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Average Price: $450

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover a blend of vintage style and modern performance with the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV. This electric bass guitar is designed for musicians who crave a powerful tone and sleek aesthetics. A staple in rock and metal genres, the Thunderbird Pro-IV delivers a thunderous low-end punch that's both articulate and aggressive. Crafted with a classic mahogany body and a 7-piece walnut/maple neck, it ensures durability and a smooth playing experience. The 34" scale length and 20 medium jumbo frets make it comfortable for both seasoned professionals and aspiring bassists.

Equipped with Epiphone's proprietary T-Pro Bass Humbuckers, the Thunderbird Pro-IV offers versatile tonal options, from deep growls to crisp highs. Its active electronics provide an extra boost in sound quality, allowing you to cut through any mix with precision. The bass also features black hardware, adding a touch of elegance to its iconic silhouette. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio or performing live on stage, this instrument will keep you at the forefront of the music scene.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with 7-piece walnut/maple neck
  • Proprietary T-Pro Bass Humbuckers for versatile sound
  • Active electronics for enhanced tonal control
  • 34" scale length with 20 medium jumbo frets
  • Black hardware for stylish aesthetics
  • Suited for rock, metal, and a wide variety of genres

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Thunderbird Pro IV
Finish Alpine White, Natural Oil, Trans Black, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1999 - 2020
Made In China
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Epiphone Thunderbird
Model Sub-Family Epiphone Thunderbird Pro
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV have?

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features a pair of passive humbucking pickups, which provide a strong, punchy tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV suitable for beginners?

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is suitable for players of all levels, but its substantial body and long scale might be more comfortable for those with some experience.

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

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV has a slim taper neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a sleek neck feel.

Does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV have an active preamp?

Yes, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is equipped with an active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal control and versatility.

What are the finish options available for the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV?

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is available in several finishes, including Alpine White, Natural Oil, Trans Black, and Vintage Sunburst, providing aesthetic options to suit different preferences.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Epiphone Thunderbird PRO IV

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird PRO IV by The Bass Channel

Epiphone Thunderbird PRO IV

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird PRO-IV Bass, Natural Oil | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Epiphone Thunderbird PRO-IV Bass, Natural Oil | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV Bass Vintage Sunburst review by trever pitts

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV Bass Vintage Sunburst review

trever pitts

trever pitts

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird PRO-IV Bass Vintage Sunburst 2011 China by Loud Lemon Demo

Epiphone Thunderbird PRO-IV Bass Vintage Sunburst 2011 China

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for EPIPHONE THUNDERBIRD PRO IV BASS NATURAL by BYOXICOLOGY MusicGear

EPIPHONE THUNDERBIRD PRO IV BASS NATURAL

BYOXICOLOGY MusicGear

BYOXICOLOGY MusicGear

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning natural finish with black hardware elevates its visual appeal

  • Slim neck and neck-through design offer exceptional sustain

  • Versatile tones with active preamp and blend knob

  • Excellent craftsmanship for the price range

  • Powerful punch and deep low-end sound

  • Comfortable weight distribution compared to other models

  • Distinctive shape adds unique character and playability

CONS

  • Factory grounding issues lead to potential noisy hum

  • Heavy instrument with potential neck dive

  • Preamp's EQ may not enhance desirable frequencies

  • Size requires a specific fitted case, limiting transportability

  • Not ideal for genres outside metal or punk without modifications

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The neck-thru construction on the Pro version enhances sustain and stability compared to the bolt-on versions.

    Source
  • Some owners note the neck dive as a common issue, requiring adjustment to playing posture.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have upgraded the bridge to a Hipshot for improved tuning stability and ease of intonation adjustment.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active electronics allow for both treble and bass boost and cut, offering a wide range of tonal flexibility beyond rock and metal.

    Source
  • The Vintage Pro's tone is consistently described as super deep and suave, maintaining this character across different knob settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users advise against using rechargeable batteries due to inconsistent charge levels; standard alkaline batteries are recommended for more reliable performance.

    Source
  • A specific recommendation is to use a case designed for the Thunderbird due to its unique size and shape.

    Source

User experience

  • The bass weighs approximately 8.6-8.7 pounds, which some find manageable compared to heavier models like the Peavy T-40.

    Source
  • Longer neck and wider fret spacing make quick runs challenging, especially for players under 6'3".

    Source
  • Owners note the Vintage Pro feels like a heavier, more durable instrument, significantly different from lighter models like the Ibanez GSR 200.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its reputation, the Thunderbird Pro-IV can adapt to various musical genres, not just rock or metal, due to its versatile active electronics.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird IV excels in genres like shoegaze and post-rock due to its deep tones and sustain.

    Source
  • Despite being known for rock, the Thunderbird's non-versatile tone was surprisingly deep and smooth, contrasting with expectations of an aggressive sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest considering alternatives like the LTD Phoenix or Schecter Ultra for better overall build quality.

    Source
  • The Vintage Pro is praised for its "massive correct size" headstock and proper tuners compared to the "gimpy headstock" of the basic model.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Refinishing a basic Thunderbird IV to match the Vintage Pro's look is seen as ineffective cost-wise since the Pro already includes additional quality improvements.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 27 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
cole_swank

Tons of tones and great neck!

The actives on this bass plus the blend knob really gives this bass so many awesome tones! Honestly, if you're considering getting a jazz bass for versatility I would check this out first. It can give so many tones while still holding that unique thunderbird sound. Other than the totally versatility of tones, the neck on this bass is super slim and comfortable! The neck through body design gives this bass sustain for days. The weight is a bit heavier due to it being almost entirely mahogany, but the weight distribution is much better than the lower Epiphone models with bolt-on necks.

harrywedel

Pretty versatile and very beautiful, but...

This bass has a lot of punch and power with the active pickups, but it can be difficult to find that classic T-brid sound, if you are trying to find it. However, the wood and finish are GORGEOUS, tremendous sustain. Build quality is excellent.

jesus_antonio_lobato_gervacio

Great sound, clear-cut sound

The shape itself can define the instrument, you can be dependable 100% to it's sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ellis uses Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV

Ellis

Bassist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Ellis is seen using a Thunderbird PRO-IV in his Instagram.

See how Illicit Nature uses Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV

Illicit Nature

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

You can see Cody playing it throughout the video

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 Pro-IV, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
2018 Gibson SG Standard
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1

Community setups

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sincrawler

sincrawler

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