Do Thunderbirds vs Explorers?

[b-bottom]

I have an EPI Explorer that has horrific neck dive. I'm thinking about getting rid of it because I just don't dig the way the thing sits on my body. I get uncomfortable playing the thing after about 15 minutes and go back to playing my p bass.
I love the look of the thing, I think that it's the coolest looking bass, but if I don't enjoy playing it then what's the point..

I'm curious about how the Thunderbird stacks up against the Explorer in the playability department.

 

[logicman69]

The Epi bolt-on Tbird has the same problem with neckdive as the Epi Explorer. I have both basses here in the shop and with a strap the both were a bit neck heavy. That being said, I think the Tbird had a more comfortable neck than the Expolorer, which felt chunky to me.

A Gibson Thunderbird, on the other hand, has absolutly no neck dive. The necks are much different then the epi's (think more of a slim JazzBass profile). I also have not tried the Epi Thunderbird-Pro's, whick are supposed to have the same profile as the Gibson.

 

[b-bottom]

The Epi bolt-on Tbird has the same problem with neckdive as the Epi Explorer. I have both basses here in the shop and with a strap the both were a bit neck heavy. That being said, I think the Tbird had a more comfortable neck than the Expolorer, which felt chunky to me.

A Gibson Thunderbird, on the other hand, has absolutly no neck dive. The necks are much different then the epi's (think more of a slim JazzBass profile). I also have not tried the Epi Thunderbird-Pro's, whick are supposed to have the same profile as the Gibson.

I was hoping that if I tried out the Epi Thunderbird (because you can find them everywhere) and dug it, then I could start looking around for the Gibson. But since they are totally different basses, that makes things a bit more difficult...nuts

 

[logicman69]

I was hoping that if I tried out the Epi Thunderbird (because you can find them everywhere) and dug it, then I could start looking around for the Gibson. But since they are totally different basses, that makes things a bit more difficult...nuts

Yeah.. They are radicly different. More-so than say a Mexi JBass and an American JBass.

I would try and see if you can put your hands on a Epi Thunderbird Pro. I haven't tried one personally, but they are supposed to be made with the same neck dimentions of the Gibson. for $500, it might be worth a shot.

 

[stiles72]

I was hoping that if I tried out the Epi Thunderbird (because you can find them everywhere) and dug it, then I could start looking around for the Gibson. But since they are totally different basses, that makes things a bit more difficult...nuts

IMO, the Epi reflects nothing about what the Gibson will give you. Totally different beasts. They only look similar from about 20 feet away. The Gibson has a much slimmer neck, the balance and feel are different, then of course there is the sound. Totally different...

One thing you can try on your Explorer is change the position of the strap locks. Try moving the tail end about 2-3 inches closer to the rear fin - so it isn't dead center with the bridge. Also try moving the neck heel strap lock off center, about 2 inches toward the G string horn (where the toggle is). I do this to all of my birds - and makes them sit nearly upright - absolutley no dive.

 

[Kingkananga]

My Gibson Tbird has neck dive, they all do. its nothing that bugs me though because the neck plays like nothing else!

 

[NecroticImbecil]

Moving the rear strap button on the Gibson Explorer as suggested works. I did not have to relocate the neck heel button. Don't know if it will be enough for a 34" Epiphone, but then several of my 34" basses have benefited from strap button relocation so it might do the trick.