Gibson/Epiphone Thunderbird... Problems i have... pt1 of 2

[@pieterbc]

I have a Gibson Thunderbird since 2004, I love it and I’m never going to part from it. It’s a beast. True, it can be muddy at times, but I just adjust the EQ. And I suppose it can be hard to play. But the moment I first held it I though ‘Now this is a proper bass!’ It just made my other basses feel like toy instruments. Maybe it’s an acquired taste, but I love my Thunderbird.

[@tajkam]

I own an Epiphone Thunderbird - just got it used this year. Everything you complain about it is right on. The gigbag issue, for one, kills me. I stuff it into a Mono bag for gigs! Thing is, I have big hands and long arms, so the large head stock and subsequent neck dive is part of its weird appeal. It ‘feels’ extra long, and I need space, so the fret spacing really works. Still working on the tone, so I’ve switched to flatwounds. After nearly 30 years of bass, I’m just now teaching myself how to play with a pick (certain tunes require that distinctive plucking sound), and the Thunderbird really works. I can’t say it’s my favorite- I’ve gone through a LOT of basses through the years (Warwick, Fender, Alembic, Ibanez, etc) and my ear is still evolving, but I’m digging it so far. My main gig-worthy bass - a Stingray, has a superior tone, and is overall a tighter bass, but it ‘feels’ short scale and restricting, I can’t get the action right and it’s less playable than the Thunderbird (big hands, long arms). Ugh. Can’t have it all.

[@greganderson7216]

I bought the Epiphone Vintage Pro (chrome hardware, claw bridge) and it immediately became my number one bass (still is after 2 years). Ive never played a Gibson (outside of the store) so can’t speak for it, but this Epi looks and feels great. Neck dive doesn’t bother me(with a grippy strap), but after a 4 hour gig, it does get heavy. The neck is lightning fast and tone is spot-on for rock. T-birds aren’t for everyone, but neither is a ‘74 vette. But I’d love to have one of those too! Thanks.

[@theeagle9ar]

Hi !!! This is my experience with an Epiphone T-Bass. I bought it in 2008. When i tried it at the guitar shop it kind of sounded and played and felt good. But upon arriving home with it i realized things were NOT OK. First of all, the guy at the shop plugged it into a terrific Ampeg amp with a big speaker cab, he kindly invited me to sit on a stool and let me play for some time there. When i got home and tried it on my small Fender 100 watter with one 15 inch speaker all details that were concealed by the enormous bottom end of the massive Ampeg just started to reveal on my small combo. Pickups were noisy and lacked punch and definition, they were basically a ball of lows. When i tried the thing on a strap and standing up it just pointed down to the floor in a second. My arms felt tired few minutes after i started playing. The bridge as you say was crap and it made it almost impossible to tune the thing without setting the bridge and strings too high. I contacted Gibson for the pickups problems and they told me they weren't making any replacement pickups and stuff, so i decided to part with it. I commented about that to a local luthier and he convinced me to keep it, because in his own words, the wood and construction made it worth upgrading it. So i contacted a local pickup maker and replaced the pickups with a pair of custom soapbar humbuckers, replaced the electronics, purchased a set of Schaller straplocks and placed one where the original was at the bottom and the other one at the neck heel, i got rid of the one on the shoulder, and finally i told a friend of mine to bring me from the USA a Hipshot Supertone bridge. Results? The bass is a total different beast with those upgrades. Although it still feels a bit strange for someone like me used to more Fender-like basses, it still feels great, the neck with the now balanced body feels awesome, and the tone and sustain provided by the Hipshot is amazing. The only things that still bug me are that due to the weird design it is difficult to reach the frets close to the nut and the shape of the body in the part where you usually rest your picking arm makes it a bit too uncomfortable if you're playing with fingers or like to rest your arm there when picking. All things considered, although it still feels a bit weird, it became an awesome studio machine. I would not recommend it to someone who likes more traditional basses or expect to keep it original. I only kept it because at the moment i was able to afford the upgrades. My advice is : If someone plans on buying one, assume from the start that you're gonna have to invest in upgrades. Cheers!

[@robertp457]

It's okay to break a series of sentences into separate paragraphs.

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

"Not conducive for proper funk delivery"... Nicely said...I can dig it!! '):

[@bernardf.6337]

Thanks for an honest review. Gibson guitars is doing everything they can to destroy their reputation. I’m a big fan of Mesa Boogie and I own three bass amps from them. I am literally cringing at what they’re going to do to that company after acquiring them last year. I hope they don’t do to Mesa Boogie what’s Fender did to SWR years ago after acquiring them.

