If you’re thinking about getting the Epiphone Thunderbird and you’re not exactly sure if it’s worth or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular model. It’s definitely cheaper than Gibson Thunderbird, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Epiphone Thunderbird IV is a really good bass guitar. It certainly looks, feels and sounds very well. Although it’s not the best bass guitar in the world, it seems like a great alternative for those who can’t afford getting a more expensive Gibson.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the Epiphone Thunderbird IV so good and so popular. Firstly, we’ll start with the detailed specifications and the main pros of that guitar. Additionally, we’ll see if it has any disadvantages. And of course, there will be a few sound demos included as well!
Specs & Pricing
Epiphone Thunderbird IV is a high quality bass guitar designed for the most demanding bass players out there. This bass exceeds all the expectations and it sounds almost the same as the high-end Gibson Thunderbird!
This particular model features an offset alder body, a comfortable maple neck (34″ scale length) and a smooth rosewood fingerboard. The manufacturer also equipped this model with Dual TB Plus Humbucker pickups which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to sound.
The pricing of the Thunderbird IV isn’t too bad, although it’s not a cheap bass. It’s definitely much more affordable than the Gibson Thunderbird, so it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on new gear.
Overall, this is a fantastic instrument. It certainly looks, sounds and feels like a much more expensive bass guitar. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out! It’s definitely worth every cent.
Here’s the sound demo.
Who Is It For?
Epiphone Thunderbird IV is suitable for both amateur and more intermediate bassists. It doesn’t really matter how advanced you are on the guitar – you will definitely benefit from adding this guitar to your collection.
The Thunderbird is a great choice for everyone who’s just starting out their musical journey. At the same time, it works really well as a mid-level guitar suitable not only for home practice, but also band rehearsals and live gigs.
It is also worth mentioning that this is a pretty versatile bass guitar, which means that it can be used in a lot of different styles of music. Whether you’re into blues, country, rock or metal – choosing the Thunderbird will be an excellent choice.
Considering how affordable and great sounding this bass is, it also seems like a great option for those who don’t want to spend too much on new gear. The pricing of that model makes it accessible, so saving up to eventually get that bass shouldn’t be a big issue.
Overall, the vast majority of bass players will appreciate the great quality of Epiphone Thunderbird IV. It’s not perfect, but at this price level there’s not much to complain about. It’s just a very good bass which is definitely worth the money!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Disadvantages Of Epiphone Thunderbird IV
Although the Thunder bird IV is generally a great guitar, it’s not perfect and it has its own cons as well. These disadvantages aren’t too serious, so there’s not much to worry about! Still, here’s a few things that you should be aware of before you decide to get it.
Firstly, a lot of bass players complain about the neck dive of that guitar. It’s a pretty heavy instrument, so you’ll just have to get used to it. There’s also a few ways to fix it, such as using a grippy strap or adding weights to your guitar. Still, it may be an uncomfortable bass for short bassists with small hands.
Additionally, the Thunderbird usually comes without a gig bag, so if you’re planning on traveling or commuting with that guitar, you’ll have to get it separately. Again, this is not a massive issue, but it’s something that you should be aware of.
Also, some bass players complain about the sustain of the Thunderbird. It’s not bad, but it’s not ideal either. But in the end, this is not a high-end guitar – it’s still a mid-range guitar!
Summing up, the main disadvantages of that guitar are:
- neck dive which may be uncomfortable for some players
- no gig bag included
- the sustain isn’t great
In my opinion, the advantages of Epiphone Thunderbird IV outweigh the disadvantages of that model. When you think about how good this guitar actually sounds and how inexpensive it is, all of these issues don’t really matter. It will be really difficult to find a better bass at this price level!
Gibson Thunderbird vs Epiphone Thunderbird
Many guitarists wonder whether they should choose the Gibson Thunderbird or Epiphone Thunderbird. The truth is that both of these basses are really good, but of course – the Epiphone model is much more affordable.
Gibson Thunderbird seems to be a bit better, but it’s a really subjective opinion. It’s really amazing how good the Epiphone Thunderbird sounds even though it’s a much less expensive guitar.
Which one’s better for you? Well, it depends. If you’re okay with spending a lot of money to get a high quality instrument, choose the Gibson. But if you’re searching for the best value for the money, Epiphone Thunderbird IV may be a better choice for you.
Check out the video below to hear the differences between these guitars.
Are There Any Alternatives?
If you don’t like the sound of the Thunderbird IV or you simply can’t afford it right now, that’s totally fine too! There’s still quite a lot of other cool bass guitars that also deserve a lot of recognition. Nevertheless, it all depends on your personal preferences and most importantly, your budget.
Here’s a few more gear recommendations.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out the Epiphone EB3. This is a really cool SG-shaped bass which is suitable for both beginners and more advanced players. Just like the Thunderbird, it’s a mid-level guitar. It may not be the best guitar in the world, but it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to get the Thunderbird.
Additionally, you can also check out the Squier Affinity Jazz Bass. I have to admit that I’m a big fan of all instruments from the Affinity Series – they’re well made and they certainly sound and feel like much more expensive guitars. On top of that, these guitars aren’t too expensive, so they’re suitable for players on a tight budget.
Alternatively, you can also check out my list of 8 Best Hollow & Semi-Hollow Basses. These instruments are bit different than the Thunderbird, but perhaps you’ll appreciate their quality too. I’m sure that any bass player will be able to find their dream guitar on that list!
FAQ
Where is Epiphone Thunderbird IV made?
Epiphone Thunderbird IV is currently manufactured in China and Indonesia.
Where can I find out more about Epiphone guitars?
If you want to learn more about this legendary manufacturer of electric and bass guitars, check out the official website of Epiphone.
Summary
As you can see, Epiphone Thunderbird IV is a really well made and great sounding bass guitar. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all bass players who are searching for a reliable and affordable guitar. It will be really tough to find something better at this price level!
What do you think of that guitar? Do you think that it’s better than Gibson Thunderbird? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
