Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

Haven't heard that in a very long time!

Yeah. I grew up on the central coast and went to college in the OC. We had very deep discussions.

 

[MCF]

Strange to see them using the same "errors" compared to the vintage ones, like the relocated tone-knob & output jack, the 3-point bridge (one would expect them to use the proper T-bird bridge as found on the Epiphones for these, especially if they are going in the "original-series", which draws heavily on the original models).

I suspect this is just a "palette swap & hardware swap" from the previous series, using up old stock of bodies they already had laying around from the first series, which sold rather poorly.

Well, my ‘13 is an extremely well made instrument. I’ll be doing what I can to get one of these.

 

[TBird1958]

and when you got shot down, survived and didn’t end up in a Luftstalag..."here kid, keys to your new one"...

Of course your Crew Chief would be giving you crap if you brought "his" airplane back shot full of holes! Those guys really took a lot of pride in "their" aircraft and would often sandpaper and wax them smooth just so they'd go a little faster.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

With CNC retooling is a breeze. Why they didn't put a vintage style bridge on it I don't get.

you may have to bring back the three point Badbird after all...

 

[BklynKen]

@godofthunder59 Was there mention of left-handed versions?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

This is from a visit to RAF Hendon in 2009, interesting because there’s only two intact examples of these left in the world. For scale, I’m 6’ 3” and this thing is a beast!

I love when they do the “Spitfires over Hendon”....AWESOME museum as well...only place I ever saw a split window maritime B-24..

 

[11th Street Kid]

@godofthunder59 Was there mention of left-handed versions?

I’m actually left-handed but play a right-handed bass. I’ve been a drummer as well in the past and played a left-handed set up because my coordination just worked better that way, weirdly playing bass feels more comfortable the right-handed way round. I’m not ambidextrous but other than writing and holding a spoon/mug left-handed, I throw a ball, hold a tennis racket etc right-handed.

 

[Instagator]

I’m actually left-handed but play a right-handed bass. I’ve been a drummer as well in the past and played a left-handed set up because my coordination just worked better that way, weirdly playing bass feels more comfortable the right-handed way round. I’m not ambidextrous but other than writing and holding a spoon/mug left-handed, I throw a ball, hold a tennis racket etc right-handed.

That's awesome...I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.

 

[D.M.N.]

Excellent! This is the bass I was talking about. No idea what the pickups are, overall I like it........that bridge though. I'll be getting one in the Inverness or sparkling burgundy and have a full review once it arrives

I think I'll be holding off on buying one until I hear your review. It's so close and then...I don't get why with all their knowledge and ability to recreate exact spec replicas of other instruments, they insist of goofing with the Thunderbird. Like, they could have absolutely nailed it, and it's so close, and then the stumble on the easiest details. Smaller headstock and tuners for better balance? Fine, I'll give you that 'cause most players do care about it. But the 3-point? The inaccurate pickup location? The bulbous pickguard? Does the neck have a volute I wonder? And for godsake why the knob/output jack configuration. Gibson can do better, we've seen they can with the Epi T-birds, so why they do this I am at a sheer loss.

Also, they claim better balance (I assume for the smaller headstock and tuners), and then put the strap pin on the upper bout instead of the back of the neck? HUH!?

But, if the price is right, damnit, I want one in those colors...

 

[MCF]

I think I'll be holding off on buying one until I hear your review. It's so close and then...I don't get why with all their knowledge and ability to recreate exact spec replicas of other instruments, they insist of goofing with the Thunderbird. Like, they could have absolutely nailed it, and it's so close, and then the stumble on the easiest details. Smaller headstock and tuners for better balance? Fine, I'll give you that 'cause most players do care about it. But the 3-point? The inaccurate pickup location? The bulbous pickguard? Does the neck have a volute I wonder? And for godsake why the knob/output jack configuration. Gibson can do better, we've seen they can with the Epi T-birds, so why they do this I am at a sheer loss.

But, if the price is right, damnit, I want one in those colors...

