The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: aluminumcatfish on January 09, 2009, 07:44:41 AM

Title: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: aluminumcatfish on January 09, 2009, 07:44:41 AM
http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Epiphone/Thunderbird-Pro-V.aspx

This seems interesting.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 09, 2009, 08:01:41 AM
Oh, wow, looks like the Zebra GoW Bird and the deleted 5 string studio TBird all rolled into one! And with a price that makes it upmarket among Epis plus a natural fin where you can be sure for once that they are not cheating on you with the neck-thru claim! Probably still guilty from the Elitist experience.  :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Needless to say, I'll get one for ze kölleckshün. Not an instrument for TBird purists with its largely maple neck, but a sensible stab of accomodating a classic look to currently prevalent player tastes and desires. Commendable effort me thinks.

Uwe

PS: First person to complain about black hardware kommt vor das Erschießungskommando!

PPS: The 4 stringer: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Epiphone/Thunderbird-Pro-IV.aspx

PPPS: Three - not so bad - finishes available: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Epiphone/Thunderbird-Pro-IV/Finishes.aspx
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 09, 2009, 08:06:50 AM
 I am going to buy one, even with the black hardware, i can always swap it out later ;)  I don't have a 5ver so it will be a practical addition to the collection.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 08:10:17 AM
I'm diggin' the IV version in Trans Black. No complaints about the hardware, but I could do without the active electronics. ...and of course, the small headstock and girlie tuners ;)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 09, 2009, 08:11:22 AM
 OOOOOOOOOOO looky they have a IV also ! http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Epiphone/Thunderbird-Pro-IV.aspx
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Chris P. on January 09, 2009, 08:27:26 AM
Now there is any bass news, the site seems to be down....
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 08:46:49 AM
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/lowend1/EBTPVSBH-Finish-Shot.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/lowend1/EBTPTBBH-Finish-Shot.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/lowend1/EBTPNOBH-Finish-Shot.jpg)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Dave W on January 09, 2009, 09:22:54 AM
Nice looking. Probably MIC, still, not a bad MSRP for what you're getting. I predict success.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 09, 2009, 09:42:04 AM
man i really like the sunburst !
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 09, 2009, 09:47:54 AM
I'll go for the "nat oil" look I think (though the other two are nice), has something Ric'ish to it in combination with that multi-ply and -wood neck. Those are pretty thick strips of walnut too, should give the bright maple neck quite some middish tone color.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 10:20:43 AM
They ditched the three-point...
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 09, 2009, 10:40:58 AM
 A smart looking bass all around, the more i look the more i like it. the trans black and sunburst seem to have a bit of sheen I am thinking the did a light sanding sealer type finish or something like the Fender highway one finish. with a light finish i bet these basses are going to sound real nice, full and warm. I played a Ric C64 the stripped Wings version and you would not believe the difference in sound and fell compared to the fireglow C64. A lot let  snap and brightness.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 09, 2009, 10:52:44 AM
Just reading Epi's description the natural is finished in oil
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 09, 2009, 11:01:05 AM
Quote
with a light finish i bet these basses are going to sound real nice, full and warm.


Looks nice, like a semi boutique bass with a real bridge.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: exiledarchangel on January 09, 2009, 11:29:31 AM
I agree with Uwe, naturals are cool looking, modern and classic togeather. That's the only fiver I could buy and play. Are those 35"?
Black hardware is a nice match for that "blondie" too!
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 11:39:29 AM
Needs a Model One though... ;D
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Nocturnal on January 09, 2009, 05:02:23 PM
They all look nice to me!  :mrgreen:  Not a bad price point on those either. I may have to get one of these.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 05:35:55 PM
PS: First person to complain about black hardware kommt vor das Erschießungskommando!

Ummmm...
"goes before the firing squad", sehr gut,ja?
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: rockinrayduke on January 09, 2009, 06:14:38 PM
Hey now. I like these. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Blazer on January 09, 2009, 07:55:08 PM
Hey now. I like these. :mrgreen:

So do I, I'll have the natural one.  ;D

But no so much because it reminds me of a Rickenbacker. If anything it reminds me more of one of THESE.
(http://www.edromanguitars.com/avail/guitar/bcrich/avail_bcr122719.JPG)
I couldn't find a picture of the bass version in mahogany.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 09, 2009, 08:58:51 PM
Like-a dis?
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/lowend1/BCRichMockingbird.jpg)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Chris P. on January 10, 2009, 02:46:25 AM
Yeah, that T-bird needs a double split pick up :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 10, 2009, 05:27:39 AM
These are so tempting - they have success written all over them at that price. You want to collect them all.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Fenderbird/n_tbirdprointro2783.jpg)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: drbassman on January 10, 2009, 05:56:44 AM
me too, I want a natural 4 stringer.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 10, 2009, 06:25:57 AM
Not that there is anything wrong with the previous bolt on Epi birds, but this one not only "nails it" what makes a Tbird a t bird, but adds the updated boutique look that Gibson only dabbled with on the Zebra bird, which is something they should have done about 10 years ago!

