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.
Gibson Thunderbird or Fender Precision?
- Thread starter Xren
- Start date
This might be the solution: a compromise. OP says he just wants ONE bass, right? How about a T-Bird mahogany body and Fender bird's-eye maple P-Neck? Unique but really variable tone. The perfect combination in IMO. It really cuts through with massive tone and growl. I put it together for about $1200.
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,059
- 38,443
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
I'm Tbird guy have been all my life, even have the logo tattoed on my shoulder...................that was done 30 years ago. New Thunderbirds are not like the vintage basses, the two big differences are the pickups and the headstock angle, while a new TB might look like a vintage bass it does not sound like one. Not saying that's bad but they are different. Another thing to consider about reverse Tbirds is that you have limited access to the upper register. That is why I play the non reverse Thunderbirds plus I think they even sound better than the neck through reverse. One big thing is they are fragile if it falls you can pretty much count on the headstock snapping off. New Tbirds are not one trick ponies, they are as versitle as a Jazz bass, maybe more so. Lots to consider pick the one you like best. My much modded 2001 Thunderbird aka the Butcher Bird
and my '69 nonreverse
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,059
- 38,443
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
This might be the solution: a compromise. OP says he just wants ONE bass, right? How about a T-Bird mahogany body and Fender bird's-eye maple P-Neck? Unique but really variable tone. The perfect combination in IMO. It really cuts through with massive tone and growl. I put it together for about $1200.
Nice bass, what kind of pickups are on it?
I play in a cover band which plays among all Muse, Kings of Leon and the Strokes. I also have a fantastic '77 Precision and a Thunderbird. I generally like Precision more, since T-Bird is just too beefy in many situations, but in that band I prefer the Thunderbird.
+ 1 and then some.Buy a Japanese P-bass and an epi thunderbird. Then you can have both for about 400 less than a new American P-bass and 800 less than ONE new thunderbird
Don´t get hung up on brand name/country of origin. Pro quality doesn´t necessarily equal a 4-digit price tag.
I own both basses myself. I also play and listen to the same type of music as you. So here is my rundown:
T-bird
Not as versatile a tone
major points when it comes to impressing fellow musicians
everyone plays something fender'ish, so be different
Way too expensive and some QC issues with the finish
slimmer neck at the nut
balance issues with t-birds (relocating the strap button helps, but then the fretboard will tilt a bit towards the ground)
somewhat uncomfortable to play but you get used to it
T-birds definitely have a mean look to them
black plastic pickups (dont like IMO)
P-Bass (2008 model)
more versatile tone
more thick bottom end
looks like every other bass ever made
2008 finish is nitro, which means major mojo in a few years
more affordable
very little QC issues
very comfortable to play and great balance
fatter neck at the nut
looks good in any playing environment (if you have other gigs)
Option 3
If you are set on a t-bird, dont get a Gibson. Get the better quality and cooler look of an Orville, Greco or Epiphone Elitist. These were made in Japan and are identical to Gibson's but better IMO. Superior finish, cool nickel U.S.A. pups, less expensive. If you want it to say Gibson on the front, a neck plate will cost you only about $20 and 5 min. of your time. I wouldn't be ashamed anyway, as they are actually an improvement on what Gibson has been doing. However, you will have to search around, and you will buy used. I got mine for $900 bucks with a gibson hardshell case (retails $300) and the gibson neck badge. I'll put it to the test of any real Gibson. The only major difference is that the early 2000's models like mine were set neck construction, but there is no way to tell with the finish job they did. Some suggest this is better for the guitar over time anyway.
Check it out:
T-bird
Not as versatile a tone
major points when it comes to impressing fellow musicians
everyone plays something fender'ish, so be different
Way too expensive and some QC issues with the finish
slimmer neck at the nut
balance issues with t-birds (relocating the strap button helps, but then the fretboard will tilt a bit towards the ground)
somewhat uncomfortable to play but you get used to it
T-birds definitely have a mean look to them
black plastic pickups (dont like IMO)
P-Bass (2008 model)
more versatile tone
more thick bottom end
looks like every other bass ever made
2008 finish is nitro, which means major mojo in a few years
more affordable
very little QC issues
very comfortable to play and great balance
fatter neck at the nut
looks good in any playing environment (if you have other gigs)
Option 3
If you are set on a t-bird, dont get a Gibson. Get the better quality and cooler look of an Orville, Greco or Epiphone Elitist. These were made in Japan and are identical to Gibson's but better IMO. Superior finish, cool nickel U.S.A. pups, less expensive. If you want it to say Gibson on the front, a neck plate will cost you only about $20 and 5 min. of your time. I wouldn't be ashamed anyway, as they are actually an improvement on what Gibson has been doing. However, you will have to search around, and you will buy used. I got mine for $900 bucks with a gibson hardshell case (retails $300) and the gibson neck badge. I'll put it to the test of any real Gibson. The only major difference is that the early 2000's models like mine were set neck construction, but there is no way to tell with the finish job they did. Some suggest this is better for the guitar over time anyway.
Check it out:
I went another route, I have a Fender Am Deluxe J, but instead of a Thunderbird I bought an RD Artist which has a monster tone (but also monster weight, LOL). I have a Q-80 which has passive electronics, a mahogany body but a bolt on maple neck with ebony fretboard.
Other bass players that have been using Thunderbirds are Pete Way from UFO and Roger Glover when he was with Rainbow in 1979/80.
