Thunderbird Club

[GBassNorth]

Unless they used both kinds of tuners early on, I think that's a later version with the tuners now being used. (See examples below.)

I don't think Eppi used the two different style tuners at the same time. I think they switched from the long straight shaft to the short Taper shaft around July or August of 2017. The link I sent had a pretty poor quality picture. I couldn't read the serial number, but the FB looked kinda dark and I thought the tuners looked kinda like straight shafts.

That said, you bring up a good point, at the very least the tuners look shorter than the early VPs used, and they might in fact be tapers as well, hard to tell from the picture. I do know that some folks were installing after market tuners (Hipshots I think) that had shorter straight shafts and looked more like vintage Gibson tuners from the 1960's. Maybe that's what this is.

Also, judging from the gold SN decal it appears the bass has been reconditioned or refinished by the factory or their representative. Might still be a good deal, might not. I can't even tell from the pictures if the neck is actually blackened with use or if it's just a shadow from a lousy picture.

If I were in the market for a used white one I'd consider it but I'd confirm the weight is ok and that it hasn't been refinished.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

It sure would be discontinued in my household, right straight to the trash. I've been using their stands exclusively since around 2008ish and don't recall seeing any instrument killers like what's supporting that beautiful Mike Lull bird.

any of the models suck when playing live, the longer the bass the more top heavy they become. I’ve seen them topple over often..

 

[GBassNorth]

any of the models suck when playing live, the longer the bass the more top heavy they become. I’ve seen them topple over often..

Yikes! I've never ever had that happen on a Hercules stand before.

Of course I keep all my stands adjusted about as low as they can safely go. Basically I put the bass in the stand then adjust the height such that the lowest part of the bass (typically the strap button) is up one click from the top of my shoe. That way I don't accidentally kick the bass with my foot when I'm walking around it.

I also don't ever leave a bass plugged in when in the stand, too easy to trip on a cord and send the bass flying or rip out the jack. And I never leave the bottom strap pin connected to the strap when in the stand, too easy to get your foot caught in the loop and send the bass flying. But that's just me.

 

[MCF]

I don't think Eppi used the two different style tuners at the same time. I think they switched from the long straight shaft to the short Taper shaft around July or August of 2017. The link I sent had a pretty poor quality picture. I couldn't read the serial number, but the FB looked kinda dark and I thought the tuners looked kinda like straight shafts.

That said, you bring up a good point, at the very least the tuners look shorter than the early VPs used, and they might in fact be tapers as well, hard to tell from the picture. I do know that some folks were installing after market tuners (Hipshots I think) that had shorter straight shafts and looked more like vintage Gibson tuners from the 1960's. Maybe that's what this is.

Also, judging from the gold SN decal it appears the bass has been reconditioned or refinished by the factory or their representative. Might still be a good deal, might not. I can't even tell from the pictures if the neck is actually blackened with use or if it's just a shadow from a lousy picture.

If I were in the market for a used white one I'd consider it but I'd confirm the weight is ok and that it hasn't been refinished.

Not ready to do it now, but after we talked about it last week or so, I’m pretty sure I’m going to go the used/blem VP route and have a pro refinish it Pelham Blue or Inverness Green. Unless the NRs get released in those colors this year.

 

[Thumper]

I know the conventional wisdom here was don't do it, but I switched the pickguards. I like them this way and will leave them.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Yikes! I've never ever had that happen on a Hercules stand before.

Of course I keep all my stands adjusted about as low as they can safely go. Basically I put the bass in the stand then adjust the height such that the lowest part of the bass (typically the strap button) is up one click from the top of my shoe. That way I don't accidentally kick the bass with my foot when I'm walking around it.

I also don't ever leave a bass plugged in when in the stand, too easy to trip on a cord and send the bass flying or rip out the jack. And I never leave the bottom strap pin connected to the strap when in the stand, too easy to get your foot caught in the loop and send the bass flying. But that's just me.

prevention is good... no one wants to see a loaded stand tip over but you’d be surprised what happens on rushed stages/shows..proof is in the number of broken headstocks out there..inevitable sometimes..

 

[GBassNorth]

Not ready to do it now, but after we talked about it last week or so, I’m pretty sure I’m going to go the used/blem VP route and have a pro refinish it Pelham Blue or Inverness Green. Unless the NRs get released in those colors this year.

