"The machete of the bass world" you nailed it dude. I own one of these bad boys, not an easy bass to play, it's heavy, hard to control, and the neck dive is a problem to be considered, (a problem which can be fixed to an acceptable degree if you mod it). Straplocks and a wide strap are a must for this bass. Factory setup was shit on mine (as most epiphones), so future thunderbird owners may need to send it to a luthier or guitar tech for a proper initial setup (and straplocks installation!). BUT on the other side, the sound you can get from this instrument is amazing, rock, blues,metal, jazz, whatever you want, the Thunderbird will provide. If you have a good EQ, then it's even good for slap technique. From my experience, I play heavy metal (doom, thrash, black), punk, post punk and a little of blues, and the instrument has adapted very well to all those styles (orgasms when you run it through a big muff!). Not a bass for the shy player, if you are in a band playing with a thunderbird, you will be heard by the audience, even by those who can't tell the difference between guitars and basses :P . And on top of it's versatility, you get one of the most badass looking basses on market. I bought mine in 2010 and never looked back.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Good info man and thanks for the contribution - they really are a weapon!

@videomaniac108

7 жыл бұрын

I have the 2015 Gibson TBird strung with D'Addario Chrome flats and a bone nut. When I did my setup on it I was able to run the neck relief and the action way below spec, with the neck being easy to play and very fast. A wide leather strap helped with the neck dive and so it's not uncomfortable to play. Running it into a Trace Elliot hybrid head or a Fender Rumble combo I can easily EQ this thing to get just about whatever sound I want, as you mentioned. Scooping the mids with a little compression is really nice on this bass. I'm glad you mentioned how versatile this bass is; I think it's gotten a bad rap for being a "one trick pony" bass. The mahogany/walnut multi-laminate neck is very stiff and I think that helps with the clear note formation you get from this bass.

@paulhendo8726

Жыл бұрын

Good info

@bogoid

Жыл бұрын

​@@paulhendo8726 well, 12 years later and it's still my main bass 🥰

Just bought this bass. Love it!!! I really appreciate the review. It was very informative. I just ordered that case today. Thanks man!

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Hey Seth - good choice and thanks for the comment - enjoy the bass!

You cracked and started playing just before the 15 minute mark! And I was convinced you were going to make it!

@topdazzle

9 жыл бұрын

desvonbladet Lol - now that made me laugh!!

Very thorough and honest review. Thanks, I'll be tuning in here frequently.

@topdazzle

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Arthur - great to get your feedback!

Great review. Thanks for the time. Looking at buying my first bass and you helped me decide.

Dude, I thought I was going to hate your review when it first started. But I actually LOVED it. Great job. I'm really considering getting one of these as my first bass.

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

+samuelg315 Spooky - I really thought I was going to hate your comment but it turned out to be great!! Lol - thanks man, appreciate it (and you could do a lot worse than one of these as your first bass once you sort the balance issues).

Great review mate. Very thorough and to the point. I'm picking one of these up tomorrow for £140, and you've just erased all my doubts! Can't wait to get my hands on it now

@andrewphippsphillips1455

7 ай бұрын

Paid around that for mine off a pal's bandmate. Worth a lot more and looks as good as it sounds. It's a beast sometimes but worth taming it & the adjustment

Thank you so much for this review, man! I really liked the way you dig info to talk about the instruments... Really useful! :)

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

+EloiSio Michalski You're very welcome my friend - glad it was of use!

@EloiSioMichalski

8 жыл бұрын

+topdazzle I just loved your reviews! Sure it helped a lot, I just bought a Thunderbird for me because of this video. I was looking for this kinda stuff... this accurate things that only bass players and people who make instruments really pay attention to. Thanks a lot, once again! :)

Absolutely great review! I can't wait to get one.

Alright pal, top review, Im looking at buying a bass guitar, Im a complete noobie, and for the last week or so, Ive been checking out this bass, reviews etc. Top review, no noncence, telling it like it is, you have sold this to me. nice one, keep em coming! Col.

Getting mine next week! Can’t wait! Thanks for the review.

@topdazzle

Жыл бұрын

No problem and thanks for the comment

@FelipeFelice

Жыл бұрын

@@topdazzle it's been with me for a year now and i still in love

Just the review I needed, I think it is going to be my next bass.

