Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $478

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

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

What kind of sound can I expect from the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV's pickups?

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.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV Vintage Sunburst suitable for beginners?

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.

Does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV have active electronics?

Yes, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV includes custom active electronics and EQ, providing versatile tone-shaping options.

What is the neck construction of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV?

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features a 7-piece walnut/maple neck with through-body construction, enhancing sustain and stability.

How does the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV handle different playing styles?

The Thunderbird Pro-IV's robust build and versatile electronics make it suitable for various playing styles, from fingerstyle to aggressive pick playing.

What materials are used in the body of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV?

The body of the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV is made from mahogany, contributing to its warm, resonant sound.

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 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

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal with natural finish and black hardware

  • Solid build quality with superb craftsmanship for its price range

  • Massive bridge upgrade offers excellent sustain

  • Pickups provide bright sound that cuts through mixes

  • Deep lows and mid-range growl perfect for various music genres

  • Set neck design adds to sustain and playability

  • Offers versatile tones from treble-rich to deep P-Bass-like sounds

CONS

  • Factory grounding issues cause noisy hum in pickups

  • Heavy weight and size lead to neck dive and case compatibility issues

  • Preamp's two-band EQ lacks useful frequency adjustments

  • Requires modifications for optimal playability straight from the factory

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV features a neck-thru construction, which distinguishes it from the bolt-on necks of non-Pro versions.

    Source
  • It's noted for its solid construction, and owners appreciate the accompanying hard case for its durability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners compare the Thunderbird favorably to the Sandberg Forty Eights and Dingwall DRoc, noting similar appeal but lower cost.

    Source
  • The 60s Thunderbird is essentially a renamed Vintage Pro, with the main difference being the fingerboard material: laurel instead of rosewood.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird Vintage Pro features Probucker pickups, reportedly providing a more authentic Thunderbird sound than the TB Plus pickups in other models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Experiences with neck dive vary; some find the bass perfectly balanced and light, while others struggle with neck dive issues.

    Source
  • The bass weighs around 8.6-8.7 pounds, which is manageable for those accustomed to heavier instruments like the Fender Jaguar.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners recommend avoiding the basic model due to its "gimpy headstock," suggesting the Pro’s larger, correctly sized headstock with proper tuners is preferable.

    Source
  • Some owners replace the bridge with a Hipshot for improved performance, as it's a recommended upgrade for this model.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite expectations, the Thunderbird maintains a deep, suave tone across settings, indicating limited aggressiveness without additional pedals.

    Source
  • Despite its rock/metal reputation, the Thunderbird Pro-IV is versatile and suitable for various music genres, aided by its active electronics.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Neck dive is common but manageable with a grippy strap and proper positioning, particularly when sitting.

    Source
  • Truss rod adjustments may be necessary to optimize playability, as one owner experienced initial setup needs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active electronics allow for treble and bass boost/cut and a blend knob for neck and bridge pickups, providing versatile tonal options beyond rock/metal.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chatho

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.

More Epiphone Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    stringman
    stringman

    Gear IQ 252