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I am thinking about getting a Tbird

E

eotpr

Jun 25, 2007
472
1
#1
I am looking at a Epiphone Limited Edition Custon Shop Thunderbird IV. I play a little of everything. I have a Ibby SR500 a Schecter Stiletto 5er and an Accoustic as well as a Fender MIJ Jazz fretless. Will this add to my sound or just be a pretty toy that I really will not use? Right now the SR 500 is my go to bass. :hyper:
 
#6
The Tbird is good for grindy sounds to blend well with distortion. The neck does dive, but i have never really had a problem with it since your hand is always on the neck anyway. I would suggest playing one of the regulars and comparing the sound yourself. I am very happy with mine though.
 
#9
I have an Epi T-Bird and am very satisfied with it. It works well for me because I currently only have two basses, the t-bird and a MIM Fender Deluxe Jazz with flats. I go to my jazz for smooth and mellow for the coffee shop feel. My t-bird has become my rock bass with the beefy frets and passive pups. First thing I suggest is move that front strap nut to the back of the neck.

Now considering that I have only two basses and both can be specialized for certain sounds, the new t-bird in your lineup my get lost among the others.
 
#10
The only comments made have been about the neck dive. My neck seems to be sturdy, i have whacked it a few times and it still holds strong. If you are using so many different basses, i agree that the tbird may get lost, but do not underestimate its quality. Its can hold is own and i plan to keep mine a long time.
 
#14
From some of the comments I have seen they do not seem too popular. Why the hate for them?
Click to expand...

There are a lot of haters on this site that feel everyone should like & play what they play, regardless.

As with Rickenbackers & Warwicks they are a love/hate bass.

A lot of people here tend to hate Gibson basses in general.

Dont listen to them. Tird's are great sounding & playing bass for rock. The downside is lack of upper fret access & they are neck heavy, but can be compensated by moving the strap lock & getting a wide grippy strap.

My suggestion is to try one before you buy, if you can. Also realize that playing in a store does not represent how good a Tbird sounds in a band situation.

Also note Tbirds are more of a bass that tends to blend in the mix very nicely. It's not a bass that stands out in the mix.

Another plus of buying a Gibson bass is they hold their value very well and are easy to sell. I would also recommend buying one used.
 
#18
The comment about the necks breaking easily refers to the tendency of Gibson guitar/bass necks to break at the headstock. Apparently mahogany can be brittle (particularly on vintage pieces, as you can see by the frequent headstock repairs on vintage gibsons), and if an instrument is dropped, the combination of a slightly brittle wood and the Gibson headstock angle, you can wind up with a headless instrument. I've seen it happen on stage with a Les Paul. I wouldn't let that deter you from buying one though. Just try not to drop it!
 
#20
typical love-hate relationship. If a T-bird works for you after playing it in the guitar store, then you will choose one, if not, then you won't.
People who ask others "what does this sound like", and "why would you buy one" threads are long and point-full, AND point-less.
I always loved the T-bird body, and have two T-bird basses, and EPI and a Jackson.

I won't compare it to my Jackson bass, but for what I use it for, it works for me...
 

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