• 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.

How fast is the neck of an epiphone thunderbird?

#4
Ive owned a Epi thunderbird for close to a year and i really like them! they have a smooth neck, ive played basses with faster necks, but its still a pretty nice neck. You should try one out 1st to see if you like it or not. They are good basses.
 
#5
I love my Epi T-bird. Neck dive sucks, but it plays well enough. It's not even close to the smoothest neck in the world but when they're set up well they play with minimal effort. I kind of like a bass that looks that 'rock and roll' to make me earn a few notes here and there. I'm with the others on the whole 'try before you buy it' thing, as I know from others who have played mine and didn't care for the action, this bass isn't for everyone.
 
#6
i tried one at GC and it sucks, what a chunk of wood, worse neck ever IME, was so bad that cured my gas for a T-Bird, so I walked away with the money in my pocket, probably is not that bad but all the basses I have owned have had great necks and this was way inferior. My suggestion is try it before you buy it.
 
#12
I have small hands.....The neck on a standard Epi really didn't work well for me, I put a Jazz neck on my Epi - now it plays great! I don't own an Epi pro but have spent some time playing several and have found them to be smaller and much easier (for me) to play.
 
#13
MyWifeBoris said:
Just wondering. I don't want to be fighting it like I do with my Dean Evo.
Click to expand...

So do you want to be fighting "neck dive" instead? They have even WORSE neck dive than my Carlo Robelli 8 string! (Which is about the worst bass I ever played in that regard).

Just look at where the strap connects. There is a reason that basses have an upper horn! You really need the strap connected out about the 12th fret to get some balance.

So all you have to ask yourself, is "How big of a sacrifice am I willing to make for "fashion" "?
 
#14
bassbenj said:
So do you want to be fighting "neck dive" instead? They have even WORSE neck dive than my Carlo Robelli 8 string! (Which is about the worst bass I ever played in that regard).

Just look at where the strap connects. There is a reason that basses have an upper horn! You really need the strap connected out about the 12th fret to get some balance.

So all you have to ask yourself, is "How big of a sacrifice am I willing to make for "fashion" "?
Click to expand...

Neck dive on an Epi can be cured by relocating the strap button from the upper body to the heel of the neck. Gibson Tbirds come this way, and Epi's should, but for whatever reason, they mount the button in the"traditional" spot. (bad idea)

Yes, it requires modification of the original design, but it's not exactly major surgery, nor is it rocket science. A drill, couple of bits, a bit of common sense, & you're golden.
 
#19
I've had my Epi for a little less than a month, and I can't find one thing I don't like about it. Sure, the neck dives. I knew that going in. With a good strap it's manageable. The pickups aren't great, but for $300 what do you want. They don't totally suck. I think the weakest part of the Epi 'bird is the bridge, and that's an easy fix too.
But as far as the neck, I actually really like the way it feels. Seems good to me.
 
#20
i haven't found that there's anything particularly fast or slow about the neck of a thunderbird. it's a sort-of large neck (compared to a fender at least) but that's never affected speed for me. the only issue you might have is the glossy finish, which can stick to your skin and slow you down. however if you're concerned with the "speed" of the neck, you're likely someone who enjoys free access to the upper register of the instrument. in this regard, the thunderbird is not the right choice.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back