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Thunderbird or Mockingbird?

MirageBass

MirageBass

Apr 12, 2007
438
2
Rochester, NY/Los Angeles, CA
#1
Okay, so here's the deal: Somebody on a site I frequent is selling an epiphone thunderbird for $250, shipping included, as discussed here.

I go into Guitar Center today to try one out and see if I'd like one. It was fine and all, but while I was there, I saw this: The here. The amazing looks kinda struck me, but I DID like the way it plays. And the dual P pickups. But mostly how beautiful it is. And they're selling it for $350.

And now I'm jonesing for it. I don't know what to do! I'm not very good at tone and all, so I'd like to know: Who here has played the Mockingbird? Or has tried both? What would you suggest in general, if not?
 
#2
While I've not tried the Mockingbird, I have played Epi Thunderbirds.

I really, really hate Thunderbirds. They dive something horrible, and the Epi's sound really lackluster.

TBH, my $130 SX Jazz completely kills the Tbirds I've tried. As far as bang for your buck goes, you're going to have a rough time finding a better deal than an SX.
 
#3
I designed the original BC Rich Mockingbird for Bernie Rico in December of 1975. however, given the choice between a USA vintage Gibson T-Bird and a USA vintage Mockingbird, i'd pick the T-Bird.

sorry, but i am not familiar with the imported versions of the two basses, so i can't be of much help, except to say that the mockingbird that you mention IS a neck thru bass and the Epi is not. I would guess that the Mockingbird would have better sustain (at least acoustically).

BTW, the very first Mockingbird bass was maple with two rosewood stringers and was WAY neck heavy until the body was slightly reshaped to correct it.
 
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#5
Jimbow said:
While I've not tried the Mockingbird, I have played Epi Thunderbirds.

I really, really hate Thunderbirds. They dive something horrible, and the Epi's sound really lackluster.

TBH, my $130 SX Jazz completely kills the Tbirds I've tried. As far as bang for your buck goes, you're going to have a rough time finding a better deal than an SX.
Click to expand...

that doesn't answer the question at all? it just puts down a bass he likes and pushes a bass you like on him
 
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#6
genre wise you are very stuck in heavy rock/metal with a mockingbird where as you can venture out into classic rock and indie a bit more with a thunderbird (just on looks). However i hate metal and heavy rock but i think that the mockingbird is achully a very attractive instrument, and who says that you have to play a genre just because thats what it looks like you'll play.
 
#7
johnk_10 said:
I designed the original BC Rich Mockingbird for Bernie Rico in December of 1975.
Click to expand...
Really? My compliments on a beautiful design, and certainly the nicest looking BC Rich.

To the OP: you're going to get some varying opinions; here's mine.

I did a setup on a friend's Epi T-Bird, but he took forever to come pick it up from me. As a result, I had his Thunderbird for about five or six months.

To be honest, I really didn't care for it. Beautiful body design, but I really didn't care for the way it played and sounded. I found it to be muddy sounding, difficult to play on the high frets, and hard to reach on the low frets. Really not my cup of tea.

I've never played a new (imported) Mockingbird, so I can't add much here. I know that a lot of TalkBassers describe the new BC Rich instruments as "junk", but I have no idea whether that's true. The original U.S.-made versions were very high quality.

Another poster has suggested a Jazz Bass (someone always does! ;) ), but I think the OP is looking for a certain kind of "look" here.

Since you liked the Mockingbird, I'd go with that one. If it didn't sound too great, at least you could swap the pickups.

Ideally, someone with experience with the new Mockingbirds will chime in.
 
#8
MirageBass said:
Okay, so here's the deal: Somebody on a site I frequent is selling an epiphone thunderbird for $250, shipping included, as discussed here.

I go into Guitar Center today to try one out and see if I'd like one. It was fine and all, but while I was there, I saw this: The here. The amazing looks kinda struck me, but I DID like the way it plays. And the dual P pickups. But mostly how beautiful it is. And they're selling it for $350.

And now I'm jonesing for it. I don't know what to do! I'm not very good at tone and all, so I'd like to know: Who here has played the Mockingbird? Or has tried both? What would you suggest in general, if not?
Click to expand...

Is this gonna be the last bass you ever buy?? If the answer is no? then buy the M-bird. It's an amazing price, if it looks wild and it sounds great. Run with it for a while and THEN buy a Gibson T-bird and become the TB expert on both.Next question please?
 
#9
I think I've tried a Thunderbird before and wasn't that impressed. However, last week I tried a Mockingbird just jokingly, and I was blown away! I thought it sounded absolutely fantastic! So if it were up to me, I'd go with the Mockingbird.

But if you're worried about it only being tied to one genre, you may want to look for something else.
 
#10
If you're worried about looks I wouldn't worry personally, the vintage look of the BC Rich is very classy and doesn't just suit the typical rock/metal label BC Rich's get stuck with. It is a VERY attractive instrument IMO and if you prefer how it plays and can get it cheap I say go for it :D
My friend plays in an Indie band and plays a Beast now just imagine how out of place he looks :D
 
#12
I'd look at some of the Epi 'Bird owners thread on this forum, generally they're liked alot by people who actually own one.....That would include me. At one point I owned a Mockingbird too, however not the same version as the one you looked at, (which BTW is very cool and a great price!) both are cool basses but I think the B.C. is the better deal in terms of the $$$ saved of the two. The Epi's will be around for awhile, for their modest price pick one at a later point, they are a fine instrument for the money too.

And definately kudos to john_k10, the Mockingbird is a beautiful design! one I've always really liked.
 
#13
Well I happen to own a Mockinbird...but it's an older 80's NJ

Given the choice (As i have played both) of the two I would Buy the Mockingbird hands down

(is it the Trans Red, or the Trans Black?)

I mean come on the B.C. Rich Heritage Classic Mockingbird Bass Features a Nato Body, a Hard Rock Maple Neck, Neck-thru Construction, Ebony Fingerboard, And an active EQ

While the T-Bird has what? Alder body, 34" scale Maple bolt on neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 2 very dark sounding TB-Plus humbuckers, and a Poly finish? not to mention a case of neck dive? Granted they do have that "Cool factor" but i have seen them go used for $199.00 or less , in fact MF had the "Goth" model on sale for $229.00 with free shipping

This is just MHO but to me there is no contestat all...B.C. Rich all the way...

but I'm a self proclaimed lover of pointy basses...lol
 
#15
johnk_10 said:
I designed the original BC Rich Mockingbird for Bernie Rico in December of 1975..
..BTW, the very first Mockingbird bass was maple with two rosewood stringers and was WAY neck heavy until the body was slightly reshaped to correct it.
Click to expand...

I don't know what year my old Mockingbird was, but I have to concur. It was the most neck heavy instrument I have ever played, very physically demanding to stay with it for long. It sounded great though.

Here's the only photo I have (scan of a twenty plus year old Polaroid)

Invalid Link Removed
 
#16
I've own both basses, & the Thunderbird balances much better than the Mockingbird does. Although they both sound really good . My Mockingbird had been hot-rod out to, but the neck dive was just so uncomfortable. I got rid of it.
 

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