2015

Refurbished Models

Serial numbers starting with "311xxxx2 on a golden sticker are refurbished guitars as sold by Musical Instrument Reclamation Center (MIRC). There is no way to tell the year or the month it was made.

A few points of note:

• The original serial numbers are usually defaced.
  
• Original warranty is void.
  
• Sometimes the word "2nd" is stamped on the back of the headstock.
  
• MIRC specs can often be different from stock specs.

 

[GonePlaid]

I got my dating info from a post on the gibson forums here: Invalid Link Removed

..and because everything you read on the internet is true I just believe it is all correct.
This is what it says there. I think mine follows the first format. First 6 digits 170823. 2017 August, made at Samick in Indonesia.

There are basically four distinct formats, also called identifiers, in which order serial numbers occur on Epiphone instruments. For Japanese and refurbished models, which are special cases, see bottom.

YYMMFFRRRRR

• YY = year of manufacture
  
• MM = month of manufature
  
• FF = factory ID
  
• RRRRR = ranking number

Example: 08121520333 = 2008 / December / factory 15 / unit 20333

Note: Models from 2008 and onwards omit the factory ID letter prefix. Pre-1994 productions also frequently omit the factory letter codes and appeared as all digits, e.g. 3042779.

FYYMMRRRR

• F/FF = factory ID
  
• Y/YY = year of manufacture
  
• MM = month of manufacture
  
• RRRR = ranking number

Example: 3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: S93021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234
Example: SI01021234 = Samick Indonesia / 2001 / February / unit 1234
Example: SI010212345 = Samick Indonesia / 2001 / February / unit 12345

Note: There may be no factory designator for some 1993 and earlier models. A single digit month of manufacture may occur for some 1997 and earlier models. The ranking number may consist of any number of digits.

FYYMRRRR

• F = factory ID
  
• YY = year of manufacture
  
• M = letter code to corresponding month
  
• RRRR = ranking number

Example: R01B0123 = Peerless Korea / 2001 / February / unit 0123.

Note: The month of manufacture is single letter corresponding to each month such as A = January, B = February, etc.

FYYSSSS

This serial number formats is solely used on Epiphone Elite or Elitist models.

• F = factory ID
  
• Y = single digit year of manufacture (2002-2009)
  
• YY = double digit year of manufacture (2010-Current)
  
• SSSS = sequential ranking number

Example: F21234 = Fuji-gen Japan / 2002 / unit 1234
Example: T101234 = Terada Japan / 2010 / unit 1234

Factory Letter Codes

The following is a comprehensive list of factories and countries for serial numbers that start with at least one letter.

• B - Bohêmia Musico-Delicia (Czech Republic)
  
• BW - ____?____ (China)
  
• CI - Cort (Indonesia)
  
• DW - DaeWon (China)
  
• EA - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Acoustic
  
• ED - Dongbei (China) = In Chinese "Dongbei" means Northeast.
  
• EE - QingDao (China) = Epiphone Electric
  
• F - Fuji-gen (Japan) = Elite/Elitist models (see post below on Epiphone Japan Serial Numbers)
  
• F - Qingdao (China) = Les Paul Standard '59 / '60 / Tribute Models (see bottom of post on F-Serial Numbers Used on LP Std'59/'60 models and Tribute/Plus models)
  
• F/FN - Fine Guitars (Korea) = non-Japanese models
  
• FC - ____?____ (China 2000's) Possibly "Global Fine Supply Ltd."
  
• FC - Fuji-Gen (Japan 1990's)
  
• H - _______ (China?) Found on a 1995 El Nino
  
• G/GG - Identified as early modern Masterbilt acoustics (Epiphone says they have no record of G serials)
  
• GR - Grand Reward (Farida, Guang Dong) China, Seen on some early Masterbilt acoustics
  
• GP - ____?____ (Korea) found on a BB King Lucille from 2001 (verified by Epiphone Customer Service)
  
• I - Saein (Korea)
  
• J - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
  
• J - Unknown. Possibly Jakarta, Indonesia - Found on a 1997 S-310
  
• JK - ??? Korea or Indonesia - Found on a 1999 G-310 Junior
  
• K - Korea Ins. (Korea)
  
• L - Leader Musical Instrument Co Ltd (Korea)
  
• MC - Muse (China)
  
• MR - Mirr factory, China
  
• N - See: FN
  
• O - Choice (Korea)
  
• P/R - Peerless (Korea)
  
• QG - Qingdao Gibson (China) - Interim designation used prior to "EA" & "EE"
  
• S - Samick (Korea)
  
• SI - Samick (Bogor, Indonesia)
  
• SJ - SaeJun (China)
  
• SK - ???
  