I might be right there with you, except I might lean towards seafoam green.

So that begs a question for those that have done refin work - if you planned on refinishing a VP in a PB or Inverness or Seafoam green, which VP color would you buy (black, white or Burst)?

 

[JJR58]

I know the conventional wisdom here was don't do it, but I switched the pickguards. I like them this way and will leave them.
View attachment 3788305 View attachment 3788307

Thought i wouldn't like it, but i do.

 

[Butcherboy]

Here's the real deal in black View attachment 3786905

… not the real deal, but black …

 

[dagrev]

I'm needing some help. I just got a non-reverse Mike Lull T-5 and I need to get a stand for it that is long enough. I have a Hercules stand and the nuts that hold the leg braces are right where the bass hangs - and I really don't want to scratch up the finish. I have an extremely high-tech piece of bubble wrap around that area but would rather have something that fits. Any suggestions?

View attachment 3788233

Dan

This what I use for my Thunderbirds.
Ultimate Support GS-100 Guitar Stand with Locking Legs

 

[MCF]

I know the conventional wisdom here was don't do it, but I switched the pickguards. I like them this way and will leave them.
View attachment 3788305 View attachment 3788307

What do we know. They look great!

 

[dagrev]

....I do know that some folks were installing after market tuners (Hipshots I think) that had shorter straight shafts and looked more like vintage Gibson tuners from the 1960's. Maybe that's what this is....

The longer shafts, like the first tuners are what the '60s tuners look like. My '64 has long shafts. Maybe I was misunderstanding what you were saying!

 

[Unclejackrock]

Thanks guys!! Really appreciate it!

 

[fasterpussycat]

Interesting. I use Hercules stands for all of my basses, guitars, ukuleles and microphones. I've never seen a Hercules stand that looked like yours. I can't even find it on their website. I wonder if you managed to get a counterfeit one. It should look like this...
GS414B PLUS
If you just bought it I'd return it before it damages a nice bass.

With backrest:
GS412B PLUS

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I'm needing some help. I just got a non-reverse Mike Lull T-5 and I need to get a stand for it that is long enough. I have a Hercules stand and the nuts that hold the leg braces are right where the bass hangs - and I really don't want to scratch up the finish. I have an extremely high-tech piece of bubble wrap around that area but would rather have something that fits. Any suggestions?

View attachment 3788233

Dan

the foam on my stands’s legs goes nearly to the feet. Is that raised as high as it can go?

 

[MCF]

I wasn’t paying attention when @JimmyM made his appearance the other day. He has this for sale. @GonePlaid @gaffster ?
For Sale - 2013 custom Ampeg Heritage SVT-CL amp and Heritage SVT 810e

 

[RedVee]

Uhh, Freakin' outrageous with volume @ less than 1/2! Stuff rattling all over the house.

Did the split work to your satisfaction?

 

[Dan Knowlton]

the foam on my stands’s legs goes nearly to the feet. Is that raised as high as it can go?

Yes, it is. On my stand it starts right above that acorn nut - about 5 inches above the ground.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

Interesting. I use Hercules stands for all of my basses, guitars, ukuleles and microphones. I've never seen a Hercules stand that looked like yours. I can't even find it on their website. I wonder if you managed to get a counterfeit one. It should look like this...
GS414B PLUS
If you just bought it I'd return it before it damages a nice bass.

I have an old one - probably 10 years old at this point it is most like the GS414B PLUS

Dan

 

[GonePlaid]

Yikes! I've never ever had that happen on a Hercules stand before.

Of course I keep all my stands adjusted about as low as they can safely go. Basically I put the bass in the stand then adjust the height such that the lowest part of the bass (typically the strap button) is up one click from the top of my shoe. That way I don't accidentally kick the bass with my foot when I'm walking around it.

I also don't ever leave a bass plugged in when in the stand, too easy to trip on a cord and send the bass flying or rip out the jack. And I never leave the bottom strap pin connected to the strap when in the stand, too easy to get your foot caught in the loop and send the bass flying. But that's just me.

We're very similar. Stays plugged in, dedicated straps stay on the bass(es) at all times. Identical.