I've got an old Gibson Thunderbird. I stopped playing in bands 15 years ago and no longer play bass but I can't part with the Thunderbird. I have too many good memories of it.
I think Thunderbirds are one of those basses that you need to get into early on as a player in order to bond with them. They're awesome but there's kinda no way you're going to play Fenders and Music Mans for 15 years and then be ok with a Thunderbird.
As a bass player who got an epiphone T-bird as an upgrade from a beginner set Squier J-bass, I have to agree. It was everything I needed at the time, but I can imagine that if I went for a stingray or something it would be impossible to get into. It's not at all ergonomic, heavy, neck heavy, not good for slapping, and a look you either love or hate. I'm still very much in love with it but might get another bass to expand my sound.
Been Playing P bass and Jbass for 17 years. Been looking for something different and was considering SG or ThunderBird bass. I think im screwed with this comment HAHA
I have the one on the right, the Epi Vintage Pro. Stunning bass, really well built. I'm not a fan of the black pickup covers and machine heads on the Gibson.
bbbbrian you assume. But like usually when you assume. You would be totally wrong. I have Epi tbird and yes it can’t be played for long. Gibson have smaller headstock, thinner neck, heavier body and NO neckdive. Also my Gibson tbird is just from another planet if you compare it to my Epi one, quality is way better on gibson so is playability. So also my gibson sound way better. But you should not compare those because gibson is like $2000 and epiphone is like $700. So even thought my gibson is just way better in everything i am not sure if it is $1300 better. If you play standing up a lot or gig, then yeah buy Gibson and you will never regret it.
Everyone hates on the 3 point but if you set them up properly, (and the post studs were installed nice and tight from the factory), they’re honestly pretty solid! Yes the vintage pros chrome two piece bridge does make it a truer reproduction of the original ‘64 bird, but I never had any issues with the 3 point bridge on my bolt on bird. If anything I had less problems with that 3 point than the original bridge on my Mex Fender! (The saddles height screws would lower themselves, and the g strings intonation screw would back out while popping, could’ve just loctited it but I upgraded to a Gotoh)
i think you have an epiphone and you want to believe that is better, but for some reason every pro player plays a gibson not an epiphone, the big difference is the low tones, the gibson have much more sustain and release in the lows, the problem is some people forgot that is a bass and put the attention in the mids or the highs, but the most important thing in a bass is the loww tones, and the gibson has much more sustain and definition in the lows
I love the sound that the T-Birds make...but the only one I have played is the Epiphone and it was extremely awkward feeling to me. It would make an excellent weapon in a bar fight though. Really solid.
I've owned a Gibson Thunderbird for a few years and It's nice for certain applications but if I ever go that route again, I'm buying an Epiphone version. I'd probably make a few (probably not even necessary) upgrades and STILL come out at about half the cost of the Gibson version.
I have a modded version of the Nikki Six Blackbird with the dead switch replaced with a rotary knob and another beside it, providing both tone and pickup blend. It certainly gives a shed load more character, getting away from the singular 'whomp!' synonymous with the T-bird. Add in some outboard colour, and it's a real all-rounder.
@@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine ricks are sweet af, but very expensive. The epiphone is certainly more accessible and available. Rick basses have like a 2yr waiting list last I checked.
@@laverdadbuscador I got my Rick from a shop in Boulder, CO named Wildwood Guitars, at a discounted price of $1,600. This was in 2018, so I don't think the deal is still active. Save long enough and you too can have one. I have no idea why they're presented as being so completely out of reach of the average musician. Maybe young students, yeah, but not seasoned veterans. They cost the same as an Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay, last I checked. As for the 2-year wait list problem? Yeah, that's only if you order directly from them and bypass a dealer.
@@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine Because not everyone can afford $1k + guitar. Age isn't always a factor. Some peoples incomes just aren't high enough or they're married with shared finances. I'm cool with my Epiphone and I like my G&L guitars. I choose to spend my money on the amp.
I had an Epiphone T Bird years ago, an active one. I really didn't like it too much to play and so gave it away to a young lad who worked in my local music shop, I had so many basses and guitars at the time, I really didn't miss it. However, since then, life has been tough and I ended up losing everything except for one P Bass and now I miss it! At the time I had two Rickenbacker 4003 (walnut & maple and a fireglo), Gibson EB-03, Hofner violin bass, Fender Jazz bass (the MiM Flea bass which was brilliant and easily stood up against a MiA - although there wasn't much difference between the prices so it should have been good!), a vintage Danelctro, 1972 Tele, Gibson Les Paul & SG, MiA Strat, a few Ibanez, a couple of Gretschs (including the blue and grey Brian Setzer, which is the prettiest guitar I have ever owned, and maybe one of the nicest of all), a Rickenbacker 330, an O bass (basically a P bass by Orange), the list goes on! Anyway, as I said I lost all of those due to ill health and having to sell them to support my family. It's funny how losing everything makes you appreciate the things you didn't before such as the T Bird now! Anyway, the point I originally wanted to say, was as soon as Jayme said he needed to tune the Epiphone early on in the blindfold test, he was clearly going to know which one was which given the VERY different tuner wings. However, I am going to give Jayme the benefit of the doubt and not suggest he did this as a sneaky way of making sure he got it right!! ;-)
It’s the heavily potted ceramic pickups they use, they switched over to some open pole alnico’s for one year (2017 I think?) but then went back. The Vintage Pro’s alnico pick ups aren’t woolly at all. They’re PH phat, but they cut like a knife. I don’t get why Gibson doesn’t do their own ‘64 bird reissue!
I tried the same thing and the Epiphone came out on top in every respect...especially the neck. Best T-bird neck I've ever played. (Okay, I've only tried maybe 15 to 20 T-birds.)
If, like common with Rics, if the first thing you want to do with your $2,000 instrument is take off the bridge and throw it away, and the issue is 4 decades old, the company just hasn't learned.
