Tokai Thunderbird

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.