BASainty Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Im interested in getting an Epiphone T bird but are aware that there a couple of different models. Is there one thats more desirable or "the best"? What kind of price do they go for second hand and is there a 5 string option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 The Pro IV has the thru neck and the USA pickups. Nice example of a used one here. [url="http://www.chandlerguitars.co.uk/product_Detail.php?ItemID=5847"]http://www.chandlerguitars.co.uk/product_Detail.php?ItemID=5847[/url] I,m not aware of a 5 string version. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1457037309' post='2994756'] The Pro IV has the thru neck and the USA pickups. Nice example of a used one here. [url="http://www.chandlerguitars.co.uk/product_Detail.php?ItemID=5847"]http://www.chandlerg...php?ItemID=5847[/url] I,m not aware of a 5 string version. [/quote] Awesome so is the Classic Pro considered the better of the options? Or does it depend onw hat your using it for? Is £350 about the right price to pay for a used one? I can buy a classic pro from GAK for £379. Edited March 3, 2016 by 4StringFortress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Which one is the best depends entirely on what you want out of a bass. IMO none of the Epiphone models (or even the current Gibson ones for that matter) have much to do with the original 1960s Gibson Thunderbird other than the name and the general body shape. There are 3 different Epiphone Thunderbirds all with different woods, construction and electronics so take your pick: The Epiphone Classic-IV PRO is the closest to the current Gibson version, although I don't think that means very much. The Epiphone PRO-IV used to also come in a 5-string version although AFAICS it has now been discontinued. You'll probably need to find one second hand if you really want a 5-string. Apart from the through neck this has the smallest amount of "original" Thunderbird features and has active electronics. The Epiphone Thunderbird-IV superficially looks like the real thing but it has different pickups and a bolt-on neck, however if you are Fender player you may actually prefer the feel and sound of this model. The only real way to find out is to go and try them all for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 Awesome thanks and what kind of prices do they go for? The PRO sounds the most appealing to me as the active electronics will allow more versatility. I will have a look about and give them all a try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 [url=http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/DISC-Epiphone-Thunderbird-PRO-V-Bass-5-string-Trans-Black/AYE]Gear4Music have a new PRO-V for sale at £399[/url] I tried one when they first came out as I really like the look and I'm a strictly 5-string player. Unfortunately I was completely underwhelmed by it. The pre-amp is a nasty cheap thing that you would normally find in an entry-level active bass and the whole instrument felt clumsy and awkward with none of the elegance of a 60s Gibson. I couldn't in all honesty recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it for themselves first and liked it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1457039521' post='2994792'] [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/DISC-Epiphone-Thunderbird-PRO-V-Bass-5-string-Trans-Black/AYE"]Gear4Music have a new PRO-V for sale at £399[/url] I tried one when they first came out as I really like the look and I'm a strictly 5-string player. Unfortunately I was completely underwhelmed by it. The pre-amp is a nasty cheap thing that you would normally find in an entry-level active bass and the whole instrument felt clumsy and awkward with none of the elegance of a 60s Gibson. I couldn't in all honesty recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it for themselves first and liked it. [/quote] Thanks but I was thinking more second hand market prices! I will try them all out and see how I get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 That is almost a second hand price - IIRC they were over £500 new. There's one for £350 on eBay ATM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 [quote name='4StringFortress' timestamp='1457037877' post='2994762'] Awesome so is the Classic Pro considered the better of the options? Or does it depend onw hat your using it for? Is £350 about the right price to pay for a used one? I can buy a classic pro from GAK for £379. [/quote] I believe this one comes with a fitted case/gigbag. Because of the angular shape, most gigbags wont fit a TBird. You could try to haggle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1457040109' post='2994802'] That is almost a second hand price - IIRC they were over £500 new. There's one for £350 on eBay ATM. [/quote] Ahh ok fair enough! Thanks for the help! [quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1457040117' post='2994803'] I believe this one comes with a fitted case/gigbag. Because of the angular shape, most gigbags wont fit a TBird. You could try to haggle. [/quote] Yea ill give them a call and see what I can do! Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Of the three possibilites (and having at least tried them all), my vote would be for the Classic Pro IV (the passive, neck through one with Gibson USA TB+ pickups). But then again, I do like the sound of TB+ pickups, had them in three basses over the last few years, always found them to have a great "simply plug in and play" live sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Awesome. I've heard some demos if them being played and the do seem to produce the kind of noise I'm looking for. I'll give one a try and see what happens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthaside Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 I'm a proud owner and user of the absolute entry level T-bird , thing is If you can pick up an older " well looked after " Classic IV ... especially one of the made in japan or made in Korea bolt on models , these can be truly fab instruments , Mine is a single piece body with a lovely grain .. and sustain for weeks as a result ... I actually really enjoy the TB+ pickups ... even if the output out of them isnt massive ( but thats what my amp's volume pot does ). The one let down on these is the 3 point floating bridge .. it "works" but there are so many great after market options which would work better. i've seen these go in bad condition for £99 and spending a further 50 on one will net you a fantastic beater bass .... a word to the wise though ... the neck and body weight are a