Studio Thunderbird IV

[Dave W]

I still think the design of the Studios was a credible attempt of bringing the TB into this millenium. A bit more rounded and hence more current, but with a pleasantly strong nod to the past.

I agree. Gibson just didn't market it well to potential new TB customers, and most existing TB fans weren't looking for an update.

[Barklessdog]

I still think the design of the Studios was a credible attempt of bringing the TB into this millennium. A bit more rounded and hence more current, but with a pleasantly strong nod to the past.

That and make it simpler more affordable in non reverse fashion.

The Epi pro seems to doing a much better job of modernizing the spirit of the bird

[uwe]

It baffles me it didn't do better. Of all the new models Gibson brought out a few years ago (SG RI, Doublecut/Money, Continental), this seemed the surest winner to me. An affordable Thunderbird with a Gibson logo and all the ingredients that makes a good Gibson maho bass plus not looking like a guitar (like the LP basses). More ergonomic too. I thought we'd see loads of them low-slung on kids playing in Green Day, Korn, etc flavor-of-the-week type bands.

Tells you that I'm not any better than Gibson's marketing dept dorks either.  

[Barklessdog]

The Epi Pro sure seems to be pushing the right buttons

[TBird1958]

I'm cautiously excited about those Epi Pro's, I'll try a Fiver to see if it fits my hands, it be kinda cool to have one, even tho I don't really have a use for it in the band. 

[Barklessdog]

You guys could go metal or mental

Have to work on your growling though

[Denis]

The Epi Pro sure seems to be pushing the right buttons

That top one is a beauty! I'd like that black pickguard for my Epi.

[Rob Martinez]

I really like the Gibson Thunderbird Studio bass. It was my first T-bird, I got one in cherry, a 4 string, and I still have it. I liked it so much I also got one in ebony! First one I paid $1000 for, the second $900.

I think they are great basses, and am not sure why they were discontinued. Solid, cool looking, and sound very similar to the IV bass, though a little darker to my ears. My ebony bass has a chunkier neck than the cherry, which is a little fatter than the IV version.

I believe the Studio version has the same PUs as the IV, and the bridge on the Studio is superior to the tri-pod thing on the IV, IMO.

[uwe]

Yes, the Studios do sound a little darker and earthier. Above the 12th fret, a IV also sings more, not that that is really relevant to most people.

[TBird1958]

Hey Rob,

Thanks for stopping by! 

[Rob Martinez]

Hey Rob,

Thanks for stopping by! 

Thanks! THis looks like a good place to be! Thunderbirds!! YEAH!!