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Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: gearHed289 on March 26, 2024, 08:18:08 AM

Title: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on March 26, 2024, 08:18:08 AM
Well I finally cracked. I'm not even a huge fan of playing Thunderbirds, but here we are.  ;D I bought a used Vintage Pro in white with an Epi case. With tax and shipping, it was less than the new 64 version. I'm supposed to be downsizing, and not buying anymore basses just because they're "cool", but you know how that goes... 4 more years and I'm going to be selling off a lot of stuff. That's the plan anyway.

Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: lowend1 on March 26, 2024, 09:18:16 AM
You won't regret it. You won't lose money on it, either, if things keep going the way they are. The VP, IMHO, has a couple of advantages over the '64, depending on when the VP was made. The earliest ones (2017?) have the large plate Wilkinson tuners, while the 64 has unbranded ones with the small plate. I prefer the rosewood board on the VP as well, over the Indian Laurel they use now. In any case, enjoy - they're great basses.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on March 27, 2024, 09:19:32 AM
Thanks, I figured I could explain this one as somewhat of an investment, particularly in white. It does have Wilkinson tuners. The case kind of sealed the deal for me.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on March 27, 2024, 12:24:34 PM
 It's a good sturdy bass, I used mine for most of our shows last year and really liked it -  The only change I made to it was to replace the pickups with the Gibson re-issues, they have a bit deeper voice and lo-mid mid presence, the Epi 760s are nice and it's my intent to leave them in the new Ember Red '64.


 I like Betty's butt and i cannot lie! 

(https://i.imgur.com/LLMH8lo.jpg)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: lowend1 on March 27, 2024, 03:09:12 PM
Thanks, I figured I could explain this one as somewhat of an investment, particularly in white. It does have Wilkinson tuners. The case kind of sealed the deal for me.

Yeah, white was the move for me too, with both the VP and CP. All that gawking at Jackie Fox in the Runaways...
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: Highlander on March 28, 2024, 01:09:14 PM
Mine's black... like my soul... :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on March 29, 2024, 09:49:56 AM
Set to land Tuesday. Now I need to order a "Gibson" TRC and some black reflector knobs.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on March 29, 2024, 05:18:34 PM
You're not serious about the TRC, are you?

(https://preview.redd.it/vi4ldytkeajy.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=7f850973d105038ca9090a4398912d142c9424ea)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on April 01, 2024, 07:26:59 AM
Sure, why not? I put one on my former Bachbird as well.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: lowend1 on April 01, 2024, 09:21:20 AM
Set to land Tuesday. Now I need to order a "Gibson" TRC and some black reflector knobs.

Upbadging?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_PmQOKXS0
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 01, 2024, 01:51:51 PM
Sure, why not? I put one on my former Bachbird as well.

It would never occur to me to make one brand appear to be another brand. An Epi is an Epi and can be a fine bass in its own right, some Epis are better than their Gibson counterparts (the Epi Explorers vs the 80ies Gibson Explorers come to mind). But why create the illusion it is something else?

That is what non-venomous Scarlet Kingsnakes fearing for their life do when they dress up as poisonous Eastern Coral Snakes, but you're not a threatened species, Tom!  :-*

(https://wildlifesos.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Kingsnake-vs-coral-snake.jpg)

It's perfectly ok in my book to modify/improve an Epi to a point where you can show off with it and have people say: "This must be the best-sounding Epi bass I've ever heard!" I've done that myself (with an Epi Explorer receiving a spalted maple top, new bridge, tuners, electronics and pups) to then reply: "Well, it sure cost me enough to get it there!" ;D But of course the original Epi trc stayed on. Content over appearance.

