The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Basvarken on January 17, 2017, 08:21:14 AM
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Chris asked me to post some great news from Epiphone:
(http://www.thegibsonbassbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/embassyreissue.jpg)
(http://www.thegibsonbassbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sixtiesbird-2017.jpg)
Wow!
Embassy will retail for $ 696
TBird will retail for $ 995
And a hollow body bass is announced too...
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Here's the hollow body
(http://www.thegibsonbassbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/masterbuilt-bass.jpg)
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Nice! I think I would have preferred the 4 in line batwing headstock on the Embassy, but nice to see Epiphone doing some (more) cool stuff :)
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Wowzer! Wonder if those are the same pickups as the Chinabuckers. Interesting new take on the Embassy. Let's hope they got the bridge in the right spot this time.
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Looks like they're willing to do a lot more with the Epi line than the Gibson line.
Doesn't hurt my feelings, as that also means the instruments will be more affordable.
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The Krome Klux Klan here will be wetting their bedsheets!
(http://i.imgur.com/Kig7qJr.gif)
But all three of them look cute.
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Looks more like nickel to me. (More yellow than blue)
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I just messed myself! :-*
better hose off before my dainties stick to me
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Nice! I think I would have preferred the 4 in line batwing headstock on the Embassy, but nice to see Epiphone doing some (more) cool stuff :)
Yes, it's a shame (it looked cooler) but probably wise considering that headstock (4 in line _ swept) was the cause of many a neck break as well as difficulty finding a case that fits.
The Krome Klux Klan here will be wetting their bedsheets!
NICKEL, you barbarian; NICKELLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
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Well I know where my pennies will be going come July- one of those TBirds in white.
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Pah, nickel or chrome, what do I care. My sympathies lie elsewhere.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/95/6e/2e/956e2e5aad28b04b48c46da5a880c4f0.jpg)
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They look nice, no doubt about that, and they look like the originals, or close enough. But are they Chinese? Will enough people pay $1000 for a Chinese bass, especially when the TBird Pro was half that price? And why is the TBird that much more expensive than the Embassy? IMHO a Korean-built bass would be much easier to sell at those prices.
In the discussion of the 2017 EB Bass, didn't Chris say that Gibson would have new bass models coming out for the 2018 model year? I hope these three aren't the only ones. Gibson needs at least one traditional USA bass.
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And why is the TBird that much more expensive than the Embassy?
The lamination of the neck piece is more time consuming I guess.
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I bet the intonation is accurate and therefore a complete failure of a Gibson replica.
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Pah, nickel or chrome, what do I care. My sympathies lie elsewhere.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/95/6e/2e/956e2e5aad28b04b48c46da5a880c4f0.jpg)
I'm going to chat with Sweetwater, if you want one, let me know.
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I hope that they addressed the T-Bird intonation problems, given the retro bridge choice. Also, it sez that it replaces the Classic IV Pro - are they using the modified cutaway or returning to the original?
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I see an Embassy in my future.
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... like Julian Assange...? ;)
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If these are anything like the classic pro they will be winner's! The Tbird looks absolutely stunning. Not sure about the bonner Embassy.
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The thing I don't like about the Classic Pro is the modified cutaway.... I wonder if anyone from Epiphone saw Scott's Butcher Bird when they designed that bass???? all 3 basses Look Like winners... About Damn time!!! I may just have to get one of those!!!
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The new Tbirds will intonate just fine, definitely more travel than a 60's bridge. Wonder where they got that idea?
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The Krome Klux Klan here will be wetting their bedsheets!
(http://i.imgur.com/Kig7qJr.gif)
But all three of them look cute.
Which one will be the master finish? The white just needs a couple blue racing stripes and a Star of David to make everything Kosher. The Scooby Doo sunburst is the mutt of the bunch, mocking the purity of the other finishes.
Slightly more concerning is the Embassy which faces us with it's alt right horn raised high in salute and clad in either nationalist red, Hugo boss black or Communist China yellow. How did Uwe miss it?
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Price seems high for an alternate hardware/pickup package that should AT MOST cost Epi/Gibson $100.
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Price seems high for an alternate hardware/pickup package that should AT MOST cost Epi/Gibson $100.
I could be wrong, but it looks like they also (finally!) went back to the big headstock, while still using the small shaft girlie tuners. At least they're cloverleafs.
I gotta sell a few things to make room for a sunburst...
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The lamination of the neck piece is more time consuming I guess.
The Classic IV Pro requires the same construction techniques, has a list price of $915, and typically sells here in the US for $499-$549. I'm willing to be that this one will end up going for around $600. Especially since they are apparently killing off the C-IV Pro.
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It will be interesting to hear what those "ProBucker 760" sound like!
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It will be interesting to hear what those "ProBucker 760" sound like!
It's interesting...the only bass I've ever owned out of the box that sounded distinctly different to any of the others was a Rickenbacker 4003 and even after about fifteen minutes of dialling in my tone it sounded virtually the same as the rest of them. That's the thing; I know what my tone should sound like and I've kind of known that for 25 years or more, so my expectation of that gritty Geddy Lee/Jean Jacques Burnel sound will always be there. I have a £25 Aria Primary and a £3.2K Lull (and a few in between), they all sound fairly similar once I've had a noodle 'n tweak.
