Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (25)
$449.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (144)
$449.00
Amazon
4.5 (81)
$449.00
Reverb
5.0 (31)
$441.84 New
$300.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (417)
$449.00
zZounds
5.0 (30)
$449.00
Thomann
4.5 (208)
$429.00 $425.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£369.00

Average Price: $426

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Epiphone Thunderbird IV". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass is an embodiment of a classic charm that offers a unique blend of aesthetics and performance. Inspired by the iconic Gibson Thunderbird, this bass guitar has a more streamlined design with an emphasis on playability and tonal versatility.

It features a distinctive mahogany body coupled with a fast 34"-scale maple neck, resulting in striking looks and unbeatable playability. It comes with two well-positioned TB-Plus humbuckers that offer a wide tonal range, from thick and full to punchy and articulate. The bass has a substantial body shape yet manages to be lightweight and comfortable for holding down the bottom end on stage.

The Thunderbird IV stands out with its unique pickup configuration. Unlike typical basses that position a pickup near the neck, which could muddy up the tone, the Thunderbird IV places the pickups essentially at the middle and bridge. This allows you to dial in everything from growling tones to funky punch. Each pickup has its own volume control, along with a single tone knob for fine-tuning.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and maple neck for fantastic tone and playability
  • Two TB-Plus humbuckers for a wide tonal range
  • Unique pickup configuration for a voice of its own
  • Volume and tone controls for each pickup for precise tone shaping
  • Substantial yet lightweight body for comfortable playing
  • Long scale (34") for enhanced tonal clarity
  • Classic Thunderbird aesthetics for a distinctive look.

Product specs

Available since December 2001
Colour Sunburst
Soundboard Mahogany
Neck Maple
Fretboard Indian Laurel
Frets 20
Scale Longscale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Pickups HH

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Epiphone Thunderbird IV pickups?

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV features HH pickups, delivering a powerful and punchy tone with strong low-end suitable for rock and metal genres. The passive electronics provide a classic, warm sound that complements its aggressive tonal character.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird IV suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Epiphone Thunderbird IV is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward controls and comfortable long-scale neck, which offers ease of playability and a familiar feel for new bass players.

What is the neck profile of the Epiphone Thunderbird IV like?

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV has a maple neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates smooth playing, making it ideal for both fast and intricate bass lines.

Does the Epiphone Thunderbird IV include a case or gigbag?

No, the Epiphone Thunderbird IV does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to consider purchasing one separately to protect your instrument.

What materials are used in the construction of the Epiphone Thunderbird IV?

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV features a mahogany soundboard, a maple neck, and an Indian laurel fretboard, providing a rich, resonant tone with a solid build quality.

Reverb

Reverb

Epiphone Thunderbird Bass | Reverb Demo

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird Bass | Reverb Demo by Reverb

Epiphone Thunderbird Bass | Reverb Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird bass Shootout by Andertons Music Co

Epiphone Thunderbird bass Shootout

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird-IV Bass Guitar by Coleman's Music

Epiphone Thunderbird-IV Bass Guitar

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson Bass vs Epiphone Bass Shootout - Thunderbirds Are GO. by Andertons Music Co

Gibson Bass vs Epiphone Bass Shootout - Thunderbirds Are GO.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse Bass Guitars are GO! by Andertons Music Co

Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse Bass Guitars are GO!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass Review by topdazzle

Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass Review

topdazzle

topdazzle

Video thumbnail for Epiphone - Thunderbird IV  Bass by MooreMusicGuitars

Epiphone - Thunderbird IV Bass

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird IV Showcase by gibsonshopru

Epiphone Thunderbird IV Showcase

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Video thumbnail for DEMO Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass by Filipe Andrade

DEMO Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass

Filipe Andrade

Filipe Andrade

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird IV by 스쿨뮤직 TV

Epiphone Thunderbird IV

스쿨뮤직 TV

스쿨뮤직 TV

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird IV - Rimmers Music | Demonstration & Tones by Rimmers Music

Epiphone Thunderbird IV - Rimmers Music | Demonstration & Tones

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive, eye-catching design attracts attention

  • Deep lows and punchy highs, ideal for rock and metal

  • Slim neck enhances playability for many users

  • Stable tuning with minimal adjustments needed

  • Durable build quality despite some cosmetic flaws

  • Offers a powerful sound that cuts through the mix

  • Versatile tone range from warm to growling

  • Affordable price point for the quality offered

  • Great for modifying and personal customization

  • Notably quiet pickups, excellent for studio recording

CONS

  • Prone to neck dive; requires a thick strap to manage

  • Some components may require upgrades (e.g., tuning keys, bridge)

  • Neck heavier than body, causing balance issues

  • Bridge radius may not match fretboard, affecting playability

  • Electronics and mechanics could lack long-term durability

  • Not ideal for high-fret access due to body design

  • Limited finish options available

  • Some reports of craftsmanship flaws, like loose jacks

  • Can be uncomfortable to play sitting down

  • Potential for truss rod and strap button issues

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Epiphone Thunderbird IV is noted for its heavier weight, which can lead to back discomfort during extended play sessions.

    Source
  • The Vintage Pro is noted for its solid construction, feeling much more robust and well-finished compared to entry-level models like the Ibanez GSR 200.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend getting a case specifically designed for the Thunderbird due to its unique size and shape, as it often doesn't fit generic cases.