It is - shudder the thought! - tantamount to sticking a perfectly fine vinyl copy of Deep Purple's Machine Head into a Led Zeppelin IV album sleeve! Who would do such a heinous thing?  ;)


(https://i.discogs.com/CTYYJJGd23_zPT4AVwxXinTmllqYm7eTREF4X3CnPec/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:596/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTM5NDM4/Ni0xNDEyNzk0Nzcx/LTcyOTUuanBlZw.jpeg) (https://i.discogs.com/yFq3X0xZMxIVHIFgmbrsPvJHXLJCfVLWs60AL4XS4bs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:598/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwMTU0/NjUtMTM2NjMxMTg2/Ny0yNzg1LmpwZWc.jpeg)(https://i.discogs.com/CTYYJJGd23_zPT4AVwxXinTmllqYm7eTREF4X3CnPec/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:600/w:596/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTM5NDM4/Ni0xNDEyNzk0Nzcx/LTcyOTUuanBlZw.jpeg)(https://i.discogs.com/yFq3X0xZMxIVHIFgmbrsPvJHXLJCfVLWs60AL4XS4bs/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:598/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTEwMTU0/NjUtMTM2NjMxMTg2/Ny0yNzg1LmpwZWc.jpeg)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 01, 2024, 02:57:00 PM


 All Roads lead to Deep Purple!

 I played my Epi at rehearsal on Saturday, the newer Gibson pickups once again are really nice!
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 01, 2024, 03:31:55 PM

 All roads lead to Deep Purple!



(https://cdn3.whatculture.com/images/2016/02/tQfY0RJm.gif)
'Tis always been this way, man cub, the
laws of my jungle kingdom do decree ...
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: Ken on April 01, 2024, 03:48:37 PM
That's quite a gesture.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 01, 2024, 06:26:49 PM
When Christopher Walken went mobster ape like no one else can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVKVzcc9Zno
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 02, 2024, 04:35:54 PM

 Hhhhmmmmm............I collect for fins.

https://www.zzounds.com/item--EPIEITB6BBSNH3?siid=348489


https://www.zzounds.com/item--EPIEITB6PRSNH3    This one leads to Deep Purple!
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 02, 2024, 07:34:46 PM
I actually like the blue sparkle better, the purple one is a bit "pimpy".
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on April 03, 2024, 07:33:32 AM
OK, OK, I'll leave the Epi TRC for now. I'm familiar with the Ric Police, but not the Epi Police.  ;) It's mostly obscured by strings anyway.

So this bass... It's made a T-bird lover out of me. It hangs on my body unlike any other 'bird I've played (which is admittedly few). Very much like my Alembic or former Epi Explorer. No real neck dive to speak of. And it's light. I haven't plugged it in yet, but soon enough. I'll probably bring it to Who's Who rehearsal on Sunday. Love the neck. The guy put TI Jazz flats on it. Those will go to another bass to make room for my usual DR Hi Beams.

Anybody wanna buy a Peavey 6 string bass?  ;D Gotta make room and appease the wife. https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade (https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 03, 2024, 07:42:57 AM
I actually like the blue sparkle better, the purple one is a bit "pimpy".
 


 Pimpy? 

(https://i.imgur.com/kKdZ2c6.jpg)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 03, 2024, 07:44:51 AM
OK, OK, I'll leave the Epi TRC for now. I'm familiar with the Ric Police, but not the Epi Police.  ;) It's mostly obscured by strings anyway.

So this bass... It's made a T-bird lover out of me. It hangs on my body unlike any other 'bird I've played (which is admittedly few). Very much like my Alembic or former Epi Explorer. No real neck dive to speak of. And it's light. I haven't plugged it in yet, but soon enough. I'll probably bring it to Who's Who rehearsal on Sunday. Love the neck. The guy put TI Jazz flats on it. Those will go to another bass to make room for my usual DR Hi Beams.

Anybody wanna buy a Peavey 6 string bass?  ;D Gotta make room and appease the wife. https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade (https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade)



 The pickups are bright, I'm going to some SIT Power Steels on mine, they have more bass, lo-mid and mid presence. 




Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 03, 2024, 02:40:16 PM
 


 Pimpy? 

(https://i.imgur.com/kKdZ2c6.jpg)

Yours isn't, the Epi was. Yours has a purdy tone, the Epi looks trailer park.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 03, 2024, 02:42:53 PM
"OK, OK, I'll leave the Epi TRC for now."

