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epiphone/gibson thunderbird

J

justin6487

Guest
Oct 23, 2017
4
1
#1
Hello All,
I'm new to the forum but I like the content that I see so I figured id give this a try. I recently purchased an Epiphone Thunderbird IV. Pretty happy with it, but I have two concerns/questions that id like to throw out there. Its size and shape. I cant seem to find a case big enough for it. Can anyone recommend one? Also, due to its shape it rests very awkwardly on my body when using a strap. Any recommendations here?

thanks
 
#2
Hey there! Welcome to TalkBass.

The TBird is it’s own thing. Best bet is to simply google and buy the case specifically made made for it. The long headstock can be a problematic fit for generic cases. Epi cases usually run between $110-$130.

As far as it resting awkwardly, can you be more a little specific - or snap a photo of what it’s doing?
 
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#3
I bought the official case for my epiphone Thunderbird and it fits nicely: https://www.amazon.com/Epiphone-Case-ThunderBird-Bass/dp/B0002H09OI

The case isn't perfectly square as pictured, it narrows near the headstock, more trapezoid than a square. It has a nice big storage compartment in it. I didn't try any third party cases, so I can't help you there.

Do you have the bass strapped low? I wear my Thunderbird high up on my body and it feels decently comfortable, for an awkwardly shaped bass.
 
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#4
Thunderbird ergos are their own thing. You are either a 'Bird player or you aren't. If the upper strap button is on the upper horn, move it to the heel of the neck. Then you can rotate the bass around and have the neck more vertical than not. That solves a lot of problems. 'Birds have a reputation for neck dive, but with the strap button at the heel and the neck up, it's not an issue. The whole fretboard is easy to reach.

And yeah, you need a long strap to make this work - fretting hand high, plucking hand low. The ergos are perfect if you want both wrists fairly straight and relaxed.

And, if you really want to know more than you really wanted to know about Thunderbirds and just about everything else, hang out in the Thunderbird Club thread.
 
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#5
Yup, the upper strap button needs to be moved from the top "horn" to just behind the heel of the neck.

The downside to this is, that it makes the body of the bass pitch forward (the bass side goes out from your body, the treble side comes into your body), but a well placed forearm brings it back into line.
 
#6
Welcome to the Thunderbird family. I love them and you can find a Dean gig bag for them. They have one for one of their large size basses and I got one from reverb for fifty bucks. I also read here that Walmart sells a double rifle case that can be used. You have to cut the foam up to fit, but it works.
 

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