Thunderbird Club

[GBassNorth]

Have not compared them but think about the big Klusons on the originals. So having full-size old-school tuners is a hs scale consideration. Aren't the VP ones a bit smaller?

just measured; 11" tall x 4"(widest width) - my Epi Goth hs's are just under 10" - width the same

Just measured my VP headstock. From face of the headstock side of the nut to the tip of the headstock is 11-3/8" and the widest point of the headstock is 4".

 

[RedVee]

Have not compared them but think about the big Klusons on the originals. So having full-size old-school tuners is a hs scale consideration. Aren't the VP ones a bit smaller?

just measured; 11" tall x 4"(widest width) - my Epi Goth hs's are just under 10" - width the same

Just had a look at my Goth, just on 10” x 4”.

On Width @ Nut. I was quite apprehensive about the T’Bird 1.5” neck. I got over it by looking at the figures in millimetres. I figured ‘what’s a few mm difference’ and relaxed about it.

 

[Larry V]

Thought i'd pass it along, just in case. (no affiliation other then we love Birds).

For Sale - 2015 Gibson Thunderbird

That didn't last long, SOLD. That's Pete's(Fletz's) second shot at being a TBird guy... I'm guessing he's done with them now. His first one was a 2013, if I'm remembering right, he sold after a year or so... then he missed having it and found this more versatile TBird. I guess it still wasn't what he was looking for.

 

[Larry V]

Sweetwater is blowing out Bright Cherry birds for $999! I'd grab one but I'm stuck on the VP Thunderbird at the moment.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BAT43H18C7BCd2--gibson-thunderbird-2018-bright-cherry

All gone.

 

[godofthunder59]

All gone.

My work here is done.

 

[GonePlaid]

...but is there a little monster behind there somewhere?...

Not visible to the naked eye.

 

[ToddOfThunder]

U need a NR.

Wait! @GonePlaid, I’m surprised you didn’t say that they need pup covers!

 

[ToddOfThunder]

Never played that model but looking at the pup placement I'd guess it can get very dark and wooly if needed. I use tapes on a lot of my basses. IMHO La Bella has the best tapes out there and a phenomenal selection as well.

The black tapes should bring that bass into a near upright category, very warm, woody and a nice thump with the tone knob rolled off. The Copper White Tape strings are a step brighter, followed by the Gold White tapes which are even brighter, and then plain or silver White tapes which are the brightest and very close to a bright flat wound sound.

I like the black or copper white tapes best for acoustic electric and hollow body basses. Warning, if you want to try tapes to see if you like them be sure to order a medium or light gauge set. Standard gauge tapes are much larger than standard strings and will likely require the grooves in your nut to be re-cut. Lights or mediums will fit your stock grooves just fine.

Great info! I’ll be stringing my Dean Acoustic with some tapes soon. I may even look for a better Pup for it.

 

[Thumper]

I got the Gigblade Silver and it works great for my Lull T5 (had to remove 1 bumper). It is easy to carry (no bumping into legs), it's also good for walking up and down stairs. Plus I dont have to fold my Italia strap except at the very end. So far very pleased. Please ignore my socks, it's our new retirement home, no shoes allowed.

 

[JIO]

Not visible to the naked eye.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Just measured my VP headstock. From face of the headstock side of the nut to the tip of the headstock is 11-3/8" and the widest point of the headstock is 4".

interesting. thanks for that measurement. always wondered how close to the 60's that dimension is....
for whatever it's worth, I measured all three on my NRs and they come out to;

BASS LENGTH WIDTH

68 10 5/8" 3 3/4"
BaCH 11" 3 3/4"
13 9 7/16" 3 1/2"

The pictures are somewhat deceiving as the headstocks seem to need being on the same plane (distance away from lens) to reflect differences accurately...

 

[JJR58]

View attachment 3414987

You don't want to get to close to Bob.

 

[JIO]

You don't want to get too close to Bob.

 

[JIO]

Just measured my VP headstock. From face of the headstock side of the nut to the tip of the headstock is 11-3/8" and the widest point of the headstock is 4".

Wait - are you saying that the distance between the top of the nut to the tip-top on the face side on a VP is 11-3/8"? If so that is 3/8" longer than the '63-'65 T-bird. Doesn't seem like they would have made it longer than the original but I guess anything's possible...

 

[Count Bassie]

Wait - are you saying that the distance between the top of the nut to the tip-top on the face side on a VP is 11-3/8"? If so that is 3/8" longer than the '63-'65 T-bird. Doesn't seem like they would have made it longer than the original but I guess anything's possible...

Consistency does not appear part of the game here.

 

[GonePlaid]

Wait! @GonePlaid, I’m surprised you didn’t say that they need pup covers!

Since it's in my sig, I figure it's a given.

 

[JIO]

Consistency does not appear part of the game here.

3/8" is more than just a tad bigger...

 

[Thumper]

I got the Gigblade Silver and it works great for my Lull T5 (had to remove 1 bumper). It is easy to carry (no bumping into legs), it's also good for walking up and down stairs. Plus I dont have to fold my Italia strap except at the very end. So far very pleased. Please ignore my socks, it's our new retirement home, no shoes allowed.
View attachment 3414977 View attachment 3414978 View attachment 3414979 View attachment 3414980 View attachment 3414981
View attachment 3414984

Forgot to mention, according to Lull's shop, my beautiful T5 was built in 2013 for Bass Central. I'd like to know more about it's history, because for some mysterious reason, it doesn't appear anyone played it before I bought it, oh well, my gain!

 

[GBassNorth]

Consistency does not appear part of the game here.

(In my best Mr. Mom voice)...... "220 ... 221, whatever it takes"

 

[GBassNorth]

3/8" is more than just a tad bigger...

Ahem, Well thank you very much.