I've owned many Gibson's over the past decade, from early 70's G3's to the more modern design 'SG' bass (2015 and 2017 designs) in 4 string and 5! And everything in-between. I've had about 10 at least and enjoyed them all.... Without the 3P bridge. Yes, I'd fork out £100-200 on a Hipshot bridge and chucked the initial bridge into the bin. No regrets and no shame to admit that as the tonal change and increased resonance totally blew me away (as per mentioned regarding the treble output being absent) Perhaps the likes of Gibson or Rickenbacker should offer one as a classic and another with modern details? The only issue I had with a Ric, was the middle pickup cover and preferred a mono output (I know, I'd have a 4003s now if I could). Are they known for bridge issues?
@@mrgskye they just brought out new bridges that come in a 4003 by default. But you probably wont see any of that stock yet until they get rif of the old stock.
A buddy I work with at whole foods gave me an epiphone cause he's a cool guy and I told him I wanted a new bass. First time I ever got "that sound" I always wanted from a bass. Incredible tone, instantly knew I don't need another bass. It's just for recording though
@@carnivorehitmanYep! First off that means you’re supporting American builders and helping keep these jobs in the United States rather than slave labor practices in a communist country. And secondly, buying a Gipson will assure that you’ll always have a guitar that’s valuable! The other is never going to be worth what you paid for it no matter what you put on it!
Which goes to prove that ceramics pickup are not necessarily brighter... could it be because of how the pickups are winded and the gauges used? The Epi’s has more presence in it’s sound IMO. However I did find the Gibson’s sound fuller and richer, more refined, but a tad muffled. Nice shootout!!!
When the neck through epis came out I did a comparison between 3 of the epiphones and a gibson, all 3 epis were better than the gibson. I liked it so much in fact I bought one, and am getting ready to buy the 60s reissue as well. They're killer for the money.
$2,200 for the Gibbo.... $595 for the Epi. Thus endeth the conversation. I own 2 of the Epiphones and upgraded the bridges to Hipshot Supertones. I challenge anyone on the planet to tell me that it doesn't look, sound, and feel EXACTLY if not better than the Gibsons.
I love my Epi Thunderbird. It's like wearing leg weights. When you go back to a Fender you're a powerhouse. I will say that my Epi has all the Gibson finishings from the bridge to black pickups. Not sure what Epi version this was in the video, but they do sell identical styled Epi's if you want the same look. Also black stings on these bursts look sick!!!
That last point about resale value punched me right in the gut. Thinking about all the times I've had to let one of my babies go for pennies on the dollar.
I’ve got an older Epiphone T-bird with a bolt on neck. It sounds and plays really well even with that 3 point bridge, but it’s SO HEAVY and awkward. I traded a Line 6 Spider 2 for it, fair sure I came out ahead on that deal 😆👍
Epibird kills the Gibson Better hardware ( two point bridge )better sounding pickups, better price point I have two vintage pro's Love them and enjoy live playing with them
I have been using my 59 bassman at home exclusively for about 6months. I have eminence legends on bottom and basslites on top. I set the amp n.volume and b.volume at 2 with the chanel bridged, treble 5.1, bass 7.8, mid 5.9, presence 4. I go into mxr 10 band with left to right 10,5,1,2,4,5,0,1,3,4. Then i go into a custom fuzz into a mxr smartgate but play clean 95% of the time. This set up rocks with every bass but you get to hear each bass's unique voice.
The blind test is useless because the epiphone humbuckers are metalic and you can feel It with your Hand , a person Who didn't know play bass could know It too
Great review, right on the money in the review.... the epiphone basses are def. much lower and darker, and the gibson def. more brighter,.... epiphone suits my style as iam a pick player, have heard lots of reviews of the epiphone thunderbird basses with both pick players and finger players, personally I think the epiphone bass guitars sound great with a pick....not so much with fingers, if your a finger player you would be much better off with any fender or squire if you want to bring out that extra brightness that most finger players go for.
When you consider buying a Thunderbird bass, best keep in mind that players under 6 feet tall need not apply - the neck feels like you need to reach almost a foot further than you would on a P bass to reach the nut.
You can tell which one is which just by touching the top of the pickup, they are different material, Epiphone was most likely colder and with the feeling of metal.
I own a Epi Vintage Pro and I love it.. I’ve paired it with a Fender Rumble 800 and you can really create any tone imaginable.. However, I’ve always wanted to play a Gibson Thunderbird. I haven’t seen any in the local music shops. This is a great comparison video. Thanks!
I also play the Epi Vintage Pro. Wish the headstock were smaller, but otherwise, it’s my favorite. It’s exactly how I’d customize it. Still want a Gibson Tbird though. (Ebony w/chrome hardware). I just want it.
To be honest the Epiphone its a neck thru and you can always put gibson pickups or some after market and have a very good instrument both for live and recording. the only thing that worries me is the neck dive
@@arissp4950 i love the sound. The ceramic USA pickups provide high attack and a really deep punchy bass end. The classic pro IV epiphone is the closest epiphone to the modern gibson thunderbird. I tried an epiphone goth style thunderbird yesterday and i think that has the ordinary epi pickups and that still sounds good too. It had old strings so i cant compare the full range of the pickups sound. Many people say good things about the vintage pro which is also neck through but to it doesnt have as full of a tone as the usa pickups. The vintage pro have more midrange(nice growl but all thunderbirds can do that) but sound a little flat in my opinion. but ive never played a vintage pro myself. I think (not 100% sure)Vintage pro also has bigger headstock so more likely to dive.I hear the vintage pro has a better bridge than any of the epis or gibsons but i havnt had any problems with the bridge on my classic pro. Edit: has a little neck dive but its not aweful. It stays up most of the time without holding it but it can slip. But if you rest your right arm on the bass you wont notice a thing. Also the finish on mine did not look like the picture(i ordered it), my sunburst ended up very red and black not much orange or goldness to it but i actually prefer how it turned out bc it contrasts and is different to my fender p bass sunburst.
