Took 5 minutes to install with an Allen key. [11], At some point in 2021, without fanfare, Epiphone rebranded the Thunderbird Vintage Pro as the Thunderbird 60s bass and raised the price slightly. This bridge is a sturdy, heavy-duty unit which overcomes the tendency of its predecessor to tip forward, by having an extra post at the front. **Intonation saddle springs on all versions are now black, Enter your email address to receive news, updates, and sales. Separate charges for shipping and handling will be shown on your order form. This was Gibsons first bass bridge to allow separate intonation of each string, and was used on the reverse and non-reverse body Gibson Thunderbird, and the Epiphone Embassy from 1963-69. A direct replacement bridge for your Gibson 3-point bass bridge that uses your existing hole pattern Machined out of solid aircraft-quantity aluminum, the Hipshot SuperTone bass bridge features complete adjustability that is easy to use: precise intonation, independent string height, and even side-to-side string spacing adjustment As used on the EB-0, EB-3, EB-4L, Thunderbird, SB-350/SB-450, Ripper, RD series basses, Les Paul Signature and Les Paul Triumph from 1973 onwards. The patented Babicz FCH 3-Point four string bass bridge is a direct drop-in . When the intonatable bridge came in in 1967, last stocks of this bridge were used on Gibsons budget brand bass; the Kalamazoo KB bass. Gibson didn't fix anything else and at this point in time with all these new models appearing with the same old three pointer show no signs of bothering their backsides any time soon. Notice the straight, thin mounting arms. The bass now plays like a dream and sounds great. The Thunderbird usually features bass humbuckers, colloquially referred to as "soapbars" due to their appearance. 2 humbucking pickups with plenty of cutting mids. All items purchased from Chicago Music Exchange are made pursuant to a shipment contract. The Hipshot bridge was super easy to install. more, Gibson two-point Tune-O-Matic bridge. The Babicz double locking ECAM saddle offers full contact to the instrument's body, improving tonality and sustain inch intonation and string height adjustments are a breeze and these are the same bridges used on the Gibson 2015 thunderbird and sg basses. [7] It was produced from 1999 through 2021. 2005 Epiphone Thunderbird by Gibson Bass Guitar Original Body $299.99 $49.99 shipping or Best Offer 17 watching 2005 Epiphone EB0 SG Bass Guitar Original Black Body Project $199.99 $49.99 shipping or Best Offer 10 watching Gibson & Epiphone EB3 or EBO Bass Guitars $29.99 $10.00 shipping It worked out great though and the bass plays and sounds great, super sustain, and holds tuning. more, EB string mute Introduced in 1960 (see the Gibson Gazette July/August 1960 and 1962 mute patent) and fitted to Kalamazoo-built basses until 1971. Jul 17, 2011. The bass seems to have a bit more sustain now, as well. The only downside to the Babicz (again, IMHO) is that adjusting it is probably a bit less intuitive than the Hipshot product, but once learned the Babicz system is rock solid. Do. Select a Bridge Finish Color. The tone is great and all parts are original with the exception of the badass bridge installed (which is better than the original bridge). more, Gibson three-point adjustable combination bridge. Nov 4, 2015 #4 96tbird PLEASE STAND BY Dec 13, 2010 The only reason the two point bridge morphed into the three point bridge was to address the two pointer's tendency to tip forward. Kluson Vintage 4 String Bridge For American 58 Precision Bass. 3-Day / 15-day Return Policy This bridge is a must-have for all T-Bird players! A Golden Tribute to a Four-String Classic, http://legacy.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/50th-Anniversary-Thunderbird-Bass.aspx, Mahogany body in stunning Bullion Gold finish, Neck-through Mahogany neck with comfortable, rounded profile, Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays, Thunderbird Bass pickups in the neck and bridge positions, Three point bass bridge with adjustable saddles. The specs appear to be the same as the Vintage Pro. All non-credit-card orders are subject to a 10-business-day hold. It is the epitome of form and function in bass guitar bridge design. Members. The mighty Thunderbird Bass offers soaring reverse-body looks, thundering tone, and unbeatable value in a full-scale, hand-made-in-America bass. Everything sits rock solid so far. Gibson bass guitars | Part descriptions for Gibson bass guitars | Bridges. Chicago, IL 60657 The adjustment I can get is not quite as low as in the schematic and as a result the action on the guitar is not as low as it could be. Like Bill, I found a neglected '71 EB-0, that had been stripped of everything (including the finish). Highly recommended. . Great product! 2022 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar Non Reverse Pelham Blue (7lbs. