Thunderbird vs Rickenbacker again..

[tbz]

I gas'd hard for both for a long time.

Own a 4003s and Epiphone TBird Pro that just don't get played now.

YMMV.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

If you want a T-bird(ish) tone but an easier transition from a Fender there's also the Epiphone Embassy. Same pickups as the Epi Vintage Pro/60s T-bird (which I personally think are FAR better sounding pickups than the Gibson USA T-bird pickups).

 

[DeltaPhoenix]

I'd say get a Dingwall D-Roc since it really cops the Thunderbird vibe but the quirks are fixed. Also the electronics and pickups are great!

 

[kbakerde]

Are you looking for something that sounds different? Looks different? You have a few routes. I bought a used TBird once and it didn't make it through a rehearsal before switching. I have had several Rics, using them exclusively for a short while before folding Fenders back in. I like the Ric a lot better obviously.

If you like the Tbird sound, you can look at Mike Lull or Bluesman Vintage for their hybrid basses. Fender style with Tbird pups. Want the looks….dunno, don't have the experience. But again BMV does the Super Bird, Dingwall, the new NR Tbird is nice from what I tried.

IMO instead of a Tbird, I'd look for a 2013-2014 EB from Gibson. Different look, different sound but very Fender in the feel.

 

[salmon256]

This is something you need to tried both, and you need have specfic models of both, there's a lot of models and years of thunderbirds and same with Rickbenbackers. Are you going for a tone chase? Trying to be like Squire, Cliff, McCartney, Lemmy etc. ? Are you just getting it for looks and to dial your own tone? You have to weight those pros and cons, personally for me I would go with a Rickenbacker, there's also cheaper thunderbirds out there if you just want the looks. Just my 2 pennies. GL

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

The Gibson Thunderbird that I owned did not have neck dive. The neck tapers like a Jazz neck and is fragile right around the headstock. It sounded like a Precision bass and I mostly played it because of how it looked. I modified mine by adding thunderbuckers. It was overall a well made bass and I sold it for a good price.

I had a Rick 4003 that I ended up selling as well. I loved the neck but the body was large and thin with sharp edges and took some getting used to. To me, the tone was squishy and tough to dial in. I liked it though. The neck is thick and doesn't taper. It is very different from a Precision bass. I got a good price for it and want to get another one someday.

 

[rocknrolo]

This is something you need to tried both, and you need have specfic models of both, there's a lot of models and years of thunderbirds and same with Rickbenbackers. Are you going for a tone chase? Trying to be like Squire, Cliff, McCartney, Lemmy etc. ? Are you just getting it for looks and to dial your own tone? You have to weight those pros and cons, personally for me I would go with a Rickenbacker, there's also cheaper thunderbirds out there if you just want the looks. Just my 2 pennies. GL

I really like the look and sound of both.

 

[butterfingers1]

Epiphone Embassy.

 

[singlemalt]

Dingwall Droc is going to beat out both the Rick and the Tbird.

And they are fairly light weight, and balance perfectly.

 

[gidbass]

Torn between a Thunderbird or a Rick. I have primarily Fender bass player and ready to try a new flavor. Been leaving heavy on a thunderbird.. I play a lot of pop rock and jam band style music.
Talk me into either and thank you in advance...
(Disclaimer I will probably get both someday, just wanting to hear feedback on people's experiences)

I've had both an Epiphone Vintage Pro and a Ric and loved them both. I'd go for the epiphone first, and get the ric later.

Good Luck!

 

[Ric5]

get both

 

[blendermassacre]

I wouldn't buy either unless you play it the one you're buying. The Rics are so different year to year on neck feel etc. Both are good but very quirky compared to Fenders

 

[Engle]

Torn between a Thunderbird or a Rick. I have primarily Fender bass player and ready to try a new flavor. Been leaving heavy on a thunderbird.. I play a lot of pop rock and jam band style music.
Talk me into either and thank you in advance...
(Disclaimer I will probably get both someday, just wanting to hear feedback on people's experiences)

Both!

 

[Hounddog409]

Torn between a Thunderbird or a Rick. I have primarily Fender bass player and ready to try a new flavor. Been leaving heavy on a thunderbird.. I play a lot of pop rock and jam band style music.
Talk me into either and thank you in advance...
(Disclaimer I will probably get both someday, just wanting to hear feedback on people's experiences)

I like both.

I will say i prefer the new non-reverse. Hangs much bettet on the strap. The TB has the strap button on the heel of the neck. Cause the bass to flop over if you will. Have ti hold it more than other basses. Thr non reverse strap button is on the top horn, so does not have this issue. Plus I think the non reverse sounds better.

But prefer my 4003s to either....though its close. That non reverse is sweet

 

[BigJohnAZ]

I have Rick, a Squier, and if I was in the market for another bass, I'd grab a 'Bird.

 

[salmon256]

I really like the look and sound of both.

Well if you have the money... get both!
I wish I could lol

 

[BT3]

The Ric, they're not getting any cheaper!

 

[red_rhino]

If you have the disposable cash, I'd get the Rickenbacker. Then down the line, I'd pick up an Epiphone Thunderbird.

This.

Both......of course.

And this.

Get the Ric.

 

[TBird1958]

The word is Thunderbird.

As great as my '73 4001 was, this is worlds better.

 

[Gizmot]

I'd get a Ric. They sound absolutely superb and their workmanship is great.