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Epiphone Thunderbird / Explorer comparison

Stondis

Stondis

Feb 12, 2005
61
3
England
www.greenhell.co.uk
#1
Dear all,
I wonder if anyone who has played both of these basses can explain the differences (other than the pointy bits) between the two?
I have a Thunderbird which I love dearly and was thinking of getting an Explorer. I'm thinking they might be quite similar tonaly and playing-wise (which is good for me!) I will have to journey to London to try out an Explorer which I won't be able to do for a while, so could anybody describe the differences between the necks, pickups etc? Also what's with the pickup selecter on the Explorer and how is it different to adjusting the pots on a normal bass? (Sorry if that last bit is a dumb-ass question!) :help:
 
#2
Well, the Epi Explorer bass is a short-scale (30") so it's going to be more tubby and thuddy. Only you can decide if you like a shortscale - I've played ones I've loved and ones I've hated. Don't know about the pickup and knob differences as the only Tbird I've ever had was a Blackbird which has no controls whatsoever.
 
#3
jammadave said:
Well, the Epi Explorer bass is a short-scale (30") so it's going to be more tubby and thuddy. Only you can decide if you like a shortscale - I've played ones I've loved and ones I've hated. Don't know about the pickup and knob differences as the only Tbird I've ever had was a Blackbird which has no controls whatsoever.
Click to expand...

Cheers Jammadave! That's intriguing information, didn't know it was a shortscale. I've never played one, could be a bit of a shock going from a T-Bird behemoth neck! Hope I can get to grips with one soon.:bassist:

EDIT: I just looked at some online shops and they all seem to say the Explorer is 34" same as the Thunderbird, I think the Flying V is 30" though.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.................
 
#4
No, its 34 scale. Compared to the thunderbird, it feels alot like it. They have the same neck and pickups. The explorer is a little warmer sounding due to the pickups being in different places. I would say there is enough differences between them to justify buying both.
 
#7
311Fan is right about the 34" scale; I had a Korina Explorer not too long ago. One heck of a reach down the neck--you better have long arms! The Gibson Explorer's were 32" scale, which makes a lot of sense--less reach, not as neck heavy. Don't know about the T-Bird, but the Explorer is very neck heavy, but a good wide rough strap helps some. It sounded fabulous, and was constructed very well, no complaints there.

Billy-Bob
 

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