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. The Babicz double locking ECAM saddle offers full contact to the instrument's body, improving tonality and sustain inch intonation and string height adjustments are a breeze and these are the same bridges used on the Gibson 2015 thunderbird and sg basses. Chicago Music Exchange As used on the Gibson Grabber and Gibson G3 basses. It doesn't fall off the instrument when the strings are removed, and the saddles don't fall out. "Short Scale Thunderbird". Fantastic improvement! As used on the Gibson EB bass, EB-0, EB-2, EB-3, and Epiphone Newport and Rivoli. 5/16-24 American Thread Mounting Screw & Bushings Set. Strings all sit on their speaking lengths on the saddle pieces instead of on the wrap like on she Gibson 3-point stock bridge. With the bridge and the HipShot HB6 Ultralite tuners I also added, I have a bass that gives me a better growl and bottom end than I've ever had. Best of all, the Hipshot bridge gives about 3/4" more room at the ball end of the string, so the threads wound around that end no longer rest on the saddle. The bass side of the 3-point bridge was on the deck. But most failings of the early bridges can easily be rectified with a little attention. Contact us directly if you wish to place an international order. SKU: KVBB70. The Gibson Thunderbird Studio models (which were also available as five-string versions) have mahogany necks set into mahogany bodies. $40.00 - $48.00. I'm not noticing any of the increased sustain or improved tone that others mention, but dang this thing is so much better than the stock bridge on my Epiphone Thunderbird. As the fierce four-string partner to the Firebird guitar line introduced in 1963, the Thunderbird bass has long been a stylish alternativeboth onstage and in the studiofor adventurous bassists, Now Gibson USA celebrates the Golden Anniversary of this raging tone monster with a stunning tribute to the breed: the 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass. Neck-through-body construction; mahogany body wings. The non-reverse Thunderbird was continued until 1969. SuperTone Gibson Bass Replacement Bridge. Solved easily by using qty 3, 5/16", gold zinc lock washers between the posts and the bridge. Much more intonation travel, and that is a blessing on a short scale. For phone or mail orders you may pay money orders and cashier's checks by mail. I may try medium-scale strings (or another brand) to see if they fit better. Gibson started producing the non-reverse Thunderbirds again for the public in late 2012.[5]. 2. 1960's style Gibson Thunderbird Bass bridge and tailpiece Made in the USA Machined Brass Bridge, Tailpiece, and Studs Available in Chrome, Gold, and Nickel plating The bridge is wider than the original for increased intonation range Dimensions: Bridge body - 3 7/8" x 31/32" x 3/8" thick, string spacing - 2 9/32", post spacing - 3 5/16" After the bicentennial, the Thunderbird was continued as a regular production model until 1979, when it was discontinued once again. The Thunderbird was Gibson's first model built in the 34-inch scale, which had been made popular by Fender. Free shipping for many products! In 1966, Gibson changed the Thunderbird's design and construction. Packed with Rex Brown's preferred appointments. Lots more mass than the stock bridge without a difference in the balance of the bass. Recently I have lost a bass bridge saddle, precisely the second one (D string). Far more solid than the standard bridge. [3] Some cheaper Epiphone models feature a more conventional bolt-on neck construction. Better sustain as well, but mostly I love the bell-like clarity to the sound, compared to before. The bridge posts were short-bushing type, nickel (early) or chrome (later) plated, Even though this bridge was designed to be intonatable, in practise this was not always possible, leading people to reposition the bridge slightly. [3][4] Also, the expensive neck-through construction was replaced by traditional Gibson set-neck construction. Please check the fields highlighted in red. There are 6 comments on this article so far. The Thunderbird high . Unlike all other Gibson bass bridges, it required a separate tailpiece, and was fitted with a damper spring, which acted as a mute by pushing felt blocks (not pictured) against the strings. The Gibson Thunderbird has the classic reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 as Gibson's first neck-through-body bass design. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. Gibson Thunderbird Bass Bridge & Pick Up Cover Hand Rest Also Compatible with EB-0, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 & Les Paul Basses Made from 1963 to 1980 From Old Guitar Repair Shop Please check my other listings for more Vintage Guitar Parts More info at This item is sold As-Described I had read that some folks were having issues with the posts pulling out of the Epiphone Rumblekat after a few days. Background and introduction [ edit] The Gibson Thunderbird [1] was introduced in 1963. The patented Babicz FCH 3-point four string bass bridge is a direct drop-in replacement upgrade for a standard Gibson 3-point bass bridge. After taking my 1991 Gibson Thunderbird out of storage, I couldnt get the E and A string action below 9/64 with neck relief at 0.012. These bridges kick butt. . The Babicz Full Contact Hardware bridge preserves every last string vibration for a wide range of unique tonal possibilities. Everything from adjusting the intonation to the finish on the bridge just feels better. The Gibson Thunderbird non-reverse announced during 2012 features a choice of vintage sunburst or Pelham blue finishes, both in high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. Each 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass includes a Gibson hardshell case and . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Its Hipshot bridge and Mini-Clover . The Classic Pro was quietly dropped from the Epiphone website around the 2020 NAMM show. Really happy with my new bridge. I wish I'd done this years ago. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) Note the G-string screw is longer (1 1/2") than the other three (1 7/32"). Chrome $214.95 USD Black $229.95 USD Gold $234.95 USD Nickel $214.95 USD. This bridge is a sturdy, heavy-duty bridge which overcomes the tendency of its predecessor to tip forward, by having an extra post at the front. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. 3-point adjustable bridge offers sustain and . Featuring ProBucker bass humbuckers and a vintage styled 1960s tune-o-matic bridge and claw tailpiece. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. 1. It is a stronger, clearer, more well-defined sound. Part descriptions for Gibson bass guitars. SKU: KVBB58. Gibson Thunderbird Bass Re Ative $1,163.51 $95.00 shipping Gibson Thunderbird Limited Edition Black 1997 Electric Bass Used $1,250.00 Free shipping or Best Offer Gibson GENE SIMMONS G2 Thunderbird New Electric Bass $3,659.55 Free shipping 1976 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Vintage Bass w/ Case AGED WHITE "SUPER RARE $13,500.00 Local Pickup 4 String B Style Bass Bridge. - Bridge pickup: Gibson TB humbucker + Ceramic Humbucker - Neck pickup: Gibson TB humbucker + Ceramic Humbucker - Controls: 1 neck pickup volume, 1 bridge pickup volume, 1 . The original Thunderbirds (and Firebirds) have a "reverse" body, with the treble horn extended and the bass horn recessed. It's about time this bridge was invented. Part number BR-650N. After install and a few hours of shedding today, I can report that it works exactly as advertised. Free Shipping. $1,800 $525 price drop. Fitted the two point bridge to my 1970 EB3. Introduced in mid 1973, and still in use today. Sounds fantastic. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Gibson bass guitar bridge / tailpiece units are typically weightier than those employed by other manufacturers, with early examples height adjustable via heavy bolts into the guitar's body (the 'sustain sisters' as Gibson called them). SuperTone Gibson Bass Replacement Bridge, Machined from aircraft grade aluminum for maximum precision and durability, Innovative micro-adjust saddle design allows for an additional 1/16" [1.5mm] of side-to-side adjustment for even greater string spacing possibilities, String silks guaranteed to stay behind the saddles, where they belong, Bridge fits flush to the top of the bass for maximum tone transference, Available in both two and three point mounting configurations, Quick load slots make string changes easy and keep those sharp ball ends away from your finish, Includes standard and metric mounting screws for both Gibson and Epiphone models. Easy to install, balanced well (with some pads underneath near each bolt hole per suggestions from Hipshot), and I am truly impressed at how much it improves the sound of my bass. $1,895 $379 Off. Recently I had the chance to trade my '58 Reissue Fender Precision for a 2008 Gibson Thunderbird and I must admit I was nervous about the idea based on the negative comments I've read online. 1981 publicity for the Victory bass summed it up: For the ultimate in player adjustment we give you the TRI-4 bridge. Got this bridge for an Epiphone Thunderbird, then moved it over to my Gibson RD Standard when that came along. This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. By Ian Glasper ( Bass Player) published 10 November 2021 . There are 0 comments on this article so far. This is a truly iconic model, so it's not surprising that so many guitarists decide to choose it. Easy to adjust and great improvement of clarity and punch. Payment Terms - Orders The new Thunderbird vintage Pro was available in Alpine white, ebony, and tobacco sunburst. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. The published rates are for US domestic shipping only. Gibson Thunderbird Bass Features: Legendary 4-string bass guitar. Beautiful craftsmanship and super shiny chrome. We are required to collect sales tax on all orders shipped to Illinois. Very impressive and my thinking about "better" pickups has been squelched. This bass has a darker tone, similar to modern Gibson Thunderbirds. Shipping Charges - Taxes and Title The Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro bass (Introduced in 2017) is a fairly accurate reproduction of the classic electric bass first introduced in 1963. Now I can adjust my action exactly where I want it. Main problem is that I can't adjust the action low enough. (The original bridge is included). $1,516. Superior to the original Gibson bridges, by far! If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. Excellent customer service. LocationCalifornia. The Babicz wins on the basis of the better mounting system and the more solid saddle adjustment/lockdown system, IMHO. Chrome hardware is used (tuners, pickup covers, bridge, and screws) as opposed to the standard Epiphone black hardware, differently-shaped pickups compared to the Epiphone and Gibson Thunderbirds (much closer to the "classic" pickups of the 1960s and 1970s) and a special "silverburst" finish.