The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: godofthunder on September 18, 2013, 02:40:35 PM

Title: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 18, 2013, 02:40:35 PM
  All I can say it WOW. What a nice bass! I tried one at the local GC (I rarely get there these days) Beautifully made, nice and light, excellent fretwork and not a flaw in the finish. Mark is correct in the upper register access being being just a bit better than it's USA made counterpart. They had both the white and the tobacco burst. The TB finish clearly shows 9 ply not seven as described in Epiphone's specs. Looks like I can get one from Musicians Friend for $429.00 delivered during their fall sale.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: FrankieTbird on September 18, 2013, 03:27:31 PM

That's a great deal.  I picked up a white one back in March for $360, but it was a blem.  It has a little finish cracking on the back of the neck near the nut, like it took a light hit.  I'm surprised it's not worse than that after seeing the way it was packed for shipping.  I got it without a case, and the factory packaging leaves a lot to be desired.  It's a great bass, I plan on changing pickups and swapping for chrome hardware, just haven't got around to it yet.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Highlander on September 18, 2013, 04:16:34 PM
How do they sound in comparison to the veterans...?
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 18, 2013, 04:27:16 PM


I think that bass is an incredible value, I'm quietly hoping they'll offer some other colors/hardware  ;)

Tonewise it's like a current Gibson of course 
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Nocturnal on September 18, 2013, 07:04:22 PM
I recently tried a white and sunburst at GC. They both played nice but the burst felt a little better. I didn't plug either one in tho cause I didn't feel like dealing with a sales guy.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: fur85 on September 18, 2013, 09:03:53 PM
Quote from: godofthunder on September 18, 2013, 02:40:35 PM
Looks like I can get one from Musicians Friend for $429.00 delivered during their fall sale.

Any tips on how to get that price? Looks like $499 on MF.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: the mojo hobo on September 19, 2013, 07:51:24 AM
MF is currently offering $75.00 off orders of $399 or more.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 19, 2013, 08:12:09 AM
This place is a bad influence...looks like I will be going to GC at lunch to see if I can try one.   8)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM
Where are these ones made? Sorry, I ask that every time something cool looking from Epi comes up, but I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar.  :-\
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: nofi on September 19, 2013, 09:26:44 AM
that's funny. i will not buy usa because i feel the extra money to get one is not worth it.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 19, 2013, 12:46:11 PM
  Sigh................... no self control whatsoever. I'll take one Alpine White Thunderbird Classic IV Pro please. Should be here 4-6 days  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 19, 2013, 01:31:53 PM
I went to GC at lunch.  No Epi Classic Pro there, but there was an Epi Classic in white.  It was pretty nice, but still not like my Embassy.  They also had an Epi Thunderbird for $199, but I didn't play it.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: FrankieTbird on September 19, 2013, 02:56:44 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM
Where are these ones made? Sorry, I ask that every time something cool looking from Epi comes up, but I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar.  :-\


Mine was made in Indonesia.  Is that any better than China?  Build quality & finish look pretty good to me.  Of course it does have the thick poly finish.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: neepheid on September 19, 2013, 04:37:54 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM
I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar.  :-\

I may regret asking this but ... why?
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 19, 2013, 05:39:08 PM
 A few years back I bought a Epi limited edition bolt on Thunderbird in white with chrome hardware. The bass felt cheap and the finish was quite thick. The finish on the Classic Pro seems much thinner and well applied. The bass does not feel cheap at all.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: fur85 on September 19, 2013, 05:41:15 PM
"MF is currently offering $75.00 off orders of $399 or more."

Epiphone is on the very long list of manufacturers choosing not to participate. I put one in the cart and applied the code and got this.

"This discount doesn't apply to items in your cart. Click "Chat Now" or call us at 800-449-9128 for assistance."

Will MF give you the discount if you call them? I haven't decided about buying one yet but would like to know if the offer would apply
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 19, 2013, 05:43:04 PM
 I called ordered mine got the discount and 18 months to pay  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: dadagoboi on September 19, 2013, 05:54:28 PM
Did you get $75 off?
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 19, 2013, 05:58:58 PM
Yep 75 bucks off  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Dave W on September 19, 2013, 06:02:31 PM
I'm sure there are some Chinese factories putting out excellent product. My problem with buying one is that almost all of them are built to the cheapest price point possible using inferior hardware and electronics. No doubt there are exceptions.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Dave W on September 19, 2013, 06:10:15 PM
Quote from: fur85 on September 19, 2013, 05:41:15 PM
"MF is currently offering $75.00 off orders of $399 or more."

