Thunderbird Club

[godofthunder59]

Hey guys, if you are interested please follow the link to my YouTube channel. I am reviewing my vintage bass collection and other basses. I am working to put up more, better quality content. Follow me so I can be a YouTube sensation.

 

[StephnG]

Holy Jimi Hendrix Batman !

Love the looks of it ... Any tonal changes ?

Thanks Mike,
To me, the most noticable tone characteristic (since she's stock PU & tone circuit wise) is the distance between the nut & the Tuning key, it's obviously longer than if it were strung in a "conventional sense" to my ears it definitely gives her more "Sonic boom" than usual. Now I know that upright players have been exploiting this concept for years by using these "extender devices" for the lower Strings SO there must be something to it!!
I'll see if I can find said device & post it..
Cheers

 

[MCF]

Today’s random pull from the stacks:

 

[Captain Rumble]

The Standard Epi IV has a bolt-on neck, decent enough humbuckers, and a wider neck than the more expensive neck through Epi Pro, Classic Pro or Vintage Pro. They’re generally well made and are a gateway into the Thunderbird world. That plant in Korea turned out a lot of birds; I have two bolt ons made there around that time. The upper wing is slab, not shaped with a belly cut like more expensive models. The advantage to the bolt on is that it is easily shimmed if you need/want super low action. The main thing to look at is to make sure the three point bridge inserts are set flush to the body; not popping up. They can be glued in if needed, but if they’re coming up, negotiate a lower price. $200 - $250 is ballpark for those in the US. They’re nice basses.

Thanks, MCF! One question though: Does 'ballpark' mean something in the line of 'regular/going prices'?

 

[Captain Rumble]

I used to have one like these for a very short time. Got it new and returned next day. It sounded good to my ears but it was neck heavy. Too much for me I couldn't deal with it. Moving strap pin into place of one of the plate screws did not help much. Maybe I was using bad strap... .
Anyway, it was a time when I was still looking for this one bass, and I figured that I can find something with a better balance.
Today I know that you can't play those Tbirds like you play 7enders.
I have Epi Vintage Pro right now as my only bass and could not be happier. It balances well even on my Dunlop standard nylon strap.
Have you consider VP or Classic Pro?

Hey Tykus,
thanks for your reply. I've been on the lookout for a nice 2nd hand bassguitar for some time now and I 'bounced' into this one by accident more or less. And I immediately liked it, as it took me back to the days I was mouthwateringly checking out a vintage T-Bird bass in Amsterdam long ago. SoI thought: "this may be very interesting and something else than the usual Fender type of bass for a change" But I didn't know anything about the Epi T-Birds, so that's how I wound up here.. What is the difference between this one and the models you mentioned, the VP or Classic Pro, apart from the glued neck-body connection?

 

[MCF]

Thanks, MCF! One question though: Does 'ballpark' mean something in the line of 'regular/going prices'?

Yep. Beaters $125-$150. Good condition $200-$250. I think if that one is in good shape, straight neck, everything works, inserts sound, the seller’s ask is fair.

 

[StephnG]

Thanks Mike,
To me, the most noticable tone characteristic (since she's stock PU & tone circuit wise) is the distance between the nut & the Tuning key, it's obviously longer than if it were strung in a "conventional sense" to my ears it definitely gives her more "Sonic boom" than usual. Now I know that upright players have been exploiting this concept for years by using these "extender devices" for the lower Strings SO there must be something to it!!
I'll see if I can find said device & post it..
Cheers

Here's what I was talking about although the explanation here focuses more on tuning & position then depth & sustain although I remember that my teacher had one & he always talked about it giving his upright more "Depth, Character & Sustain" For me this was an "unexpected benefit" that I became aware of after my "experiment" was completed, initially, I was just looking to "revolutionize" & irraticate the age old "neck dive curse" LOL
Enjoy..

How Double Bass Extensions Work - Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog
How Double Bass Extensions Work - Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog

 

[Captain Rumble]

Yep. Beaters $125-$150. Good condition $200-$250. I think if that one is in good shape, straight neck, everything works, inserts sound, the seller’s ask is fair.

Thanks a lot!