[@nickb6988]

my epiphone t-bird bass is my main, dropped it in c standard works great for slow doom metal

[@investingingeorgia8853]

I got the Epiphone Goth. SOO many negatives. But it sounds damn good as rock bass.

[@johnbrown8570]

I had that bass and mine didn’t have the strap pin on the metal plate. It was on the wood going down to the neck. And it stripped the screw out in like one day.

[@mentula3784]

Completely justified Bully, the neck dive on those is unbelievably bad to the point of being unplayable. The ESP phoenix is a great alternative with fantastic quality, still dives like a Spanish soccer player but the build quality is 10x better

[@kevmac1230]

The Dingwall T Bird is said to have the look without the Gibby drawbacks.

[@WakizashiSabre]

Having white TB from Gibson Nd i can tell you, its one of the lightest basses I have, alsoneckdive is quite ok with ok strap. Overall neckdive is ok compared to my bc rich.

[@juanselainez9828]

Ive got mine, recorded two albums, toured with it and everything you are saying is on point. I play hard rock so it works for me. It has a warm yet firm tone to it.

[@SeattleSam-ul5hr]

The Goth is an Epi Tbird IV. Those birds are uniquely “chunky”, they have thicker bodies and WAY thicker necks than all other birds. They also have darker sounding pickups. I also own an Epi Tbird VintagePro, and it feels like a completely different instrument. In my opinion, you can’t really compare a 1970 Chevelle SS to any new mustang. On paper, the mustang may be better in every way, but, give me the Chevelle!

[@mattholveck6419]

I completely agree, Gibson/Epiphone basses have very limited utility. Of all the basses I have ever played, I keep going back to things modeled after the Fender Jazz. It just works so well and is so versatile.

[@scottm7720]

I have two Gibsons. I’m not proud of them, but I enjoy their smaller scale. You made a lot of good points for those to hear that have never played one should know. GOD bless.

[@Hamchickenfinger]

The neck dive kills me on this one. I habe an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro. The Quality is decent and it plays really well when your sitting down, but if you stand up with it gravity does it's work and pulls that huge awsome headstock down straight to the ground.

[@Diholla]

I appreciate the honesty. Seriously. So many reviews are not helpful. I’m a practical guy. Shoot straight with me. You did. Thank you

[@smoothgroover00]

Why the fuck can’t Gibson fix these problems after literally decades of production??

[@VmShpman82]

Exactly

[@PartyChicken407]

Because you need to play authentic. Lol /s

[@DaCostaGuitars]

I've owned one since 2011, though i have modified it too the point where it no longer resembles its former self. I ditched the electronics in favour for a simple on/off switch. My pickups did die out (being out of the bass every time i modified it paint wise, the cable was busted, so i found a replacement set of epiphone Deep sixx pickups which fit the route). Mine sounds good, definitely a ROCK bass. Compared to vintage gibsons, it's a dark tone. Being the bass player/lead singer in my punk/experimental band, my thunderbird does the trick, on certain songs. More often than none, i'll reach for my Pbass copies/builds over the bird. Mainly cause i'd hate to lug the coffin case the bird sits in, but also because i know through a whole gig, some songs need the pbass mid punch. I love my bird, nowadays after all my paint mods & such, & i recorded few songs on my bands album with it. the rest of the album is a pbass. I agree with you, it's not for everyone nor every style of music. It's not as versatile as say a Jazz, precision, stingray, etc. Those can get you darker tones, but also have a nice snap, bark. They're also balanced better, & you can go from rock, to funk, gospel, jazz, blues, reggae, & beyond. I love my bird because it handles the darker rock tones nicely without me having to roll the tone off on my bass, but i'll never play funk music with it because its too dark for my taste in that genre. As you said, if you're a rock player the thunderbird is solid. If you're funkier, there's better out there. I will say, the bird could perhaps work for reggae music too. Too each their own!

