Thinking about a bass...

[Zojo]

Wow, this is really a coincidence. My son just went through these exact same options, and a few pricier ones. He chose the Thunderbird, because he preferred its tone.

You will find all of these instruments at any Guitar Center. Play them all and choose the one that sounds and feels right to you.

 

[1stnamebassist]

The Thunderbird Classic 4 is a beautiful bass and it doesn't neck dive like the other Epis. I'm looking at the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Bass Special that came out recently. 32" scale and 300.00 and lots of great reviews. Squier makes nice basses for short money, but i'm really liking my Epi Classic 4 a lot!

 

[Mark4]

Of the basses on that list, I'd definitely go for the Classic Pro Thunderbird. You owe it to yourself to at least try one. In my experience it's a great instrument.

 

[groove_druid]

I've tried the Thunderbird Classic...fantastic bass, would have bought it right there if I had the cash on me...still just a tad too "dark" sounding for me...but just a tad. I found a used EB-3 on MF for under 200 smackers and I figure it won't hurt to try. If I hate it, I can send it back, if I need to upgrade a few parts it won't kill me, and if I like it as is I've saved some major bucks. So for this round...the underdog wins. Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[Peepaleep]

The Epiphone Classic Thunderbird is a really nice bass @ $500.00, I had one to review for a couple months, very impressive.

This.

The Epi T-bird classic-IV is an amazing instrument in feel, finish, sound, playability and everything in between. The Gibson USA p'ups in the T-Bird growl so much that they will frighten the neighbor's dog. The bridge keeps the bass from being a perfect 10 for me, but for $500 there is not a better bass on the planet. I play it more than my Lakland 55-60 or my MIA Jazz bass.

Also, My SX Ursa 2 Jazz is better than any Squier I've played and better than any MIM Fender I've ever played or owned. It's neck is excellent and the fretwork was very good. Electronics and p'ups were adequate and the hardware does the job. The poly finish is *very* good. For the $129 I pair for it from Rondo, it's the best bargain I've ever gotten. My next bass will be an SX MM/J. They are that good.

I think Epi's are better than Squiers in quality, construction, playability and sound, but again, YMMV.

Jeez, I own 4 Epi's: The T-Bird, an Epi EB-3 (Great sounding bass but significant neckdive is an issue), an Allen Woody (A short-scale. Good hollowbody sound with flats) and a Jack Casady (I'll take this bass to my grave - the p'up is killer and it sounds like a classic hollowbody should).

Go for the T-Bird - it's light years better than the other basses on the list. If you're interested in the Epi EB-3 send me a PM and we can work out a deal.

 

[groove_druid]

The T-bird Classic is a mighty fine bass indeed. I might end up getting the T-bird at a later date anyways.

 

[TheGreatSealof]

Try a Sterling by Music Man 4 or 5 string Ray. $300.00 and an amazing bass for the price.

 

[TheGreatSealof]

Try a Sterling by Music Man 4 or 5 string SUB Ray. $300.00 and an amazing bass for the price.

 

[leftybass54]

This.

The Epi T-bird classic-IV is an amazing instrument in feel, finish, sound, playability and everything in between. The Gibson USA p'ups in the T-Bird growl so much that they will frighten the neighbor's dog. The bridge keeps the bass from being a perfect 10 for me, but for $500 there is not a better bass on the planet. I play it more than my Lakland 55-60 or my MIA Jazz bass.

Also, My SX Ursa 2 Jazz is better than any Squier I've played and better than any MIM Fender I've ever played or owned. It's neck is excellent and the fretwork was very good. Electronics and p'ups were adequate and the hardware does the job. The poly finish is *very* good. For the $129 I pair for it from Rondo, it's the best bargain I've ever gotten. My next bass will be an SX MM/J. They are that good.

I think Epi's are better than Squiers in quality, construction, playability and sound, but again, YMMV.

Jeez, I own 4 Epi's: The T-Bird, an Epi EB-3 (Great sounding bass but significant neckdive is an issue), an Allen Woody (A short-scale. Good hollowbody sound with flats) and a Jack Casady (I'll take this bass to my grave - the p'up is killer and it sounds like a classic hollowbody should).

Go for the T-Bird - it's light years better than the other basses on the list. If you're interested in the Epi EB-3 send me a PM and we can work out a deal.

I have no experience with most of the above, but I've had a '79 Rick, newer Epi EB-0, Spector Classic 4, Hofner Ignition, Squier P/J Special, Carvin AC-40, etc. I must agree that SX Ursa's are screamin' great values at the lower price range, and the fit & finish is shockingly good. Gravitating toward short and medium scalers these days, I'm thankful for their spotty but tasty offerings of lefty basses.

 

[MasterBrianD]

I have no experience with most of the above, but I've had 1079 Rick, newer Epi EB-0, Spector Classic 4, Hofner, some Squiers, Carvin, etc. I must agree that SX's are screamin' great values on the lower price range, and the fit & finish is shockingly good. Gravitating toward short and medium scalers now, I'm thankful for their spotty but tasty offerings of lefty basses.

This thread is 10 years old, I'm sure OP has made their mind up by now.

 

[ebo]

I never voted in 2013 but now that it’s been revived I’ll go with carrots.

 

[leftybass54]

This thread is 10 years old, I'm sure OP has made their mind up by now.

Understood, just wanted to add my two cents worth for him and other readers like yourself. Thanks!