Thunderbird Owners - What case do you use?

[Eldo]

i use an Epi case for my modded non reverse bachbird. IIRC the non reverse is actually a tiny bit longer than the reverse. i got mine new for $69 shipped about a year ago.

As said many times in this thread, not all T bird cases are the same!

Your BaCH NR post (I have three of these (two Series IIs and a TH-2 like yours) begs elaboration! These basses are 51.5" long!

1. Many of the Epi cases are not quite deep enough and when the BaCH is placed in it, shut and locked, you can see the top bulge outward slightly. Take care with it even in the case!
2. The tip of the headstock might actually rest on the bottom of the case, so again, be careful as it could casue neck breaks given the right circumstances! Yours is a TH-s with a thicker neck so they are stronger than the Series IIs.
3. The FITTED Epi cases are both longer and slightly deeper and offer a better fit for BaCH NRs (with modification of the body cavity).

 

[jd56hawk]

Here's another.
It says in the reviews that it fits the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV, too.
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[jd56hawk]

Tried the Musicians Gear case out with an Epiphone Thunderbird Goth...snug, but fits, but too bad the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IVs are bigger than the base model Epiphone T-birds.

 

[mcarp555]

Here's another.
It says in the reviews that it fits the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV, too.
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I have one of these for my Gaskell:

It's a decent enough case, if a little on the cheap side, and not too heavy. One interior corner shows bare wood (the bottom right, if you look closely on my photo), and there's no support for the headstock, which sits directly on the (unpadded) bottom of the case. I solved this by putting a large chunk of foam on the lid of the storage area. It lifts the headstock up just enough (I wrote a detailed review of the case for Spyder's website, but oddly enough, they never published it). It was the only case I could find that would fit a left-handed T-bass style in the UK.

 

[jd56hawk]

I was all set to buy the Spider case but they don't ship to the states.

 

[jd56hawk]

I bought a BC Rich casket gig bag last week. It's overpriced and has one of the worst neck supports I've ever seen...it feels like its stuffed with tissue paper and it's so close to the top of the case that the Thunderbird headstock actually rests right on it. I'm sending it back Friday morning.
I'm still trying to find something for my Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV that I can also use for my other bass.
I was wondering if anyone's had any experience with this Gator gigbag.
The neck support is moveable and the inside bottom piece comes out, according to youtube videos. Interior dimensions are close but I think I could use the bottom piece slightly off-center too accommodate the angeled bottom of my T-bird.

 

[jd56hawk]

Posted this in the Thunderbird club thread. You can see the removeable bottom piece underneath the case's corner...the neck support can be adjusted up or down, too. It's a nice feature how when you put your bass in the case and zip it up, the sides of the case firm up.

Hey, I just really like this gigbag and after two strikes I'm glad I hit it out of the park.

 

[Ender_rpm]

Hay-zoos thats an expensive gig bag!!!!

Then again, it looked pretty dorky showing up with the top inch or so of headstock poking out....

 

[JIO]

I own a 1990 Thunderbird, came with the standard Gibson Tbird case,p%^y pink interior on that one. Also an Epi Pro, and it's standard Epi Tbird case.

Both cases are great for hauling/storing/protecting Tbirds IMO. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to haul the Gibson in the Epi case, as it affords just as much protection as the Gibson case. I would think that the Epi case would be just the solution to the OP's case issue. $100 is cheap to pay for that kind of protection for a vintage bass, especially one that's prone to headstock problems. And I agree that I would never haul a Tbird in a gig bag...any gig bag.

I was lucky enough to buy one of these substantial cases w/the funeral coffin satin over-sheet in the late 90's at Guitar Center (for $50!) Way better than the original case my '64 came in - you could stack 2 in there and still be able to close it! (well, not actually - but close! )

 

[pudgychef]

Long & McQuade in Canada sells this Yorkville Hardshell case made for specifically for Thunderbirds : Long & McQuade - Yorkville Sound Hardshell Thunderbird Bass Case

That looks exactly like my Epi case.

same case iirc (TKL)

MF or MG case does NOT fit... The only cases that will bit a bird are Gibson or Epi bird cases.

or Yorkville Sound version or Warwick Rockcases/bags

I use a Warwick Rockbag for my Epiphone Thunderbird and
the materials,fit and finish are superb.Very thickly padded
and has shoulder straps tonly cost about £70 from the
Bass Centre in London five years ago. Just a suggestion - you
may be dead set on a case.

I had good luck with both the Ritter and the Rockbag gig bags.

 

[AgressivePassiv]

Just got a mono m80 dual bass gig bag. My gibson T-Bird does not fit...not even close.

 

[Ghoulz]

My standard Epi IV fits in a 'originalgigbag OGB-X6' It's intended for an acoustic bass but does a sterling job with the Tbird.

 

[Frank Turk]

As the thread suggests - what cases are out there which fit the Thunderbird. I've already found the obvious ones (Epiphone) but was wondering if any standard issue cases fit the thunderbird.

Extra points for anyone who can identify a good gig bag or case I can carry on my shoulders!

OK -- I have a very interesting suggestion for a cheap case with a reasonably-hard shell: the Plano Se Double Scoped Rifle/Shotgun Case {Plano 10586}
I just found one in a flea market for $10, and when I measured it I knew it was going to be just right. I modified it slightly by covering the egg crate with polyester felt (no color bleed), and I trimmed a channel for the strings and neck in the lid. The result is the attached file.

I also found it at walmart.com:
Plano Gun Guard SE Series Double Scoped Rifle/Shotgun Case, Black - Walmart.com

 

[wolfkeller]

I bought a used warlock case and gutted it. I bought some really nice foam feom the foam factory for about $25 and glued in 1/2 piece covering whole case, then 2" piece that I cut out for body and headstock, then glued on a piece to support the next, KILLER case for about $100

 

[Bruno2112]

Has anyone used this case... the Gator brand 'Economy Wood Case'? Description shows it fits a Thunderbird.

Gator Economy Wood Case - Bass Guitar

 

[jd56hawk]

This Thunderbird fits...but scroll up.
I bet my old Thunderbird Pro doesn't.
It was about 2" longer than my Thunderbird IV. IV fit in the MG case but the Pro didn't.

 

[lowendblues]

I got the Epiphone case for my Tbird Classic. Couldnt be happier with the quality. Epiphone Thunderbird Bass Guitar Case

 

[dougiejones]

So what is the consensus? I purchased a Epiphone T-Bird case through Musician's Friend and it was pretty crummy. Trapezoidal in shape, had to cram the T-bird in and the padding seemed to give way - so, what should I get in its stead? I would imagine both MF and Sweetwater utilize the same supplier, so that rules them out. This leaves Gator, Spider, Dean, Yorkville and the various gig bags. I have a BC Rich gig bag that works ok - but I'd like a hard case. I'd be obliged for any indication one way or the other on which has gotten the best practical use. Thanks!

 

[Gluvhand]

I have the Gator and don't like it at all. The exterior scuffs and tears easily and the interior needed work to hold the bass properly. My T-Bird is a Classic Pro, btw.

 

[GIBrat51]

Ok another bump...

I have a lefty thunderbird (knockoff).Any ideas?

Tell me about it. I have 2 lefty Gibson T-Birds. The '13 OHSC is barely adequate - even with the obligatory towel under the head stock - as our Queen recommends. The new '18 'Bird's case... well, nice as it looks, it's hard to say "hardshell case" with a straight face. And actually mean it, anyway... Even if I can find a really good case, I'm thinking major mods to the inside will be needed. Oh well, that's life in Lefty Land...