I have been GASing for another bass again, because I have just one right now. I already have a Fender Precision Standard (MIM) and I like the way it sounds and plays, however I kind of want to experiment a little and get something different for my second bass. I am currently looking at a 1991 all stock Gibson Thunderbird a guy is selling. Black, rosewood neck, great condition. He wants around $940 for everything (bass, OHSC, and shipping), I thought about offering him $750-800. But I guess my problem is should I just take that money and get another Fender Precision (perhaps a MIA) within that same price range, or go for the Gibson Thunderbird regardless? I play with a pick most of the time, have a really good rig, and also play in a original rock band just laying that out there too. Let me know opinions. Thanks.
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Thunderbird or Fender P?
- Thread starter klejst
- Start date
Thats a pretty good price for a Tbird if its in good condition. Usually they sell for around $1200 used. I would buy it. They sound & play great. You will have to change your amp settings between the two basses though.
I guess I more so asking about opinions of a Thunderbird compared to a Fender Precision. I get that if I get the Thunderbird I would have both types of bass, however just wanted to know like the pros and cons. Funny thing I have had my head set the same for the better part of almost three years. 
Thunderbirds have a sound all their own. Some people love them, some dont? They have a limited tone range as compared to other basses, but there's a reason they are called Thunderbirds. They really are the rock & roll bass!
I have a 2009 Gibby Tbird which I also use for rock n roll, for what I play, nothing beats it! Sounds HUGE, the neck is great and it sustains for days. Love it.
My thunderbird sounded unreal, like a dark, booming piano. Really top notch sound.
Ergonomically though, it left a lot to be desired. Even with the fabled strap-button fix...
Ergonomically though, it left a lot to be desired. Even with the fabled strap-button fix...
lol
if you get the TBird you oughta be able to trade it for a nice P pretty easily, I doubt the same can be said the other way around. Also that sounds like a decent price to me, if I were in the market for a TBird I'd be asking where this black one is.
Whenever I go back to my Jazz bass it feels like the most comfortable thing ever! But while I do love the look of Fenders too (not so much P's but whatever floats your boat!) nothing screams rock n roll like a Tbird. Plus they are surprisingly easy to throw around on stage!
I owned a Thunderbird from around the same year, early nineties. I had to replace the porcelain pickups (which I've heard don't sound as good as the original chromes) with Bartolini's due to some pretty nasty hiss. Other than that it was a solid bass. You could toss that thing down a flight of steps and it would stay in tune.
Thunderbirds are certainly their own beast. Kinda like Rickenbackers; they sound one way, and you either like it or you don't. Not a lot of wiggle room, as far as tone goes. And the rumors about neck dive are true, especially if you wear your bass low. But they look cool as hell. As far as what the other guy said about changing head settings between your TBird and Fender, he makes a valid point. It's gonna sound like someone threw a wet blanket over your rig when you plug the TBird in. An EQ pedal with the upper mids pushed a bit might be the answer.
I'm not knockin' TBirds, I had one for a long time and loved it, but they've definitely got their limitations. But for that price, I'd pull the trigger. Unless it's a real fixer-upper and you're gonna have to put work into it, that's the best price you're gonna find. I sold mine for 1100 and I was desperate to sell. So go for it, and if you don't like it, you can probably flip it and MAKE money.
Thunderbirds are certainly their own beast. Kinda like Rickenbackers; they sound one way, and you either like it or you don't. Not a lot of wiggle room, as far as tone goes. And the rumors about neck dive are true, especially if you wear your bass low. But they look cool as hell. As far as what the other guy said about changing head settings between your TBird and Fender, he makes a valid point. It's gonna sound like someone threw a wet blanket over your rig when you plug the TBird in. An EQ pedal with the upper mids pushed a bit might be the answer.
I'm not knockin' TBirds, I had one for a long time and loved it, but they've definitely got their limitations. But for that price, I'd pull the trigger. Unless it's a real fixer-upper and you're gonna have to put work into it, that's the best price you're gonna find. I sold mine for 1100 and I was desperate to sell. So go for it, and if you don't like it, you can probably flip it and MAKE money.
You can buy a new epi pro (active) for the same money. I played the gibson & the epiphone side by side and liked the epi much better?
Yeah, I use P's now. I realized my playing would be more nuanced and consistant with a P for ergonomic reasons, while I was struggling with body position and neck dive on the T-bird. A real pity too, it had such a nice sound and cool look.
Also it's so hard to get a gig bag for them. :scowl:
Thanks to everyone who gave their two cents, however sad news he already sold the T-bird...so that is a bust. I may look into getting one later down the road if another rises, however I believe for now I might just stick with my trusty Fender P. Maybe it was fate who knows. Thanks again everyone, at least I am more knowledgeable on the T-bird.