[10]. Perfect drop in fit on my 1965 Epiphone Newport. Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass review The offset bass guitar classic returns in three eye-catching finishes - but does it bring the thunder? Nickel. Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. The most recent official Thunderbirds produced by Gibson Guitar Corporation: The standard Gibson Thunderbird IV has a nine-ply mahogany-walnut neck-through with mahogany wings attached to form the body, and was offered in vintage sunburst or walnut finishes. Recently I have lost a bass bridge saddle, precisely the second one (D string). I bought it primarily for the extra length between the saddles and the holes for the string balls because Ernie Ball Chrome flats have long silks on them, which ended up on the stock bridge saddles. Great upgrade! Part number BR-750N. Most versions had the nylon saddles pictured here, though around late 71, early 72 some of these bridges were equipped with chrome plated metal saddles. Does anyone know where can I get another saddle (black plastic)? Sustain improved. we'll also pay the return shipping costs. I don't want to buy a new bridge. Would certainly recommend. . As used on the Gibson Victory and Explorer basses. The Epiphone Goth Thunderbird is similar to the Epiphone Thunderbird IV. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish looks stunning and enhances tone. A replacement bridge by Scott Dasson (Dasson or Badbird bridge is currently available that resolves intonation problems with this bridge, with no modifications necessary to the instrument itself. A much superior bridge to the obsolete 3 point bridge still used on Gibsons and Epiphones. Phased out in 1965, in favour of the chromed version, below. 1960's style Gibson Thunderbird Bass bridge and tailpiece Made in the USA Machined Brass Bridge, Tailpiece and Studs Nickel plated Bridge is wider then original for increased intonation range Dimensions: Bridge body - 3 7/8" x 31/32" x 3/8" thick, string spacing - 2 9/32", post spacing - 3 5/16" This is a reproduction of the 1960s style Gibson Thunderbird Bass bridge and tailpiece with a couple of improvements. I have had the same results with other Hipshot products over the years. The chunky chrome-plated bridge is adjustable from three different points, allowing several options for the action and intonation to be . ), The Epiphone Special Run Thunderbird-IV limited edition silverburst is also an Epiphone alternative to the Gibson model with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard bolted onto a mahogany body (as opposed to the standard Epiphone alder body) which gives it a much closer tonality to the Gibson Thunderbirds, which use mahogany as a major wood in the construction of the bass. The specs are close to those of the mid-60s non-reverse Thunderbirds, with some updates such as Hipshot Ultralite tuners. By At its core sits a mahogany body and neck capped with an Indian rosewood fingerboard, the perfect recipe for bellowing bass and pro-quality performance. He bought several Thunderbird basses after the model was discontinued and gutted them. Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. It would be nice if there was a little more room to work with. Size: 2 5/16" x 2". Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a191b95edf8892a 2023 Gbase - All rights reserved - v5.2.4665 (gb1). I'd try Allparts. Add to Cart. Massive improvement over the stock item, and it looks really good as well! The Hipshot bridge came with four screws when only two were needed, but then again only two of the four fit my bass -- my guess is that Gibson changed their screw threading at some point and Hipshot thoughtfully provided screws for both types. 72. To fix this, I cut a spring to length and dropped it in the hole then bolted the bridge down. This was Gibsons first bass bridge to allow separate intonation of each string, and was used on the reverse and non-reverse body Gibson Thunderbird, and the Epiphone Embassy from 1963-69. Just call us at 773-525-7773 to place your order. a 22 fret neck, solid three point Thunderbird bridge, and sleek black Grover tuners, this bass is ready to ROCK! Posted April 24, 2011. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. The 60s Bass is only available in black and tobacco burst. The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV has a seven-piece (walnut-maple-walnut-maple-walnut-maple-walnut) neck with neck-through construction. I got this bridge for the same reason everyone else did, the stock three point sucks. Even before I finished up the electronics, I could tell that this hardware would make this a much more versatile and playable instrument than it would be with the stock part. [2] At the time, Fender had been the leader in the electric bass market since their introduction of the Precision Bass twelve years earlier. more, Gibson Thunderbird bridge (1960s). more, Gibson six string bass bar bridge. Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. For more information on our shipping policies, including rates, delivery times, and delays, please visit our website at chicagomusicexchange or call us at: 773-525-7773. I can't recommend this bridge enough!!! The Thunderbird bass, like the Rickenbacker 4000 series and the Firebird guitar designed concurrently, has neck-through construction: the neck wood runs the entire length of the body, with the rest of the body glued into place. more, Nickel bridge cover (small) The smaller (but actually slightly wider) bridge cover used on the SB300/400, Grabber and G3 basses was not big enough to cover the two and three point bridges used on the majority of Gibson bass guitars; it was nickel plated, with an engraved Gibson logo in the early 1970s, but typically plain thereafter. I will eventually adjust the neck but as is I don't care for the saddles being so high and the adjustment screws so far down in the saddles. The Gibson Thunderbird[1] was introduced in 1963. Had my Supertone 3 point for 3 weeks and I love the added sustain. We preset the string spacing for you but you can change it to suit your specific needs. Yes! To 'unmute' the cover would be removed. [8], The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird is similar to the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird in build and appearance. Love the heft of this bridge. more, EB hand rest EB0, EB2, EB3, Epiphone Newport, Epiphone Rivoli, Kalamazoo KB bass. Only hassle was having to rummage around finding an Allen wrench for the two bog bolts since Hipshot does not supply one. I had this installed on my 78 ripper on the recommendation of my local luthier who said it would Improve intonation and string placement/adjustment. Copyright 2021 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. The stock 3 point bridge looks like a cereal toy when compared to the HipShot. Gibson Thunderbird bridge (1960s). $99.99 - $109.99. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Since then, the instrument's intonation has never been better, and it holds a setup longer, too. I recently ordered (through Amazon) one of these bridges for my Epiphone EB-0 short scale bass. We start with a chrome-plated heavy cast base plate secured directly to the body, but check out its versatility. Really sets the tone (pun intended) for the looks, sound and feel of this 2012 Gibson Ltd. 15 oz.) I found that this is because they were laying the bridge on the surface and without a small spacer at each contact point, you create a lever and jack the posts up out of the body. The original bridge on my '99 Gibson Thunderbird had become warped, and my usual setup tech recommended a Hipshot Supertone bridge to replace it. Fit my Epiphone Thunderbird perfectly. The Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird comes loaded with a fine assortment of the former Rex Rocker's preferred extras. It was a bit oversize compared to the on that came on the Vantage Bass stock, so a bit of work had to be done to recess it, as Vantage recessed the Gibson style bridges into the body. Second, the bridge is wider (from nut to tailpiece) for increased saddle travel. Easily fitted and good quality. Part number BR-750N. I have an Epiphone Thunderbird. Selling the stock pickups to a Gibson Thunderbird bass guitar, they are soap bar styled. The pickup was designed for a "dark tonality" and was a simple single coil wrapped around an Indox magnet core. Click to reveal Super solid contact through the posts, as the slight arch top semi hollow design of this model bass prefers. Superb quality as usual, Hipshot always delivers! Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash played a reverse Thunderbird IV. This mute was widely used on practically all Gibson EB3s, and very many EB0, EB2, Epiphone Newport, Epiphone Rivoli and Les Paul basses. Oh yeah, the Hipshot is heavier than stock so helps a but with neck dive. From around 1967-80 these covers (now chrome) were fitted to all EB, Thunderbird, Ripper and Les Paul basses. Part number BR-750N. $1,275. Maybe the 12 year old drilling the bridge mounting holes in the EB-0 body in China got it wrong as I've never seen this complaint in any of the revues I"ve read about the bridge. SKU: KHMBBS5. These hand rests were initially nickel plated, then chrome-plated from the mid 1960s, until their discontinuation circa 1968. more, Chrome bridge cover Introduced in 1963 - the earliest (nickel plated) covers were only used on the Thunderbird. Replacement of the original bridge with the two mount goldtone makes this old girl like a new instrument. Include 4 M8 stainless washers (2 per side) for filling the cutout circular recesses on the underside of the bridge where the mounting holes are, that way the bushings from the bass body won't risk getting pulled up and into those recesses and they will have a flat surface to contact when tightening down the mounting bolts.
