Epiphone Thunderbird bass Shootout 

Can I just say it's wonderful that you guys are finally giving bass lovers some love.

"I can't help being funky." Nathan King, 2016

Bass 'Sound like ..... for under £1500' on the cards? If not, , if so, in loving memory and honour, Lemmy.

Most fun Andertons video ever, more electronic jams, fantastic bass playing. Good vibes...

I bought a Pro IV based on this video, and it's everything you guys displayed ... couldn't be happier! Thanks, lads!

No one mentions the great John Entwistle of The Who. He used a Gibson Thunderbird to great effect during their 1971-72 tour. I remember when he played I thought it was the sound of thunder and the music of the gods.

Had a neighbor with one of the white ones years ago. Super comfy bass, and really shined with a pick. I've always kinda wanted one since then!

Thank you Anderson you have made up my mind on the thunderbird pro. I have always loved the look of the thunderbird but not the classic sound. Now I know I can get my jazzy tone with an out of this world looking bass.

I love that your videos are not what I’d typically expect of demos (one person with a neutral expression and little to no enthusiasm) you seem to have great fun making them! I also don’t think I’ve ever seen two basses played together, one playing the rhythm and the other lead, like in some of your other episodes!

I had been shopping for a Bass, and this was on the wall at a local book and record shop. I had eyed it for a few years in there. Looking across the Tube for reviews I found one of the greatest videos the lads have ever done. Clinched it! And it taught me some new love for the bassist keeping the groove.

My first ever bass was the sunburst Thunderbird IV then a couple years ago I sold it and bought the white Classic IV Pro and I still love it! Far more versatile instruments than they're given credit for

I'm TOTALLY in love with the white one. Optics and sound.

I tried one of these today, (A black version of the standard one) and I loved how growly it was

I play guitar and never played bass until two days ago I saw a thunderbird and just brought it omg so much fun to play and they look stunning got the sunburst version epiphone .

You need to go full Metal stance, just crouch and try to look like Robert Trujillo

Ergonomically, this bass plays great for everybody when sitting down. But the learning curve really starts when standing up, because that's when players will be aware of all the differences with 'normal' basses, like the Jazz you're both referring to. But all T-Birds are great and deserve to get acquainted with for all the great things can they do, and they are so easy to upgrade/ customize (pickups (1000+ options), better pots, caps, nut, tuners). For those who just keep struggling with the slight neck dive: just use a wide strap that's kind of rough on the inside (grip), like Levi's straps that are sometimes finished in 'suede'. Pick players can use their picking hand palm to keep the bass in position quite easily! The Epi's make great (affordable) basses for those looking for a upgreadable 'casco' neck & body unit!!! Think John Entwistle!

I got my Thunderbird 4 month ago. I can barely put it down :D I love it soooo much man... I think it has small tone-diversity compared to a Jazz Bass, but the sound of a T-Bird is really unique. If YOU get the chance to buy one, dont hesitate! ;)

Thanks! That was exactly what I was looking for. Wanted a Thunderbird but wasn't sure which one & now I know to go with the pro

I have one of these. It sounds great and plays great but it's definitely headstock heavy. It's more noticeable when playing standing. The body shape does make it easy to put enough down pressure with your arm to counter the headstock weight though.

The best all about the bass so far . You need to bring back elements of this to the current ones with "the other Lee" . Love it .

The most fun you can have with a bass on. A great shoot out!!!

Excellent, thorough, and spot on (also fun!) I have the Thunderbird IV and a Pro (bought off ebay, needs work), and love them. The neck dive isn't bad at all, and even with my short, fat fingers I have no trouble getting to the higher frets. I think a lot of people's' complaints may come from trying to play it like a P-bass or Jazz. It's different, but that doesn't mean bad.

I just can't help but think of twiggy when i see that white bass and whenever i hold one i can't help but play manson songs all day

Excellent video and perfectly timed as I was thinking of getting the Thunderbird Pro Natural

Great bass!I have the goth.It did neck dive w/ a strap,just moved the button.Sitting down its perfect.

