Pinball

Hi, I was pleased to score an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V. I want to replace the pickups with something that doesn't cost the earth and gives a nice even volume across the strings. The existing pups are an unnusual size of 93mmx40mm. If I can't get reasonably priced replacements I'm quite happy to go slightly smaller and fit surrounds of to do a little routing. I have seen kent Armstrongs that sound good but no idea what to look for. I'm assuming they they are passive pups with an active pre-amp. Is that correct? Any advice would be much appreciated. The bass spec is here: [url="http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Bass/Thunderbird-Pro-V.aspx"]http://www.epiphone....bird-Pro-V.aspx[/url]

There is a chance to try them all hrere: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/300501-the-big-fat-south-west-bass-bash-nr-taunton-2nd-april/page__fromsearch__1

Bleedin-eck, somebody slap me! I began asking advice for someone else and have now ended up buying a Thunderbird myself. I thought I was safe as they were 4 stringers but I have a Epiphone Pro-V, 5 stringer is incoming. Thunderbirds are go! [attachment=238314:$_90.JPG]

I've got a lot of nice basses at the moment. I'll probably bring the following: G&L SB2, Stingray SR5 fretless, Thunderbird Pro-V, G&L Tribute L2500 (FT/FS) I also have a L1505 and a 90's USA precision Fretless (FT/FS) so if anyone wants to play anything in particular let me know. They are all nice guitars IMHO.

Hawkwind, in the early days

If I'm around I'll come down and bring some kit.

I have changed my basses more ofton than my flat strings as I have sometimes kept the flats They can foall off the cliff though as I had a set of rotosound 77's that became became dull and lifeless. You will hear it if they need changed

I used them on my Stingray fretted and fretless and love the sound...I don't think you can buy them at the moment though

I put some La bella on last night and like them...I think they will be stayiing Thanks for the advice

[quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1486586411' post='3233091'] I do love the bridge on that new Epi...mine's almost, almost there: Actually, looking at it more closely, I couldn't have a two-piece bridge: the saddles are too far forward on mine. Ah well, I'll have to struggle on... [/quote] Niceeeeee!

Thanks all, that's lots of great advice to pass on. I love the wasy the BC community respond and share info. Personally I never really hankered after a "bird" but remember watching a clip of someone playing Greco on here and thinking that it would be great fun. A tribute to the player as well as the instrument [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1486508666' post='3232432'] Having said that, there is a new Epiphone model coming out later this year which appears to be the best attempt yet to get close to the original 1960s Gibson version (if that is important to him). [/quote] I will be interested to hear how this new/old one plays

[quote name='hubrad' timestamp='1486497625' post='3232330'] I'd give them a try.. if you like the results, by definition they're great! I have different strings on different fretlesses for different results. [/quote] I guess that is the only sure way as to some extent it's down to personal taste...I thought I would try and get some feedback before I start snipping them..strings seem to be expensive these days

Hi, I need to change strings on my fretless Stingray 5 and am wondering which way to go. I was using Status Half's which aren't curtrently available and I like Chromes but am thinking of giving La Bella low tension flats a go. I'm not sure how they will work on a fretless though . Any one out there have any experience of them? Am I just over thinking this? The string tensions are: B: 28.3lbs E: 34.2 A: 30.5 D: 34 G: 36.2

Hi, I have a drummer buddy who has always fancied playing bass and has a craving for a Thunderbird. He's just waiting to start a new job in the summer and getting the money together to pull the trigger He was looking at Epiphones and is now wondering it it may be better to save up and get a used Gibson. I mentioned that there are other fine used verions such as greco and Tokai but to be honest I don't know much about them. Any recommendations of what to look out for on the used market?

[quote name='joeystrange' timestamp='1486247257' post='3230395'] A PMT opened in Nottingham in October or November and an independent shop called Nottingham City Guitars opened a couple of years ago too. [/quote] PMT also opened a Cardiff store late last year. The manager is into his basses so they normally have some nice kit.

It looks great I reckon it will look very striking when you play it on satge. The black and white thing always works well

[quote name='Burns-bass' timestamp='1485987179' post='3228380'] Harsh, but probably fair. This was the sort of stuff I listened to before the opposite sex entered my life. [/quote] Haa nice one!

[quote name='M@23' timestamp='1485849150' post='3227091'] I'd like to know too, I thought it was just the blocks and matched headstock that were different? [/quote] The upgrades are mainly cosmetic. [quote name='stega' timestamp='1485459362' post='3224163'] I have been offered a Sandberg TM4 Supreme in a trade. I've always fancied a Sandberg, but one of the VMs - I'm more of a P man than a J - so not sure whether to go for it or not. [/quote] I had a white one for a while. It was a very nice well made guitar but despite the MM style pup it is very much a jazz. If you like P basses you are best to stay away IMHO. It didn't work for me.

Hi Rich, Re: "[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Given that I'm really comfortable with the scale length of electric 6 string guitars (strat, les paul, etc), I'm wondering generally if it would be easier for me to get a short scale bass".[/font][/color] I would take a step back before buying a short scale and just to check that you aren't trying to play a bass like you play your guitar. When I began playing bass I often attempted, what were in retrospect silly "lead guitar style" left hand stretches that made playing difficult and sometimes painful. You can move your left hand around and don't need to stretch like that. The first thing is to look at your technique and enjoy playing within the limits of your instrument. Once you get that you can improve/get faster with practice. Then go and look for the right bass. There are plenty of very playable basses out there. If the jazz doesn't work then other famously playable thin necked basses include the Japanese Bass Collections or the current Ibanez SR's. You may like short scale, you may even find that you prefer thicker necks or that 34" works for you.