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Epiphone

collapse expand iconDescription

The Thunderbird E1 bass guitar gives you the great sound and look of the classic Gibson Thunderbird with a streamlined design based on the original model. The Thunderbird E1 has an alder body with a 20-fret, 34" maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. It also comes equipped with two TB-Plus humbuckers and two volume and one tone control knobs. 
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Bass Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Bass Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Bass Vintage Sunburst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Classic design
  • Alder body (Mahogany on Silverburst finish)
  • 34" scale
  • Maple neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • 20 frets
  • 2 TB-Plus humbuckers
  • 2 volume and 1 tone
  • Chrome hardware
  • Polyurethane finish
  • Limited lifetime warranty

collapse expand iconReviews

4.4

144 Reviews

73%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Nice Bass for a Low Price

It sounds better than any $300 bass should. Of course, it doesn't sound like a $5,000 bass because it's not. I added a new strap button to fix the neck dive and replaced the strings with Marcus Miller Fat Beams on day one. It's a great value for only $300. I own some higher price basses, yet this T-bird is one of my favorties. You just can't beat this bass at this price if you're willing to add a new strap button to fix the neck dive. And it looks so cool. I play it live through an Ampeg SVT1000 and feel like I'm Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Not for the avid player

This bass is very attrictive and would definitely bring attention to the bassist in a live show. It has some decent pickups for its price, but if you're going to play gigs I'd suggestion upgrading them. This bass is not for starting bassists cause it's weight is not leveled right with can promote bad habits in a novice bass player. Also, for it's price, you can find more suitable basses for starting out, brands like Ibanez, Fender, and Peavey. The only problems I've had with this bass: wiring to EQ had to be fixed, Top heavy-ness, and price. Positive sides of this bass: Very attractive look, fast neck, decent PU's, and everyone has it

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing20
  2. Jamming16
  3. Small Venues12
  4. Recording8
  5. School Bands6
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz5
  2. Poor Pick Up4
  3. Flat Sound3
  4. Craftsmanship2
  5. Almost unplayable neck tension1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced12
  2. Novice7
  3. Professional Musician2
  4. Child1
Pros
  1. Fun To Play18
  2. Good Tone17
  3. Good Feel14
  4. Good Pick Up11
  5. Solid Electronics9

Reviewed by 144 customers

  • I would buy this again.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJoe

    fromAlhambra CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I got this Bass for my son and he loves it. The bass player in my band also uses one.I think it's a perfect bass for a beginner and a long time player. The tone is definitely low but if you crank up the high tone on your amp it has great punch.

  • One trick pony that needs more work

    2

    submitted3 years ago

    byChris

    fromColorado Springs

    I really wanted to like this bass. It has looks like a classic car, has really nice feel, and has that rock n' roll reputation. But man, epiphone makes it sound so dull. Messing with the amp EQ can't really improve the sound, which sounds like a P-bass with a wet blanket over it. Slapping isn't any fun on it, and really only excels at picking, which I'm not a fan of. A better set of pickups and a new bridge can make this bass really shine, but it's not worth the upgrade.

  • Solid and cool. Not terribly subtle.

    4

    submitted5 years ago

    bySon's a banger

    fromIllinois

    Got it for my 20-yo son whose discovered all the old classic rockers. Zep, harder Queen, etc, which got him to use quarantine to learn bass. This is the beast for that and a solid, good-lookin' piece of furniture. Baseball bat neck good for hard fretting. Not as subtle or supple as a Lakland I have that cost twice as much; go figure. Bet the Gibson version is something else. Changed the strings to flats for playability, and it knocked back a lot of that twangy grit.

  • Great tone, terrible neck dive

    3

    submitted6 years ago

    byThe Matt

    fromBremerton, Wa

    This is a great sounding bass for the price and could be nice for a studio bass for home projects. However, the awful neck dive makes this a poor option for playing live. I played this during long sets and short and it doesn't matter, the weight and neck dive will have you hurting at the end of the night.

  • Excellent Bass,

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byGreg

    fromToney Al

    First bass, love it

  • Good for 400.00

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byChuck

    fromAnchorage, Alaska

    Finish is outstanding. Does have some neck dive, Pups are on the weak side going thru an Ampeg amp. Narrow neck that reminds me of an old Carvin V440 bass. I bought it off the showroom floor, it was in tune but I could see it needed set up badly. I overlooked that part and bought it. Got it home, lowered the bridge about 1/4 inch. D and G string were intonated perfectly. The intonation on the E and A strings were off a little. Setting them correctly was fast and easy. Overall a good bass for the price. I play an American Standard Precision and Spector 5 string and was looking for something else to just goof around with. It DOES NOT come with a case and finding any case to fit other than the Epiphone Thunderbird case is tough. Which they did not have in stock.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJulie

    fromAtlanta ga

    What amp would you suggest to go with this bass?

    What amp would you suggest to go with this bass?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It depends on what you're looking to do with it. Give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can help you find the right amp for your needs.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked bySmokin Joe

    fromBakersfield, CA

    Any idea when this will be available?

    Any idea when this will be available?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 877-687-5403

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byRick

    fromWest Des Moines Iowa

    I received an email regarding a 40% discount. Would that apply to this bass as well.

    I received an email regarding a 40% discount. Would that apply to this bass as well.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    We need a little more information to better answer your question. Please give us a call 877 687 5403

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byGreyson

    fromundisclosed

    Is this product available in store at Taylorsville utah

    Is this product available in store at Taylorsville utah

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact your local store for specific inquiries regarding their inventory

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byJeffrey

    fromIL

    What are the differences between this and the pro model?

    What are the differences between this and the pro model?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The main difference is the electronics and the hardware. The pro model has a bit of an upgrade on them.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byDerrick

    fromValparaiso, FL

    Does it come with a case?

    Does it come with a case?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    No, this doesn't come with a case