• SM - Samil (Korea)
  
• SN - ____?____ (Indonesia)
  
• T - Terada Gakki Seisakusyo (Japan)
  
• U - Unsung (Korea)
  
• UC - Unsung China (China)
  
• WF - ____?____ (China) found on an Accu Bass Junior from 2001
  
• X - ____ (China) - Early to mid 1990's serial number label - Verified by Epiphone Customer Service. Seen on "Epi" brand guitars.
  
• Y - Korea (seen on a PR775CE)
  
• Z - Zaozhuang Saehan (China)

Factory Number Codes

Some models from 2008 onwards have serial numbers that begin with a certain digit.

• 11 = MIC sticker on a '08 Masterbuilt 500
  
• 12 = DeaWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
  
• 13 = China - factory unknown
  
• 15 = Qingdao (China) - electric
  
• 16 = Qingdao (China) - acoustic
  
• 17 = China - factory unknown MIC sticker on a J160E
  
• 18 = China - factory unknown found on one 2009 model bass
  
• 20 = DaeWon or Unsung (China - uncertainty remains as to which factory)
  
• 21 = Unsung, Korea
  
• 22 = Korea (factory still unknown)
  
• 23 = Samick factory Indonesia
  
• I = Indonesia (this letter has appeared as the 5th digit on two authentic new models made in Indonesia)

Note: The factories identified by the codes above are based on patterns which users have observed. The numbers appear as the 5th and 6th digits in the serial number. This information has not been officially confirmed by Epiphone.

F-Serial Numbers on Les Paul Standard '59/'60 Models and Tribute/Plus Models

The latest serial number system used by Epiphone has not yet been completely deciphered. The new "F" models are made in China. The new system seems to be just continously running model numbers rather than a dedicated code for year, month, and place of manufacture.

• F300000 = late 2009 used on LP Std'59/Std'60/Tribute models
  
• Continued around F310650~F311050 in spring 2012 on Tribute-Plus models
  
• Continued around F305000 in 2011
  
• Continued around F310000 in 2012
  
• Continued around F317000 in 2013
  
• Continued around F324000 in 2014
  
• Continued around F330000 in 2015

Refurbished Models

Serial numbers starting with "311xxxx2 on a golden sticker are refurbished guitars as sold by Musical Instrument Reclamation Center (MIRC). There is no way to tell the year or the month it was made.

A few points of note:

• The original serial numbers are usually defaced.
  
• Original warranty is void.
  
• Sometimes the word "2nd" is stamped on the back of the headstock.
  
• MIRC specs can often be different from stock specs.

My EpiBird 5 string was made in 84, 94 04 or 14. Folks at Epiphone couldn't tell me any more than that. Pretty sure it's a 94.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

It seems an odd thing to say about a 1/2 pickup,1/2 car. I had one for awhile(Chevy). It was pretty quick, but for me it wasn't enuff of either. It had an ill-fitting topper, which leaked, and was a PITA to load gear. Looked cool though.

yeah I thought so too which is why a left it be...bunch of them around here along with Rancheros..

 

[GonePlaid]

yeah I thought so too which is why a left it be...bunch of them around here along with Rancheros..

Sometimes ya just don't wanna know. A lot of the polo/equine crowd around here have/had them. Classy hay haulers.

 

[RedVee]

It seems an odd thing to say about a 1/2 pickup,1/2 car. I had one for awhile(Chevy). It was pretty quick, but for me it wasn't enuff of either. It had an ill-fitting topper, which leaked, and was a PITA to load gear. Looked cool though.

That’s the format for what we call a Ute, short for Utility (originally the style was called “Coupe Utility”).

Very popular here from the 1930s through to quite recently. Now it’s all about the mainly Japanese brand 1 tonne pickups - esp the crew cab (4 door) style & 4wd.

Holden built Chev and even Pontiac Utes here at various times. And very many Holden Utes of course.

All history now.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

That’s the format for what we call a Ute, short for Utility (originally the style was called “Coupe Utility”).