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But are they Chinese? Will enough people pay $1000 for a Chinese bass, especially when the TBird Pro was half that price? And why is the TBird that much more expensive than the Embassy? IMHO a Korean-built bass would be much easier to sell at those prices.
In the discussion of the 2017 EB Bass, didn't Chris say that Gibson would have new bass models coming out for the 2018 model year? I hope these three aren't the only ones. Gibson needs at least one traditional USA bass.
I agree about the country of origin.
Maybe Epi is the new bass division of Gibson?
It's interesting...the only bass I've ever owned out of the box that sounded distinctly different to any of the others was a Rickenbacker 4003 and even after about fifteen minutes of dialling in my tone it sounded virtually the same as the rest of them. That's the thing; I know what my tone should sound like and I've kind of known that for 25 years or more, so my expectation of that gritty Geddy Lee/Jean Jacques Burnel sound will always be there. I have a £25 Aria Primary and a £3.2K Lull (and a few in between), they all sound fairly similar once I've had a noodle 'n tweak.
Buzz kill! ;)
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It's interesting...the only bass I've ever owned out of the box that sounded distinctly different to any of the others was a Rickenbacker 4003 and even after about fifteen minutes of dialling in my tone it sounded virtually the same as the rest of them. That's the thing; I know what my tone should sound like and I've kind of known that for 25 years or more, so my expectation of that gritty Geddy Lee/Jean Jacques Burnel sound will always be there. I have a £25 Aria Primary and a £3.2K Lull (and a few in between), they all sound fairly similar once I've had a noodle 'n tweak.
Heh. I kind of know what you mean - I sound like myself no matter what I play -- but on the other hand, of the four basses I currently have, the two that are closest together are the Gibson LPB-1 and the Greco Thunderbird, and to me even those are pretty different - the Greco has a lot more in the medium-low mids, the LPB has more articulate lows. The other two (Ibanez Blazer with Alembic P/J activators, Danelectro DC reissue) sound nothing like each other and nothing like the Gibson-ish instruments. Sure, I sound like myself on any of them, and given enough EQ I can get something to work ... but I still care :)
I also had and sold an EB-0 and it sounded nothing whatsoever like any of the others :-p
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Price seems high for an alternate hardware/pickup package that should AT MOST cost Epi/Gibson $100.
At most. If it's all MIC, their cost is probably half that.
The Classic IV Pro requires the same construction techniques, has a list price of $915, and typically sells here in the US for $499-$549. I'm willing to be that this one will end up going for around $600. Especially since they are apparently killing off the C-IV Pro.
That would make more sense, assuming it's MIC. But the prices Rob quoted are supposedly what it will retail for. We'll see.
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I must resist! I hope that will be like my love story with a 1967 lady. I resisted to buy a reissue of the Guild Starfire to meet the lady that I mentioned in my other posts. Hope that the story will end in the same way, when I bought a 1967 Starfire at the same price of a reissue
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At most. If it's all MIC, their cost is probably half that.
Definitely Dave. Pickups, bridge and tuners are MIC. I was being conservative, most on this forum don't seem to have a clue how much stuff costs.
My former partner, who still manufactures in China and is part owner of three factories there, told me last week he anticipates higher material and labor costs as well as stiffer environmental rules in 2017. So higher prices on Chinese goods make sense, but almost doubling US street prices for a mildly redesigned product seems out of line to me. Especially with the yuan/dollar exchange rate at an almost eight year low.
I must resist! I hope that will be like my love story with a 1967 lady. I resisted to buy a reissue of the Guild Starfire to meet the lady that I mentioned in my other posts. Hope that the story will end in the same way, when I bought a 1967 Starfire at the same price of a reissue
Good luck with that!
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It happened to me twice! I have bought my 1968 EB0 for the equivalent of 50 $ back in 1989 and the the Guild Starfire.
In Italy we say there is no two without three...
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That would make more sense, assuming it's MIC. But the prices Rob quoted are supposedly what it will retail for. We'll see.
I can't see them blowing a hole in the product line at a sensible price point (killing the C-IV Pro) to create a new, higher priced model of something that has a niche market. Despite Gibson's inherent silliness with their bass line, Epiphone has always been pretty much on the mark.
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Referencing the Chinese TB pups a lot of us purchased... would be fascinating to discover if these are the new pups and we've been the market-research for Epi/Gibbie... :vader:
Once one of us gets one of these beasties someone will be able to compare them...
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I'm keen to read some reviews once they hit the market. And maybe a comparison with the Classic.
I really like ebony Thunderbirds..,,
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July is a long ways off. A review of the Korina Explorer would be nice in the meantime.
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If the pups are indeed Chinese, I'm afraid prices will go up until summer, with the new tariffs and all. :popcorn:
Well, at least they actually did pay for their wall. :mrgreen:
(http://www.bionic-ads.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/chinese-wall.jpg)
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I wasn't going to say it Uwe, but you could be right. At least it would give Gibson the opportunity to sell a made in America bass at a competitive price. Besides, who really wants to see Epiphone on the headstock of their 60's reissue Thunderbird?