I prefer the Epiphone! Its similar to my Embassy bass. I do believe in wood differences I have Sire basses in Mahogany , Ash and Alder , they are different. I think the pickups on the Epiphone are superior .
Going to be honest, these guys are pros and even they found it difficult to tell the difference, I actually like the Epiphone on the neck pick, I am sure with a little eq adjustment, sounds can be replicated. Epiphone was always a great brand, people will go for a Gibson badge, there's the snob value, things have improved over the years, it is harder to tell between these 2 the quality of the sound is good on both and it's hard to tell the difference, on a live gig, it would be even more difficult to tell the difference in the sound, if both were badged the same, almost impossible. Imo.
EMG make new passive P, J & humbucker pick-ups in t-bird pick-up covers, plus EMG stamped on them..... great sounding classic, clear pick-ups unlike the muddy original ones that come with t-birds.... good review and examples.... Nice
I must say that I do enjoy the Epiphone just simply because it means I can get the classically built Thunderbird at a fraction of the cost and without the age-related or price problems with a truly vintage one
hard to believe that dude couldn't guess gibson from epiphone while fingerstyling, especially since gibson has a plastic top on pickups and epiphone has a metal one, and they both noticed it
I owned a Gibson T-Bird and sold it 😢 regretted it for years. Fender Jazz player and was thinking of buying an Epiphone T-Bird and doing some paint work on it to customize it but the one thing I loved about my Gibson was the growl and I haven’t had the opportunity to try an epiphone so any feed back on the difference in tone would be appreciated
What confuses me is all the Epiphone Thunderbird variants over time (and used market). Classic IV, Classic IV Pro, IV Pro, just Classic, some with boltons, some neck through some with active some with passive pickups. Just want a neck-through, passive pickups and a big ass headstock - which one am I looking for?
Ive got two thunderbird, the epi classic pro and one of the new 64' birds, as well as a fender meteora. I dont understand the long neck complaints about the thunderbirds. Yes, when youre sitting the neck can feel like its far out there, but where a fender neck is a straight line paralell to the body, the thunderbird (if you've got a neck through, not sure about the bolt on ones) neck angles back from the body, so the string height increases drastically as you go from the neck to the bridge. This means the neck may feel long, but it feels like the bass wraps around you, bringing the neck closer to your body. They're also a lot lighter than people make them out to be. Both my birds are significantly lighter than my meteora. The body wings are a lot thinner than a slab body instrument. A good strap will also mitigate the neck dive. Using the same strap, my meteora also neck dives worse than my birds. Now, the meteora is basically just a non reverse thunderbird, but still. Dont believe all the anti t-bird propaganda!
My Epi vintage model just as this one but in black is awesome and is the closest example I have played ever to the actual original neck profile as was on the original 63 models !! If you want a t-bird that is the closest to the original 63 then buy one of these $700 new epi basses even over the gibby version. I own 8 t-birds and this is an awesome example !
not sure that the brand played dictate ones mental attitude on performance...I build most of what I play, I'm proud to play them more than any name brand, but I get top end materials at a fraction of the cost for one of lesser quality. I bought the Epiphone strictly based on the vintage mod and was happy with the performance, but its strictly mancave studio...my go to is split between my self built tele and my '76 jazz...
Do like to collect basses as well as playing them, i've owned pretty much everything apart from a T bird, after watching this i'm definately warming to them, great videos guys
Why do you think this 3 point bridge is bad? This endind of tje strings inside the saddle... does that change the sound? I am a beginner, and my Epiphone has this 3 point bridge (it looks more like the Gibson). Can someone explain why is this bridge bad and why everyone hates it?
A lot of players don’t like the 3 point bridge because; 1. The string windings sometimes overlap the saddles so, changing string brands (even the same gauge) affects your action. I don’t think it affects tone. 2. It’s very low mass, which some people believe affects tone. (I’ve swapped it for a fantastic Hip Shot High Mass, but couldn’t hear a difference). 3. It tends to fall apart if you take the strings off, which can be frustrating. But, there’s really nothing wrong with it. It’s cool and vintage people love to hate it.
The Gibson has a nice low end growl that I like, but the Epi has a more top end. The EQ helped make them much more similar, but I still kinda prefer the Gibson. However, I could also get an Epi and still have the funds to mod it to my tastes, but I would really want to play them before making such a decision. However, the Epi is definitely more bang for your buck. The biggest difference after mods would be the feel and consistency, and I have never played either one. I wouldn’t be able to decide without playing them first and then considering everything else.
The low tones in the Gibson are far way better and consistent than the epiphone, dont put your attention so much in the mid or bright tones, its a bass, the low tones is the most important, and in that area the consistency of the Gibson is a big difference
Epiphone also had the classic pro which is just like the Gibson and i also own one(it comes with Gibson usa pickups) and both my epiphones have 9 ply neck thru construction. Both are cool but i bet the Gibson has a bit more of a "open/raw" feel/sound. I upgraded the tuners on my 60s t bird and i may get mini grovers for my other t bird but i haven't had a issue with them i just prefer aftermarket over stock unbranded tuners.
I used to have an epiphone Thunderbird classic pro. The closet thing to a Gibson i had ever played. I like my Gibson better. Minus the stupid bridge. Soon to be replaced. Trying to decide between babicz or hipshot. Why they continue to use a bridge everyone hates, is beyond me. I'm just happy i also have a Fender American standard pbass in my arsenal 😎
the pickups on the epiphone sound better than those ceramic pickups in the gibson. if you had put that epiphone up against a vintage gibson with the chrome pickups, it would be a better comparison video, because that is why everyone including me bought a vintage pro, for the vintage inspired pickups. The gibson ceramic is fuller, has a more powerful thump, but it doesn't sound 'vintage'. I've had a bunch of the epiphone thunderbird 4s, I had one of the pro with the ceramics and now the vintage, the vintage is by far my favorite of the epiphone tbirds. i had to cut the foam on my epi t bird hardshell case to get it to even fit ! it's 2 inches longer.