[@thepowerofproffitt2160]

May I suggest the Epiphone vintage pro thunderbird bigger more heavy duty

[@Tamlin73]

Hi there, i got myself an Epiphone Thunderbird bass for my 50 B-day yesterday :) Best regards from Norway

[@cantfindamerica877]

Bully, I’ve waiting on the truck to deliver my funk, so I feel ya. I’ve got to deliver my funk. That’s just how it is. God Bless

[@steviem4181]

Hey Bully ThaKid! Good video! First about me…I’m what I consider a “meat and potatoes” bass player! I play mostly blues, some R&B/Soul, country etc. Definitely NOT a slapper, or a metal guy. And up until a few years ago, mainly a Precision Bass player! I have in my older years (60s now) gotten a couple of Gibson short scale basses: SG Bass (basically new version of EB-3), and newer Les Paul DC Bass. I like them because they’re lightweight, compact, easy to play, and great when sitting around in my jam-studio room. I would at some point like to add a Thunderbird Bass, but I’m with you on the $2000 pricing. That is insane!!! I own vintage Fender P-Basses that I paid less than $500 for, so no way am I going to spend $2000 on a one-trick pony bass. I may at some point look at the Epiphone Vintage model, or at least the Gibson TB Studio model. Anyways, I’ve found your channel, and have subcribed! Cheers

[@Uroste]

Love to see you getting hands on the Sandberg 48. Now that and dingwall D-roc are absolutely modern t-birds.

[@robertp457]

Indeed, and while they cost less than the Gibson Thunderbird, they are both built to a much higher standard than the Thunderbird.

[@tucobakunin8250]

Here's my take (for what it's worth, which even I'll admit ain't much), I've had an Epiphone Thunderbird for about two years now. I love it. Deep, rich, fuzzy, heavy, thunderous and subtle. It truly has it's own sound. Kind of a Jazz bass antithesis. From blues to metal, from Americana to lo-fi, where it fits, it fits better than anything else. It can pour butter over anything and just make it fatter, smoother, better. Don't slap it. Don't take it to church. Don't ask it to be funky. There are other bass for that. Far as neck dive? Yeah. It's a thing. Widest leather strap you can find helps standing. Sitting I don't ever have a problem as my forearm natural sits across the top of the body holding it quite comfortably in place. Yeah, buy the hard case. I mean, yeah. No real way around this one I can think of...

[@bradleymoneypenny1337]

I've had my Epiphone Tbird for like 13 years or so. I've modded it somewhat. These pickups in series sound killer.

[@SadisticSadistOfficial2]

I just ordered the Epiphone earlier today. I’m looking forward to it

[@kameronwraithd.k.5363]

Interesting review. By the way, are Epiphone´s Goth thunderbirds still on sale?

[@DrTomoculus]

I picked up a secondhand Thunderbird IV, just cuz I could, and I'd never owned a Gibson style Bass before. I was always Fender / Squier / Washburn / Aria Pro prior. I have to purposefully put this Bass in its specialised case (which is not cheap, so I agree here with you about this), so that A. I get back into playing with my fingers. Because I almost exclusively play the Thunderbird with a pick, which is where I think it sounds best. It's a very dynamic, responsive Bass. Very kinetic. B. I would use it on just about everything. I honestly wish I had bought one years ago. They are so much fun to play. It most certainly would have been my main Bass when gigging decades ago. (Top 40 cover band). I have never tried a Gibson, but take your opinion about them seriously. I felt this way when finally playing a Rickenbacker. Huge disappointment. Didn't like it whatsoever. Which was gutting, because my Bass hero was Chris Squire (and always will be. He did as much for the Bass as Hendrix did for the guitar, and Keith Emerson did for keyboards / synthesisers.) But I have a Thunderbird, which is what Squire used on the DRAMA album, and specifically "Does It Really Happen?"

[@TORINGENorbirdpeople]

Man i got a 97 gibson thunderbird 4 stock and it f ing ROCKS

[@kevmac1230]

I'll never understand why Gibson insists on keeping those bridges.Most hate them.I have two Eppis and put replacement upgrades on both.

[@sinakaedwards2009]

I love my thunderbird, I always have to preface this by saying everything you hate about it is why I love it.

[@jamesgoodwin3403]

Could not agree with you more! I have the epiphone version, because of exactly what you said - that ridiculous price tag for those problems. I play in a tribute band where the look is killer, but it’s a VERY difficult bass to play anything technical on. But it looks killer. 😂

[@-joserosajr]

Totally agree with you on this one Bully.

[@danielrodcf]

I agree. I got a 66 non reverse. Nothing new can compare to the old Humbucker

[@williamchaney243]

I have the same bass. I put a hipshot drop in highmass bridge and hipshot light tunners. Helped the neck dive a bit.

