tired of my T-bird

[thekorean]

MY Epiphone Thunderbird has just been collecting dust for awhile since I got my MM Ray. Just picked it up today and really hated it. Probably the action so I might get that check out. I was wondering what kind of basses I could trade for it. Also is it worth modding because if I don't trade it I'm feeling some possible gold hardware and just going all out with EMGs or Delanos.

 

[ZombieBRAINS!!]

if you no longer like the feel of it, i would get rid of it.

 

[DanGouge]

Fresh strings and a good set up can often do wonders for a bass. Now, if you still don't like it, then they also make it easier to sell.

 

[DubBassfunk]

i feel the same way about my epibird. but they are pretty tough to trade ime

 

[thekorean]

yeah how much should a set up go for

 

[debassr]

I'd recommend you auction it on ebay with no reserve. My experience is that you'll get what it's worth 99.9% of the time.

 

[bluewine]

Yeah I have an Epi Bird in my bass collection.I have used it for shows.For me I just would rather have the real Gibson TBird, but they are the most over priced bass on the market.

You can't get much for an Epi Bird.It's a 299.00 bass if you could get 125.00 on atrrade you would be doing good.

 

[Fine Cut]

the thing about a tbird is, IME, it's a very one trick pony. and for that reason the market for it isn't huge.

i second the ebay/no reserve idea

 

[thekorean]

that post fine cut just inspired me to change the sound of a Tbird I think I am going to upgrade it instead just to have an original instrument if after the set up it doesnt feel bad.

 

[dwm74]

Currently on the Phoenix craigslist there are three Epi T-birds, all asking $150-$200.

One guy added a third pickup up against the neck...looks odd to me, but probably does sound nice.

 

[thekorean]

I am really starting to like the sound of mine now once I got used to it and it should be a suitable backup for my ray once i get it set up. The strings seem almost brand new but might replace them. Does anyone know of a possible maple neck I could get for a thunderbird.

 

[bassplayer8953]

I am really starting to like the sound of mine now once I got used to it and it should be a suitable backup for my ray once i get it set up. The strings seem almost brand new but might replace them. Does anyone know of a possible maple neck I could get for a thunderbird.

Stock neck is maple, according to MF:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Thunderbird-IV-Bass?sku=518391

 

[thekorean]

sorry meant maple fingerboard

 

[Bongolation]

Yeah, insanely popular with youngsters, but people tire of them quickly.

I sort of think of them as "The DOD Grunge Pedal of Basses."

 

[mas502arc]

Mod it! : )

 

[$Lindz$]

Take it to your trusted shop, tell them you want it set up with super low action and some Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (the bright ass pink package).

It won't be a Gibson, but at least it will be better than it is now. And like it was said... it will sell easier if you still don't like it.



I bought an Epi until i could afford my Gibson, and ever since that day it's been with my guitar player friend on indefinite loan.

 

[Gibenbackerbass]

Take it to your trusted shop, tell them you want it set up with super low action and some Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings (the bright ass pink package).


It won't be a Gibson, but at least it will be better than it is now. And like it was said... it will sell easier if you still don't like it.


I bought an Epi until i could afford my Gibson, and ever since that day it's been with my guitar player friend on indefinite loan.

In the spirit of trying something different, I put a set of Dean Markley, Blue Steel, 45-105, on my 2004 Gibson Thunderbird. They sound fantastic.

Also use Rotosound 66 & D'Addario 170 Nickel on my T-birds. Great strings that have thier own indivduality and tone.

My suggestion is don't abandon any 'Bird without trying one of the three sets I've listed.

But in the end, you have to decide what type of string gives you the tone you're looking for.

 

[$Lindz$]

I tried a set of D'Ads Nickelwound Brights on my 'Bird and for some reason the A string was always a fraction too low compared to E, D, G. For instance, if I fretted a "D" on A String, it would be on the 6th fret, not the 5th.

Blew my ****ing mind.

I made absolutely zero changes to the set up or the action or the intonation and put back on some Super Slinky Ernie Balls and it was back to normal and better than ever.

Strange.

So yeah I will definitely chalk that up to a random bad set of strings that I got, but over the years using my Super Slinkies I have never had any problems. Also, the feel of the Slinkies are "smoother" to the touch which, when you have the action like you can get on a Gibson Bird, makes the neck the fastest thing I have ever played. The D'Ads were a little bit brighter, be sure, but I guess I just wasn't used to them enough to stop buying my Slinkies. hehe.

How do the Dean Markley's feel/sound?

 

[lousybassplayer]

Yeah, insanely popular with youngsters, but people tire of them quickly.

I sort of think of them as "The DOD Grunge Pedal of Basses."

Funny, I compared Ricks to the Metal Zone of basses once for a similar reason. Everyone who has never played one wants one, but many find them not to their liking rather quickly.

This tickled my funny bone, as well as ringing true. Not to say they are bad, but they are not the bass for a good number of people who assumed they would be before they bought one. Luckily Epi offers a cheaper one that can give you a general idea of what to expect from the expensive Gibson. With Ric there is no such.

 

[stuonbass]

After setting my epi-bird up, it is a tone monster. In addition to neck and bridge adjustments, I also raised the pickups which were factory set way too low resulting in a weak, dull tone. I have it strung with DR high beams, which are rather bright, but sound really full with the dual humbuckers. I also play it with a touch of overdrive which adds warmth and grit.
Although it is not my go to bass for covers, it could be a unique and tasty instrument for originals.