I like how you threw "Tie Your Mother Down" in there. Nice review. Been wanting to get one of these for a long while.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Cheers man - great bit of kit!

wow brilliant video, more info than any and all of the sites that ive been on, thanks a million and i hope to see you at one of your gigs in the future

Thank you for your informative vid. I bought mine today, with case, for 80 box. Excellent condition. It is from july 2010. I love it. So easy to play....

Nice review man, I just picked one up today and love it! My Fender P bass took a back seat from my main bass.

Nice - thanks for the comments and the update, very useful to know.

dude I really enjoyed the review! Best one I've seen. Reallistic and funny! Hell.. I was listenning as I worked.. and everyone looked at me because I wwas laughing in the Case Part. Thank You... I'm getting one.

That was cracking dude!Loved it very informative.

Thanks for the comment - it's a great bass and yes, as you point out, getting cases, gig bags and stands for it can be difficult due to the unusual shape. Thanks for the link!

Wonderful review, thank you! I'm really tempted to get one myself. This review certainly didn't dissuade me.

@topdazzle

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment - they are a great bit of kit and very giggable!

Hey - thanks for the kind comments and glad it was of use / interest and enjoy your new bass!

Thanks for the review.. Helped me make my final decision. I appreciate it.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

No probs Lindsey and good luck with your new axe!

I was questioning whether or not to buy this, but your review makes me want one

Thanks Andy and good choice - you'll love it! I'm playing mine in a gig this Friday night and we'll be videoing it and posting it here so keep an eye out for "Paradise City" at the end of our set to hear what it sounds like with the band.

I'm a guitarist but needed a bass for home recording. Just snagged one of these (2008 Chinese model) for £100 off a guy on Facebook! Has a few issues that I can fix (I run a repair shop). Only 2 minutes into your review and I like your no bullshit style :)

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

+N G One Seven Thanks man - very kind.

@FretFriendGWaL

8 жыл бұрын

+topdazzle I got mine yesterday and fetched it from Wolverhampton (130 mile round trip). It's on the bench today haven't it's neck straightened and will get a set-up. I'll post a video later once it's done. Check my channel mate, some good stuff on there :)

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

Will do mate - thanks!

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

You just got yourself a new sub! I'm from near Birmingham originally (Tamworth) but living in Northern Ireland now (as you can probably tell from the accent!) - enjoy the new axe mate.

@FretFriendGWaL

8 жыл бұрын

+topdazzle Excellent! I subscribed to you too. Thanks :D

Nice review... and I found it quite entertaining as well!

Hi Jack and thanks a lot for the comments / feedback which is always very much appreciated - I'm glad it was of some use. The Pro version is a nice piece of gear alright.

just got my t bird after watching your review thanks alot...top notch

Great review! It helped a lot. Thanks!

@topdazzle

9 жыл бұрын

hobie W.L. Cheers man - you're welcome!

I've recently purchased the Tokai version of this Bass Guitar, And i'm over the moon with it. I've only been playing for 18 months, But these Basses are the bomb, And are a joy to play. I like the way there is no top horn, And it is easy to get to all your frets, As opposed to a Fender Presicion Bass.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

A truly great piece of kit! Thanks for the comment.

No worries man - hope it was useful and thanks for taking the time to comment!

Legit review, thanks for all that! Appreciated.

Nice review! I'm looking for my 1st bass after playing guitar for 20+years! Looked on epiphone website and there's a few models to choose from. Just wondering your views on the types of pickups! Would you go for active or passive and what are the Pros n cons for each type?

Im waiting for mine to arrive. Just ordered a Epiphone Thunderbird IV Goth. My first Bass ever.

@juanvaldez5422

5 жыл бұрын

I picked up one "demo model" for 285 delivered

@hartdavis5434

4 жыл бұрын

How is it?

Awsome review lad.

@topdazzle

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pedro - it's a great guitar!

Thanks a lot Col - glad it was of use and appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. You could do a lot worse than one of these as a first bass and the good news is that if you ever start gigging - no need to upgrade!! I have played 120 capacity venues with this and no back up and it has never let me down, totally solid and never fails to get positive comments from folk due to the tone and body shape - a great bit of kit.

Awesome review, man. Thanks. Ill know what to look for, and what to do with it if I get one

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

No worries Joe, thanks for the feedback.

No worries man - glad it helped and enjoy the new Bird - thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Excellent review. After a LH one, and its murder to find.

Cheers man - loving the Goth too!

Thanks man - appreciate the feedback.

Love it. A very good demonstration I bought one.

@topdazzle

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks man - enjoy!