Epiphone is on the very long list of manufacturers choosing not to participate. I put one in the cart and applied the code and got this.

"This discount doesn't apply to items in your cart. Click "Chat Now" or call us at 800-449-9128 for assistance."

Will MF give you the discount if you call them? I haven't decided about buying one yet but would like to know if the offer would apply

They will almost always give you the discount if you call and ask for it. Likewise with Fender and some others. They just can't do it on the website.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: lowend1 on September 19, 2013, 06:39:21 PM
Quote from: godofthunder on September 19, 2013, 05:39:08 PM
A few years back I bought a Epi limited edition bolt on Thunderbird in white with chrome hardware. The bass felt cheap and the finish was quite thick. The finish on the Classic Pro seems much thinner and well applied. The bass does not feel cheap at all.

I've played a few of the Classic IV Pros. They felt nice enough to entertain thoughts of buying, but none were drop dead awesome out of the box. I'm holding off in hopes that they will either offer more colors or re-formulate the sunburst. Too orangey. I would like to see them do it in trans cherry.
Scott, I have one of the Epi CS/LE white/chrome Thunderbirds, and while there were obviously compromises made to hit the price point, it's still a pretty ballsy sounding bass (I know some people here hate the chrome "Midbuckers" that they used). It rivals my '68 EB-0 and Dan Armstrong for sheer volume.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on September 20, 2013, 04:49:41 AM
The Pros reputedly have original Gibson TB Plus pups, but mine doesn't have the presence sparkle a new off-the-rack Gibbie TB would have. It's a mellower sound overall, but not bad in any way. And the upper register access isn't just a little bit but enormously better thanks to the slightly offset body wings. You can play high register stuff on this bass like you can on a P Bass or a Ric - something no other Rev TBird offers.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Denis on September 20, 2013, 06:02:50 AM
I think they are made in Indonesia. When I went to Sam Ash to see the G-3 I would shortly end up with I tried one of the Epi Pros and was tremendously impressed. It felt good, sounded great, was finished very well, etc. I thought it was well worth the money!
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 20, 2013, 08:42:34 AM
Quote from: neepheid on September 19, 2013, 04:37:54 PM
I may regret asking this but ... why?

Mostly because of the resentment I have over them being allowed to devastate American manufacturing, and the casual attitude people have about buying their products when we're perfectly capable of making better ones here in my own country. Now I hear we'll be getting chicken from Chinese slaughter houses sent over here to grocery stores. And have you read about their talapia? Mmmm!  :-\
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 20, 2013, 10:57:33 AM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 20, 2013, 08:42:34 AM
Mostly because of the resentment I have over them being allowed to devastate American manufacturing, and the casual attitude people have about buying their products when we're perfectly capable of making better ones here in my own country. Now I hear we'll be getting chicken from Chinese slaughter houses sent over here to grocery stores. And have you read about their talapia? Mmmm!  :-\

Nearly all Tilapia is farm-raised.  And, contrary to popular belief, it's not full of Omega-3.  It's full of Omega-6, which may not always be good for you.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Dave W on September 20, 2013, 04:27:58 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 20, 2013, 08:42:34 AM
Mostly because of the resentment I have over them being allowed to devastate American manufacturing, and the casual attitude people have about buying their products when we're perfectly capable of making better ones here in my own country. Now I hear we'll be getting chicken from Chinese slaughter houses sent over here to grocery stores. And have you read about their talapia? Mmmm!  :-\

I understand how you feel. The problem is that there's no way to convince people to pay more for certain products when they're insisting on paying as little as possible. There's even some resentment of American-made products by people who are convinced the companies are deliberately ripping them off. I've seen this at certain guitar forums, even though many American guitars are less expensive in today's dollars than they were 50 years ago.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: neepheid on September 20, 2013, 05:53:12 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 20, 2013, 08:42:34 AM
Mostly because of the resentment I have over them being allowed to devastate American manufacturing, and the casual attitude people have about buying their products when we're perfectly capable of making better ones here in my own country. Now I hear we'll be getting chicken from Chinese slaughter houses sent over here to grocery stores. And have you read about their talapia? Mmmm!  :-\

"Allowed"?  What's the alternative?  How does one stop it?  It's hardly a phenomenon limited to the US.  The textiles industry in the UK has been demolished by cheap clothes made in the far East.  UK manufacturing in general has taken a battering because things can be made cheaper (and sometimes better) elsewhere.  Why?  People in general seem to have exhibited a relentless desire to acquire more for less, and I don't blame them one bit.  In my opinion the East has caught up while the West was resting its overpaid flabby self on its fat laurels.

