All user reviews of 3/5 for the Epiphone Thunderbird-IV

According to the reviews on the whole very correct that I have read I was doing a good view of the low.
Being a fan of this look particularly unusual I was so desperate to acquire one, which is quite difficult right now, gibson (supplier of epiphone) is very unstable in the supply of French department store.

In short, after more research intensive and I finally managed to get hold of it and test it in a shop in the Paris region.
On paper nothing extraordinary:
Made in China.
20 Frets, 2 microphones.
2 volumes and a general tone.
Bolt.

But still its original look pest that I liked so much.

UTILIZATION

The first impression is "like I thought it weighed a ton."
In fact I found this particularly low light. I must say that I'm used to block type Fender Jazz bass and more ...
This impression of lightness, which should be a good point, proves to me an effective "cheap". One has the impression of having a low toy in the hands ...
But hey, she's really pretty, painted rendering is quite good although there are some small imperfections finishing in places, but hey, it has a low € 250 made in China, do not expect a finishing a low USD.

In short, for me refocus on the subject, ergonomics is correct in spite of the very special form. Handle a fairly nice, not too thin but not too thick either, in short, it suits me well.
The shape of the microphone is ideal for the thumb, it stands alone and provides an unparalleled playing comfort.
I think it was one of the best highlights of this bass.
Access to acute is very hard past the 17th square. Normal considering the shape of the body.

In the end even if the impression of lightness makes me a little afraid the rest of a fairly convincing.
After so many good points I hope it will sound! I'm getting ...

SOUNDS

For now this bass keeps all its promises: good looks, comfortable and enjoyable to play even if perfected in some respects like finish.

I am the branch and then after a few adjustments big disappointment. : '(

I believed until the last moment ... I had thought possible to have found a bass made in china, a new € 250, of satisfactory quality and musically good, but to be perfectly honest, it's not really what I explain.

The tone control is effective, a bottom was a loud sound, cut a round, slightly fat. In contrast, two mics do not sound glaring differences. Whatever the setting I just feel like its always the same and in the end only the tone knob can change the sound really. Too bad.
And even trying all the tricks offered by the amp settings (a big ampeg, probably a BA115) it sounds flat is empty, it does not release anything.

I am disappointed, I believed to the end but obviously it will cost more for aesthetics and sound ...

Note that it is not so bad as they say in slap even if it is not intended for such use ...

OVERALL OPINION

Despite its attractive price, € 250 new, and it looks really interesting this low turns out to be musically disappointing.

Frankly if you have tasted more "big" go your way and go to see Gibson ... yes I know it's not the same budget ^ ^

However, if you're new and looking for a bass that comes out nice and a bit unconventional is an unbeatable value for money!

In the end we must therefore relativize all the criticism that I can be stated too direct: For the price it is clear that it is well established both aesthetically and sound (I said earlier that it was not great and it's actually not that great when we used to play on very good stuff but for one entry is quite correct)

Hoping not to have destroyed all your hopes grail ^ ^

see previous posts

UTILIZATION

I wanted to get used to the imbalance of the lower, keeping the original location of fasteners straps. Result: yes but you get used to it must make concessions on certain types of game a bit technical (the kind of slid) over 3 boxes ... because the left hand must always bear the extra weight of the handle.
So I suggest to fix the bass behind the plate as already said.
In terms of race is to the log! matter of getting used too, but mostly playing style
if one leaves a bit to 4 plans agreements, side effects were noted at the left wrist (right for lefties).


SOUNDS

here come the advantages of this bass.
knobs are left completely and normally on most amps, it was the sound that kills.
the pickups are very responsive and we get for 250 euros a stoner its fatty desire and precise enough.

OVERALL OPINION

no I will not go that choice. The sound is interesting, the microphones have been well thought out, fairly faithful to his gibson. cons by far are assembly materials and meet a set minimum diversified.
unless you change the elements (saddle too high: no risk of a frieze on the other hand, light engineering, misplaced fasteners straps, nail not great ...).