    Source
  • Neck dive is a common issue; using a grippy strap and keeping a hand on the neck helps mitigate the problem when standing.

    Source
  • The bridge system is criticized as one of the worst in modern times, with unusual height adjustment leading to persistent fret buzz issues.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck's longer length requires players to adapt to wider fret spacing, which can hinder quick runs, especially for those with smaller hands.

    Source
  • Owners report the Vintage Pro has a thicker neck that feels more comfortable and requires less finger strength compared to some slimmer-necked basses.

    Source
  • Despite its weight, some larger players find the Thunderbird IV's heaviness manageable, showing that comfort can vary greatly with player size.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Thunderbird IV excels in deeper tones and sustain, making it suitable for genres like shoegaze and post-rock, but it's less ideal for punchy tones.

    Source
  • While known for its deep tone, the Thunderbird IV may require a pedal to achieve a more aggressive sound, especially when played with a pick.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird IV delivers an impressive distorted sound, making it a standout choice for those seeking aggressive tonal characteristics in their music.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Vintage Pro features Probucker pickups, which are praised for their authentic Thunderbird sound, unlike the TB Plus pickups in the standard model, which some find lackluster.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Repainting a Thunderbird IV to match the Vintage Pro's color scheme can significantly reduce the perceived price difference between models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend moving strap pins to address neck dive, enhancing playability without altering the guitar's aesthetics significantly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickguard's Celtic cross graphic can be a point of contention; some users choose to cover it with a sticker or remove the pickguard entirely.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 24 Reviews and 92 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
M

Dynamic and versatile bass for indie rock enthusiasts

My perfect bass and that will never change. Its so dynamic, with soaring treble tones to rich bass sounds all by adjusting the tone knob. It just feels right in my hands, and suits my style of indir rock right down to the ground

sloan

Very comfortable practice bass.

I have a lot of fun playing this bass while sitting, it sounds great and looks badass. I can't seem to find a comfortable way to play it while standing, the neck seems a little heavy.

neptunefromspace

I'm sure this bass is good, if you actually buy a new one.

I bought this used so it wasn't very high quality. But I have some nice memories with it. P.S it weighs more than an average blue whale.

brian_krashpad

Cool cheapie

A bit neck heavy. Picked up a used one for a Benjamin, even. Mine's actually much better looking than this stock shot. Darker. To me this shape screams "rock and roll."

ant_30thoffeb

my favorite bass

i have had my Thunderbird since 2009 and its served me very well, being on EVERY 30th album. Usually Kevin and I's main bass live when the Jazz Bass is out of commission or needs a set up

jakob_palm

great bass with great tone

The bass is a good looking and it has a great tone. it's good for: Punk, rock, metal, funk.

james_romanow

my first thunder bird and for sure not my last.

it has the true feel of a thunder bird and great action on it. mine has an adjustable bridge. i would say its only downfall is that it does not sound the best best for high notes but it is a bass after all. great for if you like playing black sabbath.

jackao

Great bass

I like the look of it, plays well.

jajodd

It was fun while it lasted...

Two words: neck dive. It's a fun bass to play but it may eventually be unplayable. I sold mine while I could.

B

Excelent Bass For The Money

I bought this bass a while back. For what it is, it's an excellent bass! I have since sold it in order to upgrade to the Epiphone Thunderbird Classic-4 Pro. But just because I wanted to. This is awesome!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Leo Moracchioli uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Leo Moracchioli

Singer, Guitarist

Frog Leap

...
Verified via YouTube

Leo show this epiphone in 1:58.

See how Benji Blakeway uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Benji Blakeway

Bassist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see Benji playing an Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass

See how Danny Sapko uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Danny Sapko

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Danny Sapko was lent the Epiphone Thunderbird IV bass, and he confirms in a YouTube video titled "I play every single bass I have" that it remains part of his collection.

See how Oliver Amberg uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Oliver Amberg

Guitarist

Celtic Frost

...
Verified via Oliveramberg

Oliver Amberg uses the Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass, as noted on his equipment page. He describes it as an affordable yet excellent bass, mentioning that he has made some hardware modifications to it.

See how João Medeiros uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

João Medeiros

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

At the beginning of the video, João can be seen playing this bass for the intro of the song.

See how Ty Anderson uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Ty Anderson

Bassist

Dexter and the Moonrocks

...
Verified via Photo

Ty Anderson used an Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass while touring shortly after the release of the song "Space Invader," as evidenced by an image available on Equipboard.

K

Karina Patricelli

Singer, Bassist

Valendina

...
Verified via Facebook

This is the main bass Karina uses for both live shows and recordings.

See how Bruno Beguerie Petrich uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Bruno Beguerie Petrich

Singer, Guitarist

Perras On The Beach

...
Verified via Photo

Bruno Beguerie Petrich is seen playing an Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass in a photo shared on his Instagram.

See how Computerwife uses Epiphone Thunderbird IV

Computerwife

...
Verified via Photo

In this image you can see her Epiphone Thunderbird Bass

E

Ellen Waddell

Bassist

Los Campesinos!

...
Verified via Photo

In early gigs, Ellen is seen playing an Epiphone Thunderbird IV bass

Album Usage

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Thunderbird IV, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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kuffer

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Gear IQ 401

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Gear IQ 301

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B

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Gear IQ 60

analogueheart

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Gear IQ 62

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Gear IQ 108

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