There's a short scale Bird in earlier pages, I didn't know they existed until that pic (but I'm Bird newbee, so...), could such a model be an alternative ?
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Thunderbird Club
- Thread starter TBird1958
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There's a short scale Bird in earlier pages, I didn't know they existed until that pic (but I'm Bird newbee, so...), could such a model be an alternative ?
If I may be so bold as to ask a question or two of the club as a non-Thunderbird owner (but looking into becoming one).....
I apologize in advance for my ignorance of the Thunderbird genre and the apparent myriad options available.
I had the opportunity to closely examine a Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV in a locally owned shop the other day. I hope I have the correct name for it. It was a throughneck, active, four knob bass as opposed to the bolt-on (I think "Classic" IV), passive three knob bass. I was impressed with the available tone(s) as well as the evenness of the neck. The "G" string was particularly impressive when compared to both my current bolt-on basses (i.e. nary a dull/dead spot found). I also tried a "Goth" version but it wasn't for me. The lone "Classic" I tried months ago at GC didn't impress me enough to make me seriously look into one but I'm sure it came out of the box and went straight to the wall.
So, is there a great deal of difference between the "Classic" and the "Pro IV"? I know, someone is probably going to tell me there's a Classic Pro IV also or I have model names all fouled up. Maybe this will help. What I'm trying to discern is major differences besides the neck of the $549.00US and the $349.00 (maybe 399.00 now?) Epiphone basses. Does the throughneck lessen the likelihood of dull/dead spots?
Which would you suggest and why? I am unconcerned about the "If you break the throughneck you have to buy the whole bass disadvantage".
Any light ya'll can shed on this price range of Thunderbirds would be appreciated.
Thank you!
I apologize in advance for my ignorance of the Thunderbird genre and the apparent myriad options available.
I had the opportunity to closely examine a Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV in a locally owned shop the other day. I hope I have the correct name for it. It was a throughneck, active, four knob bass as opposed to the bolt-on (I think "Classic" IV), passive three knob bass. I was impressed with the available tone(s) as well as the evenness of the neck. The "G" string was particularly impressive when compared to both my current bolt-on basses (i.e. nary a dull/dead spot found). I also tried a "Goth" version but it wasn't for me. The lone "Classic" I tried months ago at GC didn't impress me enough to make me seriously look into one but I'm sure it came out of the box and went straight to the wall.
So, is there a great deal of difference between the "Classic" and the "Pro IV"? I know, someone is probably going to tell me there's a Classic Pro IV also or I have model names all fouled up. Maybe this will help. What I'm trying to discern is major differences besides the neck of the $549.00US and the $349.00 (maybe 399.00 now?) Epiphone basses. Does the throughneck lessen the likelihood of dull/dead spots?
Which would you suggest and why? I am unconcerned about the "If you break the throughneck you have to buy the whole bass disadvantage".
Any light ya'll can shed on this price range of Thunderbirds would be appreciated.
Thank you!
I have the Pro-IV, and a year or so ago had the basic bolt-on model. The Pro-IV was the winner for me far as playability and overall feel, and the sound was clearer and more modern... A matter of taste there, but the bolt-on didn't survive me- I moved it on, having dismissed the T-Bird- until I was found, down the road apiece, by the Pro-IV...
The newer bolt-ons have faster necks I'm told, so my story is just my story. But I do like my present Bird, and play it in my reggae band.
There is indeed a "Classic Pro IV", which is a three-knob, 3-pt bridge, passive model. They get a real good buzz round here. Haven't tried one, but I will at some point. I also want a bolt-on body to add a neck to...
There will come more, better informed replies...
The newer bolt-ons have faster necks I'm told, so my story is just my story. But I do like my present Bird, and play it in my reggae band.
There is indeed a "Classic Pro IV", which is a three-knob, 3-pt bridge, passive model. They get a real good buzz round here. Haven't tried one, but I will at some point. I also want a bolt-on body to add a neck to...
There will come more, better informed replies...
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
I am on my second bottom of the line bolt-on Thunderbird. I love 'em, especially the older ones with necks the size of a tree trunk. I also have a Pro IV that started life active and all that. I didn't like the active circuit and couldn't get the pickups to work passive, so the whole thing is rewired passive with Lace Alumatone pickups. It's also fretless now. Once you start, why stop?
The Pro IV feels very much like a Gibson to play. The neck is consistent all the way up and down and the bass hangs the same as a Gibson. Actually all of 'em do once you move the strap pin to the heel of the neck where I think it belongs. That's where Gibson puts it on latter day Thunderbirds. I think it was on the stumpy upper bout on early 'Birds, but our Queen or somebody else who is better informed about 'Bird history will have to fix that if I'm (probably) wrong.