[@brydawg2020]

Gotta respect the honest review. I completley agree that unless you are playing rock music do not buy a thunderbird. You will be much more satisfied spending your money on something like a Fender Professional

[@shaunmatthews4601]

I had the goth model years ago and I really liked it, I went straight to learning some heavy songs. Later on, I bought a classic iv pro because I wanted to get as close to the Gibson as I could. Now, i have the esthetics I was after (input jack on bottom, neck-through construction and Gibson pickups which can be swapped out for EMGs without needing to route the body cavity). What I’m working towards is a T-Bird with the voicing of a P-Bass. I’m also trying to decide between either a Babicz or Hipshot bridge, I’m just not sure which would be better.

[@jbee3]

I wonder if the dingwall d-roc fixes the issues with the thunderbird.

[@HondoFelder]

D-roc is a totally different beast IMO, but an insane bass!

[@Facu_Roldan]

It does. But it sounds different too

[@diarmy7043]

I have an Epiphone Thunderbird and I think I got really really lucky it sounds sharp and never has problems being muddy, it's a different model to yours it has more of a shiney finish, now the neck dive is a problem and like trying to slap on the thing is probably the most difficult and finicky job ever, also it has a tunomatic bridge which is amazing. I completely agree that you would have to be nuts to buy a Gibson Thunderbird I don't understand why people would, also it has a set neck rather than a bolt on, it was. I solo I can move all over the fretboard with no problem mine was 700 and other than my orange little bass thing was the best purchase I have made regarding bass.... But once I get my fender p bass then I think my opinion will change.

[@taker1971]

Picked up a used Thunderbird Classic Pro with the true Gibson pickups neck thou . I picked up a hipshot bridge now I really love this bass but it does have headstock dive.

[@jakealan6985]

I had a goth bird for a couple years and I loved the voice of it but I got sick of chasing the neck all over the place. I did everything, tire weights in the electronic cavity, moved strap buttons, nothing worked. This bass defeated me. I gave it to my friend.

[@xeverettx2564]

Yeah dude I agree Gibsons are so over priced. I don’t think any guitar that’s mass produced should cost more than $1,500 for the nicest fanciest one. Now yeah you get into handmade that’s another story. That said I love Gibson and own a lot of them, guitars and basses. The problems you mentioned absolutely exist but stuff like “neck dive” I’ve never actually noticed in my playing. Something about how I hold an instrument it’s just never been a problem. I do have several friends who do notice that and have a problem. They are definitely a rock bass. I play rock, metal, country & western, bluegrass, old time (which I use my upright for), and gospel (I play in church and mostly use my P-bass for). Anyway great video brother it was my first time seeing your channel and I def. subscribed!!

[@PartyChicken407]

Your video just saved me a ton of headache. Thanks man.

[@blue.5058]

I agree wholeheartedly- Gibson has always had a notoriously bad track record when it comes to basses and has been reticent thus far to address the myriad of issues with them (unless you count their buying out Tobias Basses and Trace-Elliot amps in the 90’s as such). This matter is made all the worse when you see the insanely-overpriced nature of those instruments. They simply aren’t worth what Is being commanded of them, to be honest. It isn’t limited to one line of basses, either. Almost ALL of the basses Gibson has produced over the years have had glaring issues and the same lack of design competence. I was gifted a Grabber bass a number of years ago that was nothing more than glorified firewood on a number of levels. The same issues as your Thunderbird existed with my bass- crappy three-point bridge, incredibly awkward ergonomics, pickups that were crap, tuners that couldn’t keep pitch at all, and a headstock that was far too cartoonish to be of any use. It was not useful for anything except for the chance to cosplay as Gene Simmons of KISS, who played a Grabber early in the band’s history. Even Gibson poaching other companies to “improve” their line-ups were wasted. None of the elements found on the superior Tobias basses made their way to any of the Gibson lines, and they did even less with their acquisition of Trace-Elliot bass amps back in the day. A lower-end Ibanez bass would be a smarter choice than a Gibson/Epiphone bass

[@Matt_bassguitar]

Thanks for the review. I have an Epiphone Vintage Pro, it’s a neck thru design (not a bolt on).. It does have a neck dive, but it’s very playable. It has a warm growl tone. I’ve always wanted to play a Gibson, so it’s nice to hear honest opinions. My next bass will be an American made and I’m leaning toward Music Man or Fender.