I'm not bitter.  The UK's evolving, slowly.  Because it has to.  The Empire's long gone.  The marketplace is truly global and it is folly to take a parochial, blinkered view of it.  We cannot compete in some areas.  So we do something else instead.  Like whisky and financial services.  Hopefully not at the same time, or perhaps that's how the recessions keep happening ;)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Highlander on September 21, 2013, 06:42:06 AM
+1 on the view of our crumbling [/Empire]

You voting for independence...?  I would be if I was that side of the border, and then I'd be after Eurofunding to set up the Lewis-Hebridean  Eilann Fraoich - Cream of the Isles (tm) distillery - imagine having to store all those sherry casks for eight to twelve years or longer, and the sheer pleasure of the "Angel's Share" as you walked into the warehouse... ;)

Quote from: Dave W on September 19, 2013, 06:02:31 PM
... My problem with buying one is that almost all of them are built to the cheapest price point possible using inferior hardware and electronics...

14 men walked on the moon following that principle... never mind the quality, feel the notes...
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: 4stringer77 on September 21, 2013, 07:37:49 AM
Quote from: neepheid on September 20, 2013, 05:53:12 PM
"We cannot compete in some areas.  So we do something else instead.  Like whisky and financial services.
Japan produces some fine whisky.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Af5wNNN11Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezej5rNSO0U
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Pilgrim on September 21, 2013, 11:02:52 AM
I see that one of those videos is titled "Japanese whiskey found to be best in the world"...

Wars have been fought over less.  There are some lads in Scotland and Kentucky who would take great exception.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 21, 2013, 11:50:50 AM


"If it's not Scottish, it's crap!"
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: 4stringer77 on September 21, 2013, 01:37:55 PM
The story is from a Scottish news station and the designation "best in the world" is only in regards to a couple competitions in which Japanese Whiskies have won. The conclusion of the story was that while Japanese whisky is a great niche product, it still would need more marketing and have more aggressive pricing to be considered a threat to more traditional whisky making regions. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. 
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Pilgrim on September 21, 2013, 01:48:12 PM
Quote from: 4stringer77 on September 21, 2013, 01:37:55 PM
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  

That would be a pretty consistent comment in terms of Japanese product development over the years.

But I think that may have passed to the Chinese at this point.

Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Highlander on September 21, 2013, 02:08:03 PM
I'm aware that they have even gone to the extent of shipping out Scottish water to try and replicate the production...

Of my own preferred dram, 90% goes there...

[rofl] The thought of Japanese whisky becoming popular in Scotland... [still, illicit, rofl]
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: dadagoboi on September 21, 2013, 02:28:23 PM
Just about every market the Japanese have tried to conquer they have.  Cars, motorcycles, electronics, musical instruments for a few.  What makes you think they'll fail at producing what is basically an exercise in chemistry?

It ain't where you start that matters.  Those crappy guitars of the 60s have turned into a made in Japan product most of you can't or won't afford in preference for their cheaper Asian competitors.  My Japanese made basses, from Fender to Ibanez to Yamaha take no back seat when it comes to quality and innovation.  Which is a lot more than you can say for Gibson.

Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Dave W on September 21, 2013, 02:51:09 PM
Gibson's bigger problem is that many of them take a back seat to older Gibsons.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: dadagoboi on September 21, 2013, 03:15:16 PM
Quote from: Dave W on September 21, 2013, 02:51:09 PM
Gibson's bigger problem is that many of them take a back seat to older Gibsons.

They work the heritage angle to death.  Too bad they don't live up to it, let alone actually innovating in a meaningful way.  Instead they come up with crap like the Fireturd or automatic tuning.  They must think those will compensate for their laughable quality to price ratio.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Pilgrim on September 21, 2013, 06:29:49 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 21, 2013, 03:15:16 PM
They work the heritage angle to death.  Too bad they don't live up to it, let alone actually innovating in a meaningful way.  Instead they come up with crap like the Fireturd or automatic tuning.  They must think those will compensate for their laughable quality to price ratio.

