Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

If I was in Epiphone marketing and saw this fervent desire for an NR I would worry about reverse sales suffering if this holy grail NR was to be made available..

Nah. No need to worry. Those who own a reverse will jump on a NR as will those of us who have waited. Those who only buy a NR will love it so much they’ll need a reverse too if they don’t own one already. The slogan will be “Thunderbird. Nobody can own just one.” Bumper stickers will be issued. Kim Gordon and Nikki Monninger will be featured in ads promoting them.

In all seriousness, if there are concerns, they can do a limited run and see how it goes. I will pre-order one the day they’re announced.

 

[MCF]

View attachment 3849504

Now that’s a melon!

 

[PillO]

If I was in Epiphone marketing and saw this fervent desire for an NR I would worry about reverse sales suffering if this holy grail NR was to be made available..

And tanking Gibson Thunderbird sales....

Maybe. I think there will always be a market for the 'regular' TBird shape, just because it's different from the norm.

I suspect, based on activity here, (but have no data) that with the introduction of the VP sales bumped up. I suspect that the CP sales had started to slide as there was a healthy used market and the change was done to goose sales. I expect that VP sales have been pretty steady.

However, when sales start to sag because the used market is big enough, they will need to do something to goose sales again. If we keep up the chatter, it may be a NR VP.

 

[GonePlaid]

Nah. No need to worry. Those who own a reverse will jump on a NR as will those of us who have waited. Those who only buy a NR will love it so much they’ll need a reverse too if they don’t own one already. The slogan will be “Thunderbird. Nobody can own just one.” Bumper stickers will be issued. Kim Gordon and Nikki Monninger will be featured in ads promoting them.

In all seriousness, if there are concerns, they can do a limited run and see how it goes. I will pre-order one the day they’re announced.

Me too, also and as well.

 

[GBassNorth]

If I was in Epiphone marketing and saw this fervent desire for an NR I would worry about reverse sales suffering if this holy grail NR was to be made available..

Maybe, maybe not. I suspect the overall sales of Firebirds (NR + R) is probably greater than the sale of just Reverse Firebirds. It opens an option for a potential buyer to not only buy one or the other, but to buy both. I don't think overall Thunderbird sales would go down, I suspect they would go up due to many players wanting one of each. Reverse Thunderbird sales might drop a tad but would most likely be more than offset by new NR sales.

The question might be, will the overall sales increase generate profits that are more than enough to offset the tooling and parts change? I suspect yes, but only Eppi truly knows that answer.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I suspect, based on activity here, (but have no data) that with the introduction of the VP sales bumped up. I suspect that the CP sales had started to slide as there was a healthy used market and the change was done to goose sales. I expect that VP sales have been pretty steady.

However, when sales start to sag because the used market is big enough, they will need to do something to goose sales again. If we keep up the chatter, it may be a NR VP.

Good point, looking at numbers this club has about 800 members, more or less the amount of NRs built by Gibson..

 

[GBassNorth]

Me too, also and as well.

Me too, also and as well, as well!

 

[MCF]

And tanking Gibson Thunderbird sales....

I have no idea of the numbers, but I’d venture to guess that Gibson sells + or - 500 Thunderbirds a year. They are a fraction of the total number of guitars the company sells. They’re expensive. Almost boutique. It’s a different market. They do a run of them over a few weeks a year, almost as a courtesy, and because they are part of the company’s legacy. I don’t think Epiphone sales enter into the calculations at all. JMO.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Maybe, maybe not. I suspect the overall sales of Firebirds (NR + R) is probably greater than the sale of just Reverse Firebirds. It opens an option for a potential buyer to not only buy one or the other, but to buy both. I don't think overall Thunderbird sales would go down, I suspect they would go up due to many players wanting one of each. Reverse Thunderbird sales might drop a tad but would most likely be more than offset by new NR sales.

The question might be, will the overall sales increase generate profits that are more than enough to offset the tooling and parts change? I suspect yes, but only Eppi truly knows that answer.

When considering NRs are cheaper to build, yes. I may be mistaken but I believe the 63 Birds were Gibson’s first thru bodies?

