Tokai Thunderbird

I bought mine brand new, and because of that all the adjustments were a bit....well.. not so perfect. But after a little adjusting it became much easier to play, though it wasn't bad before, just a little off. I mostly adjusted bridge because it was too high (my opinion), and intonation was off in almost every string. Intonation in the highest G was the worst and i seemed to run out of adjustment room, but i just got it right and it just was sufficient enough.
I don't know when it was made, but because it's new, its probably made in 2007-2008. And I always thought that Tokais' are made in Japan, but this one says its made in China, which dissappoints me a little. It's two passive humbuckers, two volume controls (one for each pickup) and tone. This one is sunburst finish, but not the "yellow" one but the "red".

I play in a rock band, hard rock/metal mostly, and it suits in more that great. I also play some pop, and sometimes funk. Sound has quite a lot of attack, and the tone knob has interesting effect. With tone full, its really great sounding. Full tone mostly increases upper-middles making the perfect rock-sound. Tone turned fully off, its really dark, and fat sound. So i would say that not only that its great for rock but its suitable for pop/etc. also. I haven't noticed any additional noises in sound, in my opinion its very clean but it can also be very harsh, depends on how you like it. I think this bass has a lot of variety in sound. I think this is definitely s stage bass, it has so much attitude.

Like i said, factory set-up was poor, like I expected. Especially bride adjustments were way off. But I haven't seen one bass or guitar that has perfect factory set-up. Maybe they're only those really expensive ones... Pickups were set just fine, and I didn't make any changes to them. Only thing that caught my eye, was slightly poor finishing/sawing around pickups and around the plastic cover plate in "stomach side". But its a really minor thing! You can only see it when you look really close. But I think Epiphone Thunderbirds have better finishing than Tokais'. Tuning pegs were really sturdy and comfortable to use. Not so easy as jazz bass pegs though.

Headstock is really big and it seems bigger than epiphone's...
I have universal hard bass case, but Tokai Thunderbird did not fit in. Its couple of inches (about 5cm) too long. Let's hope it fits to my soft gig bag or I have to buy a new bag/case...

Hardware was tuff looking. I compared hardware between Epiphone and Tokai, and I think Tokai definitely has more solid hardware. Especially bridge looks more solid and it feels like it too. I noticed a minor paint abrasion in the very beginning, so i'm afraid for durability of the finishing. But we'll see...
Strap buttons were solid looking, but they were placed a bit odd. But never mind of them, I got strap locks in the deal :) And I recommend to get them for every bass/guitar!

But it would definitely use this on a gig without a backup!
All these things are minor issues, nothing major stuff.

No experience...

I would say that if you want a thunderbird but you don't want to pay for Gibson, and you doubt the quality of epiphone, then Tokai is your choice. Tokai definitely has more firm hardware than epiphone and its more solid in every way. I would recommend this bass for everyone consider buying a thuderbird, but be prepared to also buy a new assigned bag/case because it most likely doens't fit in universal cases or bags. I don't know about epiphone and gibson though..

Made in the late 1990s, Gibson Thunderbird copy with "reverse" headstock. 4 enclosed tuning pegs, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, ash (?) body. I have read and heard a lot about the original Gibsons being poorly finished, well thankfully this one does not have the same problems although the routing for the pickups is just a tad untidy and not really noticable. For what you pay, that is to be expected. The colour of mine is not the usual mahognay sunburst, its a very very deep red with black on the outer edges.
The pickup configuration is two passive humbuckers which are dark, loud moulded with convenient thumbrests, unlike the Epiphones and original Gibsons. These are controlled by a volume control each plus a master tone control. The master tone control does not vary much, it gives a dark type of treble with plenty of oomph in it.
The bridge on the Tokai Thunderbird is a Schaller style bridge as opposed to the two-piece bridge of the original which many have stated to be unpopular. It works well and give a fair amount of sustain. The tuning pegs are black and enclosed and function well. The bolt-on neck is similar to a precision neck width wise, which is slightly disapointing as the original Gibson necks are fairly thin at the nut. This one isn't. Another minor gripe is the shape of the body doesn't allow access to the top end frets - but hey, if you buy one of these you should be laying down big meaty rock basslines, not mucking about on the upper register like some frustrated lead guitarist.
Mine never came with a gig bag or case so if yours doesn't be prepared to shell out a few bob for one and as they are specially made for the sahpe they are more expensive than your average gig bag.