Very popular here from the 1930s through to quite recently. Now it’s all about the mainly Japanese brand 1 tonne pickups - esp the crew cab (4 door) style & 4wd.

Holden built Chev and even Pontiac Utes here at various times. And very many Holden Utes of course.

All history now.

pics please

 

[Mike.C.]

The VP bass is significantly longer than any bass I own, even longer than 35" scale basses I own. Doesn't effect the reach, the extra length is mostly in the headstock.

 

[catcauphonic]

Louis, @catcauphonic is visiting my humble home today, time for some Thunderbird fun

View attachment 3217078

Wow this thread flies!

That WAS fun, and I thank you so much for having me over to see where some of the magic happens, and test fly some Birds from your fabulous collection Also grateful you thought to grab a few photos, particularly with my fave of the day... that sweeeet refin purple '76 Gibson drool Look how nicely we match!

Unfortunately my tastes and my bank account don't line up, *sigh* and I'm slightly more confused/conflicted now after plugging into your GK rig

PMing you soon regarding that bit of preset/EQ thingy that produced 'Thee Tone' I mentioned having trouble attaining on my Gs & Ds I'd love to hear my Bird style Spector thru that thing.

The Epi VP was really really great (my, what enormous tuners you have! ) Though I still want to hunt down a Classic IV Pro for trial.

Dude! Shoes!

Chucks, brand spankin' new! I wasn't asked to remove them, but gladly would have

 

[ThaCoast]

Hi all,
I haven't found enough info so I'll ask here...

I'm sure as far as I've read, the Thunder-way-to-go is the new Vintage Pro. Period.
No used Vintage Pro available here in Spain. The only one I've seen flew before I could ask the seller for it. Too bad.

So... The three available models I could get are:

* The classic bolt-on Epiphone Thunderbird (plastic pickup covers)
* The same as above but in alpine white
* The other alpine white bolt-on model (chrome hardware/pickups)
* The active Pro model
* The Classic Pro (I think I've seen one)

If I could get the Vintage-Pro I'd go for it, but in case I could not get one, which of the above is the best buy/better quality/better sounding Thunderbird?

Thanks a lot!

Edited: Typo in the model list (Classic Pro instead Vintage Pro)

You're missing the Classic Pro IV which is basically a "budget" version of the true gibson thunderbird (post-88).

If you want the vintage look, tone & feel: Vintage Pro IV
If you want a a closer reproduction to the Gibson Thunderbird: Classic Pro IV
IF you want a modern sound, with a little bit more control in your bite: Active Pro IV
Budget vintage: Alpine white, tv silver, silverburst. All bolt on construction
Budget modern: Epi Tbird IV.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

By the look in his eyes - he's a million miles away

That would be Rory Gallagher.

 

[Engle]

It seems an odd thing to say about a 1/2 pickup,1/2 car. I had one for awhile(Chevy). It was pretty quick, but for me it wasn't enuff of either. It had an ill-fitting topper, which leaked, and was a PITA to load gear. Looked cool though.

This "My Name is Earl" El Camino is pretty sweet:
1973 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO PICKUP - Barrett-Jackson Auction Company - World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions

 

[JIO]

It seems an odd thing to say about a 1/2 pickup,1/2 car. I had one for awhile(Chevy). It was pretty quick, but for me it wasn't enuff of either. It had an ill-fitting topper, which leaked, and was a PITA to load gear. Looked cool though.

Agreed - must have been based on a specific slime-ball who owned one. It's not like there is a lot of interior space in that vehicle...

 

[PillO]

Wow this thread flies!

That WAS fun, and I thank you so much for having me over to see where some of the magic happens, and test fly some Birds from your fabulous collection Also grateful you thought to grab a few photos, particularly with my fave of the day... that sweeeet refin purple '76 Gibson drool Look how nicely we match!

Unfortunately my tastes and my bank account don't line up, *sigh* and I'm slightly more confused/conflicted now after plugging into your GK rig

PMing you soon regarding that bit of preset/EQ thingy that produced 'Thee Tone' I mentioned having trouble attaining on my Gs & Ds I'd love to hear my Bird style Spector thru that thing.

The Epi VP was really really great (my, what enormous tuners you have! ) Though I still want to hunt down a Classic IV Pro for trial.

Chucks, brand spankin' new! I wasn't asked to remove them, but gladly would have

The Cheetah Chrome pictures over on the cool rock and roll photos thread are fantastic.