I haven't played a Classic Pro, but all reviews around here say they are so close to Gibson that there's not much point in spending the extra cash. I'm very shallow and like the name on the truss rod cover. What can I say? But, I drilled a bunch of holes in my 1991 putting covers, pickup rings, and chrome clover tuners on it. Nope, there's no end to foolishness in the Basement of Bad Ideas.
The Pro IV feels very much like a Gibson to play. The neck is consistent all the way up and down and the bass hangs the same as a Gibson. Actually all of 'em do once you move the strap pin to the heel of the neck where I think it belongs. That's where Gibson puts it on latter day Thunderbirds. I think it was on the stumpy upper bout on early 'Birds, but our Queen or somebody else who is better informed about 'Bird history will have to fix that if I'm (probably) wrong.
I haven't played a Classic Pro, but all reviews around here say they are so close to Gibson that there's not much point in spending the extra cash. I'm very shallow and like the name on the truss rod cover. What can I say? But, I drilled a bunch of holes in my 1991 putting covers, pickup rings, and chrome clover tuners on it. Nope, there's no end to foolishness in the Basement of Bad Ideas.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,211
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
Hard to believe I wrote this.........When the H&%$ did I have this kind of time?
Classic Thunderbird Pro IV Review
Classic Thunderbird Pro IV Review
Great info!
For the record, or to clear up what it is I am asking about here are the two basses I am contemplating (not from that establishment however):
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Although on second look I guess I really should be comparing the two $499 models (Yes the other one is the "Classic-IV PRO"....no wonder I'm confused).........
For the record, or to clear up what it is I am asking about here are the two basses I am contemplating (not from that establishment however):
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Although on second look I guess I really should be comparing the two $499 models (Yes the other one is the "Classic-IV PRO"....no wonder I'm confused).........
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Thank you! I am kind of wishing they all had white as a color choice........
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
Just so you know, both of those have the strap pin in what I consider the wrong place. It's easy enough to move, but just be aware of the need to do this if you want it to sit somewhere other than really horizontal. You can drill right through the neck plate without much trouble, so the bolt-on Epi is just as easy to rebalance as any other Epi. The Classic-Pro already has the strap pin in the place I think it should be on all 'Birds.
I don't blame you for being confused. It's not like they go out of their way to make things clear. They could have picked names that were more descriptive, like Active Thunderbird, Classic Thunderbird, and Thunderbird Bolt-On. Well, maybe not that last one, but just about anything except calling them all some variation of Thunderbird IV. It's even worse when you consider that Gibson calls 'em Thunderbird IV, too. A Gibson Thunderbird IV is a nine ply neck-through instead of a bolt on neck like the Epiphone. It's much more like the Epiphone Classic IV Pro, or whatever the name is. It's almost like they are trying to make it muddy. Must be a Henry J. thing.
My NR bird has no neck dive, but I have always attributed it to the fact I wear straps that don't slip. I'll have strings on the Tbird iv tomorrow(in the mail atm) and will put that strap on and I'm pretty sure it won't slip at all.
I cannot wait to be done with my thunderbird build, probably be the better sounding of both til i get some EMGs for Purdy 
! & in two days i get the swr cab!! Gonna be hella sweet 
& another fun fact in my build life: I might actually finish my coffin case build so i'll be able to carry the tiger bird around everywhere without potential damage
! & in two days i get the swr cab!! Gonna be hella sweet & another fun fact in my build life: I might actually finish my coffin case build so i'll be able to carry the tiger bird around everywhere without potential damage
Why a 5?
I'm having my Epi set up BEAD like my Peavey.
There's the bolt-on Epiphone, the "Classic IV," which is neck through and passive, and then the Pro IV, apparently.
I don't like the bolt-on ones I've tried. The neck through Epiphones I've actually liked better than the Gibsons I've tried.
- Mar 13, 2008
- 18,894
- 142,211
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups, The Bass Shop, Seattle WA.
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Beautiful, but at well over $AU10K to land here will remain a dream for me too!
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Were there two models of T-bird offered back in the day? I've seen some with only one pickup like that, and others with two pickups.
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So which one is this? I see what is says it is but something either has changed or there is yet another version out there?
Epiphone Thunderbird Pro - Sunburst
I actually have my Gibson tuned BEAD too. My reason for a 5 is to be able to play chords on the D&G strings a bit higher on the neck.
This one has the active electronics and neck through construction.
There's a short scale TBird on eBay right now for $1,200. Way too beat up for that price IMO and that's got to be the reason that it's been available for 3 days and no takers yet.