I like the look of the Thunderbird, always have. It is a classic design. Gibson aren't renowned bass makers as the majority of their designs aren't great but The Thunderbird is a classic design which although may not appeal to the Fender fans is still great in my opinion.
The output on the Tokai is pretty high, not sure how it compares with the Epiphone but it is dark, meaty and unique. The pickups are pretty quiet and any noise is minimal. You can buy replacement Gibson pickups which I may consider in the future. Mine came with fairly dead strings which I haven't changed yet but when I stick some DR Low Riders on it I am sure it will improve the sound no end.
This is a ROCK bass. If you want to slap, play jazz/funk/pop etc. forget it - buy a Jazz bass. This is ideal for punk, metal and hard rock and make no pretences to be anything else. It got a unique tone and when played with pick or fingers it lays down a solid and full tone. There isn't much variety on the bass itself tone wise but your amp should be able to compensate for that. I played it through my Sadowsky outboard pre-amp and it improved the sound no end. Haven't recorded with it yet but have played I am sure it would be just fine.

The action on the bass I have was pretty good when I recieved it, just as well as the bridge saddles were as low as they could go. It suits my playing style and as mentioned can only improve with a new light gauge set of DRs. The pickup height was fine with the bridge pickup being slight higher than the neck.
Its hard to spot any flaws on this bass, it was secondhand but could have passed for new. Tokai have always had a good reputation, especially for their early guitars. This is a later one and I'm not sure if its Japanese or Korean. Either way I am happy with the finish, the only minor flaw (and it is minor) is the slightly rough routing around the pickup but this is hardly noticable.

Lets get this straight. A Gibson it ain't. Its a cheaper alternative and feels like one. Its well made though and I reckon could take a few knocks during live performaces. Many complain that this design is neck heavy. It is slightly but I think they are making a mountain out of a mole hill. To me it was hardly noticable. if it bothers you, you can change the position of the strap button and buy straplocks. This is a common complaint with all Thunderbirds but to be honest it doesn't bother me.
The hardware seems fine but I would like to change the tuning pegs to Fender style open tuning gear pegs just for looks. I don't think its a straightforward job but its only my personal taste. Also, at some point I may change the pickups to Gibsons just to get a little closer to that Gibson sound.
As for gigging without a backup, it all depends what you play. If its rock all night then yes, but if you do a few quieter numbers then a backup of a Jazz or something might be advisable. Durability wise I don't think it would have any problems.

Never had to deal with Tokai.

I've been playing 20 years and have had Fenders (Precsions and Jazzes), Status, Yamaha and Musicman Stingrays) and always wanted a Gibson Thunderbird. I could never afford one (still can't) and have heard stories that they aren't worth the money due to poor quality control. I decided to go for a cheaper option of either the Epiphone or the Tokai. I have heard so many good things about Tokai that I decided to get a Tokai. I don't regret my decision. If you want something that closely resembles a Gibson, then get a Gibson, neither the Epiphone or Tokai have a complete through-neck mahogany construction like the Gibsons. The Epiphone resembles the Gibson slightly more with the three-piece bridge but these have proven unpopular with a lot of bassists.
If you can't afford the real thing then this is a good alternative but be warned. In my opinion its a rock bass and not as versitile as a Precision. If its heavy rock you play then go for it. The design will take a bit getting used to (its a B I G bass) but for rocking out on its great. I love 'em, just wish I could afford the real thing.