I played one of these at a music store in my country, absolute beast of an instrument. I would have bought it on the spot but the deal breaker that kept me from buying it was the fact that the bolt on neck for some reason makes the frets beyond the 20th almost entirely inaccessible, whereas on the Gibson birds I've never had that issue. I play all over the fretboard, but if that's not a deal breaker for someone I 100% recommend this bass.

After buying the mark five on a punt as RRP was £429 and got it for £150 thought i should check out some reviews and think after a couple of mods I'll have probably the best bass money can buy for the money cheers dude 🤘

Hi Super review Debating about to buy one The neck dive is really putting me off Had that problem before Pissed me off big time Cheers for honest detail review

@topdazzle

Жыл бұрын

No problem and thanks for the comment!

@davidfox7983

Жыл бұрын

@@topdazzle no problem Cheers

Hi and thanks for the comments - much appreciated. As far as I am aware, the main difference between the 2 is that the PRO version comes with active pickups / electronics rather than the passive ones in the standard version. This gives them a hotter output due to the pre-amp being contained within the guitar itself - you will also require a battery for this. I hope this helps but why not look at the specs side by side on the internet which would also assist? Cheers.

Cheers for this, definitely going to get one in the limited edition tv silver colour.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Nice!!

Nice - I like the Goth and I'm glad to hear they have recognised and corrected what I consider to be a design flaw in the original placement of that strap button - it was a nightmare!

Cheers man - I'm working on the length (as the Bishop said to the actress) - as someone else was kind enough to point out - I do go on a bit! Regarding the Bird - yes, I would highly recommend it. A first "proper" bass that is built to last, stays in tune and looks this good - what's not to like? As I have proven over and over again, it's also more than capable of gigging so if you do take to it, no need to upgrade to play live. The only negative (as mentioned in the review) is the neck dive.

excellent stuff! defo getting one when I improve on bass

LOOOL "You could get Abba in there" xD I'm dyin man, massive props xD

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

LOL - thanks Jeff, I don't know where that came from!

Nice review ! and a big lol at that Abba joke :-P // Greets from sweden

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Hey man - thanks and backatcha!!

I have the 2015 Gibson USA T'bird with the tobacco burst finish and is set up with D'Addario Chrome flats and a custom-cut bone not that replaced the stock Tektoid nut. The neck relief is set nearly flat with very low action so that the neck is fast and easy to play. The sustain is great with very powerful fundamentals and lower harmonics. I use a 4" wide Moody leather strap with suede backing to reduce neck dive. The strap buttons on the Gibson are where you relocated yours, little neck dive.

@topdazzle

6 жыл бұрын

Very nice!

No worries and thanks for the comment!

love your review! its nice to see a real genuine person reviewing not some employee or something who gets paid for it. Keep up the good work, you'v convinced me purchase a Thunderbird myself when i get the funds

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Ha - cheers for that, very much appreciated.

I'd imagine it is - thanks for the comment - good to know!

I'm getting the "goth" version of this bass in trade tomorrow for some gear I no longer use. I play guitar mainly, but after seeing you review I'm actually a bit excited. Good job! Hopefully I wont become an accidental bassist...

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Hey Ron - I predict you will love it so good choice. Health to enjoy it man and, as Dino Monoxoles says - "Play more bass"!!

@Mgaga97

9 жыл бұрын

Hey dude! :D How's the goth? I dont know which one to choose - the normal or the goth...

@Pinnethewoo

9 жыл бұрын

There exactly the Same just a diffrent colur

@topdazzle

9 жыл бұрын

True dat!

@ronletoiii1248

9 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are! I used it for a bit, and gave it a friend, so I can't comment on it further. Played real nice though.

I was actually incredibly captivated by this video! One question though, are the pickups wired seperately? By that I mean, if I was to kill the volume on the neck pickup, would it also kill the bridge pickup (even if the bridge pot was set to 10)? I have that issue with my current bass, if I turn the volume on my bridge pickup down it kills the entire bass and it pisses me off -_-

@Mgaga97

9 жыл бұрын

I don't think it does that on the TB :)

If it helps - I also cut and paste the following from the official description: "features Gibson TB Plus humbuckers with ceramic magnets. Ceramic magnets are a perfect choice for the classic Thunderbird sound for their high gain, smooth tone and high-end definition. The Gibson TB Plus humbuckers are traditional hum-cancelling bass pickups that are wax potted and then filled with epoxy, producing a full frequency, heavy-bottom sound similar to pickups with a passive EQ"

