Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-V after 2 years Review.

[Splore]

I can be a made in the USA snob. However I love Thunderbirds, and needed a 5 string. For the record my main 2 Basses are 50th Anni Fender USA Fretless P-Bass, and a 96 Gibson USA T-bird. These are some tough axes to compare an epi too.

2 years ago while scouring the earth for a 5 string Gibson T-bird (seems to be a wild goose chase) I came across the Epi T-bird Pro-V. I had the same thought as everyone else "I would never play an epi, their reputation is terrible". 2 nights later We opened for Origin, (Mike Flores is one of the most awesome bass players in that genre) and blow me down if he wasn't using an Epi T-bird pro-V and it was making some of the thickest tones I had ever heard.

Went to the local shop to get my hands on one, there was one actually in stock. Not sure if the tech at that shop had done an intonation or if the "Assembled in America" part actually meant a reasonable setup out of the box. Picked it up, and it just felt right. You know that one that no matter how many more basses you look at and play, you are merely comparing them to the one.

Tuned it to A, slapped some Rotosound Flatwounds on it, and it could handle any death metal riff I threw at it. Now that I don't play Death Metal anymore, I slapped on some half wounds and tuned it E-C and it will kick the ass of any Jazz bass I have ever heard. The active electronics are superb, and very powerful, combined with the EMG's that everyone loves is joyful bliss. The bridge is massive and really makes the look complete.

My conditioned response has been to turn to a USA model when I want the following traits from an axe. This particular Epi shatters the reputation of Epiphone. Yeah it is more expensive than the other Epi's, but Neck through, quality electronics, and playability have made me a believer.
Sound
Feel
Playability
Looks
Versatility
electronics
Craftsmanship
and for bonus points, every time I pull out the natural finish T-bird pro-V everyone comes up to me and say how good it sounds and how amazing it looks, far more than any other bass I have owned.

Summation: This guitar has many features that are usually reserved for USA and Top end guitars. I have never said this about any other "Value" brand, but I would comfortably recommend this amazing bass to just about anyone playing just about any style!

Note: fits perfectly in the regular Epiphone Thunderbird Hardshell Case as well as the case for a Gibson T-bird.

 

[JakeDPR]

I want one...

 

[bassmachine2112]

Hi ,I,ve got the pro iv and after getting it set up properly it is playing a dream.
It appears to have settled down and now has a massive tone.
I,ve had it almost 2 years now and it is standing up very well.
The sound to my ears has got better.
Plus points,no worries concerning the head falling off,proper bridge,well voiced active circuit,neck is excellent like a jazz at the nut and very little taper to body.
Bad point-jack socket,will be replacing soon apart from that great bass and looks the biz in black.
I was at band practice last night and was complimented on fantastic bass sound.
Nice to be noticed.
Neck dive can be sorted by moving the buttons,should be done as standard but hiho if that,s all you can fault.
There was a few horror stories when these came out but was quickly sorted out.
Worth the extra over the standard epi and can stand up beside the real deal.
Great slap tone as well.

 

[bassvi]

I just ordered one of these on last weekend and it arrived yesterday. So far I'm quite impressed! Talk about versatile, a bird that can handle slap, cop a serious Pastorious tone if you ask it to or do a heavy rock thing...... it's a nice bass. Very attractive too, I might add. The stock strings may need to go, but I am really liking the fit and finish, electronics.... mine seems to balance well even with the strap buttons where they are.... very jazzed about my new bass

 

[BookMDanelectro]

I purchased a Pro V about two weeks ago. Zzzounds had a new vintage sunburst for $379 for a short period. Of course, I jumped on it and it is a LOT of bass for the price!

 

[bassvi]

That's an awesome deal man! I bought mine from MF so I could return it if I didn't like it, but after about 15 minutes with it I peeled the plastic off and committed- it really is that good.. I never thought I would be raving about an Epiphone but I really like this bass (mine's a sunburst Pro-V)

 

[rockscott]

Good review! I agree 100 %. I purchased a pro 4, 2 years ago, its become my primary bass. I have small hands but find i can play this bass stem to stern with no stretching issues! I wanted very low action with no fret buzz at all, so i had a talented luthier fret dress the neck & install a tusk nut. You should hear this bass, its sounds awesome! The epiphone Thunderbird pro is not a great bass for the money, its a great bass period!!!!!!

 

[bassmachine2112]

I have to agree,it,s a great bass.
I find I go to it more and more.
I would get another but I,ve got one in black already.

 

[Electric_Delta]

Never tried the five string, but I've owned the four string Epi T-Bird for a long time and it's never let me down. The tonal range is wide and the neck is fast, though the whole thing is unbalanced.

I have one of the Korean ones; I've heard the Epi T-Birds made in China are of a lower quality. I'd be interested to know if this is really the case.

Congrats on your find. Made in the USA doesn't always mean superior when it comes to bass guitars.