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If these things sell well, it might incentivize Gibson USA to produce that all-thought-consuming fetish fantasy of this forum: the true reissue of a 60ies TBird. A prospect that leaves me unexcited personally, but since I know how my brethren crave for it, you have my unadulterated support! 8)
To me, the best, most refined TBird ever built in series is/was the 2015 TB with the DeCola pups, plek'ed frets and the Babicz bridge. It also epitomizes to me how you can gently modernize something, yet still stay true to the original spirit. But of course not with you reactionary lot, you TBird Amish! :mrgreen:
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I can get over the headstock on the Embassy, but why they heck did they change the upper horn? looks odd to me. A little too phallic :o
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I ordered a white Bird from Sweetwater today :-*
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The new Epiphone Classic Pro Thunderbird takes over some of their own Gibson market.
So they need to set up a line above that to justify more expensive bass guitars that are basically the same.
Enter the vintage correct slightly reliced Thunderbird. Made in the USA for people who want to pay $3000 for a new Thunderbird.
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I can get over the headstock on the Embassy, but why they heck did they change the upper horn? looks odd to me. A little too phallic :o
The people who gripe about neck dive can be held directly responsible.
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I wonder if there were ever Embassy basses - like there were Newports - that did not have the batwing headstock, but the then more trad. Epi 2+2 one?
The concept of anything being "a little too phallic" is anathema to me. I am the owner of a :gay: Warwick :gay: Fortress Flashback!
(http://www.warwick.de/warwick/data/Warwick.de/Warwick/Discontinued/Fortress/OldFortressFlashback.jpg)
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I ordered a white Bird from Sweetwater today :-*
Which model, Mark?
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I wonder if there were ever Embassy basses - like there were Newports -that did not have the batwing headstock, but the then more trad. Epi 2+2 one
FrankieTbird has one. :-)
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If the pups are indeed Chinese, I'm afraid prices will go up until summer, with the new tariffs and all. :popcorn:
Well, at least they actually did pay for their wall. :mrgreen:
(http://www.bionic-ads.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/chinese-wall.jpg)
Yes, I was wondering about things along those lines.
Not that anyone knows precisely what he is going to do, but if the Prezelect unleashes his pet Tariffosaurus on stuff coming into the States, you would expect the price of Epis, Squiers, MIM Fenders etc etc to rise there.
I was wondering whether it would directly impact the prices here in OZ. Do Epis on their way to the Australian, Asian or European markets even go through the States, or do they ship direct to Australia/ European importers? Anyone know?
To further complicate matters we (Oz) have free trade deals with both USA, South Korea and China.
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Those tariffs will kick in right after Mexico pays for the wall that's never going to be built.
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If the wall is built, I'm going into the tall ladder business.
The 2015 TBird might have sold better if Gibson hadn't jacked up the price by 60%.
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True - that was hefty.
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Yes heftier price. All around the pickups, electronics, Babicz bridge and thicker Rosewood fingerboard added up but not to the 60%. I like the '15 enough to have let go of 2 of my other Gibson TBIV's and a Very nice Precision. The '15 covered a lot of tonal areas enough to prompt this lessening of my collizione. Yes Chinese made anything is on a steep surge and Epiphone will have to eventually end up being made in Africa. I manufacture in Japan for the most part and some of the resources are sourced from China, however in the last few years because of the cost increases in China the equivalent cost wise are reverted back to Japan and Thailand (for fabrics). China is not in the mix any more from where we are concerned and a lot of others as we are seeing.
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FrankieTbird has one. :-)
It has chinabuckers too, almost like its the protoype of the modern day version.
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I ordered a white Bird from Sweetwater today :-*
I'd say you need a white Subaru to go with it, but then you'd need a stack of Subarus to color match your bass-o-the-day.
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Yes heftier price. All around the pickups, electronics, Babicz bridge and thicker Rosewood fingerboard added up but not to the 60%. I like the '15 enough to have let go of 2 of my other Gibson TBIV's and a Very nice Precision. The '15 covered a lot of tonal areas enough to prompt this lessening of my collizione. Yes Chinese made anything is on a steep surge and Epiphone will have to eventually end up being made in Africa. I manufacture in Japan for the most part and some of the resources are sourced from China, however in the last few years because of the cost increases in China the equivalent cost wise are reverted back to Japan and Thailand (for fabrics). China is not in the mix any more from where we are concerned and a lot of others as we are seeing.
The same pickups and electronics were in the 2013-14 EB Bass which was priced at $1089 in 2014.
The Thunderbird was $1499 in 2013 and jacked up to $2179 in 2014 despite no changes. How can that be justified? Then to $2599 with the 2015 changes. No surprise that sales fell.
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To me, the best, most refined TBird ever built in series is/was the 2015 TB with the DeCola pups, plek'ed frets and the Babicz bridge. It also epitomizes to me how you can gently modernize something, yet still stay true to the original spirit. But of course not with you reactionary lot, you TBird Amish! :mrgreen:
Us car guys call that a "restomod". 8)
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Us car guys call that a "restomod". 8)
Nope, for a "restomod", you have to start with something old. The '15 T-bird is more like a new Camaro or Challenger.