The thing that gets me is that people WILL pay for quality if they GET quality.  They just need to deliver.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 21, 2013, 06:56:05 PM

I deal with people everyday that come into Seattle Lighting with a straight face and tell me that they want to purchase a U.S. made product, I usually show them this mfg's book  http://www.hubbardtonforge.com/

It's very nice lighting, not even the most expensive out there, you'd be surprised tho, most folks are a whole lot of talk, and not much spending!
My Single Malt Scotch will always come from Scotland  :) 
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Lightyear on September 21, 2013, 08:44:19 PM
I will pay for quality - regardless of where it's from.  I rarely if ever find anything from China to be the best in quality but quite often the product will suffice or is the only option available.  I am prone to make a concerted effort to buy American if the quality is there - one company I like is Round House jeans:  http://www.round-house.com/   Not fancy but well made jeans and such at a very fair and competitive price - cheaper than the D*ckies you can buy at Wallyworld - that are made anywhere but here.

The idgits that wouldn't spend $50 or $100 more on a light fixture probably drove up to Mark's shop in a $60K car and the missus probably is wearing 20 grand worth of jewelry  >:(
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 21, 2013, 08:56:07 PM
Thanks for the links, guys.  I may actually be looking for a floor lamp, and there is a place about 10 min. away that has that line of lamps.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: the mojo hobo on September 21, 2013, 09:05:30 PM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 21, 2013, 06:56:05 PM

My Single Malt Scotch will always come from Scotland  :) 

And my 9 year old bourbon will always come from Kentucky :)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Lightyear on September 21, 2013, 09:08:05 PM
Gary, if you find something you like send the info to Mark - he can probably fix you up and save you some serious $$

My wife has fallen in love with a hand made copper chandelier from a well known company out west - Mark quoted us a killer price that beat any price we found anywhere - unfortunately we have to wait for our daughter to finish grad school before we can afford it  :sad:
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: the mojo hobo on September 21, 2013, 09:13:13 PM
I have always been a follower of brands, but after belt loops coming off my Levi's jeans and looking at the tags to discover they are made in places I have never heard of, I starting buying American from: http://www.allusaclothing.com/

Specifically http://www.allusaclothing.com/Denim-Jeans-p/25305.htm and note the price is less than you would pay for Levi's brand jeans, with shipping about the same, but these are much better jeans.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Hörnisse on September 21, 2013, 10:24:40 PM
My beer comes from Texas.   ;D  I did an inventory of my guitars/basses and all are made in the USA with the exception of my Memphis Les Paul which is Japanese.  I don't own anything newer than the mid 1980's.  Even my Peavey Alphabass head, SWR ST220, SM400S and Guild/Hartke cabinets are made in the USA. 

I have a '94 Toyota Pickup and the wife has an '04 Honda Odyssey and they both are nice and reliable.  Can't say the same about my '77 AMC Hornet AMX though..... :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Dave W on September 21, 2013, 11:32:07 PM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 21, 2013, 03:15:16 PM
They work the heritage angle to death.  Too bad they don't live up to it, let alone actually innovating in a meaningful way.  Instead they come up with crap like the Fireturd or automatic tuning.  They must think those will compensate for their laughable quality to price ratio.

I will grant them this: they do offer more low priced guitars made in USA than Fender, G&L, MusicMan etc. And in the higher price ranges, working the heritage angle seems to have paid off well for them. The problem is quality control.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Highlander on September 22, 2013, 01:20:33 AM
I'll give you the UK angle - excluding specialists; excluding alcohol; excluding heritage and history and holiday destinations, there is very little, almost nothing left, that is British (including the "Brits"), unless you are wealthy and can afford bespoke... looking round here... sitting on Swedish furniture, typing on a Chinese Dell, with a Japanese TV in the corner... oh... forgot something... we still got the language...

Hmm... give it fifty... the language will be all that's left...  ;)

Coming back to instruments.... when I bought my RD the general distinction round here (UK) was that it was the difference between buying a Rolls or buying a Ford (a Fender, no offence, etc) but that was then and this is now. For most of us the harsh realities are what we have to face; it's no different for the big suppliers, but I go along with Dave: there is no excuse for poor QC...
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 23, 2013, 10:38:21 AM
Quote from: neepheid on September 20, 2013, 05:53:12 PM"Allowed"?  What's the alternative?  How does one stop it?

