Gibson Thunderbird vs. Epiphone Thunderbird with Jayme Lewis

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  • Опубликовано: 3 июл 2020
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Комментарии • 295

  • @Kcducttaper1
    @Kcducttaper1 4 года назад +348

    The biggest difference is Epiphone doesn't sue other companies over a shape.

  • @pCeLobster
    @pCeLobster 3 года назад +81

    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.

    • @BackyardRonin
      @BackyardRonin 3 года назад +10

      definitely lived this opinion

    • @DanDanDoe
      @DanDanDoe 2 года назад +4

      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.

    • @tetrismaster911
      @tetrismaster911 2 года назад

      I do also have a love hate relationship with The TBird.

    • @Romain_Chafore
      @Romain_Chafore Год назад +1

      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

    • @ArnoldsIOS
      @ArnoldsIOS Год назад +1

      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

  • @dezsodebreceni4829
    @dezsodebreceni4829 4 года назад +149

    The lack of a 3 point bridge alone makes the Epi better

    • @offbeatbassgear
      @offbeatbassgear 4 года назад +3

      Applaud you for speaking that!

    • @Jaketin
      @Jaketin 4 года назад +7

      My old Epibird had a 3-point bridge. I hated everything about that instrument, except the sound and look.

    • @ernestochang1744
      @ernestochang1744 4 года назад

      Yeah besides with the epiphone bridge it looks like the warwick bridges that they use, and looks much better to me

    • @Jonathan_Doe_
      @Jonathan_Doe_ 3 года назад +2

      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)

    • @espartacus001
      @espartacus001 3 года назад +3

      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

  • @billfraser1491
    @billfraser1491 4 года назад +82

    I can feel in the force that epiphone gonna win this war

  • @bjscorpio4041
    @bjscorpio4041 3 года назад +34

    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.

  • @mikeash1978
    @mikeash1978 3 года назад +43

    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.

  • @ragingmong5593
    @ragingmong5593 4 года назад +53

    The epi looks and sounds way better

    • @Wheresthepepsibismol
      @Wheresthepepsibismol 3 года назад +1

      That's why I'm getting one

    • @didncozosksma4466
      @didncozosksma4466 3 года назад +8

      They turned Gibson into the Apple of the guitar world, you pay more for the name than the quality

  • @patienceforus
    @patienceforus 4 года назад +54

    Hysteria
    30:21 Gibson
    31:57 Epiphone
    30:32 Gibson
    32:06 Epiphone

    • @zahiramoreno9897
      @zahiramoreno9897 4 года назад +6

      The classic pro sounds more like a Gibson than the vintage pro.

    • @patienceforus
      @patienceforus 4 года назад +1

      @@zahiramoreno9897 absolutely I have a classic pro and that's true

    • @f2detaboada
      @f2detaboada 3 года назад

      The comparison makes the vintage pro sound like a rick

  • @absolving
    @absolving 4 года назад +47

    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.

    • @jupiterjames-reynolds2260
      @jupiterjames-reynolds2260 4 года назад +1

      Yeah but that headstock is so huge and gives it more neckdive

    • @absolving
      @absolving 4 года назад +2

      @@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 true, I'd assume they're both fairly similar in terms of neck-dive. I've learnt to live with it

    • @charlesreohr6236
      @charlesreohr6236 4 года назад +2

      @@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 Still not as bad as the SG bass.

    • @oggamer3737
      @oggamer3737 3 года назад +2

      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.

  • @assburg
    @assburg 4 года назад +33

    Battle of the Birds

  • @WattchomanBrandySavage
    @WattchomanBrandySavage 4 года назад +30

    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.

    • @lipptech1
      @lipptech1 3 года назад +2

      you can find a gibby used for under $1000 if you try ! But I love both the gibby and the epi !!

    • @WattchomanBrandySavage
      @WattchomanBrandySavage 3 года назад +1

      @@lipptech1 Not here in Canada :p we get gouged pretty hard on musical instruments and their prices.

    • @bradleestone5344
      @bradleestone5344 3 года назад +1

      Thanks. My Epi pro 3 or my Les Paul studio....damn near a toss up.... after I changed the neck pu on the epi.

    • @Scratiznutz
      @Scratiznutz 2 года назад

      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.