There was never any lawsuit from Fender filed against Gibson because of the non reverse firebird. You might not have had to interrupt your guest if you had done some research.
I know it was almost an afterthought at the end, but I don’t think the resale argument really holds up. Using the example they gave, if you resold a used Gibson for $1,800, you’ve lost $500 compared to the new price. $500 is very close to the new price of that same model of Epiphone. So even if you couldn’t “give it away after a few years”, you’re still coming out nearly even in terms of loss of dollars between the two brands. And in a real world example, it’s been a few years since this video came out, and the Epiphone resells used for $500 all day, so it’s outperforming the Gibson in ability to hold actual resale dollars. The only hope for the Gibson as an investment is that it becomes collectible in a decade or two and skyrockets in the used market. An Epiphone will never do that in the same way.
Both bass guitars should have been setup, with the same strings by a professional luthier before you guys ever comparing them to each other. That way both Thunderbirds would have the same fighting chance to show. You don’t tune the one race car and not the other then take them to the track to race.
I'm sorry to say when you have to adjust to make the Gibson sound as good as the Epiphone with an $18,000 difference in price you tell me which peace of wood is the better deal. I'm right up front with Epiphone. Just like Squire saved Fender and Epiphone is saving Gibson. At the end of the day it's the dollar per song that makes the difference.
I've got an old Gibson Thunderbird. I stopped playing in bands 15 years ago and no longer play bass but I can't part with the Thunderbird. I have too many good memories of it.
I’ll buy it off you.
Good decision!
The biggest difference is Epiphone doesn't sue other companies over a shape.
No just their parent company GIBSON does !!!
Lmao
HEY... y'know what, I prefer fender anyways so ye I can't argue with that
Maybe cause Gibson owns it. Wasn’t the best joke here.
Like Bonnie's Flying V from FNAF.
I think Thunderbirds are one of those basses that you need to get into early on as a player in order to bond with them. They're awesome but there's kinda no way you're going to play Fenders and Music Mans for 15 years and then be ok with a Thunderbird.
definitely lived this opinion
As a bass player who got an epiphone T-bird as an upgrade from a beginner set Squier J-bass, I have to agree. It was everything I needed at the time, but I can imagine that if I went for a stingray or something it would be impossible to get into. It's not at all ergonomic, heavy, neck heavy, not good for slapping, and a look you either love or hate. I'm still very much in love with it but might get another bass to expand my sound.
I do also have a love hate relationship with The TBird.
That's it. I love the look, but as a JBass player, playing a TBird is gonna be hard ahhaha. This things looks like a truck haha
Been Playing P bass and Jbass for 17 years. Been looking for something different and was considering SG or ThunderBird bass. I think im screwed with this comment HAHA
I can feel in the force that epiphone gonna win this war
I have the one on the right, the Epi Vintage Pro. Stunning bass, really well built. I'm not a fan of the black pickup covers and machine heads on the Gibson.
Yeah but that headstock is so huge and gives it more neckdive
@@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 true, I'd assume they're both fairly similar in terms of neck-dive. I've learnt to live with it
@@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 Still not as bad as the SG bass.
bbbbrian you assume. But like usually when you assume. You would be totally wrong. I have Epi tbird and yes it can’t be played for long. Gibson have smaller headstock, thinner neck, heavier body and NO neckdive. Also my Gibson tbird is just from another planet if you compare it to my Epi one, quality is way better on gibson so is playability. So also my gibson sound way better. But you should not compare those because gibson is like $2000 and epiphone is like $700. So even thought my gibson is just way better in everything i am not sure if it is $1300 better. If you play standing up a lot or gig, then yeah buy Gibson and you will never regret it.
The lack of a 3 point bridge alone makes the Epi better
Applaud you for speaking that!
My old Epibird had a 3-point bridge. I hated everything about that instrument, except the sound and look.
Yeah besides with the epiphone bridge it looks like the warwick bridges that they use, and looks much better to me
Everyone hates on the 3 point but if you set them up properly, (and the post studs were installed nice and tight from the factory), they’re honestly pretty solid!
Yes the vintage pros chrome two piece bridge does make it a truer reproduction of the original ‘64 bird, but I never had any issues with the 3 point bridge on my bolt on bird.
If anything I had less problems with that 3 point than the original bridge on my Mex Fender! (The saddles height screws would lower themselves, and the g strings intonation screw would back out while popping, could’ve just loctited it but I upgraded to a Gotoh)
i think you have an epiphone and you want to believe that is better, but for some reason every pro player plays a gibson not an epiphone, the big difference is the low tones, the gibson have much more sustain and release in the lows, the problem is some people forgot that is a bass and put the attention in the mids or the highs, but the most important thing in a bass is the loww tones, and the gibson has much more sustain and definition in the lows
I love the sound that the T-Birds make...but the only one I have played is the Epiphone and it was extremely awkward feeling to me. It would make an excellent weapon in a bar fight though. Really solid.
I've owned a Gibson Thunderbird for a few years and It's nice for certain applications but if I ever go that route again, I'm buying an Epiphone version. I'd probably make a few (probably not even necessary) upgrades and STILL come out at about half the cost of the Gibson version.
you can find a gibby used for under $1000 if you try ! But I love both the gibby and the epi !!
@@lipptech1 Not here in Canada :p we get gouged pretty hard on musical instruments and their prices.
Thanks. My Epi pro 3 or my Les Paul studio....damn near a toss up.... after I changed the neck pu on the epi.
I have a modded version of the Nikki Six Blackbird with the dead switch replaced with a rotary knob and another beside it, providing both tone and pickup blend.
It certainly gives a shed load more character, getting away from the singular 'whomp!' synonymous with the T-bird.
