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Sterling Vs. Thunderbird

B

blown240

Dec 10, 2004
83
0
#1
I know its sort of a ridiculous comparison, but I am trying to decide which of these basses to get. I need to get a 5 string for a new band that I am in and I have narrowed it down to either a SBMM or an Epiphone Thunderbird.

The Epiphone looks cooler and fits the look and feel of the band well, and its half the price. But it seems the Sterling is way more versatile and probably better quality.

The music we play is sort of a cross between Tool and The Smiths and the guitars are tuned to C sharp, thats why the low B will be so handy. But when I am jamming with buddies we often play punk and funk, so the Sterling would really be nice for this.

I also want to consider how either of these would compliment my other equipment. My rig is a Fender 300ps head with a Mesa 4x10 cab, and I currently play a Fender 51 reissue P-bass and a King Doublebass upright.

What do you guys think?
 
#4
Thunderbirds are straight up rock n roll basses there great for hard rock and metal too and in my opinion sound better played with a pick than with fingers so thats something to consider too if your a rock guy they are perfect but if you are playing other styles I would go with something else IMHO
 
#5
I play several styles. Most of the time i play with my fingers, other times with a pick. In one song I play my upright with a bow with tremolo and reverb. So the most versatile bass would be great.
 
#7
I like CORBS idea with the G&L 2500. FWIW though I've played my students Epi T-bird (the base model) and it has fit quite nicely in everything from Worship to Metal, Punk to Funk. The tone knob can be very responsive, especially if you get creative with the volume on each pickup.

Plus a little eq never hurt.
 
#8
Or how about the Epi T-Bird Pro model? The active EQ gives you some additional tonal options. I played one and I really liked it. I refer to its tone as "milk chocolate ice cream rolled in golden honey" Yeah- I know, not very technical but I definitely thought the tone had more brightness than the regular passive model but it didnt sacrifice ANY bottom end.

Its one of the 3 basses on my short list for my 50th b-day later this year.

Get yourself to a music store and try them both out. Like someone else pointed out- the T-Bird body shape is not for everyone. Depending on where the front strap button is located, you could have some definite ergonomic challenges. If you get one where the strap button is on the back of the body, watch out!
 
#14
I typically like Thunderbirds more than I like MM basses, but I'd have to go with the Sterling in this case. It just better quality than the Epiphone. MM makes a high quality product.

Now if you were comparing a Sterling to a 60's or 70's Thunderbird, I'd say Bird.
 

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