Well, I'm no expert on this stuff, but couldn't there be tariffs applied to at least somewhat level the playing field? It's especially tough to compete price-wise as sales plummet on US goods and prices need to come up to make up for diminishing volume.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: dadagoboi on September 23, 2013, 03:22:26 PM
Quote from: gearHed289 on September 23, 2013, 10:38:21 AM
Well, I'm no expert on this stuff, but couldn't there be tariffs applied to at least somewhat level the playing field? It's especially tough to compete price-wise as sales plummet on US goods and prices need to come up to make up for diminishing volume.

The consumer ends up paying the tariff costs.  Pretty difficult to swallow when the average American's income has stagnated or dropped in the last 20 years.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 23, 2013, 03:46:58 PM
And just by sheer coincidence, a friend of my daughter's just got back from Japan, and gave her fiance and her a bottle of Yamazaki Whiskey.  I'll find out what she has to say about it.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 24, 2013, 08:44:10 AM
Quote from: dadagoboi on September 23, 2013, 03:22:26 PMThe consumer ends up paying the tariff costs.

Isn't that the idea? To make people think twice about buying imports?
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 25, 2013, 09:27:46 AM
Quote from: the mojo hobo on September 21, 2013, 09:13:13 PM
I have always been a follower of brands, but after belt loops coming off my Levi's jeans and looking at the tags to discover they are made in places I have never heard of

The last Levi's plant in the US was here in Knoxville and closed 10-15 years ago.

Quote from: TBird1958 on September 21, 2013, 06:56:05 PM
I deal with people everyday that come into Seattle Lighting with a straight face and tell me that they want to purchase a U.S. made product, I usually show them this mfg's book  http://www.hubbardtonforge.com/

...just letting you know that the catalog link shows up as a blackhat exploit in my anti-virus. That means there's a decent possibility that the site has been hacked and may be dropping malware on any visitors.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on September 25, 2013, 10:45:51 AM
I'm not a frenzied free marketeer in all respects, but the fact of the matter is: As economies become more senior part of their production will always be ousted from the market by foreign cheaper competition until one day that same thing happens to these competitors. The only way to avoid this is to stay ahead and be innovative, polish the brand, invest, watch quality painstakingly and keep selling to people who can afford better quality and are prepared to pay for it, be it for lifestyle reasons or a quality demanding nature. Porsche's 911 stalwart hasn't seen serious competiton from India or China yet and if SIEMENS sells natural gas compression turbines to countries with vast natural gas resources, their only serious competitor is GE, likewise with Boeing and Airbus, I do not see Chinese and Indonesian passenger aircraft take over the world market for quite some time.

I hate to say it (now I really sound like a free marketeer), but fencing off your economy against this fact of life might be popular, but name me one country where it has in the mid and long term fostered the home economy? France has put tariffs on Japanese cars for ages, Germany hasn't, now help me with this, whose auto industry is again the stronger one? ??? Protecting your own geographic markets is also inherently unfair against developing countries broadening their world market share as they are entitled to unless your preference is for the world to be an eternal caste system where the wealthy stay wealthy and the have-nots stay have-nots.

And it's not a one way street either: I don't remember the US asking for permission when it toppled the British Empire in industry production and, eventually, as a world power. Nor do US farmers seem to be overtly concerned that their ability to produce huge amounts of surplus grain cheaply undercuts third world farmers who cannot compete due to lack of agricultural technology.   
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: dadagoboi on September 25, 2013, 11:14:22 AM
I'm in general agreement, Uwe, except for the unconscious racism...Don't bet against ANY Chinese industry.  If the US ever gets high speed rail, which I doubt, the suppliers will be Chinese.  That one major screw up a few years ago was an anomaly, they have the world's largest system and safety has been excellent since.  The recently opened Oakland Bay Bridge was built with Chinese supplied steel because the US just doesn't have modern bridge building ability or the money/will to start it.  Why should building airliners be any different?  They'll get there when they think the time is right, thru joint ventures or whatever it takes if it's in their economic interests.

No, no Porsches, let alone Ferraris but they're busy building transportation for the world's largest domestic car market.  They don't need that chump change.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on September 25, 2013, 11:30:14 AM
No racism intended, I have a lot of admiration for what China has done/achieved in the last fifty or so years. They already build good quality products as is and will get even better over time, but at the same time will be faced with competiton from other emerging countries with cheaper labor and environmental costs. It's a cycle.