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I thought a restomod had to be not in working order. You know, like a three-point bridge. :mrgreen:
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A 3 point bridge is not working as soon as you take the strings because you will be looking around the floor for the saddles.
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Nothing a bit of araldite won't sort... :mrgreen:
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Out of curiosity I happened to stumble across this from a 10 months old tweet (it even specifies a special 2016 plate on the back of headstock). Must have kept itself under our radar or have I missed something here? Notice the one piece bridge and four control knobs/jack on the side. Seems like the Embassy has been in the works for a while and someone happened to reveal this prototype (?):
https://tiendamusicasa.com/2016/03/19/bajo-epiphone-embassy-pro-bass/ (https://tiendamusicasa.com/2016/03/19/bajo-epiphone-embassy-pro-bass/)
(https://musicasa.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/bajo-epiphone-embassy-pro-bass-2016modelpreview-010516-r1-19.jpg)
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Wow, we must have overlooked that collectively, yes.
It even has the longer upper phallus horn...
And obviously the spanish division has some problems with maths...
La configuración del clavijero 3+3 en la pala ofrece mejor balance
But cool nonetheless.
The photo looks like a Photoshop mockup.
The nickel pickups look dull/weathered.
The pickguard looks yellowed
The bridge doesn't match the strings.
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You're right. I actually noticed the dullness of the pickups but thought it was a reflection of sorts. So a photoshop prototype. Maybe that's how they start when a new idea pops up?
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These things look interesting. Thankfully in the future I can quit toying with the idea of a used Monkey bass and look for one of these in the $400 range. If there can be a vast cottage industry of reranch fans converting Schlepiphone Les Paul's and SGs into Fooled ya level Gibsons, then I'll be glad to rasp out a grafted on batwing to one of these Almost-embassies. One of each, and I'll while away the hours in the senior living apartment!
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I like that metal Epiphone badge, they should have stuck with that.
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Anything for a proper neckdive, eh? :mrgreen:
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Anything for a proper neckdive, eh? :mrgreen:
It's for sustain. ??? ;D Like these:
(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t565/roquefort2000/FATHEAD/FATHEAD_zpsb413d881.jpg) (http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/roquefort2000/media/FATHEAD/FATHEAD_zpsb413d881.jpg.html)
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Haha! :toast:
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Pish-posh. Just tie a few helium filled balloons to the headstock and all problems are solved. It's functional and festive!
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How many of you guys are going to be shaving down those upper horns? ;D
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I'm out, I've had a think about it and I've come to the conclusion that I don't care about the top horn of the Embassy, but I do not like the headstock - if it had a batwing it would have been a case of shut up and take my money. "What a shame", said everyone in neepheid Inc. except for the finance department.
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And I'm still wondering what we are overlooking with that Pro Vintage Thunderbird. They must have f•cked up somewhere?!
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And I'm still wondering what we are overlooking with that Pro Vintage Thunderbird. They must have f•cked up somewhere?!
The neck pickup position by the look of it, but I can live with that.
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Here's a cool video that Chris did. It's all in Dutch but nonetheless still cool 8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhgbUFeoNv0
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And I'm still wondering what we are overlooking with that Pro Vintage Thunderbird. They must have f•cked up somewhere?!
I wonder who'll be the first to snap a head off, being a faithful reproduction, of course... :mrgreen:
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Now that they have developed that two piece bridge, they might as well do a proper NR Tbird don't you think?
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Well that would be nice.
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I talked to my Gibson rep and he said we don't have to expect anything bass from Gibson this year. 'Maybe a special run'. I know from the Memphis people from years ago, that they bought an old EB2 to get a reissue right, but nothing about that. This UK rep told me we could expect from Epiphone more, but strangely enough he knew nothing about the Embassy and Tbird (?!?!) while my Dutch rep send the pictures.... They weren't at the NAMM.
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Just heard the Epiphones are 2018 models and are expected this summer. Patience.
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Makes me wonder of these are the "three new Gibson 2018 bass models" that the guys at Gibson Amsterdam were talking about a few months ago?
Most likely, yes.
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Just heard the Epiphones are 2018 models and are expected this summer. Patience.
Summer you say? By that time trade with Red China will have come to an end.
Unless Epi builds a new factory in Taiwan. :mrgreen:
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Makes me wonder of these are the "three new Gibson 2018 bass models" that the guys at Gibson Amsterdam were talking about a few months ago?
Most likely, yes.
I thought the same thing. OTOH with Gibson you never know what to think until a model is actually available for sale online or in stores.
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Can't remember if I told this (jet lag-ish) but we don't have to expect new Gibson basses soon, but more Epiphones than this three. But the fact my British contact didn't really knew about those three, maybe not, haha. And no word about the EB2 they promised years ago.
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Summer you say? By that time trade with Red China will have come to an end.
Unless Epi builds a new factory in Taiwan. :mrgreen:
All the more reason for Gibson to produce the reissue Thunderbirds in the U.S.A., and while they're at it, offer them in a single pickup configuration along with the period correct custom color of your choice. Trade war with China is still better than the alternative, which was war with Russia. Not too many basses are getting made period if that happened.