    • @ronbzoom8531
      @ronbzoom8531 7 месяцев назад +1

      If you can score a used U.S. made Thunderbird for under $1,000 that's not held together with duct tape, GRAB IT!

  • @tin322
    @tin322 4 года назад +6

    Both great! And really good comparison.

  • @laverdadbuscador
    @laverdadbuscador 3 года назад +27

    Tbirds are the bass that made me switch from guitar. I still play guitar, but the tbird is just soooooo satisfying to play.

    • @Apprentice_of_the_Leonine
      @Apprentice_of_the_Leonine 2 года назад +1

      That's my story with Rickenbackers. My 4003 is my #1 bass. I do want one of those Epiphone T-Bird's though.

    • @laverdadbuscador
      @laverdadbuscador 2 года назад

      @@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.

    • @Apprentice_of_the_Leonine
      @Apprentice_of_the_Leonine 2 года назад +1

      @@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.

    • @laverdadbuscador
      @laverdadbuscador 2 года назад +1

      @@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.

    • @chrisaldridge3117
      @chrisaldridge3117 3 месяца назад

      100% on this for me too

  • @Powerserg-dx5kk
    @Powerserg-dx5kk 4 года назад +10

    You guys inspire me to play bc you guys make it fun. And want a thunderbolt 🔥😎🤘

  • @JackGad-gz5tu
    @JackGad-gz5tu Год назад

    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!

  • @wm9355
    @wm9355 2 года назад +4

    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!! ;-)

  • @hodaridaniels8786
    @hodaridaniels8786 3 года назад +3

    Got a nice clean sound thanks to humbucking pickups on the Epiphone Thunderbird bass. I like the sound of the bass.

  • @iloverush123
    @iloverush123 2 года назад +2

    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.

  • @ZPX945
    @ZPX945 4 года назад +2

    Thanks. Great video!

  • @steveclem
    @steveclem 4 года назад +7

    Thunderbirds are one hell of a cool looking bass. I've had 2 Epi's in my time.

  • @silaslangsyd
    @silaslangsyd 2 года назад

    Thanks gentlemen , brilliant review.

  • @Matt_bassguitar
    @Matt_bassguitar 2 года назад

    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!

    • @greganderson7216
      @greganderson7216 Год назад

      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.

  • @MarcAndreLevesque
    @MarcAndreLevesque 4 года назад +1

    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

  • @wyrlismike
    @wyrlismike 3 года назад +4

    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

  • @bb.6969
    @bb.6969 4 года назад +23

    The epiphone looks more expensive, chrome covers chrome hardware and a brighter finish

    • @carnivorehitman
      @carnivorehitman 3 года назад +1

      Ehhh... but the Gibson is made in 'Murrica!!!

    • @bb.6969
      @bb.6969 3 года назад +10

      @@carnivorehitman and does that have any benefits for me as a european?

    • @carnivorehitman
      @carnivorehitman 3 года назад +7

      @@bb.6969 nope! :-) I'm with you, I prefer the Epi, too.

    • @werewolflover8636
      @werewolflover8636 5 месяцев назад

      @@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!

    • @werewolflover8636
      @werewolflover8636 5 месяцев назад

      @@bb.6969For resale it definitely does! Also as a European like myself, you should know that “American Made” still holds prestige here!

  • @shaunmaclean3735
    @shaunmaclean3735 Год назад +1

    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.

  • @nobbytart27
    @nobbytart27 2 года назад

    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

  • @jd87fierogt
    @jd87fierogt 3 года назад +9

    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.)

  • @Solu54
    @Solu54 9 месяцев назад +6

    Enduring the personality of Mr. Lewis made watching the video challenging but the content was meaningful. Good video.

  • @mrgskye
    @mrgskye 4 года назад +22

    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.

    • @carpediemarts705
      @carpediemarts705 4 года назад +12

      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.

    • @mrgskye
      @mrgskye 4 года назад +2

      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?

    • @jupiterjames-reynolds2260
      @jupiterjames-reynolds2260 4 года назад +3

      @@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.

  • @chrisbassman3936
    @chrisbassman3936 3 года назад

    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.

  • @evianx1
    @evianx1 2 года назад +4

    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

  • @eddbass1
    @eddbass1 4 года назад +38

    Always found 'gibbos' really wooly especially with ampeg, ...fender p, marshall major and 2x2x15 bass cabs tickles me testies.