Hey, and I don't even like the Dalai Lama!  :o Autocratic, caste system-supporting, Nazi-schooled, infant-death-rate-do-nothing wolf in a sheep's blanket.  8)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8478104509_998dc77970_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 25, 2013, 12:31:04 PM


There's no doubt, the best (and worst!) electric trains come from China.
It's all about who writes the spec and how closely the importer comissioning the work watches the product for QC.
I wish I could build a boxcar like this.......it's stock, out of the box - amazing scale fidelity and workmanship for about $20.00
  (http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd306/veronicasteed/trainsII/trainsII025-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 25, 2013, 02:30:41 PM
 Still waiting :( back ordered until 10/3/13.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 26, 2013, 08:55:25 AM
Good points Uwe. Thanks for the perspective.

Quote from: uwe on September 25, 2013, 10:45:51 AMThe only way to avoid this is to stay ahead and be innovative, polish the brand, invest, watch quality painstakingly and keep selling to people who can afford better quality and are prepared to pay for it, be it for lifestyle reasons or a quality demanding nature.

This very much applies to the company I run. We make custom road cases for audio/video/lighting, and anything else that needs protection on the road. We're at the high end of the price range. I tell people all the time - we don't compete based on price, we compete based on quality and service. Our little motto is "Design, Materials, Craftsmanship, Service". These are the areas where we excel. We'll lose almost every time if price is the deciding factor. And business is through the roof! We can barely keep up and have had a 4 week lead time for over a year. Hiring more guys and making more room in the shop is a constant struggle. We move over 40 grand a week worth of CASES! Sorry, I'm rambling now...

Anyway... Sorry for your wait Scott!  :-\

Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 26, 2013, 10:35:17 AM


I had a very nice older woman come into the shop yesterday, she wanted a U.S. made lamp - and she bought a Hubbardton Forge piece from me. $916.00, and a very happy customer.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gweimer on September 26, 2013, 04:00:03 PM
I found a local carrier of the Hubbarton Forge stuff, and went there during lunch this week.  I didn't see anything there that caught my eye, but I did end up buying a $5 Chinese dimmer switch, which I wired into my broken lamp.  It's missing a nut for the shaft, and I think I can use one of the nuts from a spare volume pot in my bass parts.

I told you guys you were a bad influence on me.   8)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Psycho Bass Guy on September 26, 2013, 05:12:59 PM
Quote from: uwe on September 25, 2013, 10:45:51 AMI hate to say it (now I really sound like a free marketeer), but fencing off your economy against this fact of life might be popular, but name me one country where it has in the mid and long term fostered the home economy?

The difference is that the move was NOT of the market. The closing of Levi's, Electro Voice, and dozens of other local manufacturing plants was precipitated by NAFTA, Bill Clinton's price tag for the Democratic party's soul and the long term stability of the country. The jobs weren't unionized or even high paying, (Tennessee's employment laws were rewritten at the height of 80's Reaganomics) but when the feds literally offered tax rebates for companies to move jobs out of the US, they bit and bit HARD. ...and quality did suffer and the companies did have sales downturns, so much so that a few of them were bought out (EV). Levi's Malaysian jeans fell apart after a few washes and so did their sales. EV moved its production of mics to Nebraska and speakers to Arkansas for a three years to avoid having to fund pensions for former Tennessee workers, then everything moved to Mexico. Their whole corporate group collapsed and was bought out and I stopped keeping track of them. It's not protectionist to not pay companies to move overseas, but as the US government ably demonstrates, lobbyists, not citizens or the welfare of the country, dictate policy.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: gearHed289 on September 27, 2013, 08:56:26 AM
Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on September 26, 2013, 05:12:59 PMbut as the US government ably demonstrates, lobbyists, not citizens or the welfare of the country, dictate policy.

That pretty much sums it up.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: NOT on September 27, 2013, 10:18:34 AM
These basses are fantastic! My buddy, a guitarist, tried my Classic Pro a couple days ago and refused to believe it's an Epiphone. "It's too well made to be an Epiphone." he argued.

Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 27, 2013, 11:31:52 AM


Wow! Looks great all chromed out Todd!
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 27, 2013, 12:54:27 PM
 Todd that looks great ! I'm going to give mine the chrome treatment to  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: NOT on September 27, 2013, 01:35:15 PM
Thanks guys. There's just something about a Thunderbird and chrome. And with my generation sort of being the EMG generation 'birds alone are pretty rare. Even non musicians compliment my Thunderbirds for their 'Old School' look.

