Can't decide between Epiphone Thunderbird or MIM precision

You already have two active PJs. Do the Thunderbird! I’ve recently learned the greatness of Gibson basses and that’s coming from someone who owns four P basses.

PS- maybe do the Tbird and throw a passive set of pickups in one of the active PJs? Just a thought.

 

Hmm. Tricky.

Both classics, both sound great, both worthy of being in almost anyone’s arsenal.

The Precision is more widely applicable, being essentially the ideal bass for a wide variety of classic styles.

The Thunderbird seems made for rock, from blues rock to classic rock to heavy metal. Chicago blues could be a good match (it certainly worked for its guitar stablemate, the Firebird) The Thunderbird perhaps seems especially suited to playing with a pick, though of course it can be played with fingers. Color can be important on the Thunderbird, as black suits pretty much any kind of hard rock or metal look, while white, Pelham blue, green or red might suit pop rock, and sunburst kind of fits with anything, but perhaps best evokes the blues rock to hard classic rock end of the spectrum.

In my opinion, the Thunderbird is the coolest looking bass ever created. However, as its neck is way out there (and I have some problems with the front of my shoulder that I think that would aggravate), it hangs headstock heavy, the case is large and the Gibson version is expensive and has different pickups than the original, I’ve never gotten one. Also, I’m less hard rock than I used to be and not really stage oriented anymore. The Epi Vintage Pro, with its more affordable price than Gibson while being simultaneously more classic than Gibson’s offering, does have me re-interested though.

The P bass is, in my opinion, the best sounding bass ever. The look is a classic and suits all of the styles I like well enough. ‘Nuff said, right? I mean, it’s the P.

The necks are really different. I like both necks, in different ways.

I got a Precision. Heck, I got 2. I still have that Thunderbird itch though. It’s a low level kind of thing, but always there in the background ("Man, a T-bird sure would be cool.. maybe I should finally get that T-bird. Nah, I don’t really need a T-bird. Epi Vintage Pro sure would be nice and the price is right...Jezz, but I’ve been pretty much going short scale when I’m not playing the P, and a Thunderbird would be going in the opposite direction. Man, a T-bird sure would be cool though..." and so on, lol). Who knows? Good luck!

 

While I don't see active PJ Basses the same as a passive P Bass, I do think you have a pretty good approximation of a Precision.
But as has been said, you could easily change one of your PJ's into a great sounding passive P bass.
Buy a $60 Dimarzio Model P pickup and a couple of $4.00 pots, pull the active tone guts, change out the P pup and don't wire in the J pickup and you've got a great sounding P Bass.
The new Epiphone Vintage Pro Thunderbirds sound like the old Gibson Thunderbirds, and don't have the crappy three point bridge, so have become a much better deal than they have been for a lot of years.
After you get your passive P bass conversion done cheaply, pull the trigger on the new T-Bird!!!

 

They are cheap enough...get both!

 

Some thoughts about T Birds...

Some struggle with the ergos on T Birds. Might be the right feel for you, might not. I was shocked to find out how comfy they are for me. Got kind of obsessed and wound up with 3 of em in the space of a couple months. Two are Gibson’s and one is a Cataldo


Both my reverse style Gibson’s suffer no neck dive, are lightweight and sound fantastic. The non reverse body is a little more prone to neck dive, but is easily dealt with.

3 point bridges are horrible? Not really. Mine set up easy and work great. Sure, it’s a quirky design, but way too much is made of how ‘awful’ they are. They’re fine.

I used to pigeonhole these basses as being just for hard rock, but I’m sure glad I got over it! Mine go to country gigs, pop gigs...basically all of my gigs lately. Alexander Hacke was the main reason I wanted a T Bird for the thick sound he gets playing experimental music. Kim Gordon and Mike Watt as well.

Also, a ThunderBucker Ranch ‘63 pickup is one of the best P bass sounds you’re likely to hear.

Always have had at least one P bass around and probably always will. They’re beautiful and perfect in their own way. Right now, I just find T Birds to be more interesting to me. If you go Epi, the Vintage Pro or the Classic Pro are really nice instruments for the dough.

Have fun with your search!

 

I have a pbass and love it, but my number one girl is my Thunderbird. Just something about her makes me want to smile

 

Grab that 'BIRD by the neck and don't let go! Cheap P basses are easy to find,as mention above get both!
and off the one u like least of the 2 after giving them some time.

 

I'm a P Bass guy, but in your case and what you described. Get the bird.

 

That’s a very popular string choice for a T Bird

 

As an alternative DR Hi Beams are fairly popular as well.

 

I have recent bought an Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro. Get the bird is all I can say it’s an amazing bass,

 

Which case is that? Did you get it at Sweetwater?

 

I love my Epiphone. And a very versatile bass. This is coming from someone who likes Precisions.