Glad I held out for this model. The vintage pickups give this bird its Thunder! Nice low action and the neck-through has such sustain! And very little of the neck dive that the Tbird is known for. Finish and hardware are first rate.

PATRICK

Undisclosed

Anyone who's ever gone on the hunt for a good Thunderbird bass that they're pretty much awesome or awful with little middle ground regardless if it carries an Epiphone or Gibson name badge. I have a pretty big bass collection myself, but have never found an attainable T-Bird that I found appealing. Even among vintage models of Gibsons, dogs are as common as players, and few are truly worthwhile to me. What I discovered while searching for a good Thunderbird was that I favored vintage models with a separate tailpiece and pre-Bicentennial pickups: the intonation is superior and the tone fuller while still having that characteristic Thunderbird snarl. Since most of those are prohibitively expensive because of age and rarity and I don't care for the modern Gibson versions' TB plus pickups and three point bridge or the bolt-on Epiphones with their TERRIBLE pickups, I had pretty much resigned myself that short of finding a screaming deal on a 60's Thunderbird IV or becoming a rock star, my T-Bird itch would go unscratched. ...enter the Epi Vintage Pro. It has literally everything I love about the old 60's 'Birds with some modern improvements in finish durability (I love nitro lacquer as much as anyone, but let's be honest, poly is WAY more durable) and intonation since the bridge is moved to its proper scale location. Add in the vintage "oversized" headstock, the neck-though-body construction and the AMAZING recreations of vintage Thunderbird pickups, and you have one monster of an instrument! I really can't say enough good things about it, and just to be clear, I would take this instrument OVER a US-made modern Gibson Thunderbird ANY day! I value quality and tone in my instruments over investment value and this bass has both in spades. If you're looking for an amazing bass for a great price, look no further!

Anthony

Undisclosed

I'm an old dude (soon to be 61) who over the years has owned five '64 Gibson Thunderbird IVs, five '66-'67 non-reverse Thunderbird IVs, three '66-'67 Epiphone Embassy Deluxe basses, and a half dozen or so Bicentennial ('76-79) Thunderbirds (which are a different animal, but I digress). The point being that I know a thing or two about vintage Gibson Thunderbirds and am in a position to compare and contrast this Epiphone to the originals in addition to on its own merits. First of all, the Epiphone Vintage Thunderbird Pro really sounds incredible. The Pro Bucker pickups are very accurate looking, without taking them apart I can't say how their construction compares to the originals, but the tone is like WOW! Almost more like a 1964 Thunderbird than a real '64 Thunderbird! '60s Thunderbirds are famed for their piano-like tone and the Epi definitely has that sound! I no longer own any real '60s Gibson T-Birds to do an A/B comparison but the Epiphone seems slightly brighter than I remember my '64s being, and that's not a bad thing since I always felt that they could stand to be just a touch brighter. The "claw" tailpiece is an exact duplicte of an original. The bridge has a wider travel and is placed in the correct spot ('60s TBs are not!). The sunburst finish, although not lacquer, is very close to the real thing. The back of the headstock is shaded black, I'm sure to hide a joint, but at this price, understandable. Unlike an original, the output jack is on the side; I'd prefer it on the top, but no biggie. Interestingly, there's a distinctive little wire channel under the 'guard that vintage T-Birds and Firebirds have that this bass has too. Not visible under the guard and no impact on tone or playability of course, but it's a nice touch and shows that Epi was paying attention! All in all, excellent value for the money, highly recomended for those seeking the vibe of a vintage T-Bird witout the price tag or any lucky owners of an original looking for a "player".

Jazz Bass T-Bird

Central NJ

This bass draws more comments than any bass I've ever owned. Many of the comments are about the looks of this beauty. (I bought Ebony) But most of the comments are about the TONE. This bass refuses to be lost in the mix. It's the cure for muddy tone with its versatile, powerful, sizzling pickups and amazing sustain....it has it all. I have waited a long time for someone to finally make an affordable T-Bird like this. I have never owned a Gibson/Epiphone bass and I'm pleased to say that my first one is usually what I reach for when the music starts. I highly recommend this bass!!! The case is a must-have, too. I worked with Jordan Kellogg when I purchased my bass and case. His great friendly service and follow-up are first class.

StevieOnBass

Boulder, CO

I spent a bit of time at the Ontario store checking out this model. The pups ring out clear and powerful with rich harmonics. The setup is excellent, the neck and frets feel great while the overall craftsmanship is excellent. The strings they used are too "chimy" but that's an easy fix. It does neckdive a bit for me so I dug up an old clingy strap once I got the bass home. Note that this bass will not fit most gig bags and cases. Shout out to Mike from Sam Ash Ontario Mills for his patience and accommodating demeanor.

Frank Da Tank

Inland Emire

This instrument is really incredible. Super low action, perfect intonation and sustain for days! Powerful sound as only a thunderbird bass can provide. In addition, the finish is impeccable making this bass a wonderful piece. This one in Alpine White is my second because I had already bought one in Ebony. Highly recommended!

netohugo

Brazil