handful if you are slight of stature Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 [quote name='synthaside' timestamp='1457084194' post='2995070'] I'm a proud owner and user of the absolute entry level T-bird , thing is If you can pick up an older " well looked after " Classic IV ... especially one of the made in japan or made in Korea bolt on models , these can be truly fab instruments , Mine is a single piece body with a lovely grain .. and sustain for weeks as a result ... I actually really enjoy the TB+ pickups ... even if the output out of them isnt massive ( but thats what my amp's volume pot does ). The one let down on these is the 3 point floating bridge .. it "works" but there are so many great after market options which would work better. i've seen these go in bad condition for £99 and spending a further 50 on one will net you a fantastic beater bass .... a word to the wise though ... the neck and body weight are a handful if you are slight of stature [/quote] Awesome man thanks will put some feelers out! Yea I'm the complete opposite to slight of stature so I'm sure ill be ok =P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthaside Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) As am I ... At 6'4 and with arms like a monkey the tbird is on of the better fitting basses on me . Well there's this poor unloved little gem if you fancy going to town with some paint thinner on the persons art and an somthing like T-cut on the bodywork. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Epiphone-Thunderbird-Bass-Rare-Limited-Edition-Colour-Tv-Silver-Soft-Case-/172117792128?hash=item2813051580:g:HrIAAOSw~OVW1DOA"]http://www.ebay.co.u...rIAAOSw~OVW1DOA[/url] Dammit ...now i'm tempted to buy that and rip the hardware off for mine .... i always though the chrome pickup covers were pretty. Or this .... honest relicing ... i guess that must have been a niki sixx model ??? Its Korean from the unsung factory same as mine ... One of the better for quality control. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Epiphone-Thunderbird/231859916573?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D7cf08f852ffa4de8997a5d8da9c2ddd2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D172117792128"]http://www.ebay.co.u...%3D172117792128[/url] Buy that ... get Ki0gon of this here parish make you up a new wiring loom for the thing , if i recall its wired identically to a passive jazz. For about 60 quid you have a pretty baddas looking tbird ..which you can take to a biker bar and beat up folk when they invade the stage without worry. Edited March 4, 2016 by synthaside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40hz Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 I had one of the older standard Korean ones. It was a brilliant bass. Build quality and tone were superb. However, be prepared for a nice horizontal, permanent bruise across your forearm from the wing. It's why I sold mine along with the fact it nose-dived atrociously and I spent 99% of the gig holding the neck up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthaside Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Did you do the old bolt on strap button mod 40hz ? this all but solves the neck dive issue when coupled with a nice grippy strap .... [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/synthaside/media/bolt_on.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/synthaside/bolt_on.jpg[/IMG][/URL] I never have had or experienced bruising though ... I thumb anchor on the bridge pickup mind when not using a pick ... which may be odd for some but is much more comfortable given how tall I am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howdenspur Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Classic IV is probably the nicest, they occasionally come up reduced on G4M or DV247. The Pro IV (the active one) can be had cheaply from G4M if you get yourself an account and then get VIP status (buy some strings etc). A natural one is on at £229 at the moment; with no account, its £399. You might have to sort noisy electrics tho... [url="http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Epiphone-Thunderbird-PRO-IV-4-String-Bass-Natural-Oil/C2B"]http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Epiphone-Thunderbird-PRO-IV-4-String-Bass-Natural-Oil/C2B[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckinthepod Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) Strongly recommend the Classic Pro IV. I got it on Amazon for a steal at £249 new about 5 months ago! It's my No1 gigging bass now and the pickups sound great. You can hear the tone quite clearly here (with headphones). [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Lz464BmJs"]https://www.youtube....h?v=T0Lz464BmJs[/url] This is me playing a bit of Maiden on NYE Edited March 4, 2016 by stuckinthepod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 (edited) [quote name='stuckinthepod' timestamp='1457100546' post='2995354'] Strongly recommend the Classic Pro IV. I got it on Amazon for a steal at £249 new about 5 months ago! It's my No1 gigging bass now and the pickups sound great. You can hear the tone quite clearly here (with headphones). [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Lz464BmJs"]https://www.youtube....h?v=T0Lz464BmJs[/url] This is me playing a bit of Maiden on NYE [/quote] Awesome video man! Yea that's the tone and looking for! Ill definitely start hunting some down and trying them out. Edited March 4, 2016 by 4StringFortress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkHeart Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Ive got a white Classic Pro iv thru neck and used to have a Goth Bird, the difference in them to me anyway is night and day, the pups are better being the Gibson ones and the neck profile is far nicer than the chunky bolt on neck, it also balances better probably due to less wood in the neck, ive put a Hipshot Supertone bridge on mine and its just lovverly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BASainty Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Just seen a Tokai T bird for sale on Facebook. Anyone know what these are like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omikin Posted March 6, 2016 Share Posted March 6, 2016 (edited) Ahem *cough* [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277692-epiphone-thunderbird-classic-pro-iv-gibson-pups/"]http://basschat.co.u...iv-gibson-pups/[/url] Mint condition with a fitted Epiphone hard case... Edited March 6, 2016 by omikin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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