Thunderbird Club

[GonePlaid]

Well, when you have a million of them there's a fair chance some will be funny...

Law of averages. 'Course I've been known to break the law.

 

[GBassNorth]

I like the idea of being able to choose maple or Rosewood as fretboard options, and also like the use of stingray pups that have tons of after market options. Don't like the bridge, would have liked a Hipshot two piece instead. Do like the color choices. The price is ok but not great for a bolt on. Might consider getting one someday.

I think @Chucky Stiletti strapped one on, any observations?

 

[JIO]

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I like the idea of being able to choose maple or Rosewood as fretboard options, and also like the use of stingray pups that have tons of after market options. Don't like the bridge, would have liked a Hipshot two piece instead. Do like the color choices. The price is ok but not great for a bolt on. Might consider getting getting one.

I think @Chucky Stiletti strapped one on, any observations?

I found it interesting that DL went on about his pu placement. I mean, I agree - but most basses in the '60s had North/South pu positions (other than Fender & Gibson that is) and most were even more distanced from each other. (neck-hugger/bridge-hugger) His has some space between both. Most were singles and were very scooped sounding when paired. I'm sure the twin buckers in their placement on the Ashdown leads to a very versatile sounding bass.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I got a million of 'em. Some are funny.

this one is funny..

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I've gone several times. Have a friend that lives about one half mile from the #2 turn. Race day is crazy starting with the Canons at five in the morning then a bus rout of helicopters shuttling in drivers and other VIP's. Would love to take the kids.

surreal empty bleachers...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

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I like the idea of being able to choose maple or Rosewood as fretboard options, and also like the use of stingray pups that have tons of after market options. Don't like the bridge, would have liked a Hipshot two piece instead. Do like the color choices. The price is ok but not great for a bolt on. Might consider getting one someday.

I think @Chucky Stiletti strapped one on, any observations?

massive sounding, snappy with the bridge pup soloed....lightweight, well balanced...lotta bass for under a grand..

 

[Gaolee]

Hello and new member here. After playing vintage Gibson and USA guitars and basses for 30+ years and avoiding them like the plague, I bought my first Epiphone (vintage Pro sunburst) 3 weeks ago new from Sweetwater. Wow, what a great bass! I love the vintage vibe, the build quality and playability is top notch.

Being so impressed by the TB model And with my history w Gibson, I happened upon a very good deal on a 2013 Gibson TBird with some sweet mods that I purchased to compare the Epi quality to. This Gibson model has a chrome Hipshot bridge, D=tuner and what I believe to be the exact pickups that come stock in the VP. I only need to swap the tuners and it will be a full black to chrome/nickel conversion.

I haven’t made the formal comparison yet as I need to restring both and I only received the Gibby on Saturday but will definitely post my opinions here soon.

Ok, here are required pics (provided by both sellers. I’ll photograph my own for the comparison).

EPIPHONE VP
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GIBSON
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So here’s where I’d like a little help from the club. The Gibson has the nickel pickups and covers installed. The bridge pickup is missing the black plastic pickup riser that the Epi VP comes stock with. I see quite a few people remove these. Anyone have one they’d like to part with? Otherwise are there any retailers that carry this part?

I look forward to posting my comparison in the future. First impressions is the VP is really going to give the Gibson a run for the money...

Oh, and do I get a number?

Either the Gibson pickups have changed covers or they are aftermarket. Either is good. Since it is already mostly chromed out, the last step is Hipshot tuners with chrome mini-clovers. And covers. Gotta have chrome covers. And then custom paint. What am I forgetting?

 

[BklynKen]

That looks cool. I never knew much about Lakland, but Dan Lakin seems really cool. Of course no left-handed.

 

[JIO]

That looks cool. I never knew much about Lakland, but Dan Lakin seems really cool. Of course no left-handed.

 

[dagrev]

I got a million of 'em. Some are funny.

Some.

Nope, they are all good. Some just better than others.

 

[dagrev]

Well, when you have a million of them there's a fair chance some will be funny...

Yeah, he's definitely got probability on his side.

 

[MCF]

View attachment 3956260
I like the idea of being able to choose maple or Rosewood as fretboard options, and also like the use of stingray pups that have tons of after market options. Don't like the bridge, would have liked a Hipshot two piece instead. Do like the color choices. The price is ok but not great for a bolt on. Might consider getting one someday.

I think @Chucky Stiletti strapped one on, any observations?

I’m thinking they’re pretty nice. The fact they’re made by the same factory that builds for Reverend is a huge plus. I’m thinking the price is ok...but would I buy one over a nice used Gibson? Don’t know. But the LPB with matching headstock is compelling.

Hand gimmick aside, that’s a well done review. The interview with Larkin is interesting; It sounds like he’s telling it like is is.

 

[Engle]

I[stink]at the technical [stuff]but the BIL stored it in the computer and EQed them some and burned some cds for me. Next time he's here, I'll pick a couple out and up/down/sideways load them.

Perfect! Maybe put them on SoundCloud.

 

[GonePlaid]

Perfect! Maybe put them on SoundCloud.

Yeah, that might work. The videos from that time period are almost unwatchable-except as memories.(sigh)

 

[Engle]

Yeah, that might work. The videos from that time period are almost unwatchable-except as memories.(sigh)

I’m pretty sure the audio is higher quality than YouTube.

 

[JIO]

Law of averages. 'Course I've been known to break the law.

As long as you promise never to play the accordion...

 

[GonePlaid]

As long as you promise never to play the accordion...

Our guitarist(also doubled keys)back in 77-83 started out on accordeen.

 

[JIO]

Our guitarist(also doubled keys)back in 77-83 started out on accordeen.

Actually I was mostly continuing the classic "play the accordion - go to jail" axiom. But truthfully - I heard an Italian accordianist play with Al De Meola in a very international line-up band a number of years ago who blew me away. (deep "world" jazz) I mean, I grew up in a Polish/Czech household so accordion was spoken there (Lawrence Welk was mainstay TV) and I grew up with two friends who were brothers, one played drums and the other keys/accordion. Amazing players - they linked instinctually as musicians. But I still think most accordionist should heed the law...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

more of this tonight....yikes!..

 

[JIO]

more of this tonight....yikes!..
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I know - and dry, windy conditions ... not good. It could turn a very bad situation into an uncontrollable situation. Let's hope for actual moisture with the lightning.