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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
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What is the neck profile like on the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V?
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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.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V pickups?
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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.
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Is the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How does the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V compare to other basses in the Thunderbird series?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V?
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The Epiphone Non Reverse Thunderbird V features an alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, contributing to its balanced tone and comfortable playability.
Videos
The Bass Channel
Epiphone Non-Reverse Thunderbird V | TAKE 5
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
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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
Mods and upgrades
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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
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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
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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
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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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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)
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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