Add in some outboard colour, and it's a real all-rounder.
If you can score a used U.S. made Thunderbird for under $1,000 that's not held together with duct tape, GRAB IT!
Battle of the Birds
Tbirds are the bass that made me switch from guitar. I still play guitar, but the tbird is just soooooo satisfying to play.
That's my story with Rickenbackers. My 4003 is my #1 bass. I do want one of those Epiphone T-Bird's though.
@@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine ricks are sweet af, but very expensive. The epiphone is certainly more accessible and available. Rick basses have like a 2yr waiting list last I checked.
@@laverdadbuscador I got my Rick from a shop in Boulder, CO named Wildwood Guitars, at a discounted price of $1,600. This was in 2018, so I don't think the deal is still active. Save long enough and you too can have one. I have no idea why they're presented as being so completely out of reach of the average musician. Maybe young students, yeah, but not seasoned veterans. They cost the same as an Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay, last I checked. As for the 2-year wait list problem? Yeah, that's only if you order directly from them and bypass a dealer.
@@Apprentice_of_the_Leonine Because not everyone can afford $1k + guitar. Age isn't always a factor. Some peoples incomes just aren't high enough or they're married with shared finances.
I'm cool with my Epiphone and I like my G&L guitars. I choose to spend my money on the amp.
100% on this for me too
The epi looks and sounds way better
That's why I'm getting one
They turned Gibson into the Apple of the guitar world, you pay more for the name than the quality
I had an Epiphone T Bird years ago, an active one. I really didn't like it too much to play and so gave it away to a young lad who worked in my local music shop, I had so many basses and guitars at the time, I really didn't miss it. However, since then, life has been tough and I ended up losing everything except for one P Bass and now I miss it! At the time I had two Rickenbacker 4003 (walnut & maple and a fireglo), Gibson EB-03, Hofner violin bass, Fender Jazz bass (the MiM Flea bass which was brilliant and easily stood up against a MiA - although there wasn't much difference between the prices so it should have been good!), a vintage Danelctro, 1972 Tele, Gibson Les Paul & SG, MiA Strat, a few Ibanez, a couple of Gretschs (including the blue and grey Brian Setzer, which is the prettiest guitar I have ever owned, and maybe one of the nicest of all), a Rickenbacker 330, an O bass (basically a P bass by Orange), the list goes on! Anyway, as I said I lost all of those due to ill health and having to sell them to support my family. It's funny how losing everything makes you appreciate the things you didn't before such as the T Bird now!
Anyway, the point I originally wanted to say, was as soon as Jayme said he needed to tune the Epiphone early on in the blindfold test, he was clearly going to know which one was which given the VERY different tuner wings. However, I am going to give Jayme the benefit of the doubt and not suggest he did this as a sneaky way of making sure he got it right!! ;-)
Hysteria
30:21 Gibson
31:57 Epiphone
30:32 Gibson
32:06 Epiphone
The classic pro sounds more like a Gibson than the vintage pro.
@@zahiramoreno9897 absolutely I have a classic pro and that's true
The comparison makes the vintage pro sound like a rick
Thunderbirds are one hell of a cool looking bass. I've had 2 Epi's in my time.
Always found 'gibbos' really wooly especially with ampeg, ...fender p, marshall major and 2x2x15 bass cabs tickles me testies.
I wanna get one for that tone, I tried one out at a shop and it blew me away, I mainly play Nirvana and Nirvana inspired basslines so it's perfect
It’s the heavily potted ceramic pickups they use, they switched over to some open pole alnico’s for one year (2017 I think?) but then went back.
The Vintage Pro’s alnico pick ups aren’t woolly at all. They’re PH phat, but they cut like a knife. I don’t get why Gibson doesn’t do their own ‘64 bird reissue!
I tried the same thing and the Epiphone came out on top in every respect...especially the neck. Best T-bird neck I've ever played.
(Okay, I've only tried maybe 15 to 20 T-birds.)
Spot on with those 3 point bridges.... "Modern" from a 60's POV and that's all. Wish they'd use better hardware, let alone for the price paid.
If, like common with Rics, if the first thing you want to do with your $2,000 instrument is take off the bridge and throw it away, and the issue is 4 decades old, the company just hasn't learned.
I've owned many Gibson's over the past decade, from early 70's G3's to the more modern design 'SG' bass (2015 and 2017 designs) in 4 string and 5! And everything in-between. I've had about 10 at least and enjoyed them all.... Without the 3P bridge.
Yes, I'd fork out £100-200 on a Hipshot bridge and chucked the initial bridge into the bin. No regrets and no shame to admit that as the tonal change and increased resonance totally blew me away (as per mentioned regarding the treble output being absent)
Perhaps the likes of Gibson or Rickenbacker should offer one as a classic and another with modern details?
The only issue I had with a Ric, was the middle pickup cover and preferred a mono output (I know, I'd have a 4003s now if I could). Are they known for bridge issues?
@@mrgskye they just brought out new bridges that come in a 4003 by default. But you probably wont see any of that stock yet until they get rif of the old stock.
Got a nice clean sound thanks to humbucking pickups on the Epiphone Thunderbird bass. I like the sound of the bass.
A buddy I work with at whole foods gave me an epiphone cause he's a cool guy and I told him I wanted a new bass. First time I ever got "that sound" I always wanted from a bass. Incredible tone, instantly knew I don't need another bass. It's just for recording though
The epiphone looks more expensive, chrome covers chrome hardware and a brighter finish
Ehhh... but the Gibson is made in 'Murrica!!!
@@carnivorehitman and does that have any benefits for me as a european?
@@bb.6969 nope! :-) I'm with you, I prefer the Epi, too.
@@carnivorehitmanYep! First off that means you’re supporting American builders and helping keep these jobs in the United States rather than slave labor practices in a communist country. And secondly, buying a Gipson will assure that you’ll always have a guitar that’s valuable! The other is never going to be worth what you paid for it no matter what you put on it!