I'd really like to get one of the new Jackson JS2 Kellybirds and replace the stock pickups with beautiful chrome. I think it'd look neat.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 27, 2013, 01:44:30 PM
 I bought a JS2 on sale from MF it's a killer bass and a bargain  at twice the price....................maybe even 3x the price. I can't say enough good things about it.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on September 28, 2013, 04:44:46 AM
Pup finish does not influence sound!
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 07:32:20 AM
Quote from: uwe on September 28, 2013, 04:44:46 AM
Pup finish does not influence sound!


It influences your coolness!  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Bionic-Joe on September 28, 2013, 09:33:35 AM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 07:32:20 AM

It influences your coolness!  ;D

I second that, Mark!!!!! It's time Gibson dump the lame black 80's pickups and hardwared and get back to the Nickel/Chrome, BIG headstock, Big Tuners deal!!! Plus...I prefer the shape of the Original 1960's Thunderbirds as opposed to the '76 and current body style.
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 28, 2013, 10:06:37 AM
 Everytime I see the Gibson rep. I keep on telling him the same, thing give us real  a 60's spec bird! They should use my bridge! It's made by the same folks who supply much of Gibsons hardware. It's speced and ready for production no start up costs, pay me a nice little license fee and they are all set.  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Pilgrim on September 28, 2013, 10:44:47 AM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 07:32:20 AM

It influences your coolness!  ;D

Maybe a chrome codpiece?   :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Highlander on September 28, 2013, 12:34:42 PM
Quote from: uwe on September 28, 2013, 04:44:46 AM
Pup finish does not influence sound!

I object...!

(approach the bench please gentlemen)

[hushed-tones] ... surely my learned friend is aware that a chrome or nickel finish on a pickup will almost certainly be on a copper or steel casing; whereas, it is quite normal for black pickup casings to be of plastic construction; therefore, there will be some potential tonal quality difference between the two otherwise potentially identical pickups ... [/hushed-tones]

(sustained...)  ;D
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 01:21:33 PM

I can understand the black as a choice made in the late '80s.

It's 2013! time for a change Gibson!
The stupid thing is, they already have at bits to do it with, it would no doubt help sales of U.S. Thunderbirds (somew new colors too, Inverness green anyone!?)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on September 28, 2013, 01:26:47 PM
Inverness!  Geeze I can't wait for Gibson this will be my next order from Carlo
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on September 30, 2013, 06:31:26 AM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 07:32:20 AM

It influences your coolness!  ;D

That argument has me sprawled on the floor.  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 30, 2013, 09:48:37 AM


Quote from: uwe on September 30, 2013, 06:31:26 AM
That argument has me sprawled on the floor.  :mrgreen:

It's about time you were horizontal  ;)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: planetgaffnet on September 30, 2013, 11:08:39 AM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 28, 2013, 01:21:33 PM
Inverness green anyone!?


I have a strange craving for a really dark blue TB with gold hardware at the moment.
P
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on September 30, 2013, 11:32:14 AM


Indeed!


What I know is:

25 years after it's reintroduction the raciest thing Gibson has managed is a couple of limited edition 'Birds ( Nikki Sixx, the Zebrawood, and Cherry), they are more than long overdue for a makeover - yes, retro please! Where's some Cardinal Red, Pelham Blue, TV Yellow......
And Chrome Hardware. Dammit!   
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: uwe on October 01, 2013, 10:58:41 AM
Quote from: TBird1958 on September 30, 2013, 09:48:37 AM


It's about time you were horizontal  ;)

Belly down you mean?
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: TBird1958 on October 01, 2013, 11:11:03 AM
Quote from: uwe on October 01, 2013, 10:58:41 AM
Belly down you mean?


Face up, Silly!  ;)

Otherwise you drool too much.

Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: Pilgrim on October 01, 2013, 02:00:03 PM
Quote from: TBird1958 on October 01, 2013, 11:11:03 AM

Face up, Silly!  ;)

Otherwise you drool too much.


Wisdom!

Much easier to drink from beer hat while facing up.

(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMI5X3HRKwJNVN14PTdulDxcauXODl8XmhPoUoRDjob42B-ByeHg)
Title: Re: Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!
Post by: godofthunder on October 10, 2013, 09:21:21 AM
Still waiting now the web site says they won't be in stock till 10/19 :(