• 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.

Thunderbird Club

#90,563
jpmcbride said:
It took some time to grow on me, but this Epi T-Bird is becoming my #1 bass. It was $349 new, and I added a Hipshot bridge, La Bella flats, and a custom aluminum pickguard. I'm amazed at how good it sounds and the variety of tones I can get from it. It sounds better than all my other basses, regardless of their cost or brand name. I like to set the neck pickup on full, the tone at slightly less than half, then slowly turn up the bridge pickup until I hit the sweet spot where this bass just sings. It took some getting used to, and I admit to being skeptical of it at first. The super thin neck felt strange compared to my Fender P. And then there's the long reach to the lower frets. But after a few days of playing it, all the problems just disappeared and its my best sounding and easiest to play bass! How can a bass this cheap be so good? What's the secret?

View attachment 3116857
Click to expand...
Welcome to the darkside;)

I have a theory on the matter.

Submitted for your consideration:

The myth that Epiphone Thunderbirds suck, is sparked by people who, for whatever reason, fail to "pass the test" (by that... I'm referring to that period of time it takes to get used to the idea that it's not a 7ender or other such familiar animal). Sadly, their various pursuits to understand or appreciate the Mighty Thunderbird, ended prematurely. People talk... and people love bad news... and people tend to exaggerate. I'd dare say that most kids have heard/will hear something negative about Thunderbirds, before they have the opportunity to pick one up the first time. In many cases, that's enough to keep the individual from ever picking one up. I could go on, but probably don't need to. The end result, is that the "guarantee of a broken headstock on a neck-diver that's as heavy as an anchor", helps keep the prices down on some of the best basses you can get for less than a grand:thumbsup:

(We really need to be more supportive of the rumor mill;););))
 
  • Like
Reactions: RedVee, GBassNorth, GonePlaid and 8 others
#90,574
theFixer said:
... The myth that Epiphone Thunderbirds suck, is sparked by people who, for whatever reason, fail to "pass the test" ...
Click to expand...

Well I failed the test initially, but passed on my second try :-)

I played the T-Bird at GC and couldn't believe how good it sounded. Better than all my other basses at a much lower price! I bought it on the spot. But once I got home with it the reality of it being so different than my Fenders set in and I gave up on it. But after several months of hanging on the wall looking good, I picked it back up and for some reason stuck with it for a few days, and that's all it took!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nocturnal, RedVee, Count Bassie and 9 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back