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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass is a powerhouse of sound and style, perfect for the modern bassist seeking both form and function. This bass guitar is built on the legendary Thunderbird foundation, offering a striking look with its iconic body shape. But it's not just a pretty face; its 7-piece Walnut/Maple neck with through-body construction ensures unparalleled sustain, allowing your notes to resonate with clarity and depth.

Equipped with Epiphone's T-Pro humbucking pickups, the Thunderbird PRO V delivers a wide tonal palette, from thick, rumbling lows to punchy, articulate highs. Its active electronics and 2-band EQ give you precise control over your sound, making it an adaptable instrument for any musical context. The Slim-Taper neck profile offers an ergonomic playing experience, reducing hand fatigue and enabling fast, fluid playability across all five strings.

Whether you’re laying down heavy grooves or exploring melodic lines, the Thunderbird PRO V has the versatility and power to make your performance stand out. It’s a bass that truly lives up to its rock and roll heritage, yet offers the modern features today's musicians demand.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass
  • Epiphone T-Pro humbucking pickups with active electronics
  • 7-piece Walnut/Maple neck with through-body construction
  • Slim-Taper neck profile for comfortable playability
  • 34” scale length and 1.50” nut width
  • 12" radius Rosewood fingerboard
  • Flush-mount fully adjustable bridge
  • Premium die-cast 14:1 bass machine heads

Product specs

Brand Epiphone
Model Thunderbird Pro V
Finish Natural Oil, Trans Black, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1999 - 2020
Made In China
Categories 4-String Basses, 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan
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, 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass?

The Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V offers a warm, punchy tone with its T-Pro humbucking pickups and active electronics, making it suitable for rock, metal, and other genres requiring a strong bass presence.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build quality, active preamp, and powerful humbucking pickups that deliver a dynamic and clear sound on stage.

How does the neck construction of the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V affect playability?

The 7-piece walnut/maple neck with through-body construction provides excellent stability and sustain, enhancing the overall playability and comfort for bassists who prefer a smooth and fast neck.

Does the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass require a specific type of amplifier?

While the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V can be used with any standard bass amplifier, pairing it with an amp that complements its active electronics and humbucking pickups will maximize its tonal capabilities.

Is the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass beginner-friendly?

While it offers advanced features that appeal to experienced players, beginners can also benefit from its solid construction and versatile tone, though the 5-string configuration may require some adjustment for those new to bass playing.

Houstonbassdemo

Houstonbassdemo

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro 5 Bass Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird Pro 5 Bass Guitar Demo by Houstonbassdemo

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro 5 Bass Guitar Demo

Houstonbassdemo

Houstonbassdemo

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V Electric Bass Review by Trinidad Sanchez III

Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V Electric Bass Review

Trinidad Sanchez III

Trinidad Sanchez III

Video thumbnail for LowEndLobster Review: Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V 5 String Bass by LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster Review: Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V 5 String Bass

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Reviews

PROS

  • Through-neck construction offers superior sustain and tonal resonance

  • T-Pro bass humbucking pickups provide versatile sound options

  • SlimTaper neck design ensures comfortable, agile playability

  • Sleek Thunderbird body shape makes a bold aesthetic statement

  • Durable hardware keeps the bass in tune during intense performances

  • Offers a blend of classic design and modern technology

  • Affordable price point for a 5-string bass with advanced features

CONS

  • Neck width of 2" may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Pickups may not adequately capture B and G strings

  • Factory wiring issues may cause unwanted hum

  • Preamp boosts less desirable frequencies

  • Considerable weight makes long performances challenging

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass.

User experience

  • The five-string Thunderbird Pro is noted for its poor balance due to the neck weight not being compensated for by the body design.

    Source
  • Some owners describe significant sound issues with the B and G strings due to the pickups not adequately covering these strings.

    Source
  • Several players note that, after three months of regular use, the finish shows minor chipping around the edges, indicating a need for careful handling.

    Source

Comparisons

  • ESP and Spector models are recommended as alternatives with better five-string designs, avoiding the sound and balance issues seen in the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V.

