Thunderbird Club

[dagrev]

On my VP going from RS66 to Cobalt or Fender flats means a truss rod adjustment. It’s normal and not a big deal - that why there is an adjustable truss rod.
From what I’ve gathered, the LTFs are actually lower tension than a RS66 45-105. I may try the extra light set of DTFs.

I haven't seen the tension numbers, but would say you are correct on the lower tension--but not drastically so. It's not like going from a Med something to TIs, which would be another matter.

 

[PillO]

I would expect an Epi NR VP

There we go, Kat gives confirmation that she expects a NR VP!

 

[dagrev]

Welp, it's not a Thunderbird, but to ease my GAS after playing the '64 the other week I snagged this:

View attachment 3648746 View attachment 3648747


Big and heavy like a 'bird, so there's that. And piano like in sound quality!

That looks fantastic. Hummmm. I don't have a 12er. I think I could love that one!

 

[tunabolt]

I can't seem to find a direct comparison of the Epiphone Thunderbird Classic Pro and the Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro. Can someone tell me more about the two? What do you think about them?

 

[PillO]

I haven't seen the tension numbers, but would say you are correct on the lower tension--but not drastically so. It's not like going from a Med something to TIs, which would be another matter.

I note that many people confuse tension and stiffness.

Tension = pulling force end to end
Stiffness = resistance to lateral deformation

Higher stiffness can feel like higher tension, but is not necessarily so.

 

[dagrev]

I note that many people confuse tension and stiffness.

Tension = pulling force end to end
Stiffness = resistance to lateral deformation

Higher stiffness can feel like higher tension, but is not necessarily so.

Correct you are. That seems to get lost sometimes in the string section discussions.

 

[RedVee]

I can't seem to find a direct comparison of the Epiphone Thunderbird Classic Pro and the Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro. Can someone tell me more about the two? What do you think about them?

from what I gather:

classic pro is like a modern (90s on) T’bird
Vintage pro is like a 60s T’bird

I’m sure others will jump aboard doon

 

[MCF]

Hey @GonePlaid, my order you suggested came today. They look pretty cool.

 

[Engle]

Mate, the year finished with a thermonuclear implosion on that front.

No more weirdos (well, apart from here in TBC).

Many musicians seem like they are functioning adults, but often you find out they are not.

 

[Engle]

View attachment 3648739 I seriously doubt that the LTF's tension would be higher than the RS66's. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that the tension would be lower. While they aren't as 'noodly" feeling as TI Jazz Flats, at 136 lbs total tension, the LTFs actually have about 6 lbs. less tension than the TIs do. I have them on this '73 4001 for that very reason; the Rick is starting to develop the Negative Neck Angle problem that plagues these old 4001's. So, the lower the tension, the better. But, they do sound very good on the old thing; and fer sure don't feel like low tension strings... But, the only way to know for sure if you could swap strings with out a truss rod adjustment, would be to try it, and see...

Yeah it would be easier if Rotosound would publish the tension specs.

 

[BklynKen]

And this is why I don't go into GP much. A Thunderbird, Warwick, or Ric isn't good for slapping because he's never seen anyone do it. Solid argument.

Need bass guitar recommendations (All details inside)

 

[Engle]

I note that many people confuse tension and stiffness.

Tension = pulling force end to end
Stiffness = resistance to lateral deformation

Higher stiffness can feel like higher tension, but is not necessarily so.

Good point! I’m aware of the difference. My concern is with the actual tension!

 

[PillO]

View attachment 3649145 Hey @GonePlaid, my order you suggested came today. They look pretty cool.

I won't buy from Sweetwater any more. Last time I bought something from them, there was no candy included.

 

[Engle]

from what I gather:

classic pro is like a modern (90s on) T’bird
Vintage pro is like a 60s T’bird

I’m sure others will jump aboard doon

As stated ^
Classic Pro has the 3 point bridge, black hardware and smaller peghead with Y tuners.
Vintage Pro has a tunomatic bridge, Chrome and a huge peghead with clover tuners

 

[MCF]

I would expect an Epi NR VP to have the same hardware and electronics as the Reverse VP, be made from mahogany or similar, finished in black/white/burst, with 2 pickups. Neck join? meh.

Killjoy.

 

[Engle]

$100K Canadian, Australian, or US? Or maybe Zimbabwe.

Even if it was USD, it wouldn’t be worth quitting my day job

 

[PillO]

Good point! I’m aware of the difference. My concern is with the actual tension!

Yeah, I think many here do know the difference. I rather wish that along with tension, string manufacturers would publish stiffness specs..

 

[tunabolt]

from what I gather:

classic pro is like a modern (90s on) T’bird
Vintage pro is like a 60s T’bird

I’m sure others will jump aboard doon

That's interesting. Thanks.

As stated ^
Classic Pro has the 3 point bridge, black hardware and smaller peghead with Y tuners.
Vintage Pro has a tunomatic bridge, Chrome and a huge peghead with clover tuners

I have no idea what this all means, but thanks. I'm new to bass guitars and I'm in the middle of researching all the information.

I'm a bit ashamed to admit this, but I actually asked my question with a motive to fish out any negative responses for those particular models.

And this is why I don't go into GP much. A Thunderbird, Warwick, or Ric isn't good for slapping because he's never seen anyone do it. Solid argument.

Need bass guitar recommendations (All details inside)

My thread lol.

Those statements really threw me off because I REALLY liked how those basses sound when slapped.

 

[dagrev]

View attachment 3649145 Hey @GonePlaid, my order you suggested came today. They look pretty cool.

From Sweetwater by any chance?

 

[dagrev]

Many musicians seem like they are functioning adults, but often you find out they are not.

If only that were true of just musicians!

 

[MCF]

And this is why I don't go into GP much. A Thunderbird, Warwick, or Ric isn't good for slapping because he's never seen anyone do it. Solid argument.

Need bass guitar recommendations (All details inside)

Someone was bored today, huh Ken?