[@MarcAndreLevesque]

The Epiphone Vintage Pro is 98% Gibson T-Bird, where the 2% is the not having a nitro finish and not having the Gibson logo. Ok the pickups sound a little different but in a good way, the Epi ones are less muddy

[@8ballman749]

Music Man all the way!

[@joshuamcmichael4121]

@@MarcAndreLevesque so excited to receive my ebony thunderbird 60s bass!

[@ashleygarnish9995]

Always love the look this base matt black is class

[@jimmiejaz]

For all their faults, love the Thunderbird. Get a hipshot bridge on it and all the bridge issues are gone.

[@jarrenvrekk8758]

My first bass was an epiphone flying V, and I've never really gelled with fender basses. I owned one of the pro series jazz basses, but it couldn't come close to my epiphone classic pro thunderbird. They aren't muddy if you set your amp eq up for it, and neck dive isn't a problem with a good strap. Gibson guitars aren't for everyone, but they're a lot more versatile than some people think. My thunderbird has done everything from Americana/folk to metal.

[@davidt9513]

I had the same bass. I drove an hour to get it when it came available. I bought it without playing it because I wanted so bad based on the looks. I didn't like the way it played and ended up trading it for an Ibanez.

[@THX-vp9fz]

Good bless for your sense of quality

[@AlmightyRavioli]

I have this bass and I gotta say, I play heavy metal and new wave and I love it, for a cheap ish bass it sounds great and yeah the aesthetic is amazing. I do agree with what you say about that 3 point bridge, adjusting string height is just a dumb process with this bass, my other issues are this matte painting that brushes off really fast, leaving massive gap of a more glossed black on the body, and the way the neck and the body join, there is zero mobility from the 15th fret. It does take drop tuning quite well though

[@Cruiseangel72]

I totally agree. I brought a gibson Thunderbird bass it's not easy to play. So I brought a epiphone Thunderbird and still quality was very poor for the price.

[@claudevieaul1465]

All fair points on the downsides on that Epi Goth. I have a regular burst finish version, and I never liked that 3point bridge either - takes too much away from the string vibration, I felt. Makes it sound (and feel) pretty dull in tone too. However: I converted that bass to fretless! After taking out all frets I sanded the fretboard smooth, and put a thick layer of epoxy on. Sanded that back to the original radius, polished it absolutely smooth, and I put on a set of D'Addario Chromes (polished stainless steel flatwounds!). Baby, it really sings now... 😀👍 I even tuned it down to B (5 string set without the G string), and now the pickups really shine - it has a great punch, that Tbird growl is still there too, but also plenty definition in mids / high mids... If you get tired of your Goth: I can seriously recommend this to give it a completely new life! 😎🙏🙏🙏🙏 Edit: some gigbags will fit, you have to find one that accommodates the pointier type of bass... Otherwise you're paying more for the case than that bass is worth 🤣 And on that infamous neckdive: my preferred strap is a course leather 3" wide beast - never slide no matter how sweaty I get 😜 I also have an Epiphone Tbird Pro V 5string - even heavier at the headstock! Still won't budge with that strap 😎👍

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Looks cool what else matters

[@frankperricone2065]

I am a Fender J and P guy, got some modified Squiers and 2 Ibanez's. So after playing 30 years I was looking for a Thunderbird, Like you I was not going to shell out almost 2 grand for a bass in the long run. So I started like you going the Epiphone route. Then I saw the Goth Epiphone and said man that thing looks Badass. Figured maybe I go used, 2 months before that I bought a 2021 Mexican P and a used Mint 2004 Squier with the PJ pups, and the last thing I needed was another bass. Ever Bird I looked at it was either a piece of crap or two expensive. Now I am hearing about these Harley Benton guitars, let be see about there basses and low and behold they have there version of the Goth Bird, $275 with nice gig bag, $75 Was for shipping, N.Y. I put a tusk nut new tunners and about 3 days of tweaking truss rod, I always adjust sit over night twice, with active pups and l am happy, great action no pointy fret ends. I might put new pups in and maybe some new electronics, but it sounds good. l might even get the Jaco looking fretless for about the same money.

[@kjguzman23]

thanks for the video brother. im currently playing a jazz bass. im torn between getting and epiphone and the harley benton copy. i want another bass to get more aggressive with, but honestly my heart is with the jazz bass

[@swoooner4304]

I have a 2014 walnut thunderbird and the gig bag/case issue is annoying. I did find a roadrunner bag that it just barely fits in, but I would like to get something like a mono bag but I just know it wont fit and the gibson hardcases for these things are monsters to carry!