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I come from a country where our experiences with wars with Russia (started by us, not them) were very sobering. Generally not a good idea. Decline of the relations with Russia was the previous Administration's biggest gaffe IMHO.
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I come from a country where our experiences with wars with Russia (started by us, not them) were very sobering. Generally not a good idea. Decline of the relations with Russia was the previous Administration's biggest gaffe IMHO.
Yeah, it will work out much better if we demonize China instead. They've been content to buy instead of bomb for everything they want. But they will definitely fight over Taiwan if it comes to that, and most of the world will be behind them. They've improved the standard of living and infrastructure in every country they've had dealings with. They are also a very united and patriotic people who take a long view of circumstances....and there's 1.5 billion of them.
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A military engagement with China wouldn't be pretty. I think they'd prefer to negotiate with their biggest customer instead. The President will work something out, he wrote the art of the deal after all.
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/11/28/mosher-trump-will-win-trade-war-china/
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Yeah, it will work out much better if we demonize China instead. They've been content to buy instead of bomb for everything they want. But they will definitely fight over Taiwan if it comes to that, and most of the world will be behind them. They've improved the standard of living and infrastructure in every country they've had dealings with. They are also a very united and patriotic people who take a long view of circumstances....and there's 1.5 billion of them.
I didn't say that. I'm not Asia-phobic at all and while China is no postcard democracy, I admire how far they got their country (ravaged by the Sino-Japanese War and carved up by Western colonial powers) within 70 years or so. I'm not even a Dalai Lama fanboy: Anybody that decreased the infant death rate and increased the literacy rate in Tibet as much as the Chinese did, can close more than a few temples in my agnostic, deeply anti-esoteric book. Opium for the masses ... There I said it!
I even drive a Chinese car. Has Volvo gotten better since the Chinese bought them from Ford? No two ways about it. This is from someone who has been driving all sorts of Volvos for more than 25 years. My new one is vely state-of-the-alt, gleat cal!!!
(http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2017-Volvo-V90-1071-876x535.jpg)
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I didn't say that. I'm not Asia-phobic at all and while China is no postcard democracy, I admire how far they got their country (ravaged by the Sino-Japanese War and carved up by Western colonial powers) within 70 years or so. I'm not even a Dalai Lama fanboy: Anybody that decreased the infant death rate and increased the literacy rate in Tibet as much as the Chinese did, can close more than a few temples in my agnostic, deeply anti-esoteric book. Opium for the masses ... There I said it!
I even drive a Chinese car. Has Volvo gotten better since the Chinese bought them from Ford? No two ways about it. This is from someone who has been driving all sorts of Volvos for more than 25 years. My new one is vely state-of-the-alt, gleat cal!!!
Jumping to conclusions, counselor. I'm no apologist for the past administration, their position on Russia made no sense, so did most of its other policies, domestic and foreign. I was merely implying that substituting China for them as the new bogeyman makes even less sense. China didn't 'steal' US jobs, the US corporatocracy happily sent them there...the same one that's going to resist mightily any effort by Trump to pursue a trade war that affects their profits.
My comment was mainly aimed at Ari and he rose to the bait...with a link to the current administration's propaganda arm.
Now, can we consign politics to some other forum like the outpost cafe where it doesn't impinge on stuff that provides me a diversion from how screwed up the world is?
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We're just trying to figure out if the new Epiphone basses will still be affordable come Summer. I think they still will be, Mexican basses on the other hand... on second thought I better :-X
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We're just trying to figure out if the new Epiphone basses will still be affordable come Summer. I think they still will be, Mexican basses on the other hand... on second thought I better :-X
I can see the argument affecting MIM Fenders.
But with respect to Epiphone's it may not be as clear. Mightn't that depend on where they are built and shipped from and where they are going to?
Does anyone know whether Epi's bound for the non US parts of the world even go through the US? It would seem strange for the US government to apply punitive tariffs on goods made outside it's borders for sale outside it's borders. But hey, strange days indeed.
Do we know where the new TBirds are going to be built for sure? The discussion seems to be China. Doesn't Epiphone still build stuff in South Korea?
The other uncertainty, of course, is the CITES Dalbergia (Rosewood) issue.
Sadowsky has put info on his website that indicates they won't be shipping basses with Rosewood them for some months at least. There is also a reference to them being unsure as to whether they will be able to meet the requirements to export Rosewood even after they have the master permit.
https://sadowsky.com/a-note-on-the-export-of-instruments-containing-rosewood/ (https://sadowsky.com/a-note-on-the-export-of-instruments-containing-rosewood/)
I have just written to the Australian importer of Gibson brands.
I understand that Epiphone recently announced a number of new models for 2017 at NAMM. This included a Thunderbird Vintage Pro Bass, replacing the current Thunderbird Classic Pro, and an Embassy Pro Bass.
The information provided indicated availability from July 2017.
Are you able to advise when these new lines will be available in Australia?
Are you able to advise whether current uncertainty as to possible US tariff changes associated with production by US companies outside of the US would affect availability and price of these new lines in Australia?
Can you advise where these new lines will be manufactured?
Are you able to advise whether recent (1/1/17) changes to CITES affecting the international trade in Dalbergia (Rosewood) species would affect price and availability of these new lines in Australia?
Thank you for your time.
