Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

[metlking]

I'll admit I'm a snob when it comes to gear. I believe in buying real American Gibsons and Fenders, that's how I feel, thats what I prefer. But....I don't play the bass or own one. My wife (Metlqueen) on the other hand would like to take up the bass. I've been trying to put together a band in this cowtown we live in but there's a shortage of bass players. I think I could teach her to play it before I'll find one around here! Sad but true......

Getting to the point: Musicians Friend has these Epiphone Thunderbird basses for $299!! I've always loved the style and now she does too......it's a small investment rather than the $1750 for a real gibson. If she doesn't take to it we're not out all that much.

LINK

My question for all of you is....Do any of you have and experience with one of these? You're opinions?

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

i played one once and the balance was very wrong. It was pretty light but still more neck-heavy than my six-string bass. I didn't really like the sound either, it just lacked the power and thumb i wanted. Imo a used G&L or fender would be a way better choice.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

Is she fairly tall? I don't know too many females that are comfortable with such a large bass. For me the Epi is a no go since it is a bolt-on and I can't have a T-Bird with bolt action but other than that they are all right, nothing special.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

My wife has an inexpensive Ibanez that's pretty cool (it's kind of like an SR). She thinks it was around $179. It sounds fine and plays good. It doesn't do "warm" very well, but it's a fine bass, especially for the price.

As a T-Bird player, I'd kind of shy away from getting a T-Bird for a beginner. The traditional Fender body style is so much more comfortable. I find that because the body is thin, and the way it lays across your body, if you move your leg, it changes the orientation of the plane of the bass. (if that makes any sense) The other thing is it's neck heavy- there are worse, but it's another thing to keep in mind. I realize there's a world of difference from the Gibson to the Epi- but my T-Bird is great for sounding like itself, but not so good at sounding like anything else. In other words, it'll always sound like a T-Bird and not sound like a Fender. I think the quintessential T-Bird tone is the theme from the TV show "The Kids In The Hall."

Look for something that has a 1.5" nut width- the Jazz Bass width- see if your wife finds that more comfortable than the wider P nut.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

Another thing I'd stay away from are short scale basses. For the ease of playing, the big trade off is in the "depth" of the sound.

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Epiphone Thunderbird Bass?

It is a little neck heavy but good thick sound