    • @mladyavery9138
      @mladyavery9138 4 года назад +5

      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

    • @Jonathan_Doe_
      @Jonathan_Doe_ 3 года назад +2

      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!

  • @christopherstorrier5560
    @christopherstorrier5560 2 года назад

    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

  • @johnmahan9336
    @johnmahan9336 4 года назад +1

    And yes you guys did a great job!

  • @thewetterbass
    @thewetterbass 4 года назад +9

    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!!!

    • @jupiterjames-reynolds2260
      @jupiterjames-reynolds2260 4 года назад +3

      Gibson thunderbirds have treble. I think the The vintage pros have similar treble but more high mids so it sounds brighter.

    • @thewetterbass
      @thewetterbass 4 года назад +1

      Jupiter James-Reynolds I completely agree with you! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

  • @JohnMuise
    @JohnMuise Год назад +1

    I own the higher end epi and a Gibson. They both play good.

  • @audibletapehiss3764
    @audibletapehiss3764 4 года назад +4

    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.

    • @CrummyVCR
      @CrummyVCR 4 года назад +4

      Always buy used. Period.

  • @IronandWire
    @IronandWire 6 месяцев назад

    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!!!

  • @corneliuscrewe677
    @corneliuscrewe677 8 месяцев назад +1

    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 😆👍

  • @matthiasreichert4016
    @matthiasreichert4016 4 года назад +1

    Thank youuuu 🤘

  • @adriandean6256
    @adriandean6256 4 года назад +5

    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.

  • @michaelblaney4461
    @michaelblaney4461 2 года назад +1

    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 .

  • @Sergio_Math
    @Sergio_Math 4 года назад +5

    An active Thunderbird Pro should have been invited to this party!

  • @chrisbassman3936
    @chrisbassman3936 3 года назад

    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.

  • @lipptech1
    @lipptech1 3 года назад

    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 !

  • @pavelcerny5536
    @pavelcerny5536 4 года назад +1

    Finally someone did this

  • @erics3644
    @erics3644 3 года назад +3

    $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.

  • @crlaw75
    @crlaw75 3 года назад +5

    (the late) John Entwistle of The Who had and played a '64 Gibson Thunderbird in the early '70's.

    • @lipptech1
      @lipptech1 3 года назад +2

      in the 60's as well !! He was one of the very first to play them right from the factory !!!

    • @jazzman1954
      @jazzman1954 3 года назад

      Entwistle played everything over his career.

    • @AaronKoskelainenBass
      @AaronKoskelainenBass 3 года назад +2

      Fun fact: Quadrophenia and By Numbers are both recorded with only Tbirds

  • @4lienVirvs
    @4lienVirvs 2 года назад +2

    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

  • @samsschool3639
    @samsschool3639 Год назад

    Nice demo guys

  • @beornthebear.8220
    @beornthebear.8220 Год назад

    I've never tried a T-Bird, but I'd like to. I also like the old Rippers.

    • @voiceofexperience
      @voiceofexperience Год назад

      I had a "Grabber" and an EB3-L back in the 80s.
      I got rid of them both. Because I'm an idiot.

  • @riffwizardsupreme
    @riffwizardsupreme 2 года назад

    I’ve owned an Epiphone since they came out. I’ve been hella eyeballing Gibson’s new Non-Reverse in that Inverness Green.

  • @ilhuernult437
    @ilhuernult437 4 года назад +8

    Finally! I feel Epiphone is going to take it

  • @blooddimond472
    @blooddimond472 3 года назад +3

    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

  • @workaccount2415
    @workaccount2415 3 года назад +1

    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?

    • @Enzoheavenly
      @Enzoheavenly 3 года назад

      And you are not even considering the new Pro pickups they made... xD This is the Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro

  • @tminus1019
    @tminus1019 2 года назад

    I find coated strings to sound muted myself. Makes sense if you think about it.

  • @SiliconBassist
    @SiliconBassist 2 года назад

    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.

  • @mattmatthews5414
    @mattmatthews5414 3 года назад

    “Manufacteur”? lol
    Thanks for this! Been wondering what these sound like with fingerstyle.

  • @greganderson7216
    @greganderson7216 Год назад +1

    T-birds aren’t for everyone, but, if you walk into a room with a T-bird, you rock, even without playing a note.

