Greco Thunderbird IV

Japan's best take on the Thunderbird

Reviews summary

1
 
100%
0
 
0%
0
 
0%
0
 
0%
0
 
0%
Overall rating
5.00 star(s) 1 ratings
Tone
5.00 star(s)
Build Quality
4.00 star(s)
Features
4.00 star(s)
Feel
4.00 star(s)
Value
5.00 star(s)
One of the best Thunderbirds ever made
Tone
5.00 star(s)
Build Quality
4.00 star(s)
Features
4.00 star(s)
Feel
4.00 star(s)
Value
5.00 star(s)
Pros
  • Amazing pickups
  • Slightly shorter scale than Gibson or Epiphone birds fits me better
  • Stop bar avoids three point bride pullouts
  • Some are a beautiful shade of red
Cons
  • No body contours
  • Neck's a bit chunkier than I like
A burst Greco rapidly became my favorite Thunderbird (of those I own), and the red one nudged it aside. The pickups have the best range of any stock Thunderbirds I've played. They're hotter than anything but aftermarket pickups[1] and can get aggressive and growly.

I've seen references to the scale being 33 1/2" o4 33 3/4", but both of mine register 33 1/4". My fingers are a bit short for most basses, so that's a plus. Both my Grecos came with oversize strap buttons that hold my straps very securely.

The previous owner of the red Greco said he had to replace the bridge and tuners because they were falling apart. Whether that was dure to neglect by an even previouser owner I don't know. but the bridge and tuners on my burst Greco were fine.

One of the few negatives for me is that the neck is a bit wider and thicker than other Thunderbirds; P players will love it.