Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $400
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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Description
Dive into the dark side of music with the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV. This magnificent beast from the Gothic series is dressed in a sleek matte black and black color scheme, made to stand out on any stage. As a Thunderbird IV, it arms you with two humbucker pickups, delivering a sound as bold and audacious as its aesthetics.
Join the legion of rockers who've embraced the Thunderbird's rebellious spirit and let your music soar on the wings of this black bird.
Key Features:
- Part of the Epiphone's Gothic series
- Aesthetically appealing matte black and black color scheme
- Comes with two humbucker pickups for a powerful sound output
- Perfect for rockers with a rebellious spirit
Product specs
| Brand | Epiphone |
| Model | Goth Thunderbird IV |
| Finish | Pitch Black |
| Year | 2004 - 2020 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | 4-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Model Family | Epiphone Thunderbird |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Epiphone Gothic |
FAQs
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What kind of tone can I expect from the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV for rock music?
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The Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV delivers a powerful, growling tone with its dual humbucking pickups, making it ideal for rock and heavier music genres. Its mahogany body contributes to a warm, resonant sound with plenty of sustain.
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Is the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV suitable for beginner bass players?
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Yes, the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV is a good choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and balanced weight. However, its unique offset body shape and heavier weight might require some getting used to for absolute beginners.
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What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV like?
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The Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV features a slim taper neck profile, which provides smooth and fast playability, making it suitable for both quick riffs and complex bass lines.
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Does the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV come with active or passive pickups?
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The Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV is equipped with passive pickups, offering a classic bass tone with a wide dynamic range and a rich sound suitable for various music styles.
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What is the body material of the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV, and how does it affect the sound?
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The body of the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm, rich tone and excellent sustain, enhancing its performance in rock and metal genres.
Videos
Gear4music Guitars
Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV Bass, Black | Gearr4music demo
Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV Bass, Black | Gearr4music demo
Gear4music Guitars
EPIPHONE GOTH T-BIRD IV BASS PLAIN BLACK - бас гитара для рока
PopMusicRu
Reviews
PROS
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Striking and unique goth-inspired design grabs attention on stage
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Excellent sound clarity with a deep, growling tone
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Ideal for rock, metal, and blues, versatile across multiple genres
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High-quality construction feels solid and durable
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Well-contoured pickups double as effective thumb rests
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Schaller tuners provide precise tuning stability
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Mahogany body offers a rich, deep bass sound
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Affordable price point for beginners and intermediate players
CONS
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Lack of adjustable string spacing and individual string height
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Large size and weight distribution may be uncomfortable for some players
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Neck may feel too thick or long for players with smaller hands
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Potential for neck dive; requires a wider strap for balance
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Some cosmetic blemishes noted in certain models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV.
Build quality
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The heavy weight of the instrument can cause back pain during long rehearsals; some models are notably lighter, suggesting variations in wood used.
Source -
The longer neck and further-spaced frets may challenge players with quick runs, especially those with shorter arms.
Source -
Some users report the knobs and bridge are less durable, affecting long-term playability.
Source
User experience
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Known for its durability, this bass withstands rough handling during performances, showing only minor scratches on the headstock.
Source -
Neck dive is a notable issue, but the narrow neck offers ease of play, allowing it to achieve a variety of dirty tones.
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Taller players with decent core strength find the Goth Thunderbird comfortable for extended periods, despite its weight.
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Owners note improved sustain compared to basses like the Squier Precision.
Source
Features and functionality
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A case specifically designed for the Thunderbird is recommended due to its unique size and shape, which doesn't fit generic cases.
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The bolt-on models have pickups that sound muddy or scooped, while the chrome Alnico II pickups on the Vintage Pro deliver a more refined tone.
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The Goth Thunderbird IV has a matte black finish that is highly praised for its aesthetic appeal.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Relocating the strap lock pin to the front of the body, parallel to the neck, significantly reduces neck dive issues.
Source -
Moving the top strap button to a lower spot on the backplate can alleviate neck dive challenges.
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Removing or covering the pickguard graphic is recommended due to its resemblance to controversial symbols, with users suggesting stickers or painting as solutions.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 28 Ratings
119
I love it
Great especific sound Great look Not much neckdive Great build Presence
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Full neck pick up 4 on tone knob
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591
Deep... Dark... Brooding... Badass.
I love this bass. I have beat the hell out of it. Pun intended. Somehow, it still sounds great. I'm not a bass aficionado, I wouldn't even say I'm a bass player. But I do play on my own songs, and I am comfortable with saying that this is a great bass for studio use.
129
Decent bass
Overall, I find the Epiphone Thunderbird to be a decent practice bass for jam sessions or performing in smaller venues, my only gripes with it are the lack of inlays, and perhaps a slightly muddier tone than I'm used to.
69
Good low-level bass
This was the first bass I ever got and I feel that it is really good to play if you are just beginning.
100
Really good bass
not to expensive, good for recording and practicing and the offset body is comfortable
Artist usage
Add artist
He uses it in several performances with 30 seconds to mars
In this picture you can see Benji playing an Epiphone Goth model Thunderbird IV on stage
Andy Biersack used the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV bass guitar during his performances, as shown in the referenced photo.
A photo from the source shows Paul Gray performing with The Damned while playing an Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV bass.
Throughout this video, Julia can be seen playing her Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV along her band Sunflower Bean.
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Also uses an Epihone version of the Thunderbird
in this picture from getty images she's playing with the band Triumph of Death, she used this bass all the time in her tenure with them.
I've seen Kaelan Mikla several times in Europe and New York, Margrét used a Epiphone Thunderbird every show, mostly the Goth version. Roadburn 2022 was the only time I've seen her use the Alpine colourway.
You can very clearly see it in action here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paoDcgFhHV4
Paul Speckmann occasionally uses the Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV bass, as shown in the provided image.
In this photo you can see André with a Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV Bass.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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