 

[MCF]

I suspect, based on activity here, (but have no data) that with the introduction of the VP sales bumped up. I suspect that the CP sales had started to slide as there was a healthy used market and the change was done to goose sales. I expect that VP sales have been pretty steady.

However, when sales start to sag because the used market is big enough, they will need to do something to goose sales again. If we keep up the chatter, it may be a NR VP.

I encourage the chatter because I really want one and I’m totally convinced that someone at Epi monitors this thread.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I encourage the chatter because I really want one and I’m totally convinced that someone at Epi monitors this thread.

They do...

 

[KaraQ]

How is that work table? I have seriously considered buying that.

It's obviously not the most stable, moves around a bit. It's not rickety by any means, but if you want to do vigorous things or have stuff precariously balanced on it, probably wouldn't be great. Otherwise it is great
I've had it for I guess about 3 1/2 years, and used it successfully for a variety of projects. It serves it's primary purpose very well, which is to not take up excessive room in my apartment. Also love the transport handle

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Those Philips NOS 6550s really singing now..

 

[dagrev]

View attachment 3849504

See what I mean.

 

[dagrev]

I have no idea of the numbers, but I’d venture to guess that Gibson sells + or - 500 Thunderbirds a year. They are a fraction of the total number of guitars the company sells. They’re expensive. Almost boutique. It’s a different market. They do a run of them over a few weeks a year, almost as a courtesy, and because they are part of the company’s legacy. I don’t think Epiphone sales enter into the calculations at all. JMO.

I completely understand. I said that in jest, but the more I think about it.... The VPs sound so good (like the old 'Birds should) that I see no reason for a person to buy a new Gibson. (Snobbish sounding I know.) A few may particularly prefer that sound, but having come from the real deal sound, I wonder if more would not find something with VP pickups in it more interesting. I suspect if Gibson had X number of basses with their modern PU in it and the same number of Gibson made T'Birds with the ProBuckers--the latter would be sold out or diminished first. All not provable and just illogical and pointless ramblings as well on my part! I'm just sold on anything with the ProBuckers in it.

 

[Engle]

Check this out:

 

[MCF]

I completely understand. I said that in jest, but the more I think about it.... The VPs sound so good (like the old 'Birds should) that I see no reason for a person to buy a new Gibson. (Snobbish sounding I know.) A few may particularly prefer that sound, but having come from the real deal sound, I wonder if more would not find something with VP pickups in it more interesting. I suspect if Gibson had X number of basses with their modern PU in it and the same number of Gibson made T'Birds with the ProBuckers--the latter would be sold out or diminished first. All not provable and just illogical and pointless ramblings as well on my part! I'm just sold on anything with the ProBuckers in it.

My two Gibsons are the best built and playing basses I own. Hands down. I will buy another Gibson at some point. My USA Foundation is also a fine instrument, not in the same league, but still great. I’m an Epi fanboy, but they’re not Gibsons.

 

[PillO]

Maybe, maybe not. I suspect the overall sales of Firebirds (NR + R) is probably greater than the sale of just Reverse Firebirds. It opens an option for a potential buyer to not only buy one or the other, but to buy both. I don't think overall Thunderbird sales would go down, I suspect they would go up due to many players wanting one of each. Reverse Thunderbird sales might drop a tad but would most likely be more than offset by new NR sales.

The question might be, will the overall sales increase generate profits that are more than enough to offset the tooling and parts change? I suspect yes, but only Eppi truly knows that answer.

And that is the whole of the issue.

Although we may like our Thunderbirds in the various forms, Epiphone likes to make money and instruments are a means to that end.

 

[PillO]

Thunderbird Thursday!

No, that ain't right...

Thunderbird Thursday, with a JC!

 

[Miles_ONeal]

I have no idea of the numbers, but I’d venture to guess that Gibson sells + or - 500 Thunderbirds a year. They are a fraction of the total number of guitars the company sells. They’re expensive. Almost boutique. It’s a different market. They do a run of them over a few weeks a year, almost as a courtesy, and because they are part of the company’s legacy. I don’t think Epiphone sales enter into the calculations at all. JMO.

Yeah, the people who want a Gibson want a Gibson. Or six.