I just received my Epi. Thunderbird classic pro . This is the one with the Gibson pickups!!! There is no neck dive & it's not heavy at all , imo . If your intrested in the Epi. Thunderbird , get the Classic Pro " the Gibson pickups are ICONIC and will give you more than your money worth!!!!!! 🎸🎶🎵🎶🎵👍👍👍👍👍

​ @topdazzle Nice review - could you show the custom straplock done up at the back on the base of the neck and how it was done? I'd like to show my local Luthier what you had done so I can have it done too. Would appreciate it - you had the strap covering it as you zoomed around the back plate and back of the bass, and I couldn't see how it was done. Much appreciated! Greetings from Berlin, Germany.

just a quick note regarding the neck dive - i have just bought a new T Bird (nice review topdaz) - the one i got is a February 2013 Indonesian model and the the neck strap mount is now part of the 4 bolt neck plate on the back of the guitar(top left hand corner of the plate) and it balances the guitar nicely.

Thanks!! I just found a used one, and i sounds super!!

When I searched through a music online store, I looked for my next bass, I wanted something high quallity. I aimed however for a Metal looking bass with 5 Strings, but I also looked for other stuff like a Rickenbacker and a Thunderbird, both are Basses I allways wanted. When I remembered that Epiphone sells Gibson-stuff for good Money, I noticed that the Epiphone one is about 250€. After this review I'll sure buy it soon!

No worries - thanks and enjoy the Bird!

Thanks man - much appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment!

Hey great review, have you taken off the pick guard? If so, is it solid wood or is there a rout hole? I've seen both but I'm not sure with the epiphones

Thanks man - appreciate the comments. No, I haven't taken off the pick guard so haven't a clue what's underneath it I'm afraid.

These are great basses. Probably the best bang for the buck out there. And they look so cool. You can pick one up used around $100 (getting the Sixx tomorrow) and they are great stock. Lots of tonal options. I played mine every sunday for 3 years, and 3 services on that day. Extensive practice once a week. The upper strap button was my only complaint (ripped out a few times).

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

A great piece of kit indeed!

Hey man, no worries and thanks for leaving a comment. I have to confess, I've never heard of that particular myth but as it sounds like you've had a bad experience that you still feel bitter about, I won't pry. As I've only been playing bass for 2 years, I headed on over to your channel to pick up some tips and tricks to improve my playing and technique. Didn't find anything. Anyway, must dash, busy getting ready for another gig - cheers!

Im sure I will like it. And even more so as it is not costing me a thing and I get that nice case with it as well I'm pretty stoked about that. I only paid three hundred Canadian for the BC Rich.

Hi Dylan - I guess the best advice would be to see what else is available in that price bracket and make your decision from there. As I say in my review, in my opinion it is a very gig-worthy instrument (which I have proven) and nothing else looks quite like it!!

No worries and thanks for the comments - enjoy the new bass!

Thanks very much for your comments Gavin (and for the "like" on our Facebook page) - very much appreciated.

All my thoughts on the quality of this instrument are outlined in the review - they are great and for the money, I think it would be hard to find a better bass (depending on the style of music that you play).

Cheers and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - it's always appreciated.

Thanks for the detailed review Top; just a couple of quick suggestions. (1) Could you give a summary of the neck cross section, (2) PLEASE use the tone and volume controls to give us an idea of the tone range THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE THERE FOR! A common mistake with some reviewers is that they turn they turn the treble up and you don't get the classic Gibson type nasal overtones - it is a bass guitar after all. The body on these is mahogany by the way (well,a type of) and the neck is maple - not the other way around. Good going.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

Fair enough - good feedback, thanks!

I found one for 250.00 I love it as much as my various Fender Basses. The Epiphone Thunderbird with flat wound strings plugged into an Ampeg B-15 is unreal , when individual pickups are soloed or rolled off no humming occurs . To all Bass players the T'Bird is more than just a rock Bass it is one of the Hippest instruments ever.

@topdazzle

5 жыл бұрын

I love mine too David - great bit of kit for the money!

Contrary to popular belief, it won't damage anything as long as you don't absolutely crank it. There are quite a few people who have their bass plugged into a guitar head and bass cabs.

Hey! We're called "Grounds for Divorce" - all of our gig videos are on my KZread Channel - check them out!

this instrument is without a doubt a 100% spectacular electric bass guitar for sure cheers!