[@sixsentsoldiers]

Absolutely agree. Had a 90s Gibson Tbird. Then a 2010s epiphone. Gibson is Not worth the price difference.

[@davidturkos8502]

Look epis are good for making fenderbirds. Thunderbird's are great I had one years ago and, missed out on get one this year.

[@richardmoore7526]

I have the Epiphone T-Bird Pro 4 (Active) and find it a joy to play (with the correct strap to prevent any neck dive), but I'm not particularly adept at funk/ slap style playing - in fact I'm rubbish in that area (lol) and will have to continue to practice to try and master the technique... The Active version has a wide variety of tonality and can sound anything from traditional T-Bird to modern & bright. It has a VERY fast neck.... and a high mass schaller like bridge mounted securely to the instrument, it is also a 'through neck' build, ie not a bolt on as the 'goth bass' is. sounds amazing alone and even more variety when plugged into my Darkglass microtubes B7K Ultra Recommend you try one, it will not disappoint, Strap it on... and even I look like a rock star ..... lol As an afternote, Epiphone do make a tailored gig bag for the T-Bird, as I have one

[@VmShpman82]

Hi Alan bro. I trust your judgement. I have an old Epiphone. I bought mine used back in the early 80's. It's my project bass. I'm still not done working on it. It gives me something to do.That is hilarious about that bass not fitting a regular case. You have to buy a special case for it. Yep, that bridge is alot like my old one. I have to work on it. I''ll probably have to take mine apart.

[@VmShpman82]

I too don't like the neck strap screw on that one.

[@nigellacey559]

Looks like an awsome funk bass

[@patdonohoe4302]

I agree with pretty much everything you say about t-birds,but still love my Gibson. It’s my rock bass and that’s what I use it for. It was horribly overpriced and I deal with neck dive with a suede backed strap and then no issue. But it’s my jazz and precision bass for when I’m playing funky. The neck on mine is super fast and comfortable (doesn’t have that matte paint yours does), and it is actually my second easiest bass to play (j-bass being g number one). Biggest gripe is how overpriced t-birds are but I guess if Gibson are getting people to pay those prices they’re going charge them.

[@HondoFelder]

Great points about this bass. Saved me some money! Appreciate the video brotha!

[@torringames]

Im having a hard time finding any Epiphone Thunderbird basses for less than $550 CDN the IV Goth being among the cheaper ones.

[@canadianrushfan12]

I was not happy with the Tbird Pro. It has active pickups and there’s too much hum.

[@JackMaskell-ll5qc]

you can get thunderbird gig bags on thomann also i personally love my epi t bird

[@thememorycard5802]

Makes me really wish that an affordable D-roc bass from Dingwall was a thing. It's got the cool shape, but with proper balance, a better bridge design and better tone.

[@erollf1972]

Have you ever tried the schecter ultra. I have the simon gallup signature (TOM bridge) and the 5 string (35" string thru). EMG Thunderbird. Aesthetics are subjective, but i find the neck more manageable . The headstock is only an issue on the 5 string. The TOM bridge sounds more tbird than the string through. I would like someone to compare The ultra with an actual Thunderbird, but i dont have access to a tbird. I am happy with the sound and playability Schecters.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

"Quality of the instrument doesn't match the price tag" Thank you.

[@dunderhill]

It definitely has all the problems you list, and I doubt I'll ever have the money to throw at one. That being said, what I do like about them, besides looking cool, is the sound. There a number of times I've heard a heavy rock bass tone and have thought, oh wow, what are they using? And it turns out its a t-bird. They just growl in a way that stands out to me.

[@ausgangssperre-band]

I play rock. Works fine. I hang it low and feel happy about the dull sound with a huge low end.

[@scottmatthews172]

I agree! I had the Ep. TB. and ended up selling it. The neck dive is horrible, the body wants to tip away from you when you're standing up, then you have two things to fight while you're trying to play.

[@samstinkeringaround8961]

Have you tried a Jazz bass gig bag ?? Jazz bass and P-bass kinda long , 46.5 inches

[@BullyThaKidd]

Yeah

[@samstinkeringaround8961]

@@BullyThaKidd wow !!

[@diggerdagger1345]

I have a Nikki Sixx BlackBird. The first thing I did was replace the bridge. I hate the stock ones. Hated the one on my EB-0. But to be honest I don't play it much and it's probably gonna get rehomed soon.

