Thunderbucker pickups are a definite Win.

Since there still aren't that many reviews, I figured I'd put one up. The Bass guitar they are in, Gibson Thunderbird Studio 5 string. Strings are TI Powerbass. The pickups, after spending time pondering, emails back and forth with Steve of thunderbucker, comparing the limited sound clips to my Epiphone Vintage Pro *which sounds almost identical to my father's 64 reverse Thunderbird* wanting a little more depth to make it more Nonreverse sounding, I threw caution to the wind and mildly ignored Steve's recommended set and went with a 66N *neck* and the 66S *overwound, high output version in bridge*.

The 66N sounds very good, deep thump with a very good Mid character and attack but still some of that chime and openness *excellent replica of the non Reverse pick up*. The 66S is quite possibly the most amazing bridge pickup I've ever used. Very balanced from top to bottom and powerful, doesn't have that nasal, overly bright, or anemic sound like most bridge pickups. To describe the overall character, it is clear, harmonically rich, with clear depth and growly low mids yet articulate and fx take it very well.

I also have a set of Lull Pickups in an Epiphone Thunderbird 5 Pro, and quite honestly, they don't hold a candle to the tone, articulation, or even the quality of the covers *I've had to have the covers replaced because the plating was defective* the Lull Pickups have a very scooped voice and just have no character in comparison.

 

I live them very much. One other advantage, the 5 string thunderbucker and 4 string thunderbucker are in the same sized casing. They all fit any gibson thunderbird 4 rout.

 

I owned an Embassy, and pictured above is my Epi Vintage Pro. I got rid of my embassy because I hated the neck, then thunderbirds that could have used those pickups. I switch off quite regularly on what pickups I have turned up.

The 66S is an amazing pickup, I love it in the bridge. I'd love to hear it in the mid position. My next set of Thunderbuckers *which are on their way* are going in a 95 Epi Non reverse 5 String Thunderbird. Factory was a PJ configuration, I'm having new pickguard made for the neck and going with a 66N/S like my red thunderbird.

 

I have a 2019 Gibson Thunderbird, and at that point, I can tell you those weren’t emg pickups. Definitely Gibson with the dark and mid heavy tone. All the EMG passive bass pickups I used have been thin sounding. Bleh, I hate EMG. I hope Gibson hasn’t done something to stupid.

 

Seymour Duncan Custom shop, TV Jones makes them for Mike lull, even the “china”buckers sound ok *little lower output than the rest*. There is a British company that makes some but I can’t remember the for the life of me.

 

I will email and see.

 

Lollar, Seymour Duncan custom shop or Novak. I’ve had a couple issues with Lollar and will never deal with them again.