Just wanted to know if it sounds similar to a jazz or precision, or something different. Also, I might buy one off of Craigslist for $75, but it does not have a truss rod cover or a pickguard. Good deal?
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Epiphone Thunderbird?
- Thread starter newyorkiddo
- Start date
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Well, it looks clean, that's for sure. I'm also not worried about the electronics not working since i could fix/replace those.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Fix is one thing. Replace is another. $75 + pickguard + truss rod cover + pickups and electronics is not a particularly good deal on a $299 bass.
you might want to check one out at a music store before you buy - I just compared an Epiphone SG to the Gibson SG Special - the fretboard on the Epiphone was narrower, but the neck was thicker (I guess to add strength) - I found it uncomfortable after playing the Gibson - it might be the same with the Thunderbird - check it out and make sure it feels good before buying - (you can also check out the sound and compare to a Jazz or Precision)
I have leftover pickguard material from previous projects, so i could make a truss rod cover and a pickguard. I also have pots from my MIM Fenders I removed to replace with CTS ones. As far as pickups go, I have a friend who could make me some, so I guess I won't be paying much more than $75.
my buddy's son has one...it's a decent bass...not hard to play...has its own sound...nice growl...if you don't mind a fixer-upper $75 could be a deal...
75 is pretty sweet. I have the goth version (that i get to fix the broken piece tomorrow at my uncles) it's a nice thick low growl. I add a little distortion to give it more of a treble bite. It's awesome. I used to dislike the neck profile which is chunkier than my precision/jazz bass necks, but it grew on me and i actually like it. Love the weight of it too 
it's just great for my needs.
it's just great for my needs.
Haji
Supporting Member
I got my sunburst T-Bird for $80, the neck on it is jazz bass like. I have not been able to do a side by side with my Goth Bird but I think the sunburst has a thinner neck profile. After a tear down and a setup, it plays and sounds great. If the electronics are working, I would give $75 for another T-Bird
That's a great deal on that bass! People on TB just want the best deal with everything in working condition. They're worse than people who scavange swap meets, or pickers. Screw the pickguard & truss cover. Just fix up the electronics (it's probably a wiring issue). Electronics are usually a joke to fix on these things.
Haji
Supporting Member
The only quirk in the wiring of my TBird is the ground wire, which appears to lead to the front post of the Damnable Three Point Bridge (not many are aware that is the official name), which is understandable since that bridge floats. Everything else is exceedingly straightforward and not at all unusual.
Well, that was friendly.
My previous post was accurate. If the OP intends to restore the bass and replace the electronics, it is not a particularly good deal. It was the OP that first used the word replace. On the other hand, if the electronics problems are fixable and the OP only intends to put minimal dollars into it, then this is a good deal, provided it doesn't have any other problems.
I don't recall saying the electronics were in non-working condition. It actually sounds really good! What i meant was, if the electronics were to not work, i would not have to waste much money upgrading them since i have leftover parts. But, the bass is practically new and i am really liking it so far! thanks everyone!
This post made it sound like the electronics were not working. Glad you like it! I have a couple Epi birds. They can be a lot of fun.
I've been owning one for a while, and even though it's not my main bass, it's a good one. The tone is very personal, not really near a P bass, but a J may come close to it, and goes great with an overdrive.Just to give an example, a Krist Novoselic-like sound comes out pretty well.
In my opinion, it has two downsides: heavy neck dive (fixable with a new strap button) and the neck: on mine it's pretty large and fat, it gets a bit uncomfortable after some time to me.
In my opinion, it has two downsides: heavy neck dive (fixable with a new strap button) and the neck: on mine it's pretty large and fat, it gets a bit uncomfortable after some time to me.
I got one last week. And it's well built with a good quality finish. The neck is probably the thickest
one I own but not unplayable.
As for neck dive just adjust your strap and keep your hand on the neck. It's only a problem when left
unattended. $75 is a very good price, used these sell for about $250 to $350 in the UK ( £150 to £199 )
It's not a great deal of money
one I own but not unplayable.
As for neck dive just adjust your strap and keep your hand on the neck. It's only a problem when left
unattended. $75 is a very good price, used these sell for about $250 to $350 in the UK ( £150 to £199 )
It's not a great deal of money
hillerup
There are basses, and there are Thunderbirds!
If you need a trace of the pickguard and trc PM me - I already have tracings of several Epi birds...