Chrome these babies and you will be in Tbird heaven.

 Really I find the black look very nice with the natural look. The 5 string is really cool, if it's as good as the studio version was, too bad it only comes in one finish.

Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: godofthunder on January 10, 2009, 08:22:51 AM
Dave mentioned they are most likley MIC......................... and ya know what at this point i don't care ! I am betting these spank the Gibson Tbird  for the cost.  Like a lot of guys here I love my USA vintage stuff but lets be honest here, the guitars coming out of China are in many cases far superior to our treasured vintage basses. I am really looking forward to seeing these basses.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: aluminumcatfish on January 10, 2009, 09:22:53 AM
Now I can afford a neck-thru Tbird!
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 10, 2009, 09:53:35 AM
They should ell for $400-$600 used at the high end. Lurking......
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Chris P. on January 10, 2009, 09:57:53 AM
Now I can afford a neck-thru Tbird!

These are set.

I have problems with accessing the Gibson site. Can someone post the specs?
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: rockinrayduke on January 10, 2009, 10:52:38 AM
Set neck is fine with me. Obviously the successful sales of the bolt-on have precipitated these new models. I'm glad and hope these sell just as well. :toast: :toast: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Chris P. on January 10, 2009, 11:18:46 AM
I'm confused. The Epi site says it has a thru neck!?!
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: aluminumcatfish on January 10, 2009, 12:03:45 PM
         
 " Epiphone introduces the new professional series Thunderbird PROs, available in both 4 and 5 string versions. The original rock and roll bass with the distinctive shape combines traditional design elements with new technology - all for a price any bassist can afford. The Epiphone Thunderbird PRO features a seven-piece (Walnut/Maple/Walnut/Maple/Walnut/Maple/Walnut) neck with through-body construction for amazing sustain and tone. It also features Epiphone's new T-Pro™ bass humbucking pickups with custom active electronics and EQ."
 
$999
MSRP
Set neck or Thru neck... I want one.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Dave W on January 10, 2009, 12:16:29 PM
MSRP is $832 on the 4-string.

Chris, where did you see that these were set neck? I see no reason to doubt they're neck through.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: rockinrayduke on January 10, 2009, 03:30:41 PM
For a thru-neck that is a terrific price. Epi China is doing a great job over there.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Chris P. on January 11, 2009, 03:23:52 AM
Dave! Thanks for sending me the PDF. Great service! I guess that was a 'thank you' for me putting you in my Gibson ABC? ;)

I thought someone said set neck above..
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 12, 2009, 10:21:36 AM
The bridge is the tried and trusted one (basically a rip-off of the ABM bridge featured on the deleted Gibson Money and Studio basses) known from the comparatively recent Epi GRipp3r Ltd Ed which was, alas!, severely esthetically hampered via its chrome look.  :-\ Seeing the errors of their ways, Epi are now making the bridge available in fetching black to the general public.  :rimshot: :rimshot: :rimshot: :toast:
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: TBird1958 on January 12, 2009, 05:05:17 PM

 You need help!

 :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Freuds_Cat on January 12, 2009, 05:59:29 PM
/me chuckles  ;D
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Lightyear on January 12, 2009, 09:49:10 PM
The bridge is the tried and trusted one (basically a rip-off of the ABM bridge featured on the deleted Gibson Money and Studio basses) known from the comparatively recent Epi GRipp3r Ltd Ed which was, alas!, severely esthetically hampered via its chrome look.  :-\ Seeing the errors of their ways, Epi are now making the bridge available in fetching black to the general public.  :rimshot: :rimshot: :rimshot: :toast:

Says the Overlord of Black Plastic - who must of lost his arse in Chromium futures at some point in time ;)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: SKATE RAT on January 12, 2009, 10:00:07 PM
Uwe,are you "Goth" ?
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: lowend1 on January 12, 2009, 10:17:46 PM
Uwe,are you "Goth" ?

