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Is a 2010 Thunderbird epiphone worth a look?
- Thread starter Robert Udell
- Start date
Possibly, but I'd suggest trying it first. Few years back i tried a bunch of Gibbon Thunderbirds and about half of them definitely weren't worthwhile.
A 2010 Epi TBird would be the bolt-on model that was sold for decades but is now out of production.
Used ones on Reverb are around $350.
Used ones on Reverb are around $350.
Classic Pro or Pro IV...definitely.
Even if it's the old bolt-on model, those can be pretty decent. Worth a look if the price is low. The Pro model (the natural finish one of the pics in the post above mine) was, as I remember it, a decent enough bass, certainly not worse than the bolt-on birds. The bridge, being a different design than the classic Gibson 3-point that many despise, could be seen as a plus. It has a preamp which makes it different from most other T-birds out there, though as I recall most people didn't particularly like the preamp. It should be easy enough to replace anyway. The Classic Pro model, which has pretty much the same specs as a Gibson only made in Asia is the one to go for, but as I recall it was introduced a few years after 2010, probably around 2013 or so...
Also, look for deals on used examples of the current Vintage Pro/60's/whatever they happen to call it at the moment T-bird (the one with 60's type chrome pickups and two piece bridge). I own one of those and it's a very good bass. They've been around for a few years now so you should be able to find a used one for a good price.
Also, look for deals on used examples of the current Vintage Pro/60's/whatever they happen to call it at the moment T-bird (the one with 60's type chrome pickups and two piece bridge). I own one of those and it's a very good bass. They've been around for a few years now so you should be able to find a used one for a good price.
Do you have a "thing" for T Birds? If not, your $$ would be better spent elsewhere.
Riis
I agree with the general consensus above. I bought one and didn't mesh with it at all. Money better spent on a better grade Squier Jazz or P-Bass.
Those have a very different sound than what you get from a TBird. If he’s looking for that sort of sound, a JB or PB won’t get it for him.
It's personal preference. Their large and heavy but they sure do pack a big punch tone-wise.
So Anyway, I owned an Epiphone T Bird many years ago. I was using Epiphone copies to try out all the Gibson styles that I had seen when I first started playing.
I thought the Epi T Bird was a fine bass that was well made. The tone really stood out in the mix. But I could never get comfy with the ergonomics. I think the best suited for someone a lot bigger/taller than I am.
Good luck in your search.
I thought the Epi T Bird was a fine bass that was well made. The tone really stood out in the mix. But I could never get comfy with the ergonomics. I think the best suited for someone a lot bigger/taller than I am.
Good luck in your search.
He must have a "thing" for Tbirds or he wouldn't be looking at it
- Mar 13, 2008
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- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
It's likely the inexpensive bolt on neck version which isn't all that good, I would try it, but it's not at all like other Thunderbirds out there, shares no parts or even common dimensions. I've owned a couple and traded them both off, definitely a case of "You get what you pay for"
Were I looking for a good relatively inexpensive Thunderbird the Epiphone "Vintage Pro" (also called "60's Thunderbird or "64 Thunderbird depending on where and when it's made) would be my first choice, it's simply better in every way possible.
This is an Epiphone '64 Thunderbird, it shares the same details as the Vintage Pro and "60s Thunderbird, notably the two point bridge and chrome pickups, they are are multi-laminated, neck thru basses, very similar to the original Gibson from the '60s at a fraction of the price, look for a used one of these.
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Thanks for all the input , not really a thing for t-birds. Just looking for a decent back up. I played fenders for years and am used to them. Currently playin a Rick, but looking for a decent back up
Well...
The Queen of the T-Bird Owner's Club has passed judgement on that particular T-Bird, and recommended some others, so...'Nuff said about that. However...
As a club member, who owns 2 T-Birds - mainly because left handed ones are very few and far between - if you are a long time Fender player who's looking at a T-Bird simply as a "Back up"? Gotta tell ya; there's a real good chance that you'll be disappointed. There's a good reason that lots of T-Bird players play them slung low, with the headstock pointed up high. That's the way that a T-Bird's pretty much got to be played - unless you like lots of neck dive - and stretching waay out there for those top frets. Which you will have to deal with, if you try to play a T-Bird like you play your Fender. And, yes; that's a lesson I had to learn the hard way... But, since there's 2 dozen very different basses (including 2 Ricks) in my "Bass Herd"? I've learned to be... flexible... in the way I play a bass. I imagine you could be, too...
- Jun 30, 2010
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Average height (not low slung) - no neck-diveWell...
The Queen of the T-Bird Owner's Club has passed judgement on that particular T-Bird, and recommended some others, so...'Nuff said about that. However...
As a club member, who owns 2 T-Birds - mainly because left handed ones are very few and far between - if you are a long time Fender player who's looking at a T-Bird simply as a "Back up"? Gotta tell ya; there's a real good chance that you'll be disappointed. There's a good reason that lots of T-Bird players play them slung low, with the headstock pointed up high. That's the way that a T-Bird's pretty much got to be played - unless you like lots of neck dive - and stretching waay out there for those top frets. Which you will have to deal with, if you try to play a T-Bird like you play your Fender. And, yes; that's a lesson I had to learn the hard way... But, since there's 2 dozen very different basses (including 2 Ricks) in my "Bass Herd"? I've learned to be... flexible... in the way I play a bass. I imagine you could be, too...
Of course. I played one for an hour or so several years ago and was able to get a good idea what a Firebird bass was about. It played well, and sounded OK. My overall impression was very similar to prior experience with MIM Fenders, G&L Skyline, MM Asian rim basses and Warwick Rock Basses. It’s a good bang for the buck.
They are a significant step up from entry level instruments and could be used on a professional level basis on a limited basis due to overall quality concerns. There is a reason for the pricing difference between a MIA Fender bass and one made in Mexico which isn’t 100% based on the location of manufacture. Different components matter.
Better suited for occasional usage, like weekend warriors or advanced hobbyists. JMO.
Epiphone Embassy is the way to scratch the Thunderbird itch.
Point is, they still make the basic bolt-on in limited quantities with the older spec 1.73 nut. That poster said they were out of production. New ones pop up at the major vendors this time every year around the holidays. It has been like that for the last three or four years. Epi doesn’t list them on the website. But one can get a new one if they want one. The “E1” in the Sweetwater ad was made in May of ‘24 at the Qindao, China factory.