[@KitBasher1]

Thunderbirds sound amazing, especially the classics, and the new thunderbuckers are way cool sounding - however, the neck dive is stupid annoying! I would probably go for the Schecter Simon Gallup model, as it addresses the shortcomings of the thunderbird.

[@barrygoodson4952]

Should have named this video ( Bully busts Gibson ) ! Thanks for the honest review !

[@chrisb48907]

i had an epiphone thunderbird..the wood finish..played awesome. I had a regular hard shell case for it..i agree it was heavy as hell and the neck was heavy..its long gone..lol i have room for that dust collector though..pay it forward,,,LOL jus razzin

[@toddmenard2330]

I just think that’s the experience one is looking for, when buying this bass. I hate neck dive, so I’d likely never own one, but I get it’s popularity

[@AManCalledBiggles]

$399? I remember when they were $250 new! My $450 (new) T-bird neck-thru w/Gibson pickups (circa 2013 made in Indonesia) is a beast, I feel like those low level bolt-on neck versions don't give you an accurate Thunderbird experience 😅 I do agree with the awkward shape being annoying to transport and they can be a little neck heavy, I wouldn't pay Gibson prices either, not knowing what a gem my Epi example is, I did pick the best of litter when buying though!

[@markwarner5554]

Bass has never been anything but an afterthought with Gibson. They don't take it seriously, and it shows.

[@grahamcheesman9035]

I have the same tbird goth bass and I love it. I am very much a beginner and I use it for playing rock and metal, it sounds and looks good for that. I fixed the neck dive by moving the strap mount a couple of inches forward onto the flat piece on back of neck and using a shorter screw to mount it 👍

[@thereviewguy4700]

I agree 1000% that's all why I sold mine

[@CaffeinatedHiFi]

I was looking for an unrelated video about this bass and stumbled across this one. I can 100% verify the neck dive is a very big problem. You literally can't take your hands off of it if you're standing up. It's freaking suicidal. I got mine with a nice amp and two pedals for $600 so I can't complain at all. It was a good deal for my first bass. But it is far from ideal and I'm already eying other basses haha. I'll repeat what you said and say that it looks great and if you're just playing the roots it's perfectly fine. It's just not the best for your money.

[@jesseparrish9198]

How do you feel about the jackson kelly birds?

[@theamazingjime]

The kelly bird is lighter and doesn't neckdive, but the tone can't be compared to the T-bird. I own both, and I never play the kelly bird out unless we're doing an '80's set. It's more a novelty bass whereas the T-bird is built for business. My opinions only, I am still glad to have my Jackson.

[@floydlay9189]

Totally agree Bully,,,in my many moons of playing bass,,I have never been drawn too one,,it just is too vanilla in sounding for me!

[@sekretlowrider4046]

new gibson eb 4 is fender type shape ,2 mm pickups ,

[@purplechili2512]

Hey I've 175cm height and I struggle with left hand position. Will I ever learn how or ... Edit, I love it because I listen to goth and post punk and I want to play like Simon Gallup one day

[@rickrolli7091]

You're right bro. Although the Goth bass wouldn't have been my first pick. But it must've sounded good to you. Even the regular "cheap" Epi ones at $300. You can't funk em because the weird design of the pup upper edge is a sharp corner and you hit with your thumb and it's like hitting a "funny bone". No funk here. There are some things about that bass that you "have to put up with". I had an Epi Pro V in natural finish. Very nice and very beautiful. Here are items to add to your list: 1. In a mix, it's good. By itself, I don't like the tone and it doesn't make me want to play it. 2. The electronics are garbage 3. The pickups are garbage 4. The B string is only setup for a .127 stock - if you're gonna play this in a Rock band. You're gonna want a .135 B string. This bass will do that. But with the aforementioned. The electronics end pups are garbage. 5. Neck dive - that's what the upper angle of the body is for. To rest your arm on it to hold the neck up. Nice touch but.... That's what it is. 6. Bridge is garbage 7. Gibson pickups are in a different position than the Epiphone. Gibson neck pup is closer to the neck for deeper tone If they're gonna keep the idea. At least round the forward edge, so the corner doesn't dig into your arm. So anyway, I fixed the electronic issues, not the body issues. It is what it is. Here they are. The fixes: 1. new Hipshot A Style bridge 2. new Bartolini preamp with active/passive micro switch 3. New Bartolini pickups (pups) $800 later. This thing rocks. But, I still hate the tone. Unless you play it with a song. Which I did. The chain by Fleetwood Mac. Sounds really good in the mix. Anyway. I sold it and I don't regret it. A guy bought it at the raised price for the modding, was already a Tbird player and loves it. That couldn't have been a more perfect match. I'm also thinking of building my own body modified version that takes care of the issues. That's all I got, but it was a lot. Ya'll be easy ✌️😎

