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Fender MIM Jazz/Epiphone Thunderbird

BuffaloMO

BuffaloMO

May 26, 2005
168
0
64
Land of OZ
www.buffalomo.com
#1
I am going to buy myself a new bass for Christmas and was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions?

Are the Fender MIM Jazz and Epiphone Thunderbird of comparable quality?

Which would you buy first?

Is there any way to get a Fender MIM Jazz in natural finish?

If not, which color would you recommend? I am leaning towards black or artic white, possibly the chrome red.

May think of other questions later. :hiding:

Thanks :D
 
#2
I think Musiciansfriend have (had) a MIM jazz with a flame and one with a quiled top, but I don't think they ship to the Land Of Oz :D . Otherwise I think the Arctic White is very cool, esp. with a tort or black pickguard.

I think the thunderbird is of good quality but I know they have LOTS of neck-dive (like most Epiphone basses) wich I detest, but they do sound very fat, more so than the jazz.
 
#3
Kasper007 said:
I think Musiciansfriend have (had) a MIM jazz with a flame and one with a quiled top, but I don't think they ship to the Land Of Oz :D . Otherwise I think the Arctic White is very cool, esp. with a tort or black pickguard.

I think the thunderbird is of good quality but I know they have LOTS of neck-dive (like most Epiphone basses) wich I detest, but they do sound very fat, more so than the jazz.
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I'll try to put this as nicely as i can, but why do people complain about the neck dive on the TBird? I played one and i honestly didnt think it was neck heavy at all. But maybe thats because my Ibanez and Washburn both weigh a ton. But come on, its not that hard to hold up. But thats just my opinion, for some it might feel very neck heavy. Just make sure to test it before you buy. As far as the TBird goes, I think the natural finish and the new black finish are really nice, but the gothic finish just felt really cheap. They have a nice sound, pretty deep. But it all depends, what are you looking to play on this bass?
 
#4
ROON said:
I'll try to put this as nicely as i can, but why do people complain about the neck dive on the TBird? I played one and i honestly didnt think it was neck heavy at all. But maybe thats because my Ibanez and Washburn both weigh a ton. But come on, its not that hard to hold up. But thats just my opinion, for some it might feel very neck heavy. Just make sure to test it before you buy. As far as the TBird goes, I think the natural finish and the new black finish are really nice, but the gothic finish just felt really cheap. They have a nice sound, pretty deep. But it all depends, what are you looking to play on this bass?
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I don't mind a bass being heavy, it's just that I personally play a lot seated and then you don't have a strap to balance things out, and you have to use your fretting hand not only for fretting but also for holding the thing up, which slows me down a lot. I know there are lots of people who don't even notice this so I guess I should put a big IMO here :p
 
#6
the thunderbird looks cooler, but some complain about neck heavy. the last frets are almost impossible to access too. plus its less common

pbass well is just pbass. it has thicker neck, balances better

tbird sounds bassier, deeper in general. pbass has has more of a low mids. varies from bass to bass tho
 
#8
Kasper007 said:
I think Musiciansfriend have (had) a MIM jazz with a flame and one with a quiled top.
Click to expand...
I snagged the last tobacco burst flame top a few months ago. She now has DiMarzio Model J pups, Schaller Straplocks, Vol/Blend/Tone controls with Chicken Heads, and a Hipshot 3 String Retainer. Hipshot Vintage Bridge and Fender Nickel Rounds coming soon!
DSC01810.jpg
 
#13
Everything below is prefaced with a big IMO ....

No doubt the Thunderbird is a kick-butt bass in terms of style and a thick sound. It immediately grabs your attention when seen and heard. Always wanted one but will not buy it because of the balance issues, and I have played them several times in the hope I could convince myself otherwise. I personally cannot stand a bass that does not "hang" nicely from a strap. Sure, there are plenty of remedies for this (many posted here on TB) so maybe my other excuse is that perhaps the T-Bird style is a bit too much for a 40+ year old.

My advice is to get the Jazz. If you are going to be playing all styles of rock it will deliver many different tones. It also balances nicely and has the classic style which may not jump out at you like the T-Bird, but is nice also.

Not sure how easy this is in OZ, but look into a Japanese Fender. The MIM's are Ok, but CIJ is better (I have one of each).
 
#14
I don't know if your budget can fit the extra $100 or so but the P-bass deluxe Special is a great bass and a great value. It's made in Mexico, with american electronics. active P+J, with a p-bass body and a thinner Jazz bass neck. TONS of tonal possibilities. Choice of Rosewood or maple fret boards, and quite reliable. I'm extremely happy with my decision to buy one. I got a Blizzard white one looks super sexy with the maple board. It is a bit more money tho.

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You might also want to take a look at the Highway One Fender basses that are made in the US. They are only slightly more expensive then meixcan passes

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#18
Buster,
Congrats on your about to be new baby. Looks nice.

snappytom said:
so maybe my other excuse is that perhaps the T-Bird style is a bit too much for a 40+ year old.
Click to expand...

I'm a bit older and I always considered the T-Bird old school and kind of an old guys bass. This is probably because of their sound, because I have seen them around forever and because I am used to seeing more old guys playing them than kids. I guess it is all perception.

Peace,
S
 
#19
I've used to have an Epi Thunderbird and I recently got an old Gibson Thunderbird with chrom hardware and pickups. The two don't compare. The Epi is made from different woods, has lower output pickups and bolt on neck. All that is similar is the shape.
I would go for a Jazz every time, its much more versatile and the upgrades available are numerous.
That said, you just cannot beat the sound of a real Gibson Thunderbird. They sound look and feel awesome.
 

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