I will post any reply I may get.
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Since Gibson opened its own plant in China, almost all Epis are made there. I think there are very few exceptions, e.g. the Jack Casady bass is still MIK.
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Since Gibson opened its own plant in China, almost all Epis are made there. I think there are very few exceptions, e.g. the Jack Casady bass is still MIK.
Thanks, mate.
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I ordered a white Bird from Sweetwater today :-*
Hi, I want a black one! I called Sweetwater today and they did not know anything about these t birds. Who did you talk to or do you have an inside line at Sweetwater?
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And I'm still wondering what we are overlooking with that Pro Vintage Thunderbird. They must have f•cked up somewhere?!
It's got the d-bag version jack. Easy fix. Also, no curvy tug bar, but easy fix. Paint it all white and play Mott the Hoople.
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Scroll up, mr. Pilgrim. Summer 2017, 2018 models.
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Scroll up, mr. Pilgrim. Summer 2017, 2018 models.
Mark said he ordered one from Sweetwater, so someone there must know about it even though it's not available yet.
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I got my info, with prices, from a Gibson rep. So there is info. I guess they're producing and it will take some months between producing and shops.
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Maybe Mark will explain how he was able to order one.
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Maybe Mark will explain how he was able to order one.
On TB he said Sweetwater hadn't heard about the new model but took his order anyway.
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That Century ABG looks awesome. Any idea what the street price will be?
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Suggested retail price is set at $1665. But that will not be street price of course.
Beautiful bass indeed.
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Googled and saw that L.A. Music lists the Masterbilt Century De Luxe Bass for ($1,419 CAD) US$1,088.
Last bass I bought new was in 1979 (T40). Maybe it's time. It's the closest I'll get to Uwe's fretless Super 400 bass.
https://www.lamusic.com/collections/epiphone-masterbilt-century/products/etdbvnnh
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0956/3980/products/century_bass_grande.JPG)
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Thank you for the link.
They also advertise the new Embassy at 411 USD!
https://www.lamusic.com/collections/4-string-electric-bass/products/ebemdcnh
And the new Thunderbird at 656 USD!
https://www.lamusic.com/collections/4-string-electric-bass/products/ebtvtsnh
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That's more like it.
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^
Yes it is.
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Any further news on the availability of these?
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I heard they will arrive in June or July.
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Sweetwater says early July. ;D
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Hearsay availability update:
Somebody over at TB posted yesterday that Sweetwater indicated the release date to be September vs July.
Just passing the buck.
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Spoke with my Rep yesterday 6/20 he said still Mid July. He also said there is no Cherry finish, so mine is Alpine White.
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Sooner than later is always good! I'm in for a white one myself.
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Any news on neck width on the Embassy ?
I did see somewhere that people thought they will be setneck.
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American Musical still shows the Embassy as expected July 18th and still shows all three finishes.
They show a pic of the back, no neck screws visible. Those pics could be mockups but I'd guess set neck.
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Any news on neck width on the Embassy ?
I did see somewhere that people thought they will be setneck.
Found out... 1.625" and set neck
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Whoever guessed $600 USD for the T-bird was spot on.
Sweetwater's current listing: $599
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EBTVAWNH?campaigntype=dsa&campaign=aaDSA&adgroup=984185277%3ADSA%2520-%2520Product&keyword=DSA%2520-%2520Product&placement=google&adpos=1o2&creative=175866237996&device=c&matchtype=b&network=g&gclid=CJ6cv-HbhtUCFdCCswodueEKaQ
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Just a head's up. A guy over at TB said Sweetwater called him yesterday and said his Embassy was on the truck.
All of you that ordered should be getting your goodies soon!
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I am starting to think I should sell my Victory to fund one of these birds. Ain't no other way I'm getting one. ... I'd probably miss the Victory tho.
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I am starting to think I should sell my Victory to fund one of these birds. Ain't no other way I'm getting one. ... I'd probably miss the Victory tho.
Don't do it!
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Don't worry, I don't think I could.
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What Dave said!
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OK, OK; tragedy averted. You guys really do care :mrgreen:
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Any of you fellow Outposters have the new Embassy yet? The first reviews are starting to pop up over at Talkbass.
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Selling a Victory is like selling a Peavey T-40, you just don't. Heavy but indestructible and a hidden classic.
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Look, I had a moment of weakness considering it. Don't worry, it has passed.
here's another one I'ma never live down. :o
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You heinous potential Victory alienator!
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Has anyone purchased the Embassy yet?
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The Embassy's are showing up over at TB to rave reviews. Minor things i.e. loose pots easily corrected but overall fit and finish appear to be tip-top and the pickups are all the rage.
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Anyone knows where to get the knobs for the new Embassy? The look just like the vintage ones, and I want to get a set of them.
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Anyone knows where to get the knobs for the new Embassy? The look just like the vintage ones, and I want to get a set of them.
So far, they seem to be impossible to get. I bought a Wilshire reissue guitar just for the knobs. I put reflector knobs on it and resold it for just a hair more than I paid, so I guess I did OK.
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Got a call late this afternoon saying that my Ebony Thunderbird Vintage Pro has arrived and is ready to be picked up. I was shocked, I figured it was another 1-2 months away from arriving.
