• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is it worth buying a Epiphone Thunderbird?

#5
The last time I went to a guitar center, I noodled around with one. I'd read a review saying that the pro model was one of the ten best guitars under 300 pounds sterling, and I was curious. I ended up not liking the ergonomics of it. In my opinion, it was too neck heavy.

On the other hand, I did like the Epiphone EB-3, though a luthier friend of mine talked me into getting a Gretsch Junior Jet II in the end, instead.

Bottom line, pick one up, noodle with it a bit. If you like it, great; if you don't, also great.
 
#6
Well, I was given a brand new Epi T'bird IV for Christmas a few years back because I was caught jonesing for one in a catalog.
I have tried to love it...hell, I've even tried to like it.
I might dislike everything about it this bass, except the sentiment that brought it to me.

I do like one thing about it: the tone when I blend 50% neck and 100% bridge pickup is pretty nasty.

I just have trouble with the way this bass fits me. I always feel like I'm reaching for something 10 feet away from me - I'm sure that others love the way it fits & feels to them. The body is light, and the headstock is substantial - all adding up to a wrestling match that I don't need to be in.

I've read that the Pro series has a few upgrades (like Gibson TB Plus pickups) and they have 7-piece neck-through construction. I've never touched one, but there are plenty of folks who love 'em. Best of luck.
 
#8
I have 3 of them. Great bass's.
I have up-graded pickups to active emg's in two of them. I have gigged extensively with them. Never one problem. Can't really go wrong for the money and you can always change pickups if you don't like the tone. Thunderbirds are a different animal though as far "comfort" is concerned and may take a little getting used to but great bass's in my opinion
 
#11
IMHO the only thing cool about the TBird is the vibe and look. I had a Classic Pro model (neck through, GIbson P'ups) and played it for about two days and sent it back.

At that price range there are much better, more versatile, better sounding, and better feeling basses.
 
#12
I got my thunderbird IV for 225 shipped, with a hardcase. It was to bang around at rock shows but I ended up LOVING the tone. It could really play a bit better but the standard pickups/electronics are no joke in my opinion. As someone said earlier, that bridge tone with a little neck is sooo good. The overall sound is on the dark side, even with the tones full up, which is what I like. I have been tempted to get a t-bird pro IV, and convert it to passive, maybe even with these cheapo pickups. :ninja: :ninja:
 
#14
I miss not having my Thunderbird. I'm either going to get one of the pro fours or an older thunderbird and try again. A lot of people talk about neck dive but that is an easy correction. The Epi has it's own voice and one that I like and is also a hot looking bass.
 
#16
My Goth (~2006 model) is awesome! Snarly, diabolical goodness, and gets lots of comments on the looks (obviously, all-flat-black will turn heads). The Gibson tone is its own thing--not a P, not a J, not a Rick, not one of those fancy modern active tones either--but it's nice and adaptable.

The neck dive is a real concern. Get a gooooood strap, and relocating the strap button can be handy too, though I haven't tried it. Heavy overall too. I've had bassist friends who have loved my T-bird, and others who refuse to touch it. YMMV? Definitely actually go to a store to try it out.
 
#18
I bought an Epi Thunderbird Pro IV more or less on a whim, for two reasons. First, I wanted a cheapish back up bass for my Rick and I needed a bass that I could string up with slightly heavier strings, because we play several songs tuned to Eb in the first half of our second set.

I bought the Tbird because I wanted a big contrast with my Rick.

I've been very, very impressed with it. The build quality is excellent for the price, neck through construction, nicely finished frets, solid bridge that is easy to set up and a nice neck profile.

The strap button is on the back of the neck heel as standard, but I couldn't live with the way that the face of the bass tilted forwards towards the floor with the button placed there, so I got a pair of Schaller strap locks and put the forward one on the upper shoulder, the neck dive that is inevitable with the Tbird design is there, put not unmanageable and I find that the pressure of my forearm on the rear bout is enough to counteract that.

Pickups are perfectly adequate, but not amazing, and the pre-amp is quite hissy if you boost the treble too much...better to cut the bass and turn the volume up.

Only you can tell whether a Tbird is for you but if it is putting up with the quirks of the design are easily overcome.
 
#19
I've recently purchased an Epi Thunderbird Classic IV Pro and it's a great bass for rock and blues. I've done 2 gigs with it so far, and no complaints from me, and only compliments from my guitarist and drummer. Guitarist likes the look and drummer loves the sound... me, I like 'em both! A good quality leather strap takes care of any neck dive...
 
#20
I've got 4 and love them I'm actually looking for a couple more and am looking at making my self a fenderbird outta one also to try out. the neck dive is kinda a concern for a lot of people but what very little bit I have with mine is very managable. if you do get one get yourself a good wide leather or nylon strap 3.5 or 4 inches wide I did that and if there is any neck dive it's very easy to control with the wide strap and some adjustments. they are great playing bass's and as mentioned have a sound of there own. the only thing I suggest is watch the headstock that is there weakest point. as far as comfort I think they are just fine and I'm a bigger person short and have a overhang in front and it doesn't bother me. I do wish they had a belly relief like fender and some of the other bass's but thats ok. your gonna have to judge for your self and see if one is for you and don't just give it a day or 2 and get rid of it it's going to take a little bit to get used to it but I think once you do you'll love it. also if you do get one and decide thats the Bass for you I recomend putting some other strings on it other than the factory ones. just my 2cents worth on the jubject.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back