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Description

The Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V is a captivating blend of vintage style and modern performance, crafted for musicians who crave both aesthetics and function. This electric bass guitar is a standout in the world of bass instruments, known for its unique design and proprietary ProBucker™ Bass humbuckers. These pickups deliver a powerful, nuanced sound that is perfect for a range of genres, from rock to jazz. The non-reverse body shape is a nod to its classic predecessors while offering improved balance and playability, making it ideal for long gigs and studio sessions alike.

With a bolt-on mahogany neck and a rosewood fretboard, the Thunderbird V provides smooth, fast action that seasoned bassists will appreciate. The 34-inch scale length ensures a rich tonal range, enhancing your ability to express your musical creativity fully. Its vintage-style tuners and adjustable bridge provide stable tuning and precise intonation, ensuring your performance always stays in key.

Key Features:

  • Proprietary ProBucker™ Bass humbuckers for a powerful and nuanced sound
  • Non-reverse body shape for improved balance and playability
  • Bolt-on mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard
  • 34-inch scale length for a rich tonal range
  • Vintage-style tuners and adjustable bridge for stable tuning and precise intonation
  • Classic design inspired by vintage models with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Non-Reverse Thunderbird-V
Finish Frost Blue, Red, Seafoam Green, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1995 - 1998
Made In Korea, Republic of
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Thunderbird
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V?

The Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both beginners and advanced players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V pickups?

The passive humbucking pickups on the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V deliver a powerful and punchy tone, ideal for rock and blues genres, with a strong low-end response and clear mids.

Is the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V's robust construction and versatile tone make it well-suited for live performances, offering reliability and a striking stage presence.

How does the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V compare to other basses in the Thunderbird series?

The Non Reverse Thunderbird V offers a unique double cutaway body shape and a 5-string configuration, distinguishing it from other models in the Thunderbird series which often feature a reverse body shape.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V?

The Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, contributing to its balanced tone and comfortable playability.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird V | TAKE 5

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird V | TAKE 5 by The Bass Channel

Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird V | TAKE 5

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for 1995 Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird 5 string bass demo by Dubya daBassman

1995 Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird 5 string bass demo

Dubya daBassman

Dubya daBassman

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V.

Build quality

  • It's noted that the finish quality isn't always perfect, with occasional orange peel or bubbles, especially around the fretboard edges.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One user highlights that the action was too high and difficult to adjust, suggesting a potential setup issue for new owners to be aware of.

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  • Users recommend using lower gauge or coated strings to prevent finger strain due to high string tension.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend relocating the strap button to the back of the neck to counteract neck dive, a common modification among users.

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  • Owners often move the strap pin to the back of the body to mitigate neck dive, which improves playability significantly.

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  • Upgrading hardware to brands like Schaller and swapping pickups to Delano can significantly enhance the instrument's performance and reliability.

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Comparisons

  • The Thunderbird is compared to a Fender P Bass, with users noting the Thunderbird's heavier weight and unique neck profile that differs significantly from the Fender.

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  • The Epiphone Embassy is noted to offer a similar sound to the Thunderbird but with a more traditional body style and a blend control instead of dual volumes.

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User experience

  • The bass is described as having a chunky neck and being top-heavy, which may require adjustment for players used to slimmer necks or different balance.

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  • The bridge design is frequently criticized for being overly complex and prone to failure, especially with the anchor pulling out.

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  • Some players find the stretched neck and picking position, due to the body shape, requires adjustment for optimal playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users find the Thunderbird excels with fuzz pedals, offering a mid-range punch that cuts through mixes, making it suitable for aggressive styles.

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Features and functionality

  • The Thunderbird's soap bar pickups are praised for their full, fat sound, enhancing its tonal quality particularly in aggressive music styles.

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  • The neck-through models are favored for superior sound and build quality compared to bolt-on versions, which are often seen as inferior.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
scott_charles_king

Great Rare Instrument

I got this bass for my love of playing 5 string basses. It sounds incredible recorded with the P and J bass pickups. They didn't make too many of these in the late 90s, Im glad I got it when I did. Came with the case too! Its uncomfortable on stage but I still like it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Cooper uses Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V

John Cooper

Singer, Bassist

Skillet

...
Verified via Photo

During the tour for "Hey You I Love Your Soul" around 1998-1999, John Cooper is seen using an Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V. This photo, taken during that tour, is the only known image of him with this specific bass before he transitioned to GMP basses.(https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/148643/Untitled2019_20240601031023.png)

See how Vince Hornsby uses Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V

Vince Hornsby

Bassist

Sevendust

...
Verified via Imgur

Here Vince is using a custom Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V during Sevendust's performance of "Home" at Woodstock '99

Album Usage

The Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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