@@bb.6969For resale it definitely does! Also as a European like myself, you should know that “American Made” still holds prestige here!
Which goes to prove that ceramics pickup are not necessarily brighter... could it be because of how the pickups are winded and the gauges used? The Epi’s has more presence in it’s sound IMO. However I did find the Gibson’s sound fuller and richer, more refined, but a tad muffled. Nice shootout!!!
Gibson thunderbirds have treble. I think the The vintage pros have similar treble but more high mids so it sounds brighter.
Jupiter James-Reynolds I completely agree with you! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
When the neck through epis came out I did a comparison between 3 of the epiphones and a gibson, all 3 epis were better than the gibson. I liked it so much in fact I bought one, and am getting ready to buy the 60s reissue as well. They're killer for the money.
All the guys in my band like the way my Epiphone bass sounds when we all play, not so much on its own. They prefer it to my J.
Bridge full and neck backed up just a tad, this is the sweet spot for any Thunderbird and what they do the best, that growly thump
$2,200 for the Gibbo.... $595 for the Epi.
Thus endeth the conversation.
I own 2 of the Epiphones and upgraded the bridges to Hipshot Supertones. I challenge anyone on the planet to tell me that it doesn't look, sound, and feel EXACTLY if not better than the Gibsons.
(the late) John Entwistle of The Who had and played a '64 Gibson Thunderbird in the early '70's.
in the 60's as well !! He was one of the very first to play them right from the factory !!!
Entwistle played everything over his career.
Fun fact: Quadrophenia and By Numbers are both recorded with only Tbirds
You guys inspire me to play bc you guys make it fun. And want a thunderbolt 🔥😎🤘
An active Thunderbird Pro should have been invited to this party!
The gibson is darker and more muffled sounding, the epi is more bright and sharp sounding, but you can hear more rattling on the epi
I love my Epi Thunderbird. It's like wearing leg weights. When you go back to a Fender you're a powerhouse. I will say that my Epi has all the Gibson finishings from the bridge to black pickups. Not sure what Epi version this was in the video, but they do sell identical styled Epi's if you want the same look. Also black stings on these bursts look sick!!!
You know which one you're playing when your thumbs resting on either a plastic or metal pickup cover...
I own the higher end epi and a Gibson. They both play good.
That last point about resale value punched me right in the gut. Thinking about all the times I've had to let one of my babies go for pennies on the dollar.
Always buy used. Period.
I’ve got an older Epiphone T-bird with a bolt on neck. It sounds and plays really well even with that 3 point bridge, but it’s SO HEAVY and awkward. I traded a Line 6 Spider 2 for it, fair sure I came out ahead on that deal 😆👍
Enduring the personality of Mr. Lewis made watching the video challenging but the content was meaningful. Good video.
Epibird kills the Gibson
Better hardware ( two point bridge )better sounding pickups, better price point
I have two vintage pro's
Love them and enjoy live playing with them
I have been using my 59 bassman at home exclusively for about 6months. I have eminence legends on bottom and basslites on top. I set the amp n.volume and b.volume at 2 with the chanel bridged, treble 5.1, bass 7.8, mid 5.9, presence 4. I go into mxr 10 band with left to right 10,5,1,2,4,5,0,1,3,4. Then i go into a custom fuzz into a mxr smartgate but play clean 95% of the time. This set up rocks with every bass but you get to hear each bass's unique voice.
The blind test is useless because the epiphone humbuckers are metalic and you can feel It with your Hand , a person Who didn't know play bass could know It too
T-birds aren’t for everyone, but, if you walk into a room with a T-bird, you rock, even without playing a note.
Finally! I feel Epiphone is going to take it
Both great! And really good comparison.
Great review, right on the money in the review.... the epiphone basses are def. much lower and darker, and the gibson def. more brighter,.... epiphone suits my style as iam a pick player, have heard lots of reviews of the epiphone thunderbird basses with both pick players and finger players, personally I think the epiphone bass guitars sound great with a pick....not so much with fingers, if your a finger player you would be much better off with any fender or squire if you want to bring out that extra brightness that most finger players go for.
When you consider buying a Thunderbird bass, best keep in mind that players under 6 feet tall need not apply - the neck feels like you need to reach almost a foot further than you would on a P bass to reach the nut.
I’m 6’ 3” and they’re actually more comfortable than fenders for me.
That may explain why Krist from Nirvana (like 6’8) played the Tbird as well 😂
You can tell which one is which just by touching the top of the pickup, they are different material, Epiphone was most likely colder and with the feeling of metal.
I own a Epi Vintage Pro and I love it.. I’ve paired it with a Fender Rumble 800 and you can really create any tone imaginable..
However, I’ve always wanted to play a Gibson Thunderbird. I haven’t seen any in the local music shops.
This is a great comparison video. Thanks!
I also play the Epi Vintage Pro. Wish the headstock were smaller, but otherwise, it’s my favorite. It’s exactly how I’d customize it. Still want a Gibson Tbird though. (Ebony w/chrome hardware). I just want it.
To be honest the Epiphone its a neck thru and you can always put gibson pickups or some after market and have a very good instrument both for live and recording. the only thing that worries me is the neck dive
My epi classic pro IV came with gibson pickups and is neck through
Put straplock on different place, remove some laqcuer from head and use thicker strap :D but tbhthat neck dive isnt that bad
@@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 hows the sound ?
@@arissp4950 i love the sound. The ceramic USA pickups provide high attack and a really deep punchy bass end. The classic pro IV epiphone is the closest epiphone to the modern gibson thunderbird. I tried an epiphone goth style thunderbird yesterday and i think that has the ordinary epi pickups and that still sounds good too. It had old strings so i cant compare the full range of the pickups sound. Many people say good things about the vintage pro which is also neck through but to it doesnt have as full of a tone as the usa pickups. The vintage pro have more midrange(nice growl but all thunderbirds can do that) but sound a little flat in my opinion. but ive never played a vintage pro myself. I think (not 100% sure)Vintage pro also has bigger headstock so more likely to dive.I hear the vintage pro has a better bridge than any of the epis or gibsons but i havnt had any problems with the bridge on my classic pro.
