Finally tried a Epi Classic Pro Thunderbird!

godofthunder · September 18, 2013, 02:40:35 PM

All I can say it WOW. What a nice bass! I tried one at the local GC (I rarely get there these days) Beautifully made, nice and light, excellent fretwork and not a flaw in the finish. Mark is correct in the upper register access being being just a bit better than it's USA made counterpart. They had both the white and the tobacco burst. The TB finish clearly shows 9 ply not seven as described in Epiphone's specs. Looks like I can get one from Musicians Friend for $429.00 delivered during their fall sale.

FrankieTbird · September 18, 2013, 03:27:31 PM

That's a great deal. I picked up a white one back in March for $360, but it was a blem. It has a little finish cracking on the back of the neck near the nut, like it took a light hit. I'm surprised it's not worse than that after seeing the way it was packed for shipping. I got it without a case, and the factory packaging leaves a lot to be desired. It's a great bass, I plan on changing pickups and swapping for chrome hardware, just haven't got around to it yet.

Highlander · September 18, 2013, 04:16:34 PM

How do they sound in comparison to the veterans...?

TBird1958 · September 18, 2013, 04:27:16 PM

I think that bass is an incredible value, I'm quietly hoping they'll offer some other colors/hardware

Tonewise it's like a current Gibson of course

Nocturnal · September 18, 2013, 07:04:22 PM

I recently tried a white and sunburst at GC. They both played nice but the burst felt a little better. I didn't plug either one in tho cause I didn't feel like dealing with a sales guy.

fur85 · September 18, 2013, 09:03:53 PM

Quote from: godofthunder on September 18, 2013, 02:40:35 PM
Looks like I can get one from Musicians Friend for $429.00 delivered during their fall sale.

Any tips on how to get that price? Looks like $499 on MF.

the mojo hobo · September 19, 2013, 07:51:24 AM

MF is currently offering $75.00 off orders of $399 or more.

gweimer · September 19, 2013, 08:12:09 AM

This place is a bad influence...looks like I will be going to GC at lunch to see if I can try one.

gearHed289 · September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM

Where are these ones made? Sorry, I ask that every time something cool looking from Epi comes up, but I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar. $:-\$

nofi · September 19, 2013, 09:26:44 AM

that's funny. i will not buy usa because i feel the extra money to get one is not worth it.

godofthunder · September 19, 2013, 12:46:11 PM

Sigh................... no self control whatsoever. I'll take one Alpine White Thunderbird Classic IV Pro please. Should be here 4-6 days

gweimer · September 19, 2013, 01:31:53 PM

I went to GC at lunch. No Epi Classic Pro there, but there was an Epi Classic in white. It was pretty nice, but still not like my Embassy. They also had an Epi Thunderbird for $199, but I didn't play it.

FrankieTbird · September 19, 2013, 02:56:44 PM

Quote from: gearHed289 on September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM
Where are these ones made? Sorry, I ask that every time something cool looking from Epi comes up, but I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar. $:-\$

Mine was made in Indonesia. Is that any better than China? Build quality & finish look pretty good to me. Of course it does have the thick poly finish.

neepheid · September 19, 2013, 04:37:54 PM

Quote from: gearHed289 on September 19, 2013, 08:52:55 AM
I just can't get myself to buy a Chinese guitar. $:-\$

I may regret asking this but ... why?

godofthunder · September 19, 2013, 05:39:08 PM

A few years back I bought a Epi limited edition bolt on Thunderbird in white with chrome hardware. The bass felt cheap and the finish was quite thick. The finish on the Classic Pro seems much thinner and well applied. The bass does not feel cheap at all.