Other bass players that have been using Thunderbirds are Pete Way from UFO and Roger Glover when he was with Rainbow in 1979/80.
Thunderbird....of course I'm a Thunderbird nut.
I don't get the neck heavy, too muddy, not versatile arguments at all.
Neck heavy - nice thick strap
Too muddy - use the eq section on your head
Not versatile - it has two humbucking pickups in a relative jazz bass postion. That right there makes it more versatile than any one pickup, passive bass.
I love Ps as well but Thunderbirds....man....they have the look, tone and sex appeal that no other bass has.
I don't get the neck heavy, too muddy, not versatile arguments at all.
Neck heavy - nice thick strap
Too muddy - use the eq section on your head
Not versatile - it has two humbucking pickups in a relative jazz bass postion. That right there makes it more versatile than any one pickup, passive bass.
I love Ps as well but Thunderbirds....man....they have the look, tone and sex appeal that no other bass has.
The more practical side of me says if you have no other bass a Precision is the better choice.
On the other hand I'd go for the T for my own selfish reasons. First, I've never owned one but have always wanted one. Second, I'm more inclined to go for something (relatively) uncommon. Fourth I believe most of the sound comes from your hands anyway, so if you've developed your "sound" than strangely enough it seems to translate to a good degree between instruments.
Yes, I've already got a couple of Precisions.
On the other hand I'd go for the T for my own selfish reasons. First, I've never owned one but have always wanted one. Second, I'm more inclined to go for something (relatively) uncommon. Fourth I believe most of the sound comes from your hands anyway, so if you've developed your "sound" than strangely enough it seems to translate to a good degree between instruments.
Yes, I've already got a couple of Precisions.
As a longtime T-Bird owner/player...
It's not versatile. There's a low middiness that is a part of the T-Bird sound. It's what it does. For a long time, I wanted a "Fender-y" sound, and the T-Bird just doesn't do that. You can roll off the bridge pickup, but it's nowhere close to a "P" sound.
My T-Bird was my main bass for around 5 years- and I put up with the sound I got because it played nice and it looked cooler than all get out. I never got rid of it because I knew it is a cool bass, although I hated the tone. Fast forward 10 years after relegating it to "backup" status- I got myself in a band that called for that kind of sound. Right now, that Gibson Bass sound is what I'm after, and the T-Bird fits the bill.
I believe the quintessential T-Bird tone to be from the opening theme to "The Kids In The Hall" TV program.
It's not for everyone...
My advice- figure out what the T-Bird sound is- see if you like that sound. If you don't like that sound, you're not going to be happy with the bass.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
It's not versatile. There's a low middiness that is a part of the T-Bird sound. It's what it does. For a long time, I wanted a "Fender-y" sound, and the T-Bird just doesn't do that. You can roll off the bridge pickup, but it's nowhere close to a "P" sound.
My T-Bird was my main bass for around 5 years- and I put up with the sound I got because it played nice and it looked cooler than all get out. I never got rid of it because I knew it is a cool bass, although I hated the tone. Fast forward 10 years after relegating it to "backup" status- I got myself in a band that called for that kind of sound. Right now, that Gibson Bass sound is what I'm after, and the T-Bird fits the bill.
I believe the quintessential T-Bird tone to be from the opening theme to "The Kids In The Hall" TV program.
It's not for everyone...
My advice- figure out what the T-Bird sound is- see if you like that sound. If you don't like that sound, you're not going to be happy with the bass.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
As a longtime T-Bird owner/player...
It's not versatile. There's a low middiness that is a part of the T-Bird sound. It's what it does. For a long time, I wanted a "Fender-y" sound, and the T-Bird just doesn't do that. You can roll off the bridge pickup, but it's nowhere close to a "P" sound.
My T-Bird was my main bass for around 5 years- and I put up with the sound I got because it played nice and it looked cooler than all get out. I never got rid of it because I knew it is a cool bass, although I hated the tone. Fast forward 10 years after relegating it to "backup" status- I got myself in a band that called for that kind of sound. Right now, that Gibson Bass sound is what I'm after, and the T-Bird fits the bill.
I believe the quintessential T-Bird tone to be from the opening theme to "The Kids In The Hall" TV program.
It's not for everyone...
My advice- figure out what the T-Bird sound is- see if you like that sound. If you don't like that sound, you're not going to be happy with the bass.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Tbirds and neck ties.....AWESOME combination.
Seriously....I love the vintage burst with chrome pickups and bridge. Nice looking bass!
Ive never owned a gibson thunderbird but i do plan on getting one in the not so distant future, however ive had my fair share of fender p's, usa made being the latest one i owned, not sure of the exact model but it had the s1 swiching and was butterscotch blonde, tbh it was nothing special at all, sounded average and played average, looked ok but the amount of money i lost when i sold it was the main gripe i had with the bass... not sure if it was the colour but nobody seemed to want it, and it was like new... anyways from a resale point alone i would go for the tbird
You're going to take a big hit selling any bass bought new, no matter how mint its condition. Gibson Thunderbirds ain't cheap new, and you'll lose a good chunk of what you'd paid if you flipped it, too.
Buying used works for me all the time, and it's allowed me to satisfy my GAS regularly and try tons of interesting instruments without losing any money- in fact with higher European prices I've had great luck buying from the US and selling on later here when I get bored or find I didn't really need or want a bass I'd bought.