Edit: has a little neck dive but its not aweful. It stays up most of the time without holding it but it can slip. But if you rest your right arm on the bass you wont notice a thing. Also the finish on mine did not look like the picture(i ordered it), my sunburst ended up very red and black not much orange or goldness to it but i actually prefer how it turned out bc it contrasts and is different to my fender p bass sunburst.
There are strap buttons on the side and back of the Epi using the back button negates a lot of the neck dive.
I prefer the Epiphone! Its similar to my Embassy bass.
I do believe in wood differences I have Sire basses in Mahogany , Ash and Alder , they are different.
I think the pickups on the Epiphone are superior .
Sure kid!
Going to be honest, these guys are pros and even they found it difficult to tell the difference, I actually like the Epiphone on the neck pick, I am sure with a little eq adjustment, sounds can be replicated. Epiphone was always a great brand, people will go for a Gibson badge, there's the snob value, things have improved over the years, it is harder to tell between these 2 the quality of the sound is good on both and it's hard to tell the difference, on a live gig, it would be even more difficult to tell the difference in the sound, if both were badged the same, almost impossible. Imo.
EMG make new passive P, J & humbucker pick-ups in t-bird pick-up covers, plus EMG stamped on them..... great sounding classic, clear pick-ups unlike the muddy original ones that come with t-birds.... good review and examples.... Nice
I must say that I do enjoy the Epiphone just simply because it means I can get the classically built Thunderbird at a fraction of the cost and without the age-related or price problems with a truly vintage one
hard to believe that dude couldn't guess gibson from epiphone while fingerstyling, especially since gibson has a plastic top on pickups and epiphone has a metal one, and they both noticed it
I was thinking the same thing.
I owned a Gibson T-Bird and sold it 😢 regretted it for years. Fender Jazz player and was thinking of buying an Epiphone T-Bird and doing some paint work on it to customize it but the one thing I loved about my Gibson was the growl and I haven’t had the opportunity to try an epiphone so any feed back on the difference in tone would be appreciated
I've never tried a T-Bird, but I'd like to. I also like the old Rippers.
I had a "Grabber" and an EB3-L back in the 80s.
I got rid of them both. Because I'm an idiot.
What confuses me is all the Epiphone Thunderbird variants over time (and used market). Classic IV, Classic IV Pro, IV Pro, just Classic, some with boltons, some neck through some with active some with passive pickups. Just want a neck-through, passive pickups and a big ass headstock - which one am I looking for?
And you are not even considering the new Pro pickups they made... xD This is the Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro
Thank you so much for this incredibly informative video. This really helped me to make up my mind on a possible purchase. You're great!
Errm...he touched the pickups and tuners.
That doesn't mater you can smell the difference. Maybe 20 years from now the Gibson will sound better without adjustment.
I find coated strings to sound muted myself. Makes sense if you think about it.
Ive got two thunderbird, the epi classic pro and one of the new 64' birds, as well as a fender meteora. I dont understand the long neck complaints about the thunderbirds. Yes, when youre sitting the neck can feel like its far out there, but where a fender neck is a straight line paralell to the body, the thunderbird (if you've got a neck through, not sure about the bolt on ones) neck angles back from the body, so the string height increases drastically as you go from the neck to the bridge. This means the neck may feel long, but it feels like the bass wraps around you, bringing the neck closer to your body. They're also a lot lighter than people make them out to be. Both my birds are significantly lighter than my meteora. The body wings are a lot thinner than a slab body instrument. A good strap will also mitigate the neck dive. Using the same strap, my meteora also neck dives worse than my birds. Now, the meteora is basically just a non reverse thunderbird, but still. Dont believe all the anti t-bird propaganda!
I’ve owned an Epiphone since they came out. I’ve been hella eyeballing Gibson’s new Non-Reverse in that Inverness Green.
Tell my why the epiphone looks ten times better then the Gibson.
NO 3 point bridge and back to the original form factor as a separate bridge/tail piece setup. Beautiful chrome pick-up's with the surround rings !!
My Epi vintage model just as this one but in black is awesome and is the closest example I have played ever to the actual original neck profile as was on the original 63 models !! If you want a t-bird that is the closest to the original 63 then buy one of these $700 new epi basses even over the gibby version. I own 8 t-birds and this is an awesome example !
not sure that the brand played dictate ones mental attitude on performance...I build most of what I play, I'm proud to play them more than any name brand, but I get top end materials at a fraction of the cost for one of lesser quality. I bought the Epiphone strictly based on the vintage mod and was happy with the performance, but its strictly mancave studio...my go to is split between my self built tele and my '76 jazz...
Do like to collect basses as well as playing them, i've owned pretty much everything apart from a T bird, after watching this i'm definately warming to them, great videos guys
Why do you think this 3 point bridge is bad? This endind of tje strings inside the saddle... does that change the sound?
I am a beginner, and my Epiphone has this 3 point bridge (it looks more like the Gibson). Can someone explain why is this bridge bad and why everyone hates it?
A lot of players don’t like the 3 point bridge because;
1. The string windings sometimes overlap the saddles so, changing string brands (even the same gauge) affects your action. I don’t think it affects tone.
2. It’s very low mass, which some people believe affects tone. (I’ve swapped it for a fantastic Hip Shot High Mass, but couldn’t hear a difference).
3. It tends to fall apart if you take the strings off, which can be frustrating.
But, there’s really nothing wrong with it. It’s cool and vintage people love to hate it.
Ya see Nikki Sixx (Motley Crüe)with the black pick ups model in various music vids.