[@TheSuperhemp]

I still think the most rock and roll looking basses on stage, are the least rock and roll looking bases on the wall. Like, the pink gretsch you tested is pretty much the most pink rock bass in the entire world. The Goth always seemed kinda cool, but that it was trying to hard to be rock and roll. And nothing is less rock and roll than TRYING to be rock and roll. I feel like Bully knows exactly what I'm saying.

[@videonerds6415]

I totally agree with you. My expereince with Epiphone / Gibson has not been great, although I love how they look.

[@hombretostadasenpolvo]

Finally!! A true bass player saying the truth about this basses. This bass just looks cool and that's it.

[@WattchomanBrandySavage]

I had a Gibson Thunderbird bass for a few years. Got a steal on Ebay, Used for recorded and gigging. It looks RAD on a stage with good lights. It had a good rock tone that can stand out quite nicely. very unique and unmistakable, especially when everyone is else using a P bass or a J bass. Unfortunately it's kinda a one trick pony, the upper fret access (or lack there of) was bothersome and the 3-point bridge is a nightmare. I parted ways with her but if I wanted to scratch that itch again, I wouldn't mind going the Neck-thru Epiphone route and maybe just swapping out a few things here and there to taste. The Gibson version is simply to expensive to justify. If you can snag on up used for the right price though, all the power to you. At the very least, it'll hold it's value.

[@robjgolde3221]

I’ve been saying it for a while on other Gibson bass review/discussion videos that Gibson really needs to stop reissuing T-Birds and SG basses for a while, and put out proper reissues of the Grabber, Ripper & G3 basses (same woods, construction and electronics as the originals). Those are the best basses that Gibson ever made and would probably sell really well.

[@gerogerigegege666]

I feel the same way Sir

[@arthurbrucecrawford6896]

Absolutely agree with this.

[@rcb_matt]

I picked up an Epiphone Embassy in trade... now it has me wanting a Gibson Thunderbird, but after this video, maybe not.

[@TORINGENorbirdpeople]

My gibson has the strap peg by the neck it does not neck dive i love my gibson i swear i do

[@russellzauner]

That's a bolt on? For a t bird style instrument that's a firm non starter for me - I might give it a home for a while at the right price but I can tell from here that's not a keeper for me. the flat black is pretty impressive tho, but still definitely not my ride. I have a 5 string EB5 I'm building up - 24 frets, plays real nice, super light. Depending on what goes in it I'll be cutting it loose for 500-650 USD + ship probably. I like the way this one feels and I love the way it plays but while it's really cool I don't really have a slot for it in the tone library (no matter what I put in it). Definitely one I'd keep and absolutely one I'd gig with. Spill beer on it all night and keep going lol and it's hella cool seeing firebird headstock in a 3x2 ;-)

[@bobbycarr408]

Hey, I’ve got the exact same bass. And I agree with you. I play 80’s rock, and tried a little funk. Not easy at all. And it’s extremely neck heavy. But overall, it’s decent I feel. Honestly, about a $400 bass

[@WakizashiSabre]

Tries to find video 2 but no luck. Anyways, did not play the Epi, but recently got my no1 bass i wanted. Gibson TB IV in white. Neckdive is quite ok, compared to my.BC Rich, that has some NECKDIVE. Gibson TB is one of my lightest basses, i believe its due you have Epi, which is from not mahogany? Bridge is abyssmal as you say... Works but not nice by any means. Even worse bridge to adjust is on my no1 bass , which is too expensive o skip it ... Rickenbacker 4001/03... In same ballpark as TB, rockmachine with flaws, but authentic. Ideal for rock and metal besring some rock/metal/punk attitude. Pbass canndo that too, but Rick or TB is different universe. Every ddmo i have heard, TB or Rics were nicest sounding. I think Epi due different wood or pups sounds rhinner. For standing in a mix, compressor or flats work wonders, but i can get some guys does not like to use these. I believe Rics having better qc now, tho... Maybe no, who knows. These both are love it or hate it machines. 👍