  • @dylanvogel4503
    @dylanvogel4503 4 года назад +7

    Tell my why the epiphone looks ten times better then the Gibson.

    • @lipptech1
      @lipptech1 3 года назад +1

      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 !!

  • @mindbodylightsound10
    @mindbodylightsound10 4 года назад +2

    should divide up play timeline to get to playing parts

  • @DigitalZombie90
    @DigitalZombie90 3 года назад +1

    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.

  • @michaelcabe8103
    @michaelcabe8103 4 года назад +1

    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...

  • @loku8511
    @loku8511 4 года назад +2

    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 😎

    • @iltonwhite
      @iltonwhite 4 года назад +1

      Go with the Babicz, it's a better bridge and much more comfortable under hand than the Hipshot.

  • @martinheath5947
    @martinheath5947 4 года назад +2

    Why not crank the treble on the amp a bit?

  • @AI-ke9pp
    @AI-ke9pp 3 года назад

    Is it possible to hit the 19th fret?

  • @shawnm.4020
    @shawnm.4020 3 года назад

    Like the Jamerson shirt

  • @Raylan-T
    @Raylan-T 6 месяцев назад

    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

  • @paulford5942
    @paulford5942 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @user-ir7uh8bo8i
    @user-ir7uh8bo8i 2 года назад +2

    love Epiphone

  • @andrewcoates4952
    @andrewcoates4952 3 месяца назад

    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

  • @thomasfarmer1730
    @thomasfarmer1730 3 года назад +1

    Ya see Nikki Sixx (Motley Crüe)with the black pick ups model in various music vids.

  • @Bluebluepool
    @Bluebluepool 2 года назад +1

    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?

    • @greganderson7216
      @greganderson7216 2 года назад +2

      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.

  • @arissp4950
    @arissp4950 4 года назад +3

    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

    • @jupiterjames-reynolds2260
      @jupiterjames-reynolds2260 4 года назад

      My epi classic pro IV came with gibson pickups and is neck through

    • @rtomas47
      @rtomas47 4 года назад +2

      Put straplock on different place, remove some laqcuer from head and use thicker strap :D but tbhthat neck dive isnt that bad

    • @arissp4950
      @arissp4950 4 года назад

      @@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 hows the sound ?

    • @jupiterjames-reynolds2260
      @jupiterjames-reynolds2260 4 года назад

      @@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.

    • @grahambell4310
      @grahambell4310 4 года назад +2

      There are strap buttons on the side and back of the Epi using the back button negates a lot of the neck dive.

  • @jameslewis2635
    @jameslewis2635 3 года назад +12

    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.

    • @Jonathan_Doe_
      @Jonathan_Doe_ 3 года назад +1

      I’m 6’ 3” and they’re actually more comfortable than fenders for me.

    • @evelia1156
      @evelia1156 4 месяца назад

      That may explain why Krist from Nirvana (like 6’8) played the Tbird as well 😂

  • @jarrenvrekk8758
    @jarrenvrekk8758 2 месяца назад

    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!

  • @krispatel1
    @krispatel1 4 года назад

    The 2015 gibson t-birds had the babicz bridge as standard

  • @scraic1356
    @scraic1356 4 года назад +1

    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.

  • @jonasiasfierroherrera3593
    @jonasiasfierroherrera3593 4 года назад

    Hoi. Ik hou niet van deze basen omdat geluid is niet zeer leuk voor mij. Maar het is heel goed!!!!

  • @mountaverage2706
    @mountaverage2706 4 года назад +19

    Errm...he touched the pickups and tuners.

    • @charlesreohr6236
      @charlesreohr6236 4 года назад

      That doesn't mater you can smell the difference. Maybe 20 years from now the Gibson will sound better without adjustment.

  • @professorhoodoo
    @professorhoodoo 3 года назад

    WHAT PICKUPS WOULD YOU SWAP OUT FOR THE EPIPHONE?

    • @TheBassChannel
      @TheBassChannel  3 года назад +2

      I wouldn’t. Those pickups sound great.

    • @professorhoodoo
      @professorhoodoo 3 года назад

      @@TheBassChannel The bass I have has a fender P bass pickup in it .. I want Something better ... It's basically empty ... What would you suggest?

