Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB

Thunderbird IV Electric Bass

Even though Epiphone's American sister company Gibson was less successful with their bass guitars, one bass model did manage to establish itself in the first league: the Thunderbird, which sports magnetic aesthetics by way of its extraordinary Firebird-like shape.

Epiphone brings with the Thunderbird IV an affordable and convincing copy onto the market. A mahogany body and maple neck together with two humbuckers produce crisp thrusting rock sounds that suits such a bass perfectly.

Mahogany body
Bolt-on maple neck
Indian Laurel fretboard
Pickups: 2 Humbuckers
Scale: Long scale, 34"
Nut width: 1.73"
Black hardware
Colour: Vintage Sunburst
Corresponding case: Article Nr 161567 (not included)

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Available since December 2001
Item number 151552
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Colour Sunburst
Soundboard Mahogany
Neck Maple
Fretboard Indian Laurel
Frets 20
Scale Longscale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Pickups HH

€458

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in 4-String Heavy Basses

Information on the disposal of old devices

Iconic thunderbird

Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB electric bass guitar, front view

Few bass guitars have achieved true cult status, but the Thunderbird is undeniably one of them – its striking design, inspired by 1960s American road cruisers, is undeniably a break from the monotony of traditional designs. As a subsidiary of Gibson, Epiphone offers the Thunderbird IV as a more accessible alternative to its legendary predecessor, yet it retains all the defining features that make a Thunderbird what it is. With carefully selected tonewoods and a pair of humbucker pickups, this instrument delivers a distinctive sound often described as "throaty" or "growling", and when paired with its bold aesthetic, the bass becomes an ideal choice for rock, blues rock, and even heavier styles across the metal spectrum.

Thunderbird bird illustration on the pickguard

Rock bass par excellence

Mahogany has long been the preferred wood for the Thunderbird body, thanks to its distinctive midrange that makes this wood perfect for a Rock bass, while the classic vintage sunburst finish beautifully brings out the natural grain. A bolt-on maple neck with an angled headstock is paired with a laurel fingerboard housing 20 frets, and together with two humbuckers and passive electronics (volume, volume, tone), the instrument delivers everything a Rock bassist could need – powerful, punchy tones shaped by the mahogany's character. Completing the signature look are black hardware and a white pickguard proudly displaying the Thunderbird logo.

Mahogany back from the Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB with bolt-on neck and rear strap pin.

A bass for individualists

With its striking looks, powerful features, and distinctive sound, the Epiphone Thunderbird IV is a top choice for Rock and Metal bassists, effortlessly meeting all the expectations in that realm – yet the instrument offers so much more. The Thunderbird is an instrument for individualists, those who want to break away from the norm and make a bold statement, instantly drawing attention on any stage with a design that stands apart from the endlessly imitated classics. Sling a Thunderbird over your shoulder and immediately look cool – something few basses can truly deliver.

About Epiphone

Today, Epiphone is known only as the Asian budget offshoot of Gibson. Yet both companies were once independent, equal, and also bitter rivals. The roots of Epiphone go back to the 1870s and to Anastasios Stathopoulo, a Greek instrument maker, who emigrated to America in 1903 with his son Epaminondas (“Epi” for short). Epi changed the name of the firm to the "Epiphone Banjo Company" after taking over the family business in 1928. During this year, Epiphone also began to manufacture guitars, which rapidly came to dominate their sales. In 1957, Epiphone was taken over by C.M.I., which already included Gibson, but continued as a separate brand until 1970, when manufacturing was outsourced to Asia. Well-known Epiphone models include the Casino, played by the Beatles, and the Sheraton, John Lee Hooker's instrument of choice.

At home or in a band

If the goal is to play bass in a Rock or heavy band and truly be heard, an instrument that can cut through the mix and stand strong against a wall of guitars and drums – without relying on equalisers or compressors – is needed. That calls for a powerful tone with pronounced mids, and that's exactly what the Epiphone Thunderbird offers, making the instrument an perfect match for tube amps and pedals like overdrive or distortion – anything that thrives on a bit of grit. All three work seamlessly together, especially with a bass that delivers such impressive output and punch.

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4.5 / 5

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99 Reviews

Great bass

Stalko 26.10.2019

Sound is quite soft and metallic. Great for metal and punk-rock music. I'm happy!

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You get a Thunderbird!

Ole Krossbone 31.01.2025

I bought this to pair up with my older heavily modified Epibird, refinished it and did the same mods (new machine heads, brass nut, EMG TBHZ pickups and no pickguard). The thing is that as no matter how much I love Thunderbirds, they are far from flawless. The bridge can be a bitch to adjust and to play at all, so im looking to upgrade those to Hipshots in the future. The tuning keys on my first one became bad really quickly and I think the original pickups are a bit limited, so in other words, mine become work projects for a while before it becomes playable as i like it. But thats just my personal preferences. The neck is also very weak by the headstock, my old one cracked halfway off and needed a gluejob. It now seems more sturdy then ever!
If you want a standard Thunderbird for a fair price, go for it! They look, sound and play great for those who are into them, its no a very versatile bass. I dont think they are as neckheavy or "clumsy" as many put it, although thats just my opinion. But its far from a flawless instrument.

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Thunderbird IV

Niels T. 16.12.2013

Bought this guitar around april 2013.

My first thoughts on this Bass were very good, It looked and felt amazing, a bit heavy but comfortable enough to play.
The sound that this in combination with my Orange Crush 100bxt blasts is superb, really love the deep but still trebly bass sound. It has a nice rock and maybe even metal sound.

However after half a year the jack output connector of the bass was coming loose, and the washer that are on the tuning machines are breaking. I always handle my guitars with care and keep them in their bags safely stored away, so it really as some flaws.
I think there's a lack of quality on the used electronics and mechanics on this Bass.

But for a 250€ bass guitar i think it's a nice axe.

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Nice

ethozerusia 02.04.2020

Pretty good guitar for this price, nice warm TB soud and comfortable to play. Perfect choice for beginner

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Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB

Thunderbird IV Electric Bass