Going to go and get it on Sunday.
TD
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Whoa, deja vu, dude (I had no idea you were in both places).
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I e-mailed the Dutch Gibson guys but no Tbird and Embassy here yet.
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As of this moment, zZounds appears to have the dark cherry Embassy in stock.
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Sweetwater has them in all colors.
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Sweetwater has them in all colors.
According to their site, they don't. But I haven't called them. Sweetwater is who I usually use, though. I had planned to buy an Embassy, but decided not to a few weeks ago. So I haven't bothered to call anyone.
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Yeah, I forgot they let you buy them before they get them.
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Picked up my Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro today. Here's a few pics of it.
(https://i.imgur.com/moSgT67.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/fh1oa9b.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/8vCn8zd.jpg)
TD
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First impression?
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First impression?
I'm impressed with it's overall fit and finish. Hardware appears to be high quality. Cutaway on the lower bout gives easy access to the 17th fret max, beyond that you may end up hurting yourself if you have to play up there. It weighed in at 9.2 lbs.
Sounds just like you'd expect it to, like a Thunderbird.
They're going to see a lot of these.
TD
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Thank you.
Now I need one too... ;D
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Aww man thats giving me G.A.S.!
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The medium price Epis I've seen recently have all had excellent finishes.
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Looks really good with all that chrome.
BTW how are the tuners? I have a similar looking Wilkinson set on a 1970 Fender P and I don't like them.
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I'm still curious how stable the neck is... we need someone with a sixties bird (or several) to do a comparison of the profiles... and someone willing to do the lateral-knock-test... a bit like crash-test-dummies... camera rolling, in slo-mo... :vader:
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Epi's hard poly finish ought to at least double the neck stability. It's not as bad as Fender's, but let's just say the wood in my Epi LP Standard is somewhat less than solid and it's still a tank.
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They sound better if they headstocks have been reattached anyway ;D
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They should deliver them with fold-back headstocks right from the start.
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They should deliver them with fold-back headstocks right from the start.
Could be another "innovation" from Henry.
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... Supplied complete with pre-snapped neck... great marketing technique... :vader:
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Well, they are finally shipping from Sweetwater today, so mine is about a week or so out right now. Just curious if anyone here has info on a European release schedule.
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Sweetwater sent e a pic......
(https://i.imgur.com/ZStJBDN.jpg)
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Sweetwater sent e a pic......
That's pretty cool. If only they were making a II.
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That's pretty cool. If only they were making a II.
Time will tell! I'd love that, I'll take one each in Pelham Blue and Inverness Green please.
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AMS got their first load, but mine wasn't shipped. And so I wait... :sad:
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I can't see them making a II. Demand seems to be high, they'll run with what's successful.
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Yep. If the flyguitars site is correct, Gibson hasn't made a reverse-body II since 1965. They sold only a few hundred of them fifty years ago. So why would Epiphone expect to sell many IIs today?
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I highly doubt they'll make a T-bird II, at least not in my lifetime. I just wish they would.
Gibson did make a few reverse II's in the early '80s, ask Uwe.
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Early 80s? Wacky! With which pickups? ... 76ers? :o
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Yes, and look no further than this very forum of course. ;D
http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=4850.0 (http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=4850.0)
(http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4850.0;attach=1135;image)
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Yes, and look no further than this very forum of course. ;D
http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=4850.0 (http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=4850.0)
(http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4850.0;attach=1135;image)
That bass make me SO SPROINKY!
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That new Epi looks terrific!
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That bass make me SO SPROINKY!
Must be the chrome, right?
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Must be the chrome, right?
The single pick up too, Thunderbird II's are the SEX BOMB!
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I'm a sucker for neck pickups only too.
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I'm a sucker for neck pickups only too.
Rob's got a good one in the works.
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I'm a sucker for neck pickups only too.
Like a good P bass. ;)
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Or an EB-0. 8)
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Or an RD I know... :vader:
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The release of the Epiphone Vintage Pro Thunderbird has been postponed in Europe. New release date is 2 - 5 february 2018...
Maybe they can't handle the demand?
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The release of the Epiphone Vintage Pro Thunderbird has been postponed in Europe. New release date is 2 - 5 february 2018...
This is why the UK voted for Brexit. We all get our Thunderbirds next week. LOL. :sad:
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I'm a sucker for neck pickups only too.
What neck pickup?
...Oh Alanko beat me to the punch on that one. ...Wait, I'm not actually sure what he was going for there.
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This is why the UK voted for Brexit. We all get our Thunderbirds next week. LOL. :sad:
I don't think so Alan. I found it on a british site (www.gear4music.com)
https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Epiphone-Thunderbird-Vintage-Pro-Electric-Bass-Alpine-White/1X0O
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The release of the Epiphone Vintage Pro Thunderbird has been postponed in Europe. New release date is 2 - 5 february 2018...
Maybe they can't handle the demand?
They keep postponing it here in the US as well. A few have trickled out, but everything else says "Expected Soon" or has a date sometime in late December. Sunburst appears to be lagging behind the others. I know for a fact that my vendor got a small shipment in (could have been only one), and somehow it didn't show up at my door. When I called to inquire about the VP initially, they weren't even aware of it. Maybe an employee snaked it before the order got filled, who knows?