  • @donjorge8329
    @donjorge8329 3 года назад

    Without doubt is the TB just classic! But the shape don't catch me.

    • @greganderson7216
      @greganderson7216 2 года назад

      I’ve got to disagree here. When I walk into a room with a thunderbird, I rock, even without playing a note!

  • @chriskartalidis9687
    @chriskartalidis9687 2 года назад

    Is a thunderbird a good choice for a beginner?

    • @pCeLobster
      @pCeLobster 7 месяцев назад

      It's not a good choice for anyone.

  • @ianjuby8492
    @ianjuby8492 2 года назад +5

    Blindfold is silly, u can feel the different pickups

  • @iblisofficial479
    @iblisofficial479 4 года назад

    Awesome

  • @justsomedude5727
    @justsomedude5727 3 года назад

    The Epiphone looks and sounds closer to my vintage gibson than the gibson does, only mine has a 3 point bridge

  • @jacoj1
    @jacoj1 4 года назад

    Which one is the more reliable? One can probably take a beating on the road more so then the other.

    • @TheBassChannel
      @TheBassChannel  4 года назад +2

      The Gibson feels more solid between the two.

    • @jacoj1
      @jacoj1 4 года назад

      That’s kinda what I was thinking. Thanks!

  • @jasonllapp
    @jasonllapp Год назад

    ok I just got my laugh for the day. Much appreciated!!

  • @timhamlett5042
    @timhamlett5042 6 месяцев назад

    The Thunderbirds you are reviewing are the “Reverse” body style

  • @Kreozot2D
    @Kreozot2D 8 месяцев назад +1

    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

  • @dr.fruityboots4706
    @dr.fruityboots4706 4 года назад

    i tried a gibbo and epi thunderbird at a music store a few years and and vastly prefered the epi. it had a nice growl to it and the gibbo sounded a but to warm and thin. that being said i hate the body shape and could only play it in the dark if i owned one

    • @nervedamage3097
      @nervedamage3097 4 года назад +1

      Just curious as to what you mean warm AND thin? Because to me a warm sound is anything but thin

    • @evelia1156
      @evelia1156 4 месяца назад

      That’s weird considering the shape is the biggest selling point for the basses. Super cool and original looking. There are some UGLY basses out there. This ain’t it

  • @davidpggarrett
    @davidpggarrett 3 года назад +2

    What's the Metallica riff around 21:00?

    • @TheBassChannel
      @TheBassChannel  3 года назад +2

      FIXXXER 🤘🏻

    • @davidpggarrett
      @davidpggarrett 3 года назад

      @@TheBassChannel thanks, man. I'll check it out to see if the original is as good as yours!

    • @davidpggarrett
      @davidpggarrett 3 года назад

      @@TheBassChannel OK, checked out the Metallica original and come to the conclusion you rock harder!

  • @dr.fruityboots4706
    @dr.fruityboots4706 4 года назад +2

    2299?!!! in american dollars?!!! hell no! not for that, no way.

  • @espartacus001
    @espartacus001 4 года назад +7

    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

    • @lipptech1
      @lipptech1 3 года назад

      B.S. !!!! ALL of my thunderbirds sound awesome all gibby's and epi's !!!

    • @Owen-ne6pe
      @Owen-ne6pe 2 года назад +2

      idk i would say mids are the most important

  • @Desu-Desu-Chan-San
    @Desu-Desu-Chan-San 6 месяцев назад

    The blindfold was a bit pointless, just touching the pickup with his thumb would be a instant giveaway

  • @ronaldcaraway8184
    @ronaldcaraway8184 2 года назад +1

    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.

  • @iltonwhite
    @iltonwhite 4 года назад

    It would've been better if you'd compared the Gibson against The Epiphone Classic Pro Thunderbird, as it's far closer to the Gibson than the Vintage Pro.

  • @MusicHelper911
    @MusicHelper911 3 года назад

    My biggest question - Can you tell if both bodies are absolutely identical in shape? I hope you find the time to respond.

    • @TheBassChannel
      @TheBassChannel  3 года назад +1

      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.

    • @MusicHelper911
      @MusicHelper911 3 года назад

      @@TheBassChannel Appreciate the respond ! thanks.

  • @I-Libertine
    @I-Libertine 9 месяцев назад +1

    You know which one you're playing when your thumbs resting on either a plastic or metal pickup cover...