Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Epiphone Thunderbird
- Thread starter 3FingerJack
- Start date
I just picked up a pro V shipped for about $550.
Gonna take it to a luthier monday to have the headstock reshaped and possibly converted from 4+1 to a 3+2.
I have always wanted to try the T-Birds out, but I never have. I've always been a P-Bass guy. Maybe one day!
My $.02 - I love the tone of these and came very close to buying one on sale (I think it was a Pro), here's why I didn't:
Hangs a little strangely due to the location of the strap buttons
Also neck dive
Screws to adjust intonation face the head?? It looks like you would have to hold the screwdriver under/inline with the string to be able to turn the screw, or like you would have to loosen the string enough to get it out of the way, adjust the screw, retighten and tune the string and check your intonation - then repeat as necessary! I even asked the tech, he said he didn't see any other way to do it. If there is another way, someone please fill me in,
Won't fit in a standard case or gig bag
Just added up to too much to put up with for me. Glad other people play them though - I do like that tone ; )
Hangs a little strangely due to the location of the strap buttons
Also neck dive
Screws to adjust intonation face the head?? It looks like you would have to hold the screwdriver under/inline with the string to be able to turn the screw, or like you would have to loosen the string enough to get it out of the way, adjust the screw, retighten and tune the string and check your intonation - then repeat as necessary! I even asked the tech, he said he didn't see any other way to do it. If there is another way, someone please fill me in,
Won't fit in a standard case or gig bag
Just added up to too much to put up with for me. Glad other people play them though - I do like that tone ; )
I bought a Epi Pro nt for $300 a few years back as a beater bass and it has become my main 4 string. I play 3+ hrs a day fairly aggressively and this bass is easy on my hands. I wrap the strap over the front of the bass from the lower strap lock which makes it much more playing friendly for me. Mine is stock except for Grolsch strap locks and is strung with RS 66s.
The intonation process is goofy but it can be done leaving the strings on, considering how often one has to intonate its hardly an issue. Thin screwdriver at a slight angle takes care of it in not much time at all.
These come with all kind of different necks, make sure you know which one you are getting. I have the regular Epi and it has a P Bass neck. Love the pickups, hate the neck (P Bass necks too chunky for my taste).
As far as neck dive, just get a good (leather/suede) strap 2.5", 3" is better and you wont have any problems.
As far as neck dive, just get a good (leather/suede) strap 2.5", 3" is better and you wont have any problems.
You lost all cred with the image swap. I feel like I don't even know who you are anymore.
Agree 100%
I always liked the sound and the feel of a TBird. But despite being an unrepentant Gibson player for most of my life, I never gave myself The Bird. I was always put off by the price tag, and to a lesser extent, by the ergonomics. So much like a Ric (which I’ve yet to buy for the same two reasons) a TBird has remained one of those basses I could never quite get myself to pull the trigger on.
However, I have recently tried out some Epiphone TBirds (Classic and Classic Pro) and I can confidently tell you they can hold their own against any Gibson Thunderbird I’ve ever played over the last 40 years. And they could easily beat out many of the “Genuine Gibson” models as well. Epihone has absolutely nailed the TBird vibe with their version.
Sane price tag too, even with the recent increases. I’d consider the current $550 street price for a Classic Pro to be a genuine bargain.
Let’s see…I got two Rippers, a SB-300. a 2017 EB, and an early 60s ES-125TC guitar. But my SO’s vintage Les Paul Classic is out on permanent loan to her godson’s recording studio in CA. So...that leaves an open space in the rack for another bass right? Right? (Hmm…do I have $500 to spare anytime soon?)
Oh man! I gotta stop coming here.
Last edited:
3Finger-
I'd recommend that you play one before purchase due to the ergonomics.
I owned a standard Epi Tbird and could never get comfy with it. The only way it worked for me was to attach the strap on the headstock... cowboy style.
Good Luck!
I'd recommend that you play one before purchase due to the ergonomics.
I owned a standard Epi Tbird and could never get comfy with it. The only way it worked for me was to attach the strap on the headstock... cowboy style.
Good Luck!
But that’s not a TBird!
TBirds have FOUR strings! Just four strings! Never anything but four strings! Never ever ever ever ev…
(Note: the above text cuts off abruptly at this point. That’s probably the moment when the guys in the white coats with the butterfly nets came for him.)
I thought a tbird V was just the 5th version, cause a 4 string tbird is morally wrong.But that’s not a TBird!
TBirds have FOUR strings! Just four strings! Never anything but four strings! Never ever ever ever ev…
(Note: the above text cuts off abruptly at this point. That’s probably the moment when the guys in the white coats with the butterfly nets came for him.)
They just got that poor guy sedated and he’s finally sleeping peacefully. Please don’t do or say anything around him to provoke another episode.
I had a Classic IV Pro...it was great, I have a Vintage Pro, different animal, love it, I solo the neck pup and its magical ;-) I also own the real thing, a Gibby, they all have unique personalities but are all awesome on their own. The Classic IV and the Vintage Pro are excellent values on the used market. Rock on.
If I remember correctly, the Classic IV was more like the modern Gibsons, at least it felt that way to me...the Vintage Pro is a different animal, its comfortable, I have big hands and this doesnt feel as thin as the Classic IV, now please bear in mind, I am talking "feel" as I dont know the dimensions, I just know what feels right to me.
The only thing keeping me from trying a Vintage is knowing I’ll probably want one. I’m totally happy with my Classic but the monkey is never satisfied.