This stuff is par for the course with Epiphone, though. A couple of years back, I ordered a Epi LP Traditional Pro in limited run Desert Burst with a flame maple top. Original due date was in Nov of that year, but it didn't show up until January of the new year. Talk about a slow boat from China...
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...Wait, I'm not actually sure what he was going for there.
Just mildly stirring the pot by suggesting a TB-II might be on par with a good P bass. :mrgreen:
I don't think so Alan. I found it on a british site
Nah I didn't think so either, but it is the sort of vacuous noise you hear from the pro-Brexit crowd all the time. Spitfires will once again climb high into the sky over Kent and The Special Relationship will mean we get first bite at US-made/shipped goods before the rest of the EU. Again, LOL!
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For those who didn't see it on FB, some vaguely familiar looking guy ;) uploaded this video.
https://youtu.be/FdYFdkVp0iI
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Well that seals it for me. If it's got the Scott seal of approval then it's the real deal. So not good because it's amped up the gas.
Alanko, I see. Then my point stands; neither a TB II,nor a P have a neck pickup.
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Great mini-review. I know what my next bass will be now.
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Now I'm pissed off that I bought the Classic-IV PRO.
>:(
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Ha, before the vintage pro came out, the Classic pro was touted as the best bird deal going with it's American made electronics everyone raved about before they apparently instantly turned in to complete garbage once the China buckers replaced them. At least you can make up for it now by holding out until Epiphone starts making vintage pros with even cooler custom finishes like Inverness green, frost blue, heather mist and so on.
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Funny. I'm sure someday the Classic IV will (again?) be regarded as highly desirable among the cognoscenti...
I'm old enough to remember people talking about how "bad" the Fender instruments of the era were (late 70s). Now a beat-up 1979 P goes for $2k on reverb while a brand-new American Standard P is little more than half that. And it's not like seventies Fenders are rare. They just got old, and thus "vintage", and thus better. Wonder if that will apply to current Epiphone models someday.
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... until Epiphone starts making vintage pros with even cooler custom finishes like Inverness green, frost blue, heather mist and so on.
Inverness Green... :mrgreen:
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Inverness Green... :mrgreen:
+1.
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Funny. I'm sure someday the Classic IV will (again?) be regarded as highly desirable among the cognoscenti...
I'm old enough to remember people talking about how "bad" the Fender instruments of the era were (late 70s). Now a beat-up 1979 P goes for $2k on reverb while a brand-new American Standard P is little more than half that. And it's not like seventies Fenders are rare. They just got old, and thus "vintage", and thus better. Wonder if that will apply to current Epiphone models someday.
We're probably at least half a century away from any Chinese guitars being considered "vintage" valuable in that sense. American guitars and basses still have a cachet that isn't matched by other American-made goods.
You have to like these for what they are now. From the demos I've heard, they're a lot of bass for the money.
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I think they will be up there with the JCS.
The demand must already be overwhelming, since they've postponed the release twice...
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I still feel that the Thunderbird's "niche" status does not warrant the coexistence of both the VP and the CIVP at virtually the same price point. Unlike iterations of SGs, Les Pauls and P or J basses, the VP is not simply a repurposing of the existing Thunderbird husk with upgraded hardware. It is, in fact, the "faithful" execution of the vintage TBird format and dimensions - headstock, cutaway and all - that a lot of us have been clamoring for - and we are the niche dwellers, after all. However, the Classic IVs that are already in the pipeline will need to be disseminated before going full tilt with production/distribution of the new model, IMHO. There has been no price drop on the CIVP as yet (that I've noticed) to send it the way of the dodo, so I would think that the flow of VPs will remain a trickle until all the holiday "need it now" gift shoppers have been cleared out by selling them the CVIP.
This is not to disparage the Classic IV Pro. It is an excellent instrument - mine will likely remain a "go to" for gigging even after my VP (finally) arrives.
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Mine showed yesterday, got a little time in with it last night, pretty nice bass!
(https://i.imgur.com/CPYCq3d.jpg)
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Nice! I guess the case is an extra?
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Nice! I guess the case is an extra?
;D
Yes Chris, I' didn't order a case as I have quite a few, that's a spare Gibson Blackbird case.
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;D
Yes Chris, I' didn't order a case as I have quite a few, that's a spare Gibson Blackbird case.
It fit? I read somewhere that the VP was too long for the case that holds the "small" headstock basses. I know the Epi part number is different for the VP case.
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It fit? I read somewhere that the VP was too long for the case that holds the "small" headstock basses. I know the Epi part number is different for the VP case.
No problem with it fitting that case, there's a little less distance between the tip of the head stock and the body is pretty snug in the cutout (which I think is a good thing).
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I use a Blackbird case for my Bicentennial. It works really well and has the same snug body fit.
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Man. I really do not need another bass but ... that white one...
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I know right! /giddy teen
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Since when did need have anything to do with it?
(http://i.imgur.com/qXGQZKJ.gif) (https://imgur.com/qXGQZKJ)
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The Dutch Gibson Showroom has the Embassy available. I'll check one this week for the magazine.