Yeah, but I’m wanting one really bad. And I have a ‘13 already. It’s a sickness.

 

[Mr.Fingers]

I don't get why with all their knowledge and ability to recreate exact spec replicas of other instruments, they insist of goofing with the Thunderbird.

Gibson doesn't really care about basses or bassists. Bringing out an accurate vintage reissue bass would be such a niche thing that it's probably not worth the effort in the first place. And it would be so expensive they start to rival with actual vintage instruments. That's why they have Epiphone, and their Thunderbird 60's which has all the right things (chrome buckers, 2-point bridge, proper big headstock,...)

 

[D.M.N.]

Gibson doesn't really care about basses or bassists. Bringing out an accurate vintage reissue bass would be such a niche thing that it's probably not worth the effort in the first place. And it would be so expensive they start to rival with actual vintage instruments. That's why they have Epiphone, and their Thunderbird 60's which has all the right things (chrome buckers, 2-point bridge, proper big headstock,...)

But see I don't think that holds much water. It would behoove Gibson more for them to make the niche vintage bass and then have the Epi be the one that is more made for the masses, as they could upcharge for the Gibson. And as far as price, they could pretty much make it/sell it for exactly the same price as they'll be selling this one for (a few changes to the CNC and then using a bridge they already have, the epi), and they've already gone through the effort to bring out a vintage bass, including R&D on any parts (again, the Epiphone), so to do this is, if not backwards of they logical way to do it, at least a bit silly.

Yeah, but I’m wanting one really bad. And I have a ‘13 already. It’s a sickness.

See, I always felt the '13 was a bit of a letdown, not that they were bad instruments (they're not, they're very good in their own right), but that they weren't accurate reproductions of the ones I think many of us would like to see. I want another 'bird, but I'm more inclined to search out another Bach really.

 

[JIO]

Excellent! This is the bass I was talking about. No idea what the pickups are, overall I like it........that bridge though. I'll be getting one in the Inverness or sparkling burgundy and have a full review once it arrives

I agree - why did they install a later 3-point on a model that never had one? I mean, they already proved they could do an original bridge/tailpiece with the VP. I'd like to see the Inverness - a good choice for sure. And I don't recall Gibson being stamped on the hs...

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Yeah, but I’m wanting one really bad. And I have a ‘13 already. It’s a sickness.

the sunbursts are going to be more prized now......

 

[kringle77]

I’d like to see an epi version of the studio bass, preferably with zero neck angle. That said, is there any word on the price and availability of the gene Simmons bird?

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

Hasta la later, y'all.

where are YOU going?..

 

[MCF]

But see I don't think that holds much water. It would behoove Gibson more for them to make the niche vintage bass and then have the Epi be the one that is more made for the masses, as they could upcharge for the Gibson. And as far as price, they could pretty much make it/sell it for exactly the same price as they'll be selling this one for (a few changes to the CNC and then using a bridge they already have, the epi), and they've already gone through the effort to bring out a vintage bass, including R&D on any parts (again, the Epiphone), so to do this is, if not backwards of they logical way to do it, at least a bit silly.



See, I always felt the '13 was a bit of a letdown, not that they were bad instruments (they're not, they're very good in their own right), but that they weren't accurate reproductions of the ones I think many of us would like to see. I want another 'bird, but I'm more inclined to search out another Bach really.

But the colors. Yeah, I’m shallow.

 

[MCF]

where are YOU going?..

I’m hoping to the VA to get his vac.

 

[Chucky Stiletti]

I agree - why did they install a later 3-point on a model that never had one? I mean, they already proved they could do an original bridge/tailpiece with the VP. I'd like to see the Inverness - a good choice for sure. And I don't recall Gibson being stamped on the hs...
View attachment 4137018

yeah, "Gibson" stamped? would seem to me they should be the least concerned with TRC swaps..

 

[godofthunder59]

NRs should be available in April! Ive already pre ordered a Inverness Green through the House of Guitars.