Perfect review, was trying to decide between the active and the vintage through necks. Fun reviews, really enjoy them!!

My new favorite Andertons video purely from the electro music portion.

When you were slapping the Pro it sounded SO Mark King! Great tone!

The Capt Djing is the thing I never knew I wanted but am so happy to have experienced

Literally just got the basic version and finally got the dream bass. It may not be a Gibson but still I got my dream bass.

I played the basses that were reviewed. All I can say that's one man opinion. I have the Pro IV and there are no issues with it's sounds or tones. The limited range and tones patterns they say I haven't heard. I'm glad I make my own choices.

I had the alpine white thunderbird for a while, coolest bass i've ever owned, but really headstock heavy when playing standing up! Replaced it with a fender P, best bass ever! :-)

I love the high mids of these basses.

I played an Epiphone T-Bird for years, and loved every note. Balance, while standing was horrible, but I still love it !

I have an LTD Phoenix, which is essentially the LTD Thunderbird. I found that a great way of fixing the neck dive is using stick-on tire weights inside the body cavity, as close to the bridge as possible. That does not perfectly equalize the weight balance, but it is a massive help.

The jam session is freaking amazing.

I literally just got myself a Pro IV yesterday. It certainly feels a bit strange, and somewhat lacking on places, but I am very pleased with it. Absolutely no neck dive since they moved the upper strap bolt to under the neck, also using strap locks just for the sake of things.

I have the Epiphone Thunderbird pro 4 in black & I love it!The set up was a bit shit but when i got it sorted it played like a dream.

The korg electribe sections are always great fun to watch

I haven't gigged in almost two decades, and this is making me want a brand new bass hahaha!

love these DJ lee and daft punk mark interludes at the end sooo funny

It' fun to watch these guys reviewing the bass

Segment at the end was brilliant

Just got my Epiphone Goth T-bird a couple days ago. Love the XII at the 12th fret as well as the cool matte black finish. Wish they came with the T-bird pickguard logo but, the Celtic cross is kinda cool too. Glad I got it before they disappear (think Epiphone might have discontinued the Goth series). All in all, love it. Some gear snobs might grumble at it being an Epi and not a Gibson but, to me it is just as cool and good. Always liked non-traditional body basses and I finally got the one I wanted. Love it...

Great video. Great bassist with a fun personality. And I have been wondering about these epiphones.

Hahahahahah that jam in the end, sure we want more!

i dont play or own a bass yet i still watch for reasons such as the end of this hilarious video

Man, this video is pure genius!

I got to try each model thunderbird, and the finish on the goth thunderbird was perfect and sounded great. If you choose one, choose the goth thunderbird IV.

I love the electro jams, the bass sounds quite good and the scale length is 34"

These are becoming the best stuff on this channel. Keep on guys :D

That part when Nate started tremolo pick when Capt. was on the pad reminded me muse.

I love these 2 guys.

Proud Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV owner! Would love to see the Rickenbacker 4003 or 4003s in your next bass video!

I love the design, honestly there aren't as many designs and finishes for bass as there are for guitars, Guitars have all kinds of different designs and finishes but most brands only make Fender style basses with the most standard finishes, they look so plain. This one stands out, it looks cool. And this is from someone who likes modern metal, to me this design doesn't feel "old" at all, I could see myself playing this in a Metal Band.

i have a Thunderbird IV and Blackbird Nikki Sixx Edition model .. great basses. My main Instrument is upright bass 3/4

nice review guys keep up the good work☺

I just picked up a used Epi Pro V 5-string from Guitar Center. They're scarce as hen's teeth anymore ,and I was really lucky to find it in such good shape.It is definitely a LONG bass,but MAN,this thing has great tone,especially the mids. I can totally see why guys like Pete Way and Overend Watts loved 'em.It WILL stretch your muscles out a bit when you're playing closer to the nut,but then,what's wrong with that? Love mine. Wouldn't trade it for the world! And the stock pups sound great,IMHO.