Thanks gentlemen , brilliant review.
The Gibson has a nice low end growl that I like, but the Epi has a more top end. The EQ helped make them much more similar, but I still kinda prefer the Gibson. However, I could also get an Epi and still have the funds to mod it to my tastes, but I would really want to play them before making such a decision. However, the Epi is definitely more bang for your buck. The biggest difference after mods would be the feel and consistency, and I have never played either one. I wouldn’t be able to decide without playing them first and then considering everything else.
The low tones in the Gibson are far way better and consistent than the epiphone, dont put your attention so much in the mid or bright tones, its a bass, the low tones is the most important, and in that area the consistency of the Gibson is a big difference
B.S. !!!! ALL of my thunderbirds sound awesome all gibby's and epi's !!!
idk i would say mids are the most important
Epiphone also had the classic pro which is just like the Gibson and i also own one(it comes with Gibson usa pickups) and both my epiphones have 9 ply neck thru construction. Both are cool but i bet the Gibson has a bit more of a "open/raw" feel/sound. I upgraded the tuners on my 60s t bird and i may get mini grovers for my other t bird but i haven't had a issue with them i just prefer aftermarket over stock unbranded tuners.
I used to have an epiphone Thunderbird classic pro. The closet thing to a Gibson i had ever played. I like my Gibson better. Minus the stupid bridge. Soon to be replaced. Trying to decide between babicz or hipshot. Why they continue to use a bridge everyone hates, is beyond me. I'm just happy i also have a Fender American standard pbass in my arsenal 😎
Go with the Babicz, it's a better bridge and much more comfortable under hand than the Hipshot.
2299?!!! in american dollars?!!! hell no! not for that, no way.
the pickups on the epiphone sound better than those ceramic pickups in the gibson. if you had put that epiphone up against a vintage gibson with the chrome pickups, it would be a better comparison video, because that is why everyone including me bought a vintage pro, for the vintage inspired pickups. The gibson ceramic is fuller, has a more powerful thump, but it doesn't sound 'vintage'. I've had a bunch of the epiphone thunderbird 4s, I had one of the pro with the ceramics and now the vintage, the vintage is by far my favorite of the epiphone tbirds. i had to cut the foam on my epi t bird hardshell case to get it to even fit ! it's 2 inches longer.
should divide up play timeline to get to playing parts
Ok, lets upgrade the Epi, find out how much that costs and then compare again. If it's just a couple of hundred bucks you are winning with the EPi.
The Thunderbirds you are reviewing are the “Reverse” body style
Please now upgrade the epiphone and do the same test again
Thanks. Great video!
The 2015 gibson t-birds had the babicz bridge as standard
There was never any lawsuit from Fender filed against Gibson because of the non reverse firebird. You might not have had to interrupt your guest if you had done some research.
Can't see but I put my thumb on the pickup. Give me a break....
He should have known which bass was which when he tuned the first one with the tuning knobs
Why not crank the treble on the amp a bit?
Is a thunderbird a good choice for a beginner?
It's not a good choice for anyone.
The Epiphone looks and sounds closer to my vintage gibson than the gibson does, only mine has a 3 point bridge
My biggest question - Can you tell if both bodies are absolutely identical in shape? I hope you find the time to respond.
I haven’t measured so I can’t say “absolutely identical” but they’re close enough to where you can’t really see or feel a difference in the shape.
@@TheBassChannel Appreciate the respond ! thanks.
Finally someone did this
love Epiphone
Blindfold is silly, u can feel the different pickups
I know it was almost an afterthought at the end, but I don’t think the resale argument really holds up. Using the example they gave, if you resold a used Gibson for $1,800, you’ve lost $500 compared to the new price. $500 is very close to the new price of that same model of Epiphone. So even if you couldn’t “give it away after a few years”, you’re still coming out nearly even in terms of loss of dollars between the two brands. And in a real world example, it’s been a few years since this video came out, and the Epiphone resells used for $500 all day, so it’s outperforming the Gibson in ability to hold actual resale dollars.
The only hope for the Gibson as an investment is that it becomes collectible in a decade or two and skyrockets in the used market. An Epiphone will never do that in the same way.
Is it possible to hit the 19th fret?
i have the vintage epiphone one had it for like a year now, from what i can tell tho they sound wayyy too different to compare.
Which one is the more reliable? One can probably take a beating on the road more so then the other.
The Gibson feels more solid between the two.
That’s kinda what I was thinking. Thanks!
That Epiphone eats Big Brother - in video frequency it travels way better.
I agree, but put 300 more dollars into abridge and pickups the sound of the gibby will come up to the sound of the eppy.
First off, you’d have been making a better comparison using the Epi Classic Pro.
Second, are you SURE this needed to be 50 minutes?
The Epi sound a little bit like Gibson les paul, funny. It seems has more punchy feel.
Both bass guitars should have been setup, with the same strings by a professional luthier before you guys ever comparing them to each other. That way both Thunderbirds would have the same fighting chance to show. You don’t tune the one race car and not the other then take them to the track to race.
Toxic Potato, I thought the tone from the Epiphone was superior the the Gibson. And a good setup does effect the tone completely.
I'm sorry to say when you have to adjust to make the Gibson sound as good as the Epiphone with an $18,000 difference in price you tell me which peace of wood is the better deal. I'm right up front with Epiphone. Just like Squire saved Fender and Epiphone is saving Gibson. At the end of the day it's the dollar per song that makes the difference.
Charles Reohr what 18,000??? Gibson is like $2200 with case, Epiphone is like $1000 with case.
Without doubt is the TB just classic! But the shape don't catch me.
I’ve got to disagree here. When I walk into a room with a thunderbird, I rock, even without playing a note!
“Manufacteur”? lol
Thanks for this! Been wondering what these sound like with fingerstyle.
Clearly there is no reason other than "snob value" to buy the Gibson over the Epi.