    Source
  • The Yamaha TRBX305 is frequently mentioned as a more balanced alternative with fewer neck dive issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • An owner reports that active pickups can improve tone across all strings, potentially addressing some sound quality issues.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report that the knobs on the Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V feel loose and require tightening or replacement for a more reliable performance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest setting the action height to 2.5mm on the B string to minimize buzz when playing in C standard tuning.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This model is praised for its suitability in genres like stoner rock and doom metal, where a deep, resonant tone on the low B string is essential.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A few users recommend swapping the stock bridge with a Babicz Full Contact Bridge for improved sustain and intonation.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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4 star
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its420cornelius

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-V 5-string Bass is a modern legend in the making

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-V 5-string Bass is an exciting evolution of the iconic Thunderbird Bass, offering an irresistible blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology - all while remaining affordable for any passionate bassist.

One of the standout features of this bass is its construction. The 7-piece walnut/maple neck with through-body design not only screams quality but also delivers outstanding sustain and tonal resonance. This means your notes will ring out with power and clarity, making the Thunderbird Pro-V perfect for a wide range of musical styles.

What truly sets this bass apart, though, is its electronics. Epiphone has equipped the Thunderbird Pro-V with their T-Pro bass humbucking pickups, enhanced by custom active electronics and a 2-band EQ. This setup provides an astonishing level of versatility. Whether you're craving thunderous low-end punch or crisp, articulate highs, you can dial in your desired sound effortlessly. This bass is truly a sonic chameleon.

The playability of the Thunderbird Pro-V is nothing short of exceptional. Epiphone's SlimTaper design ensures that the neck maintains a perfect width-to-thickness ratio. This results in a comfortable and agile playing experience, allowing you to effortlessly traverse the fretboard without straining your fingers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your bass journey, this bass offers a welcoming and ergonomic playing experience.

In terms of aesthetics, the Thunderbird Pro-V is a stunner. The classic Thunderbird body shape has been carefully preserved, ensuring you make a bold statement on stage. Its sleek, timeless design is complemented by a variety of elegant finishes that will undoubtedly turn heads wherever you play.

Lastly, it's important to mention that Epiphone has crafted this bass with durability in mind. The hardware is robust and dependable, and the bass stays perfectly in tune even during the most intense performances or recording sessions.

In conclusion, the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-V 5-string Bass is a modern legend in the making. It builds upon the revered Thunderbird heritage while incorporating advanced features and a wallet-friendly price point. With its exceptional sustain, versatile electronics, and comfortable playability, this bass is suitable for players of all skill levels and musical preferences. Whether you're into rock, metal, funk, or any other genre, the Thunderbird Pro-V delivers on its promise of quality, style, and value. It's a rock and roll dream come true for bassists.

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chrisdesign

I assume Chat-GPT is your co author‽

chrisdesign

Beautiful but terrible electronics

This bass is giant! It looks stunning, is solid as a rock, and can sound very good. However, mine can with too many issues.

The neck is 2” wide! The pickups are too narrow to capture the B and G properly. The preamp is forgettable and, according to some people, boost the wrong frequencies. On my model, an idiot in the factory wired the random red leads to ground creating hum. This is easy to fix by desoldering the red wires, but now I want to know what that red wire is for! There was so much potential.

To make this bass great: - ensure the red wire is desoldered from the ground - move neck strap button to behind the neck (reduce neck dive) - replace tuners with ultra light ones (reduce neck dive) - replace the preamp with a better designed one

What killed it for me is the weight. It’s too heavy to do a three your set.

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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 V 5-String Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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chrisdesign

chrisdesign

Gear IQ 4923

chrisdesign

chrisdesign

Gear IQ 4923

2 alternative and related items for Epiphone Thunderbird PRO V 5-String Bass, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson Thunderbird Studio 5 String Bass

 

high-end alternative

Gibson briefly sold a five string Thunderbird when metal was more popular but this was only in their studio line. The Gibson version is passive, has different pickups, different finish, and solid colour. It’s a very different but higher end offering.

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV

$478.26

similar sound

The four string version is pretty identical in every way, except it has one less string and a skinnier neck width. Other than that, it’s the same bass.

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