(https://i.makeagif.com/media/12-12-2015/IGBZC_.gif)
Vee belief ze surveilled objekt to coöperate from now on.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: godofthunder on April 04, 2024, 08:51:28 AM
  Bling! 8)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 04, 2024, 08:52:48 AM
Yours isn't, the Epi was. Yours has a purdy tone, the Epi looks trailer park.
 


 Well, I'm not above bustin' out some Cheeta print, I can be a trailer park kinda girl!  :-*
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: ilan on April 04, 2024, 10:45:24 AM
I actually like the blue sparkle better, the purple one is a bit "pimpy".

The blue sparkle is rad.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: Ken on April 04, 2024, 10:57:24 AM
They need to start doing some of the Dusty Hill fur coatings.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: wellREDman on April 04, 2024, 11:20:42 AM
When Christopher Walken went mobster ape like no one else can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVKVzcc9Zno

in my line of work I have to watch an awful lot of kids movies, of which Jungle book is a definite sigh of relief when they choose that. and the best bit is definitely Walken channelling colonel Kurtz
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: exiledarchangel on April 04, 2024, 12:01:31 PM
Anybody wanna buy a Peavey 6 string bass?  ;D Gotta make room and appease the wife. https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade (https://reverb.com/item/81110366-peavey-tl-six-6-string-bass-bartolini-upgrade)

Wow, I didn't knew you play the harp... :D
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 04, 2024, 06:06:40 PM
You have no idea what lengths and extremes these Proggies will go to ...
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 04, 2024, 09:05:54 PM
You have no idea what lengths and extremes these Proggies will go to ...
 

 Proggies...As if!
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 05, 2024, 07:15:15 AM
You own a six-string Peavey bass too?  :o In your Clark Kent mode when you chiefly listen to Weather Report and Steely Dan?
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on April 05, 2024, 10:41:42 AM
Wow, I didn't knew you play the harp... :D

 ;D ;D I bought it in 2019 as a backup for my 5 string when I started playing in a Peter Gabriel tribute band. I was super impressed with it and ended up using it as my main bass for several gigs. The high C was nice for some of the Stick parts, but not really required. I have since moved over to a Who tribute, so it's time to say so long.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on April 08, 2024, 10:32:59 AM
Brought the 'bird to rehearsal yesterday, and it performed nicely. The pickups have a strong output and seem to have more low end than TB+. I thought they looked like they were positioned differently than an actual vintage 'bird, so I decided to take some measurements and compare to George's old non-rev pickup spacing photo from way back (I based my Fenderbird pickup spacing on that). The neck pickup is 1/4'' closer to the bridge, and the bridge pickup is 5/8'' closer to the bridge.

For the Who tribute, I still like my Alembic and P Bass best, but this guy will make some appearances here and there.

I really need to plug into one of these some day.  ;D

Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 08, 2024, 01:06:23 PM
Everyone: That Epi trc is still there, I checked.

(https://i.gifer.com/BBcy.gif)

The Epis have more bass and seem fuzzier, the Gibbies sound leaner and more focused, I've heard that before:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qywXvZWmYio

Played side by side in the living room, you might like the Epi more, but in a a recording studio the engineer will tell you to use the Gibson I think.



Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: TBird1958 on April 08, 2024, 02:17:07 PM


 Headstock onlay on mine got a little color over the weekend.

(https://i.imgur.com/ATFNKsD.jpg)
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: morrow on April 08, 2024, 04:27:34 PM
That looks much better.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: Stjofön Big on April 09, 2024, 02:28:17 AM
That's one cool mother! Nice with the framework on the head.
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: gearHed289 on April 09, 2024, 09:22:35 AM
I didn't realize they didn't do the black on the 64s. Looks much better!
Title: Re: Incoming Vintage Pro Epi 'bird
Post by: uwe on April 09, 2024, 10:02:08 AM
Collecting for headstock fins is another matter!  :mrgreen: