Epiphone Thunderbird IV

I'm not gonna bore someone by repeating. See below about volume control for each PU etc.
Being a keyboarder I quarrel with my competence. Elseway I'd have given a 10. Dito for further ratings.

Contrary to my normal use of buying 2. hand only, I played and listened to all basses of this big store (Amptown, Hamburg, Germany)from 0 to 800 Euros. Ending up wih a Yamaha- a brand I prefer when it comes to synthesizers- for 798euros and this model for about half of it, I would have anticipated the long scale to react a little slower, the opponent to be more accented. But I found the thunderbird being capable of everything the Yamaha was PLUS a lower end PLUS looking way better.
Giving a 10 here is regarding the bang for buck factor, since everything above 800??? I didn't compare

Don't know if it was due to the shop or to the manufacturer: to me it was perfect. Didn't change anything- besides the belt pin- in 3 years. Being no real bassist giving no 10.

I'm not used to bass guitars, but I'd guess this ones a tank. Even if I had to play it live, I wouldn't care about a backup.

never dealt with

Born in I'm 1964 used to bass players accompanying their drummer instead of showing off themselves, so my idea of a bass sound may be a little old fashioned. Still a newbie after 3 years I only wish I'd have waited to buy used.
If it were stolen or lost, I would buy it again in BLACK. I got the natural version, which is great and classic but...it looks f***ing dangerous in black, black mechanics hardware anyway.
I WILL replace the pickguard by a transparent one.
I absolutely love it's deep end without loss of reaction- no drop d afforded. The overall sound is great and wide. If I was a real I might have given a 10.
I DID compare to about 15 basses up to 800 euros. This one sounded best for half the costs. Only wish I COULD have is a perfect fitting flight case included

-Sunburst finish
-closed gear tuners
-Gibson style bridge
-humbucker pickups in neck and bridge positions
-Controls: Volume, Volume, Tone.

Pretty standard.

I liked this bass alot for playing, blues, punk and reggae music although I found it still worked well for many other styles. I was very surprised by the versatility of this bass. I played it through a Yorkville XM200C and it sounded great. Despite other reviews of the slap sound of this bass I actually liked it alot. Probably a bit bass heavey for some but I really liked it.

I bought it used so I can't comment on factory setup but When I got it everything was fine. No problems with it flaw wise either. My only complaints were how heavey it was and the thin neck. Finish was also nice. It looks 100x better than the pictures on the Epiphone site.

I have gigged this without a backup numerous timesand it never let me down. This thing is a beast. everything is solid.

Never needed them.

This is pretty sweet bass. I loved mine and regret selling it. The only reasons I sold it were the thin neck, which I found to be really cramped in first position and the weight. It was like wearing a kitchen table around my neck :) Overall a great bass, starter or intermediate.

You have all read about the features, no need to repeat them. Good hardware, stunning body, good tuners, bridge, and plastic hardware. Bolt on is ok for a cheap (inexpensive) bass. Finish is great on the one I bought. Neck is medium sized...would be great for a beginner...

This is where the instrument shines through. This thing sounds incredible. The pickups, although passive, seem pretty hot, yet still retain a "warm" tone. I am mostly a six-string player, so right now I am just playing through a small ampeg amplifier. I have a Pod Multi-Effects pedal. This bass really swings through all the sounds a good bass should. The neck pickup is really full, which surprised me for the price. Running direct through the amp, the bass sounds fantastic...totally clean!

I bought this from MF. Generally when I buy a stringed instrument I wait until winter is over to mail order it, but I really wanted one of these because of the price, so I went ahead and bought it. I let it aclimate for a couple days before breaking it out of the packaging. I couldn't believe it, it was almost dead on in tune, with the action just a fraction off of where I like it. I am sure this is rare, but this thing didn't need much of a setup or anything for that matter. The frets were perfect. The hardware is black and perfect. The pickups sat a bit too close to the strings, but ...

Electronics are really quiet. I have read so much about the bass being top heavy, and I haven't found that to be the case...? I installed some Dunlop Straplocks.

I have a friend that plays in a well known rock band. He plays one of these Epiphone Thunderbirds, and gigs with it night after night, show after show, etc. He took it to Australia with him on tour this fall. He plays with two basses. He can afford ANY bass he wants. This was a band which was popular in the 80's which was HUGE. He could get an endorsement deal from anyone, guaranteed, but he chooses to play the Ephiphone rather than the Gibson, when he is on tour. The reason I brought this up is because of the durability of this bass. I would absolutely gig with this bass, but never without a backup, just for reasons like strings, etc. He bought his bass and other than the first setup, has not made ANY modifications. I would depend on this beast.

Lifetime warranty. Have dealt with Epiphone before (Gibson) on a Les Paul issue. Great company. A bit slow, but entirely helpful and it doesn't take a great deal of time to speak with a human, at least after the computer generated menus...lol.

I have been playing 25 years. I own mostly six-strings...two Washburn Face Erasers, Washburn NC-70 Custom Shop, ESP KH-2, Kramer Focus 3000, Fender American Big Apple Strat, MIM Fender Sunburst Strat, Washburn Nick Catanese Import, ESP LTD Jeff Hanneman, Garrison G25-CE, Lapatrie Concert, Washburn Bass. I have a few amplifiers, Marshall ZW Micro Stack, Fender G-Dec, Peavey Envoy 110, Fender Acousisonic Jr., Line 6 Spider II, and a Mesa Dual Rectifier 3 Channel head and Mesa slant 4 x 12.

I was fairly informed before I purchased this bass, so I don't think I would have asked anything more. If it were stolen, I would certainly buy another. I love the bass, plain and simple. There is nothing at all I hate about it. My favorite feature is the classic styling and overall looks of this guitar. I have played many, many, many basses before buying this one and could have bought the Gibson or a much more expensive neck through of some sort, but because I play guitar mostly, I figured I would save some cash and go with the Epiphone and I am glad I did. The only thing I wish it had was a good case, which I WILL find... I think this is the BEST value on a bass around right now, dollar for dollar. In this price range for a good bass, there isn't a whole lot of quality intruments out there. But this bass is just that a QUALITY instrument, comparable to much higher priced guitars.

Big long and heavy....2 volume and 1 tone...sunburst finish.

Sound is great up High and down low...almost two low...Seems to get a little muddy on the lower end of the E-string. could be my amp cant handle it! But no matter what volume I am playing at...seems a little muddy down low. I play through an bass overdrive petal, but basically use it as a pre-amp. Overall the sound is crisp and clear.

This thing came out of the box set and ready to play. I don't know what kind of strings were on it, but I quickly swithed to some slinkys and got a much better punchier sound. I am thinking of lowering the action a bit...hope I don't screw the whole thing up. The finish is emmaculate. Gets many compliments. Vintage sunburst Looks very rich and exquisite. No flaws...Perfect. The only complaint I have is the string height over the body. I play with my fingers and took some getting used to.

My kid knocked it over face down on the concrete basement floor...still in tune and not a scratch on it. Built solid. I gig very little, but it is my main bass and I play a pld hamer cruisebass as a backup for more twangy sounds.

I have been playing off and on for 20 years. I knew the neck dive would be a bit of a problem, but was willing to risk it after reading other reviews of the sound and finish put together with the price. They were all right. You get used to the dive pretty quick and the sound is awsome. Chinese quality is top notch.

There is one problem with it...transportation....I have no desire to spend 100 bucks on a case for a guitar that only cost me $275 I currently carry it in my Hamer case, which it barely fits.

Made in China for 2007. I've compared the Korean models to this my brand new Chinese and the new Chinese factory is making nearly a pro line bass. I love the neck plate which is forged and proudly proclaims "Made in China for Epiphone Co., Nashvlle, Tennessee" complete with stamped serial number. The EMG pickups are excellent, the bridge is fine contrary to many reiewers and the neck dive for me is barely noticable. Because evrything is satisfactory to me at this point I plan on doing no mods-everything matches- all hardware is black! Rockin'!Maybe because I am 6'3" and 220lbs. After reading so many reviews abouts its neck dive I had already planned on moving the upper strap connector centered on the neck where it meets the body. I have no plans on doing that now. Suggestion: If you are a small person with small hands this bass is not for you anyway! Neck dive indeed...

This is where the bass shines. I am not a metal player, actually I play free improvisational jazz and noise electronics- and the dark growls which eminate from this beast are a joy to the ear. Note: I have this tuned DGCF- that's right , one whole step lower than "normal", and this was the best idea that someone from the bass forum page suggested indirectly. I use Rotosound Swing Bass 66 Heavy guage strings- .050,.075,.085,.110, which results in a crushing low D. No need for a 5 stringer here! Again the EMGs along with V/V/T for controls are perfect! RRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOaaaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!!

The action came out of the box almost perfect, just a tad high which I adjusted to medium in about 3 minutes. Frets are well dressed, control knobs are appropriately tight and the tuning pegs look to me like black Gotoh. The finish on the bass is extremely shiny and well done. After sweating through a set, I've made sure to clean it so no oxidation occurs.

I can't gig with this bass without a back up due to its special tuning with heavy guage bass strings. My other bass is an 'A' bass Jazz Jade, custom made in Waltham, MA, which rocks as a jazz bass should. On par with Mike Lull and Sadowsky, but that's anopther review. This bass, in all aspects, seems like a instrument that I will be using for the long haul, and that makes me very happy. I paid $278 incl. S+H from MF- one of my best buys ever!

My list of gear that I own would throw off most bass players as I am into electronics and synths as much as bass. I now own 5 basses, all of them, except for the 'A' bass, on the inexpensive side, like my 62J SX, which deserves a 10. I've owned everything from Alembic to Zon and I can honestly say that there is stuff coming out of China that makes a lot of "pro" gear look less than pro. I love this bass- if you are strong, don't mind (or perhaps you love?) the legnth of the neck, realize that all these "neck divers" are a bunch of wieners, then I strongly encourage you to be a man and get this bass! A man's bass! Period!

the features are all known. I have the sunburst finish on mine.

the bass sounds great for the price. I paid a little over $300 at guitar center. I wanted a bass that was geared towards hard rock, and this fit the bill. I was originally going to get a Fender Jazz bass but awesome body styling of the T-bird and sound stole me.

the factory set-up was completely screwed up. I played a T-Bird with another finish, which was set-up decently. nothing great, but playable.

I preferred the sunburst finish, so they found me one in the back. the set-up was buzzing everywhere. the strings were on the frets for the first 5, and WAY too high everywhere else. a complete mess.

I fixed it with some bridge and truss rod adjustments. it's much better now. but "out of the box", it was completely terrible.

I've only owned it a few months. it's always tough to project an instruments longevity. the hardware is a little concerning. it just doesn't seem to be built to last the long run.

but on the other hand, if you take proper care of your gear, you usually don't have many issues with it.

I owned multiple Epiphone guitars and this is my first bass from them. but I've never had a need to deal with them.

I can't give this bass a great overall rating. it's a good bass, but nothing that will blow you away. it's a one-trick pony. it was built to rock, and it never claimed to do anything else. slap can't really be played on it. but it will give you a deep, heavy tone.

but something about his bass just doesn't sell me completely. if I could give it a 7.9, I would. but it isn't quite an 8.

passive pickups, great finish in sunburst, nice neck not to wide not to thin 2 volume controls anda tone control bought it in sept 06 has grooves ontop of the pickups so u can rest your thumb while using fingers instead of pick

great sound i play it through a HIWATT which sounds amazing, has great range of tones i play with a pick and can get some nice top end tones aswell as thumping bass notes. volume controlls dont alter the sound that much but the tone controll is usesfull to wack up the treble wen using fingers instead of pick.

the bass was setup well from the factory the action was a little high but that was easily adjusted using the 3 bridge screws. only bad thing is it does neck dive a fair bit but that dosnt bother me much as i drink beer with my right hand and hold the neck with my left.

this bass is very durable it seems like it will last forever i have knocked it a few times and finish has no blemishes, replaced the strap buttons with strap locks straight away but i do this with all my guitars. i would feel confident to gig theis without a backup, but u never know wen u are going to snap a string with any instrument so i usualy take a backup

never delt with them

been playing for about 6 years now and this one of the best basses i have owned, i also have a fender std p bass and an sg bass both are good but i prefer the thunderbird. iff it were stolen i would buy this again or maybee upgrade to a gibson thunderbird or maybee an american p bass.

This bass has a nice deep solid tone that just rocks you can really see why its the thunderbird and not the brightbird it has that badass body shapeand the neck does dive but unless your spinning around like a crazy person yuoull be fine the vvt potes are the same as my jazz basss so I dont know why people complain about lack of tones use your amp thats what its there for!

As I said it just rocks it will shake walls and sounds great through an ampeg actually put the two of theme together and bame you have a kick ass rock sound that cuts through any mix.

The one I played at the music store had a nice thick vintage dark sunburst coolor and the bridge had tons of sustain and it stayed in tune the whole hour I fiddled with it and the EMGs rocked and were totally silent.

This thing is built like a tank but once I get it I will still use my P-bass as a backup not because the thunderbirds unreliable but just to get that brighter p-bass sound.

Has a lifetime warranty.

Thisd bass is kickass and I played a righty upside down! I cant wait to order a lefty. So if you like rock music and are thinking of buying this bass just buy it you wont be dissapointed

Alder body, rosewood neck (bolt on), 2 thunderbird humbucking pick-ups (passive), 2 volume knobs, 1 tone knob, 34" scale, 1.73" nut width.

Now this is why i love this bass. I had been eyeing them for a long time and finally one day i tried one out in a shop. This is the only way to go people. Don't buy stuff through mail order. No two guitars are alike. You need to get your hands, eyes and ears on the exact guitar you wish to buy and inspect it thouroughly. If it doesn't feel right in one shop, try the same model out in another shop.

That said, i plugged this baby in and it boomed. I love the fat neck. This is one solid mutha. I play rock in the style of The Who, Led Zep, Kings of Leon and this guitar helps me thump out the basslines. It's rich, full, woody, deep, punchy and warm. Don't expect ultra bright high-end though. However, i'm perfectly happy with the tone i get sliding up to the 12th fret postion, as it's relative to the rest of the guitar's tone.

I pretty much stick to both pick-ups on and don't touch the tone knob - effectively everything on full! I really don't need to get other sounds out of this bass. Others might find it less versatile sonicly, but frankly, have a second bass if you need a different tone. I've given it a 9, because i reckon the Gibson version has to be the 10 if anything. I plan to buy a Gibby one day.

Action is subjective, but when i played it in the shop it was pretty much just what i liked. Not too high, not too low and no buzz.

The finish is very good. No paint/finish defects at all. This, you really have to look at in the store, once you've decided you like the sound and how it plays. Give it a good once over and if it's good, you know you're getting a fine guitar.

It gets an 8 for the strap button placement. Yes, there is a bit of neckdive, but again how bad it is, is subjective. I can put up with it no problem. I can recommend however, getting a decent, wide, padded comfy strap.

It's very solid indeed. I would keep an eye on the headstock though as it's a very long bass. Be careful turning around on stage (mind your singer) and watch out in low ceiling rooms.

Haven't needed this.

I've been playing guitar for about 15 years now. This bass looks, feels and plays like something more expensive than it is. It is not everyone's cup of tea, but for those that it is, you ought to feel very pleased indeed.
If it were stolen i would buy one again instantly. Infact i'd probably get the Gibson version.

A 10 for value.

Made in 2005.
* Alpine white finish
* Slim-taper neck
* Rosewood fingerboard
* 20 frets
* Premium die-cast machine heads
* 2 volume controls
* 1 tone control
* 2 Thunderbird Bass humbucking pickups
* Limited lifetime warranty

I love the sound. If you like that nirvana sound, this is the bass you should get. It really is a rock bass. I always play on the bridge pickup and the sound is awesom, it has a col growl.
If you play on the neck pickup...
REAALY DEEP! It's so dynamic. It's an awesome sound, I mean it!

* Pros

The neck setup is awesome! I'm absolutely sure they've checked it really accurate. The electronics are also very good, never had a problem with it. The strings from the factory are also very good, fits the tone of a Thunderbird.


* Cons

The finishing is not that good. The back of the T-bird contains some finishing flaws. Little bubbles and some dust between the laquer and the wood. Also around the neck pickup the hole is cut absolutely horrible. It's like they just ripped the piece of wood out of it. To bad, cause it really is a beautiful bass. I guess if you want a T-bird that has a 10/10 finish, you should get a Gibson instead of a Epiphone.

Never had a problem with it. Solid as a rock.
Would go to a gig with just this bass. It never fails. The laquer will last for more than 3 decades. No doubt about that.
The bridge is also solid and very depending.

The fretboard hasn't got a single mistake, no buzzing frets or whatever.

never dealt with them

You should buy this if you like that White finish and the thunderbird sound. It's really a superb bass.

Only regret is the finishing, It's gorgeous, shiny and smooth but there are some flaws in it.

Would definatly buy it again. I paid 500? (520$) for it last year and for that little money I got a hard case, a beautiful bass and an agressive tone.