Ii have the pro 5 epi bird. And mine is headstock heavy but I love it. I found it in black and I play jazz, blues, and metal on it.

I’ve got a Goth and pro IV thunder bird awesome bass!

damn ... i was all set with the regular one till i heard the active one ... you did that on PURPOSE ... now i want both

The Alpine White one looks killer. Plus, its neckthrough

Watched bout every T-BIRD Bass you tube comparison video (6ish) bout you NUTS we're the BEST!!! Wasn't like watching the paint peel, an listening to the same ole drawl of the placement of the inspection sticker by Qaun, under the 3-from the 12-rivet on the case.... blah-blah -blahhhh!!! Had personalities, an the shoot-out of the different models available, price points, quality, and sounds, very informative!!!! AND you can an DO actually play em, an how they sound playing different types of music?!!!! I subscribed, done searching there all the other garbage!!!! Thanks guy's, keep it up!!!! Funny thing is I have a T-BIRD, love it an wanted to upgrade, an investment in a higher quality one but had no CLUE the sound difference between the PRO, ACTIVE, an a signature series (which you didn't add to the mash-up) but gave my the jus of the pick-up difference....was eyeballing Rex Brown, an the dude from Megadeath (sorry dude if you're ready this! Can't member your name....Elifson?) ANY ways THANKS GUYS!!! P.S. show idea: signature Bass models, if you haven't done yet?!

Bass Compressor shootout!!!! Beginner Rig challenge! Advanced rig challenge!

from experience , standing with a strap there is neck dive. Just hold it the right way and you'll get used to it. Sitting its perfect. Most people put the strap button on the neck plate and its solid. great bass I regret selling it I'll get one back in the future.

Great video - I want an Electribe!

awesome video guys , I've got two goth thunderbirds and one pro thunderbird .

No wonder why ppl keep saying the tone of these basses are horrible, my fav bass tone of all! I own a classic pro iv, and I couldn't love it more. I love the looks, the feels and the sound!

Some corrections for you. With the strap on the neck on the Thunderbird IV heads for your shoes. The main issue I have with it as an owner is that the bridge is extremely limiting as being a 3 pole design you can not simply replace it unless you go for a hipshot unit that costs half as much as the bass itself. Personally, if I was going to buy another Thunderbird bass I would want the one with the Gibson pickups and a more standard bridge like the one the Pro has. Also the outro tune sounded like an electro version of 'The Macarana'.

19:40 and after: Nathan's playing is eye-opening

best outro to any andertons video ever XD

Truly a glorious outro

Great revue guys, thanks :)

I really want to love these- they look so cool and I love the darker growly tones they have. BUT! Every time I've actually gone into a shop and fiddled with one I just find them to be uncomfortable. The headstock dive is a real problem with a strap and one thing they didn't mention here is that there's no access to the upper frets. That wing really gets in the way if you want to play, say, the intro to For Whom The Bell Tolls at frets 15-19. And for any but the pro the glossy necks play quite slow. I still want one, but it would never be the main bass in my ensemble.

I'm an aging (retired) guitar hobbyist wanting to acquire bass assets. I just got an Epiphone EB-3, which I have always wanted and you just (thank you so much) featured. I am now very interested in the Squier Classic Vibe 50's Precision Bass (Telecaster Bass), the Fender Rumble amp series, and strings (round wound, flat wound, tape wound comparison). Please feature these in the future. Thanks for the Epiphone Thunderbird (also an interest).

Subscribed...Awesome Review, Awesome Guitar

Nathan is finally loosening up on these vids and giving an opinion. Early on it was like pulling teeth with the bloke. Well done and cheers.

love that punch-punch tone

Cap't picking up the electribe made my day

That white bass sounds totally rad!

Love the Evel Knievel t-shirt!!!!

that jam was perfect :D

I have the standard Epi T Bird that has been upgraded with a new bridge and some other work and it sounds awesome with a BEAD tuning. I also have the T Bird Pro 5 string which really sounds great. Only issue with it is the nut needs to be cut down. These have a brass nut and the slots are cut properly its just the nut is too tall to begin with. If it wasnt brass I would cut it down myself but I think I will have my set up guy do it. This is a common problem on this model from what I have seen.

