Ok it's pretty well known here I love my Gibson Thunderbirds. At this time I have two, a 1979 and a 1976 both are my daily drivers. For years everybody has told me the 79 sounds really big compared to the 76. I of course notice it too. The 79 has a huge deep rattle yer nuts sound while the 76 is thin and more like say a Fender bass. The difference is notable on the volume knob as well. If I switch from the 79 to the 76 I have to increase my volume by at least 3 numbers and even at that it lacks the presence that the 79 has. I took them both to a local guitar guy and he measured the impedance on both of them and the pick ups are identical. I want the 76 to sound like the 79 but I am at a loss and in need of more professional advice here. I will send it to you if you like Wolf. Replacing the old pick ups and putting them away is not out of the question as long as the new ones fit without alteration and will give me the sound I want.
Side note: yes the 76 is the one I refinished...here is is done. I found it's original PG in a bunch of old band clippings I'd saved.
