Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$749.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (10)
$749.00
Amazon
4.4 (6)
$749.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$760.82 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$749.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$749.00
Gear4Music
£699.00

Average Price: $741

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Epiphone Thunderbird 60s Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass is a legendary instrument that brings the iconic sound and style of the '60s into the modern age. This electric bass is a faithful reproduction of the original classic that shaped rock history. Its neck-through design combines a 7-piece mahogany and walnut construction, ensuring superior sustain and robustness. The slim, fast-playing neck offers a familiar, comfortable feel, making it ideal for today's bassists who crave vintage vibes with modern playability.

Equipped with ProBucker 760™ humbucking pickups, the Thunderbird '60s Bass delivers a punchy, warm tone reminiscent of the early Gibson Thunderbird sound. These pickups, combined with individual volume controls and a master tone control adorned with vintage top-hat knobs, allow for precise tonal shaping and sound customization. Whether you're laying down the groove in a classic rock band or exploring new genres, this bass is engineered to meet the demands of discerning musicians.

The instrument's aesthetic is completed with vintage-style hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a Claw tailpiece, which not only enhance its classic look but also anchor the strings securely for reliable tuning stability. With the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass, you can capture the essence of an era while enjoying the benefits of modern craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • 7-piece mahogany and walnut neck-through construction
  • ProBucker 760™ humbucking pickups
  • Individual volume controls for each pickup with a master tone control
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge with Claw tailpiece
  • Vintage top-hat knobs for tonal control
  • Slim, fast-playing neck for comfortable performance
  • Classic rock-inspired design with modern enhancements

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Thunderbird '60s
Finish Ebony, Tobacco Sunburst
Year 2022 - 2025
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Laurel
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass have?

The Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass features passive ProBucker #760 bass humbuckers, which provide a powerful and vintage-inspired tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass suitable for beginners?

While the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass is a quality instrument with a vintage vibe, its large body and potential for neck dive may be challenging for beginners. However, with a proper strap and some experience, it can be a rewarding choice.

What is the body material of the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass?

The body of the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.

How many frets does the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass have?

The Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass come with active electronics?

No, the Epiphone Thunderbird '60s Bass is equipped with passive electronics, offering a straightforward and classic bass sound without the need for a battery.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Epiphone Thunderbird 60's Bass - A Vintage Spec Bass That Wont Break The Bank!

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird 60's Bass - A Vintage Spec Bass That Wont Break The Bank! by PMTVUK

Epiphone Thunderbird 60's Bass - A Vintage Spec Bass That Wont Break The Bank!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Epiphone 60s Thunderbird review #epiphonebass #thunderbirdbass #mottthehoople #overendwatts by hiwatt scott

Epiphone 60s Thunderbird review #epiphonebass #thunderbirdbass #mottthehoople #overendwatts

hiwatt scott

hiwatt scott

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone with bright, responsive pickups and a gritty rock sound

  • Comes with perfect action and almost perfect intonation out of the box

  • Lightweight and well-balanced, minimizing neck dive issues

  • Eye-catching design with a striking chrome claw tailpiece bridge

  • Fast, smooth neck ideal for quick playability

  • Multi-ply neck construction enhances stability in varying weather

  • Unique, larger headstock draws attention and adds character

  • Easy quick string changes without dragging the string through a hole

  • Impressive build quality on par with more expensive models

  • Suitable for diverse musical styles from rock to country

CONS

  • Sharp fret ends may require manual filing for comfort

  • Does not fit standard Epiphone Thunderbird cases without modification

  • Pickup screws may scratch fingers when playing fingerstyle

  • Initial setup may be inconsistent, requiring adjustment of action and relief

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Thunderbird 60s Bass.

Build quality

  • The switch to laurel fingerboards has been noted, with some preferring the rosewood found on older Vintage Pro models for its feel and aesthetics.

    Source
  • Owners describe the 60s Thunderbird's build as excellent, with better hardware compared to the E1's more basic components.

    Source
  • A sticky strap is recommended by users to mitigate neck dive, enhancing playability during sessions.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner experienced significant variability in balance, with some models perfectly balanced and others suffering from bad neck dive.

    Source
  • Some players experience the Thunderbird rolling away from the body during play, requiring adjustment to view the fretboard while standing.

    Source
  • Some owners report the Thunderbird as having a forward-flip issue over the player's body, making the fretboard difficult to view while standing.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Thunderbird 60s is essentially the Vintage Pro with updated naming, with no major differences aside from the fingerboard material.

    Source
  • The Epiphone 60s Thunderbird is noted to resemble the construction of an original '64 Thunderbird more closely than the E1 model, due to its neck-through design and superior pickups.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Embassy is mentioned as having similar sound characteristics to the Thunderbird, providing a more ergonomic alternative without the iconic Thunderbird aesthetics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest considering new pickups and preamps for a broader sound palette, though some prefer wiring directly to the jack for simplicity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Thunderbird models offer a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive brands like Gibson, with users reporting satisfaction despite the lower price point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The lack of a left-handed model for the Thunderbird 60s is noted, with some left-handed players choosing to flip the guitar for use.

    Source
  • Some players find the neck dive manageable with a heavy leather strap, though others find it uncomfortable.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The triangle bridge is reported as temperamental, requiring visits to multiple technicians for satisfactory setups.

    Source
  • Intonation problems are frequently noted above the 13th fret, even after professional setups, indicating persistent issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Thunderbird is praised for its aggressive tone, making it suitable for hard rock, though not ideal as a main bass due to ergonomic concerns.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
phillip_c_duskin

10/10

One of my favorite basses I play, it has all kinds of nice melodies that sound just right to me so yeah

lanick_le_moal

Nice quality for 600€ in France...

Quality: Made in Indonesia ...yes don't worry the quality is really good, I have the white version Neck is fabulous !!! I love to slide with this bass ! Sound: I don't have a good amps :( but the sound is really nice with my poor amps ... Take one if you love thunderbird style !

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sami Yaffa uses Epiphone Thunderbird 60s Bass

Sami Yaffa

Bassist

New York Dolls

...
Verified via Photo

Sami Yaffa playing a (possibly damaged?!?) Epiphone Thunderbird 60s bass with what looks to be Hanoi Rock's lead guitarist, "the insufferable," Andy McCoy behind him, probably right before a gig. Picture seems to be taken around mid 80s when Andy and Sami both sported similar hairstyles to those seen here. Sami looks young :) There are actually a few different photos of him playing one on different occasions all around the same time period. Wish I could upload more than one photo!

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 60s Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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brandon_jobin_vandoorselaere

brandon_jobin_vandoorselaere

Gear IQ 112

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