Holy hell, does that pro sound good!!

I play a TB IV and love it.

So, I have a circa 2007 "standard" Epi T-Bird (the bolt-on one). At the time, I read that it had an alder body and maple neck, though these guys are saying maple neck and mahogany body (which is closer to the authentic mahogany and mahogany design). I'm not sure which one of us is right, or maybe if we're both right, and they switched from alder to mahogany in the years between. I've always loved the dark, thick "low piano keys" sound to my T-Bird, but hated the neck dive, and the lack of neck-through design that not only combatted the neck dive, and made it more streamlined looking and feeling, but also brought a ton more sustain to the instrument, and also was the [quote unquote] "real" T-Bird design. The Epi bolt-on compromise made it feel like it wasn't a "real" T-Bird. The alder / maple composition only added to the sense of "pseudo-ocity". However, at the time, it was the only Epiphone option available, and I couldn't afford the Gibson. And besides, to my amazement, I actually found myself PREFERRING the darker, more "piano-y" Epi sound to the "spankier", "honkier" sound of the Gibson. When I found out there was a Pro epi version that had neck-through, I got excited til I learned it was active, and wouldn't have the sound I wanted. I love active basses, but with a T-Bird, you're looking for a certain something that the active one isn't even close to. And so, it's no surprise that the active pro is by far my least favorite of the trio (despite looking AWESOME!!) When I found out just today that there was a neck-through passive one, I got super excited all over again....and also a little upset because I thought I was gonna have to go through the trouble of selling or trading off my 2007 and still spend a few hundred to finally have an "accurate", "authentic" T-Bird. Watching this video, though, it was actually a huge relief for me, as despite all the inaccuracies and inconveniences of my iteration of the T-Bird, I actually STILL prefer the darker, piano sound of my bass over these other ones. This newer "Pro" epi is MUCH MUCH truer to the Gibson, this is true. And heck, in all the important ways, it IS the Gibson. But amazingly, I actually still like the "fake" Epi sound best of all. So, no need to go through the trouble and expense of trading for the "upgrade". I'm happiest right where I am - neck dive, bolt-on, wrong woods, and all. I'll just stay put, I think. :-) Thanks for the comparison vid! Great job! Cheers!

Capten's much more creative on an Electribe than guitar - who knew? The midget gem at 22:20 is probably the best thing I've heard on any of the Anderton's channels - lovely bass playing!

that downtempo bass was really cool I think I'd go see a downtempo show with a bass and maybe some other elements

Now here’s a man who loves bass in all its forms and glory if only for a whole 15 seconds before he gets his funk on.

love will tear us apart sounds heavenly on it

Nathan kills, I want him in my band :)

Another great video, what about doing one on the Rickenbacker basses? Would love to see if Nathan could get funky on a 4003!Cheers.

I know I was one of those who requested this. Shame Gibson aren't making the T-bird any more, would love to see a review of the Gibson proper if/when it's reintroduced. Have to say I'm not a fan of the electro/techno stuff at the end, although I do like a bit of ambient house/psytrance. I'd also love to hear you load basses up with distortion, especially T-birds and Rickenbackers.

Great review!

can you do Epiphone Viola Bass as well?

the neck thru tbird sound amazing in real life. I owned one. it weighs a ton tho. and neck dive is real. first position is a bit longer than the p bass I own. but the sound can't be beat. I even put a brass nut on my p bass to try and emulate the tbird. apples and oranges.

just sold my white bolt on tbird yesterday ... sad day but she went to a good fella who appreciated her .. still kinda sad but i do have my tbird pro still :) just miss old white lightning

Been waiting for this

Nathan is amazingly funny and a great player. Moar vids like this :) . Next, a P bass shootout? one squier CV, one fender american elite and a custom shop, maybe? :D

hey guys love your videos .how about some GIBSON BASS's ?