There’s no question that the Gibson Thunderbird bass has one of the coolest body shapes, but how does that translate when put into an Epiphone version?
Pretty good, actually.
As you’ll see from the video below, Epi’s version of the T-Bird IV has it where it counts.
HOWEVER… does it have neck dive issues? That’s an unknown, because the video does not show the player playing it standing up.
HOWEVER (again)… even if it does have dive issues, it might be worth picking up anyway just to get one of these, considering it sells for around $299 US. Yes, as in under $300. One could always use a counterweight to combat neck dive, should any exist.
Also, it should be mentioned that Gibson in recent years has addressed neck dive issues with certain models. Has that also been addressed with the Epiphone? Again, that’s an unknown.
One thing is for certain. The look of the bass is spot-on correct, so much so that it’s totally acceptable to see Epiphone instead of Gibson on the headstock. And for the price it sells for, you can just imagine how much it would be a tone monster with a set of Thunderbird-shape Bartolini pickups in it.
Check out the video below and let us know what you think of it.
Also, if you directly comment on the video itself, be sure to say that Best Bass Gear sent you! 🙂
I have this bass. it sounds great. and it has horrible neck dive. I just put my foot on a piece of 6×6 and I don’t worry about it
I never understood these ‘reverse body’ basses. Seems like a contrarian’s dream bass but I just don’t get it. Heavy, neck-dive, high variability in build quality. Trying to come up with one reason why I would be interested in a bass like this but…. can’t.
I’ll stick with Fender…I’ve had it with neck dives
Bought one despite knowing that they are neck heavy. Very cool looking and I really wanted it to work out. Played it 3 times trying to get used to it. Fought terrible neck dive the whole time, totally miserable playing experience. Sold it and said “good riddance”.
yeah the eb series have the same issues
I had one of these, and got rid of the neck dive by playing it left-handed! Still had to move the neck strap button, though.
I play the pro version with active pick ups. I hate the feel of my J bass (it feels like a suppository, too slippery). Rsting my right forearm on the wind lets me tilt the instrument toward me so I can see the frets in my peripheral vision while reading charts, AND resolves the neck-dive issue. But I don’t jump around so this may not work for everyone…
I was going to suggest the same remedy, using the wing as an armrest. It shifts the bass to the right (for a right handed player) about an inch or so, making it an easier reach to the first few frets; it anchors the bass in place so it neither moves nor head-dives, requiring no additional effort from your left hand & wrist; and it’s actually pretty comfortable for my right arm.
There’s another problem, not unique to T-birds. That is resonance in the head that causes dead spots from Ab to C on the G string. Weights on the back of the head cure this, but accentuates neck dive!
My only complaint about T-Birds, weather it’s a Gibson or the Epiphone neck thru T-Bird, is that they have to be adjusted, more than any other bass that I’ve ever owned! But they do sound good though! I own a white Gibson T-Bird! Even though it’s a pain in the butt, having to get it adjusted a lot! I wouldn’t take anything for it! I love my T-Bird! I just rest my right arm on the body & that takes care of any neck dive!
had one years ago. got rid of it cause of neck-dive. also found the sound to be not to my liking. but is is a real cool looking thing…….
Move the upper strap button to the upper middle of the neck plate, between the two neck screws. This will alieviate neck dive and it works flawlessly. Neck dive gone.
Come on folks, I thought everyone knew how to resolve the neck dive issue. Just move the strap button to the front of the neck joint. I own one and love it and no neck dive since I moved the strap button.
I Played a t-bird (first bass) in small clubs for a year or so and found the extreme overall length to be very limiting ie. threatening physical harm to bandmates faces.
I have an epi t-bird as mu secondary bass and I love it. I cured the neck dive by moving the top button to the back of the neck and started using a suede strap with a rough back. The tone fits with the southern rock and blues much better than my p-bass.
They sound very good but the neck is not very good and the horrible bridge is a nightmare. I have owned three of them over the years and the bridge popped out on all of them. Once while slapping and once just for the hell of it. Gibson, please put that 3 point nightmare to rest.
Mine (a pro IV with active pickups) has been gigged constantly for the last 10 months usually a minimum 4 nights. Neck dive is an issue, but move the button to the middle of the neck and its job sorted (already done by Epiphone/Gibson on some new models). Extreme length is an issue, I have smacked other players on the back of the head, usually singers on a regular basis on smaller stages. One big issue for me though with the length is the whole bass seems offset to the left by about two inches. Since playing this bass I have developed trigger thumb in my left hand due to the stretch involved and subsequent acute angle in the wrist getting to the first few frets. I recently took a months break and started using a different bass for the whole month and all my issues cleared up. I love the sound from it, but I think this one is going up for sale very reluctantly I must say
The Thunder Bird is F-ing awesome. Looks cool sounds great . The neck dive is a little annoying but easily fixed with resting your arm on the body, and if that’s not good enough move the strap post to the neck. I did that on 1 of my 2 T Birds and it sits perfect.
Just to note Simon Gallup plays one.
I’ve just bought one and it started off in a very shabby state. Having took it all down to basics, Its cleaned it up, added a couple of coats of clear layer after flatting the original layers to remove the scratches and a couple of dinks and a scar. Total rewiring on the electronics and added a screen to the inside of the pot bay and connected it to ground, this cleared up the small annoying amp hum when in close contact to it.
I was going to rewind both pickups, but having fully set up the thing with a fret levelling, new nut (didnt ask why it was in two pieces at purchase) stuck a set of EB Slinky flats on it and set the intonation and string height its absolutely awesome now. Left the strap mounts as they were and added some Velcro to stop the strap slipping through the shoulder patch and some chamois leather is nice on the skin and clothing, no slip or neck dive its taken care of in the strap.
Took a bit of work on the neck to remove the gigging damage now glides like a feather on silk.