Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV 2009 Chinese DaeWon vs 2018 Indonesian Samick

[calmix]

I love my 2013 Indonesian Epiphone Thunderbird Classic Pro but I've been thinking about one with the active electronics for a while now. And the bare wood oil finish IMO is real cool! So, Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV 2009 Chinese DaeWon factory vs 2018 Indonesian Samick factory.

Thanking you all in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

~Stein

 

[Malcolm35]

Sounds like GAS is around the corner. You have it narrowed down. Pull the plug and make a decision.

 

[calmix]

Thank you Malcom. GAS? OK... So I had to go to an urban dictionary to find out what GAS meant. I'm not that 'Forum' savvy yet. ;-)

I have to break my own rule and buy it without playing it first. Online.

I noticed a difference in two photos the 2009 Chinese DaeWon build had thicker Walnut ply in between the maple vs 2018 Indonesian Samick factory had thinner ply between the maple.

But seriously. I have questions...Does anybody know the QC and build quality of the different years and factories? maple tone vs walnut?...are the electronics and pickups different?...WILL HAL dream!?...how much energy is stored in one cubic foot of ocean water?....

Enthrall me all!

Thanks, Stein

 

[calmix]

I guess what the question is...is there anything to gain by getting the active pickups or can I achieve the same sound with a good preamp/od and EQ?

Anybody? Bueller...Bueller....crickets...