Gibson SG Bass VS. Gibson Thunderbird

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by Rocker949

I know the T-Bird has it, but are you really sure the SG RI has neck dive? Not all Gibsons have that. My Gibson EB-0 doesn't have it at all. I'd actually like to know this info because I was thinking seriously of getting an SG RI.

yes it does neck dive unless you mod it. that is to say, every one that I have played has had that issue.

[ObeyGiant]

I used to own an Epiphone EB-0 and I liked the sound of it a lot for the pop punk stuff we were doing at the time with a pick. As I left that genre and I started to play exclusively finger style I fell out of love with the EB-0 and short scales in general.

It was stolen a long time ago, and I don't even think I noticed it until months later lol. If that tells you anything about how much I played that bass.

[Misterwogan]

Originally Posted by DrSpunkwater

Nice solution. I thought about doing the same thing. Does the strap button stay nice and tight in the horn like that?

Yes, solid as a rock - it's a Schaller strap lock. Don't use a drill , make a guide hole with an awl or similar instrument.

[Rocker949]

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

yes it does neck dive unless you mod it. that is to say, every one that I have played has had that issue.

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that and was assuming it wouldn't have a neck dive problem like my Gibson EB-0 doesn't have that problem. Because sometimes I do see people out there assuming the EB-0 basses do have neck dive, when it's obvious they don't. I can't speak about the Gibson EB-3, but have to assume they'd also not have neck dive. Nevertheless, it's an SG RI that I was thinking of buying.

[Misterwogan]

Originally Posted by Rocker949

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that and was assuming it wouldn't have a neck dive problem like my Gibson EB-0 doesn't have that problem. Because sometimes I do see people out there assuming the EB-0 basses do have neck dive, when it's obvious they don't. I can't speak about the Gibson EB-3, but have to assume they'd also not have neck dive. Nevertheless, it's an SG RI that I was thinking of buying.

It will certainly neck dive big-time without the mod and even then I have to use a leather strap.

But - with the mod and leather strap there is no hint of dive, as you can see form the picture.

[Fly Guitars]

Originally Posted by Basstreble

trying to decide between the SG Bass and Thunderbird bass. I'm not too tall and my fingers are a bit short

Most of the answers so far refer to the differences between the basses - and they are different. But here's another angle, seeing as you claim to have shorter fingers: if your playing style is busy - like Jack Bruce or Paul McCartney - ie lots of runs and melodic fills, i'd go SG.

If you mostly hammer home the root notes, maybe the tbird... The Tbird might cut through better in certain band situations, but the short scale of the SG makes playing lots of notes a LOT easier.

How about the recent short scale tbirds?

[Misterwogan]

Originally Posted by Basstreble

I'm not too tall and my fingers are a bit short

I started a thread a few weeks back trying to get specific on just how small hands need to be to actually need a short scale bass.

The consensus was: that if your middle finger is less than 77mm long (mine is 82mm and I'm 5' 9") then short scale is really going to help a lot. If longer than that (as in my case) then the short scale bass is just going to be a lot more comfortable - but not vital.

There are just a few arpeggios that people with small hands are really going to find difficult on a 34" bass. G Dominant 7 with the 6th added is definitely one of them (this one kills me on long scale).

I've found that the width of the neck is far more significant than the length in terms of comfort. My Jazz bass neck is just a comfortable as my (wider but shorter) SG neck.

[hsech]

I have a Gibson SG Bass and really like it. It has a lot of low end thump, much more so than my Precision Bass. I think the short scale thing is just a matter of taste. Either you love short scale or you don't. Not much in between. The SG bass is lighter than the Thunderbird which is a plus for my old back.

[Basstreble]

Originally Posted by Misterwogan

I started a thread a few weeks back trying to get specific on just how small hands need to be to actually need a short scale bass.

The consensus was: that if your middle finger is less than 77mm long (mine is 82mm and I'm 5' 9") then short scale is really going to help a lot. If longer than that (as in my case) then the short scale bass is just going to be a lot more comfortable - but not vital.

There are just a few arpeggios that people with small hands are really going to find difficult on a 34" bass. G Dominant 7 with the 6th added is definitely one of them (this one kills me on long scale).

I've found that the width of the neck is far more significant than the length in terms of comfort. My Jazz bass neck is just a comfortable as my (wider but shorter) SG neck.

Well I measured my middle finger yesterday and it turns out that it's 71mm. So maybe a short scale would help.

[Misterwogan]

Originally Posted by Basstreble

Well I measured my middle finger yesterday and it turns out that it's 71mm. So maybe a short scale would help.

One this is certain - you will have to try-out the SG and see for yourself.

[Mark4]

I can't speak for the SG's balance, as I've only played them sitting down, but my Thunderbirds don't neck dive. Unless you're talking about one of the older Epiphones or vintage Gibsons with the strap button in the upper horn area, balance seems good to me. I'd recommend trying both basses with a strap to see how they work for you. It might be an eye-opening experience. Plus, you'll get a better sense how they sound etc.