Nah. He's just been at the Asbach Uralt again...
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: n!k on January 12, 2009, 11:36:35 PM
I like the looks but I'm not very pleased about this maple thing. Still for the price it'll get more T-birds out there. And aren't we all sick of sitting through band after band of P-basses?  :P
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 13, 2009, 04:40:04 AM
Uwe,are you "Goth" ?

I like Tim Burton movies, Black Sabbath, the whole vampire lore and find Marilyn Manson entertaining, but Goth culture is something for 14-20 year olds. But I don't actually like black basses that much, it makes all surfaces samey, it is just black hardware and pups that I don't mind. And I do prefer seeing a woman dressed (or largely undressed) in black as opposed to silver or gold!

Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 13, 2009, 04:52:14 AM
Says the Overlord of Black Plastic - who must of lost his arse in Chromium futures at some point in time ;)

Darn, I knew Lehman were holding something back all the time!
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 13, 2009, 05:02:15 AM
I always considered chrome a gaudy "American" thing, right up their with fast food & fake walnut plastic wood/contact paper.


Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: PWV on January 13, 2009, 09:18:58 AM
I right up their with fast food & fake walnut plastic wood/contact paper.


OK, I'm with you on the fake walnut plastic wood/contact paper.  But my Patriotric blood begins to boil if you're even insinuating that my cheeseburger is in danger.  You will only take that bovine ambrosia away "from my cold, dead hands."  (Actually, that's probably what will kill me! )   :mrgreen:

(http://www.ebsqart.com/Art/1290/38159.jpg)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: uwe on January 13, 2009, 09:43:17 AM
I think you guys are just caught in a time warp with your compulsive-obsessive chrome fantasies, it's all very fifties/early sixties to me, sharkfin Buicks and ice cream parlors, commie threat, girls with either beehives or pony tails and they are all called Mary Lou. Reminds me of that Film "Pleasantville" a few years back (great film btw).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAiyrees0uM


Rather cute and touchingly demented you are in other words! As long as general lack of chrome is the one great concern in your life, I'm happy for you.  :-*
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Barklessdog on January 13, 2009, 10:58:17 AM
There was a guy that lived near me as a kid that had a Lake Placid blue 59 Caddy. I loved chrome ever since.

The whole black out the chrome thing happened with the first Knight Rider & the first Trans Am. Also the Ford Taurus in the first Robo Cop. Chrome died during the 80's - 90's
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: EvilLordJuju on January 13, 2009, 01:53:41 PM
I always considered chrome a gaudy "American" thing

To me chrome has no borders (except time perhaps). Lambrettas SX, Vespa GS, Volkswagen Beetle, Austin mini and Citroen DS. I'm sure the Europeans on the board know what i'm talking about.

Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Dave W on January 13, 2009, 06:30:00 PM
To me chrome has no borders (except time perhaps). Lambrettas SX, Vespa GS, Volkswagen Beetle, Austin mini and Citroen DS. I'm sure the Europeans on the board know what i'm talking about.



I agree. Car chrome is definitely not just an American thing.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Freuds_Cat on January 13, 2009, 07:18:27 PM
+1 with the Chrome for me.

Guilty as charged  :sad:

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t253/Freuds_cat/Jazz/72jazz695.jpg)
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: Lightyear on January 13, 2009, 09:00:29 PM
OK, I'm with you on the fake walnut plastic wood/contact paper.  But my Patriotric blood begins to boil if you're even insinuating that my cheeseburger is in danger.  You will only take that bovine ambrosia away "from my cold, dead hands."  (Actually, that's probably what will kill me! )   :mrgreen:

(http://www.ebsqart.com/Art/1290/38159.jpg)

I'm sorry - Cheeseburgers SUCK!  That is until you have added BACON!! ;D ;D  That that makes a worthy burger :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ( Sincere apolgies to our veggy centered brethren ;))  You have both food groups in one dish - Beef & Pork :P :P
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: SKATE RAT on January 14, 2009, 12:55:11 AM
throw a fried egg on there too.
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: SKATE RAT on January 14, 2009, 12:56:03 AM
i like chrome but old rusty chrome :-*
Title: Re: Epi Thunderbird Pro
Post by: ramone57 on January 14, 2009, 05:32:37 AM
I couldn't stop myself from doing this
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/rsteiner/blackchromegd9.jpg)