• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Thunderbird Club

#119,262
JIO said:
no affiliation - just saw it and for a nice price...

Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage PRO Electric Bass Guitar (Tobacco Sunburst) (Used) 711106701202 | eBay
Click to expand...
Good deal here. I got my recent VP from SA as well. They said it was used, but I think that meant someone played it a few minutes and it wasn't for them. ZERO signs of any playing whatsoever. All the stickers were still on and I don't know how it could have been more new and mint condition. Mine was even a little better in price, and well worth it. Great SA bargain for someone.
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: Larry V, GBassNorth, GonePlaid and 4 others
#119,263
mellowgerman said:
Here's a fully reversible mod that literally came from a dream...
View attachment 3444709
View attachment 3444708
Click to expand...

Taking a follow-up look, this is a really cool mod. I really am into my TB+ p'ups, but I bet this sounds nice. And you get the ergos of the 'Bird. There are few things as cool as a bass you dig, that you like the sound of, and that you really like playing. Pure excellence.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, mellowgerman, GonePlaid and 4 others
#119,264
Seamus55 said:
I've always liked the look and feel and sound of the T bird but, aren't they neck heavy? Last thing I need to do is wrestle with my bass .
Click to expand...
I have three and all do...if you let go and don't have your right arm resting on the rear "wing." But, with a good strap and arm in normal playing position it's NOT and issue. Even if it were, the sound is worth it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, MCF, GonePlaid and 5 others
#119,265
Another experiment is about to start...
upload_2019-6-13_17-47-28.png


I picked this up. I had to. Look at the price!

upload_2019-6-13_17-48-18.png


And those are Canadian Bucks - worth about $0.70 real dollars.

I'll see how it goes.

upload_2019-6-13_17-49-31.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kriegs, Larry V, ToddOfThunder and 7 others
#119,266
MCF said:
During a foray into the San Fernando Valley today, I stopped into one of that other national music chain stores to see what they had. I’m not much of a fan of that company, but anyway. They had three, count ‘em three Rics. Otherwise fairly pedestrian offerings, except for a Tobacco Burst VP. I finally got to try one in the flesh.

Setup was awful. String height has to be 8/64, about twice what I like. Bridge pickup is too high. After getting it reasonably in tune, and playing for just a minute, I thought “oh man, sustains as well as my Gibson.” Fret end finish work is first rate, and frets seem level. The finish looks great and the wood is gorgeous. But the gloss poly on the back of the neck made moving up and down harder than it needs to be. And it has what may be the dullest, most anemic looking fretboard I’ve ever seen. It can’t be rosewood.

Anyway, I still want an ebony or alpine white one. So here are my questions:

Has anyone had an issue with the poly on the neck, and if so, what did you do about it? Sand it? Scotch Brite pad? Some other trick?

Just how adjustable is the bridge for intonation and string height? Any issues?

What do you think about the tuners? The seem pretty nice to me. Have they held up for you who’ve had one for awhile now?

Oh, and that store has a used ESP Thunderbird looking bass with a set of EMG PJ PUPs. $599.00. Not my cup of tea, just tossing it out there.
Click to expand...

I have a white one. Never noticed any neck issues when playing it. It's not as slick as my '64 but more so than my '76. It might slicken up a little with more playing (and cleaning). Mine was set up near perfect and intonation was right on. Nice low action and easy to play. A couple of my tuners are a little "non-smooth" feeling when adjusting. They hold tune just fine--so they do what they are supposed to do. The slight roughness is not a an issue for me given everything else. After all it's well under a grand! Something's got to give. The VP is better made than my '76!

Go with the VP. Sounds like a T-Bird should--not just looks like one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, MCF, PillO and 5 others
#119,267
godofthunder59 said:
Well guys I turn 60 at the end of the month, I'm not sure I am ready for it lol. I made some changes in my life related to my health a little over a year and a half ago and this picture was a revelation for me, my wife tells me I look 15 years younger. This picture was taken this past weekend at a local music festival and I was shocked at the difference. I'm ready to Rock to the finish line, I'm in three bands and doing sub work and looking for more!
View attachment 3443586
Click to expand...

Fantastic, Scott! Keep going till the last tube fades out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, MCF, PillO and 6 others
#119,268
  • Like
Reactions: GBassNorth, MCF, Gaolee and 4 others
#119,278
Mixed news day.

Awesomeness: Think I finalized the major points of setup. Minor adjustments might happen but I've got my relief and action in a happy place and my intonation bang on.

Less than spectacular: The GB7 hipshot extender I got isn't sitting right. The key shaft is slightly too tall but meh. Bigger issue is it sits almost on top of the A tuner in a standard position, and with the lever drops doesn't have the clearance to lower the tuning without colliding with its neighbor. Shop is responsive, double checking in case hipshot has another idea / model / version to try otherwise they are willing to take it back.

Ending on a high note: Got to play at volume during rehearsal yesterday. It sounds awesome. Rotosound 66 LF are killer. The part of me that can never be happy with anything is wondering about flats, but for now I'm going to keep shredding off those frets.

PS I've been kind of down on Gibson's attention to detail after a total CF of a Memphis ES LP bass build, but to their credit the intonation came pretty close out of the box. Someone did more than just eyeball this one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PillO, TBird1958, GonePlaid and 6 others
#119,279
Jonithen said:
Mixed news day.

Awesomeness: Think I finalized the major points of setup. Minor adjustments might happen but I've got my relief and action in a happy place and my intonation bang on.

Less than spectacular: The GB7 hipshot extender I got isn't sitting right. The key shaft is slightly too tall but meh. Bigger issue is it sits almost on top of the E string in a standard position, and with the lever drops doesn't have the clearance to lower the tuning without colliding with its neighbor. Shop is responsive, double checking in case hipshot has another idea / model / version to try otherwise they are willing to take it back.

Ending on a high note: Got to play at volume during rehearsal yesterday. It sounds awesome. Rotosound 66 LF are killer. The part of me that can never be happy with anything is wondering about flats, but for now I'm going to keep shredding off those frets.
Click to expand...

Flats on a Bird........... The never ending can of worms. Me, yup. I like em on mine.
But all my basses are strung with flats.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PillO, Larry V, GonePlaid and 7 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back