 

[dagrev]

too cool!.....recently retubed?

The first is a 1996 V4-B (Blue letter). I bought it almost two years ago from a TBer just to have another if needed. It was mint. He retubed it with JJs and replaced a resistor. It sounds wonderful, but does have about half the volume as the 2006 BH below. I just use it in the basement so volume isn't an issue.

The second pick with Rubys is from a 2006 (one of the last V4-BHs made in the US). I was retubed about five years ago. Found it at Music-go-round. Thish was when my amp search ended! It had one issue with the DI out and while they fixed it I had the guy put pre tubes in. The power tubes were replaced when M-G-R took it in and went through it. Tubes were all matched very well. Shop closed and I can't find that tech now. He was good. Doesn't have the lack of volume some complain about--I think due to Will knowing what he was doing. I love this head.

Both sound their best with Thunderbirds!

 

[dagrev]

There’s a 12th fret ?

Yeah, I don't go beyond there often.

 

[MCF]

Hey Tykus,
thanks for your reply. I've been on the lookout for a nice 2nd hand bassguitar for some time now and I 'bounced' into this one by accident more or less. And I immediately liked it, as it took me back to the days I was mouthwateringly checking out a vintage T-Bird bass in Amsterdam long ago. SoI thought: "this may be very interesting and something else than the usual Fender type of bass for a change" But I didn't know anything about the Epi T-Birds, so that's how I wound up here.. What is the difference between this one and the models you mentioned, the VP or Classic Pro, apart from the glued neck-body connection?

The Epi Pro is neck through with active electronics. The Classic Pro is neck through with modern Gibson PUPs. The Vintage Pro is neck through with copies of Vintage Pups. The only birds with glued/set necks are Gibson Studio models and non-reverse models. The standard Epis like the one you’re looking at are bolt on necks which are wider than what is on the neck throughs.

 

[dagrev]

Thanks a lot!

Hello and welcome! Not trying to talk you out of it, but the Epi "Vintage Pro" might be the best sounding Thunderbirds around since the 1960s version. I have both and two VPs. They are wonderful and a great value if you can find one.

 

[StephnG]

Here's what I was talking about although the explanation here focuses more on tuning & position then depth & sustain although I remember that my teacher had one & he always talked about it giving his upright more "Depth, Character & Sustain" For me this was an "unexpected benefit" that I became aware of after my "experiment" was completed, initially, I was just looking to "revolutionize" & irraticate the age old "neck dive curse" LOL
Enjoy..

How Double Bass Extensions Work - Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog
How Double Bass Extensions Work - Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog

I like to think of it as:
"The Non Reverse, Reverse" LOL

 

[PillO]

I just use it in the basement so volume isn't an issue.

If you are in the basement, you have to lay louder. Otherwise the neighbours won't hear your Thunderbird clearly!

 

[PillO]

Hello and welcome! Not trying to talk you out of it, but the Epi "Vintage Pro" might be the best sounding Thunderbirds around since the 1960s version. I have both and two VPs. They are wonderful and a great value if you can find one.

There is nothing wrong with the Classic Pro and I wonder if they are selling inexpensively now that everyone wants a VP.

 

[GonePlaid]

There’s a 12th fret ?

Whuffo? Esp. on E, I never get up that far.

 

[Bassmike62]

There’s a 12th fret ?

Heresy !!

 

[tom_t]

What is the difference between this one and the models you mentioned, the VP or Classic Pro, apart from the glued neck-body connection?

MCF was faster and answer your question

 

[MCF]

There is nothing wrong with the Classic Pro and I wonder if they are selling inexpensively now that everyone wants a VP.

I look at the standard Epis as an entry into our world. They’re great entry level basses along the lines of how a Squier CV P bass is an entry into that other world. Nothing wrong with a standard Epi bird or any Epi for that matter. It really comes down to what a buyer wants to spend.

 

[dagrev]

There is nothing wrong with the Classic Pro and I wonder if they are selling inexpensively now that everyone wants a VP.

The Classic Pro is one I'm thinking of next. As soon as an irresistable deal comes along I might just have to... I don't have a modern Gibson and with that having the Gibson PUs it seems like a great next option. With three or four other great next options.