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Average Price: $478
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$400
$1001+
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Description
For those seeking a bass guitar that delivers on both style and substance, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is a standout choice. Known for its distinctive, iconic body shape, this bass is not just about looks—it's a powerhouse designed for serious performance. The Thunderbird Pro-IV features a robust 7-piece neck crafted from walnut and maple, providing exceptional sustain and resonance that will make your sound soar. The neck-through-body construction further enhances its tonal depth, offering a seamless playing experience.
Equipped with Epiphone T-Pro bass humbucking pickups and custom active electronics, this bass offers a wide range of tonal possibilities—from deep, growling lows to bright, punchy highs. The Slim-Taper neck profile ensures comfortable playability, allowing you to glide effortlessly across its rosewood fingerboard. Whether you're laying down the groove on stage or jamming in the studio, the Thunderbird Pro-IV's flush-mount, fully adjustable bridge and premium die-cast tuners ensure precise tuning and intonation.
With its combination of classic design and modern technology, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is more than just a bass—it's a statement piece for any bassist looking to make their mark.
Key Features:
- 4-string electric bass
- Epiphone T-Pro Humbucker pickups
- Active electronics for versatile sound
- 34" scale length with a 1.50" nut width
- 7-piece Walnut/Maple neck-through-body construction
- Slim-Taper neck profile for comfortable playing
- Rosewood fingerboard with a 12" radius
- Mahogany body wings for enhanced resonance
- Flush-mount fully adjustable bridge
- Premium die-cast 14:1 machine heads
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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV's pickups?
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The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features T-Pro humbucking pickups that deliver a powerful, punchy sound with a strong low-end presence, ideal for rock and heavy genres.
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Is the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV Vintage Sunburst suitable for beginners?
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While the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV offers professional features, its playability and build make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality bass.
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Does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV have active electronics?
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Yes, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV includes custom active electronics and EQ, providing versatile tone-shaping options.
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What is the neck construction of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV?
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The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features a 7-piece walnut/maple neck with through-body construction, enhancing sustain and stability.
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How does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV handle different playing styles?
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The Thunderbird Pro-IV's robust build and versatile electronics make it suitable for various playing styles, from fingerstyle to aggressive pick playing.
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What materials are used in the body of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV?
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The body of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm, resonant sound.
Videos
The Bass Channel
Epiphone Thunderbird PRO IV
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning visual appeal with natural finish and black hardware
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Solid build quality with superb craftsmanship for its price range
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Massive bridge upgrade offers excellent sustain
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Pickups provide bright sound that cuts through mixes
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Deep lows and mid-range growl perfect for various music genres
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Set neck design adds to sustain and playability
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Offers versatile tones from treble-rich to deep P-Bass-like sounds
CONS
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Factory grounding issues cause noisy hum in pickups
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Heavy weight and size lead to neck dive and case compatibility issues
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Preamp's two-band EQ lacks useful frequency adjustments
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Requires modifications for optimal playability straight from the factory
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Best suited for specific genres like metal or punk due to bright sound
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
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The Vintage Pro is noted for its tank-like construction, with a thicker and slightly shorter neck compared to an Ibanez GSR 200, offering comfort and reduced finger strain.
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The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features a neck-thru construction, which distinguishes it from the bolt-on necks of non-Pro versions.
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It's noted for its solid construction, and owners appreciate the accompanying hard case for its durability.
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Comparisons
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Some owners compare the Thunderbird favorably to the Sandberg Forty Eights and Dingwall DRoc, noting similar appeal but lower cost.
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The 60s Thunderbird is essentially a renamed Vintage Pro, with the main difference being the fingerboard material: laurel instead of rosewood.
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The Thunderbird Vintage Pro features Probucker pickups, reportedly providing a more authentic Thunderbird sound than the TB Plus pickups in other models.
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Value and pricing
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The Vintage Pro models are favored by some owners over more expensive counterparts due to the lower price and satisfying performance, despite branding on the headstock.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Owners sometimes replace stock pickups and preamp for a broader sound palette, or opt to wire a Model One directly to the jack for a simpler setup.
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Owners recommend avoiding the basic model due to its "gimpy headstock," suggesting the Pro’s larger, correctly sized headstock with proper tuners is preferable.
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Some owners replace the bridge with a Hipshot for improved performance, as it's a recommended upgrade for this model.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite expectations, the Thunderbird maintains a deep, suave tone across settings, indicating limited aggressiveness without additional pedals.
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Despite its rock/metal reputation, the Thunderbird Pro-IV is versatile and suitable for various music genres, aided by its active electronics.
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Setup and maintenance
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
112
Great Bass
This is a great bass in all senses. The active pickups make playing effortless and the built in EQ allows for great tweak-ability and excellent tones.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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