Thunderbird Club

[Gaolee]

Load in Transit Connect for local gig Friday night. Left to right: mic stand and music stand and duffel w/cables, bass stand, mics, etc.; Squier VM Jaguar SS[backup]and 67 THUNDERBIRD in Coffin tm case; PA(JBL EON ONE), 7ender Rumble 100 behind(in front of? Anyway, between PA and center seat back). Not pictured: Yamaha EMX 512 powered mixer(line out to EON ONE)behind driver's seat.
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Gotta love a TC. Mine is an older one that will have the upright, Carvin mini stack, and a few other things in it tonight. It doesnt haul a much as the old full size Chevy, but it sure burns a lot less fuel. The lead guitarist's wife may take video. If she does and it is not too embarrassing, I may post it here. Two big ifs.

 

[BklynKen]

It’s been a while since I read it, but I seem to remember 200 each of the two finish options? I could be wrong. I love my Pelham Blue NR, but it doesn’t get much play time due to the slightly wider neck and string spacing.

Did you happen to see the numbers of left-handed Thunderbirds made in that same year.

 

[Beginner Craig]

I can't compare the VP with the CP as I have never owned the CP. (But I think PUs are the big difference that will affect the tone.) However, I can rave over the VP. The VP might be absolutely the best bass in that price range and a good deal above it. They are very well made and sound pretty close to the original 60s version. Not identical, but pretty darn close. I have two VPs (and a '64 and '76), and I love both VPs. One is white and the other the burst. Both nearly flawless. As the worn out saying goes, "If I lost one I would definitely go buy another." An odd thing about the VPs--virtually every string I try sounds good on them, though I seek near tonal perfection and settled on a couple specific strings.

Note: Look for a demo or used from Sam Ash and get a better deal on what will likely be a pristine bass. That's where I got my white VP. They said it was used, but I could find no indication whatsoever it was ever played.

thanks mate

 

[KB5]

Hi all. Looking at a Epi Thunderbird Vintage Pro and Classic Pro. Whats the differences and which one is better? Thanks

Here are a couple of my favorite Epi Thunderbird reviews/demos.

This one really highlights the variety of the tones you can get out of the VP. I personally believe all Thunderbirds sound best with at least a little overdrive.


VP vs Gibby:

 

[MCF]

It’s been a while since I read it, but I seem to remember 200 each of the two finish options? I could be wrong. I love my Pelham Blue NR, but it doesn’t get much play time due to the slightly wider neck and string spacing.

Thanks. Well that explains why there don’t seem to be that many that come up used. I pounced on mine when the ask went down. I love the neck, even though it’s a bit “chunkier” than on my ‘15. Still 1.5 at the nut. The difference doesn’t bother me a bit. But l’ve adapted to different necks after spend time with my little collection of Epi bolt-in’s. The small run may account for how beautifully made it is. Pretty much the best work from Gibson. I’m blessed to have it.

 

[Beginner Craig]

The CP will sound similar to a current Gibson Thunderbird (according to folks here that have both).
The VP will sound more like a vintage 1960's Thunderbird (according to folks here that have both).
Since I don't have a CP or a 1960's bird I can't confirm that, but assuming it's true I can offer an opinion on my VP vs my 2014 Gibson TBird that should answer your question.

The VP sounds very different from the modern Gibson TBird. It's a more agressive in your face type tone, more grit, more growl, more grind. It wants to be up front in the mix but with the right strings you can get it to lay back a bit. The Gibby on the other hand is a little more refined, smooth and laid back. It can still grind but you'll have to dig in deeper and have the right strings. To my ears, the Gibson TBird sounds like a P bass on steroids and the VP sounds like a TBird on steroids.

Physically the VP is a couple of inches longer but most of that is in the headstock (which is huge). I suspect the reach to the G string tuner is longer on the VP by an inch or so. The hardware on the VP is quite different - pups in chrome cans with trim rings and a two piece bridge vs black plastic pups and a three point bridge. The VP bridge alone might be enough to sway some people in its direction (there's kind of a love it or hate it mentality with some players around here regarding the three point).

Price wise you'll pay more for a used VP than a discontinued CP but probably only a couple hundred more. Both are great basses. I personally like the VP better than the CP and every bit as much as my much more expensive Gibson TBirds.

very nice break down troops. I already have a Epi Blackbird. Will it be similar to the CP or is it a whole different animal?