I've had my Epi thunderbird since 2008 and yes it is heavy but the neck dive can be easily solved with a good soft leather strap that has a rough suede on the back that will grip to your shoulder. Still for bar gigs I play my precision for most of the night and sometimes plug in the tbird for the last set

Love your reviews, have a Jack Casady and a T-Bird pro. Just selling the T-bird as have got into Ibanez basses recently. Ibanez SR500 for £350 locally is a Big Bang for your Buck buy. But the T-Bird is a ROCK machine for under £200 used - fantastic value bass. Or "The Machete of The Bass World": as you correctly stated.

@topdazzle

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony - appreciate your kind comments and yes - it's a cracking bit of kit!

a proper review, thanks!

@topdazzle

8 жыл бұрын

+doomham100 Thank you man - very kind.

I have the TV silver version. Beautiful bass. Mahogany all the way;neck, body, top. The silver top hat knobs are a really nice touch. But I have seen this vintage burst which I almost ended up getting but the dark sound of all mahogany is very pleasing to me lol. (the regular one is alder body with maple neck I believe). And just like you said truly a tank of an instrument.

@jasonramirez637

10 жыл бұрын

I guess it should also be noted that the TV silver version has the strap button in the heel of the neck already it's actually one of the bolt screws

@steelbassdan378

9 жыл бұрын

I've got the same one it is a beauty!

@getrekt4958

9 жыл бұрын

is it the same as this one?

@jasonramirez637

9 жыл бұрын

For the most part Yes. Chrome pickup covers and hardware though

I think the new Pro version also has Gibson T-Bird pick-ups in it as well - what a steal!! You may get the odd-guitar snob decrying stuff like Epihone, etc. but, in my experience, these are armchair pundits who have never played out. I've been actively gigging with the Bird now for 3 years and it's been an absolute workhorse which has never let me down - very pleased!

If the specs for the Thunderbird are the same as for the Firebird, then the body should in fact be 3 piece mahogany. Great video, I'm trying to find an Epiphone Firebird V or VII to buy.

@topdazzle

10 жыл бұрын

The body is one-piece with a bolt-on neck. Thanks for the feedback - love the Firebird's - really cool!

Nice review mate (although a bit long ^^)! I am a drummer who has played a little bit of electric guitar before. I really love the bass guitar and I would like to buy one. Would you recommend the t-bird? Cheers

LOL - all a matter of personal taste Ricardo! I have no idea whether they will fit or not - probably best to Google Thunderbird Mods for full specs and details - there certainly seems to be enough room on the headstock. In my humble opinion, it's all part of the design of the bass and the last thing I want to start doing is to try making it look like a lot of other basses.

Cheers man - we aim to please!!

under NO circumstances (unless you really don't like your guitar amp and want to get a new one). The frequencies put out by the bass guitar will wreck the drivers in the speakers and destroy the amp fairly quickly - it's just not designed for that kind of use. The other way around (i.e. lead guitar into a bass amp) is fine and sometimes sounds really great depending on the amp (Fender Bassman anyone?) but I find it needs EQ'ing a little to remove some of the boomy low end. Hope this helps!

Grep - I think he was referring to guitar amps / cabs rather than bass cabs. Doing what you suggest would probably be fine but NOT running a bass through a cab / speaker designed for a guitar. I asked Celstion about this some time ago (when I wanted to run my bass through a bass amp head but a 4x12 Marshall guitar cab) - they advised that whilst it won't necessarily "blow" anything immediately, it will, over time, wreck your speakers.

I just bought the exact same one 2 days..is that Mar

Nice review. I wonder if you have played Gibson thunderbird? If yes, how does epiphone compare to it. Best regards!

The finish is consistent all the way through! Took mine off out of curiosity.

Thanks for the feedback mate. I bought a squire jaguar bass instead. The t-bird was a good bass indeed, but a bit heavy and chunky and since I don't have stalone's figure, it was a bit uncomfortable for me... :P

So I have a ibanez sr300 and I want to get a thunderbird but I'm worried about quality and if it is a good instrument , any thoughts

great review,. my question,,.im looking to buy one of those n have it defreted,. wht do u think??.,u think tbird be a good bass for tht ?.. i like the height-action of the neck n bridge so can lower once defreted,. also like the 20 fret neck the n two controls.,n im talking about exactly same model u review., no the neckthru., not the pro, not the goth,. so be a good candidated for fretless? .,wht ur opnion on tht?.,

First of all, pardon my english. What about the balance and neck diving? I'm gonna buy one in a few weeks but i'm interested in tha factor. Thanks!