 

[PillO]

It is the far ranging and convoluted mind of the one and only PillO on display.

Welcome to my mind...

Apologies to any photo-triggered epileptics...

 

[PillO]

Here are a couple of my favorite Epi Thunderbird reviews/demos.

This one really highlights the variety of the tones you can get out of the VP. I personally believe all Thunderbirds sound best with at least a little overdrive.


VP vs Gibby:

Although I don't find the Anderton's bass guys as entertaining as Chappers and the Captain, they are getting better. And their assessment of the Thunderbirds, I thought, was well done.

 

[PillO]

the one that least reminds me of me?..

That's everyone's favourite.

 

[PillO]

The lead guitarist's wife may take video. If she does and it is not too embarrassing, I may post it here. Two big ifs.

I see only one 'if' here. If she does a video.

You can never be embarrassed if you are wearing a watermelon helmet.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

It came with a new set of Slinkys installed and and extra set in the case. I like them and have used them before on other basses. They just don’t seem to last long. They’re good for now.

rounds?

 

[PillO]

It came with a new set of Slinkys installed and and extra set in the case. I like them and have used them before on other basses. They just don’t seem to last long. They’re good for now.

I tried a set of slinkies on my `bird. I can't say that I hated them, as that would indicate a passionate response. I will say that to me they had all the personality of watered down oatmeal. Not a lot of bottom end, not a lot of top end, just intensely uninteresting. Roto 66s have been interesting, although a bit bright for my taste. Black beauties had a great sound and I may go back to them. NYXLs were good too. I may have to give Sunbeams a try.

 

[Mike A]

Did you happen to see the numbers of left-handed Thunderbirds made in that same year.

No, sorry. No idea.

 

[MCF]

Although I don't find the Anderton's bass guys as entertaining as Chappers and the Captain, they are getting better. And their assessment of the Thunderbirds, I thought, was well done.

I love those guys. A little fast and loose with the history of NR vs. Reverse, but they come across as Thunderbird fans in this and other vids they’ve done. Even if their motivation is to sell them. My only beef with them is that IMO, they give Squiers a bit too much love.

 

[MCF]

I tried a set of slinkies on my `bird. I can't say that I hated them, as that would indicate a passionate response. I will say that to me they had all the personality of watered down oatmeal. Not a lot of bottom end, not a lot of top end, just intensely uninteresting. Roto 66s have been interesting, although a bit bright for my taste. Black beauties had a great sound and I may go back to them. NYXLs were good too. I may have to give Sunbeams a try.

They are what they are. $15 strings mass produced a gazillion at a time. I do like how they feel compared to some other rounds. They have a period in their short life where they sound pretty good. I have them on an Ibby with the “tone circuit” where they work well. I haven’t played that bass in awhile though and it may be leaving me, nice neck and all.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Thanks. Well that explains why there don’t seem to be that many that come up used. I pounced on mine when the ask went down. I love the neck, even though it’s a bit “chunkier” than on my ‘15. Still 1.5 at the nut. The difference doesn’t bother me a bit. But l’ve adapted to different necks after spend time with my little collection of Epi bolt-in’s. The small run may account for how beautifully made it is. Pretty much the best work from Gibson. I’m blessed to have it.

although nothing like a 60’s I love mine....been taking it to all my gigs lately, like you say, exceptional build quality....

 

[MCF]

rounds?

Yep. That bird won’t be seeing flats anytime soon.

 

[MCF]

Welcome to my mind...
View attachment 3716893

Apologies to any photo-triggered epileptics...

Watermelon on acid.

 

[MCF]

although nothing like a 60’s I love mine....been taking it to all my gigs lately, like you say, exceptional build quality....
View attachment 3717013

They hit a home run with mine.

 

[PillO]

I love those guys. A little fast and loose with the history of NR vs. Reverse, but they come across as Thunderbird fans in this and other vids they’ve done. Even if their motivation is to sell them. My only beef with them is that IMO, they give Squiers a bit too much love.

I give them a pass on the Sqwar love. If you were looking for a 7ender (and many are), the Sqwar is probably a much better value.