I think Epis are better than the Gibson. I've had both and the Gibby is lighter, not as sturdy. Epi tone (unplugged) is brighter and more sustained. I'll take the Epi platform any day. The difference is the electronics in the Gibson are better and more versatile, but not by a whole lot. I spent 300 on an Epi, 100 on a Hipshot bridge (which you have to buy for the Gibson, too, because they both have that junky 3-point), and it rocks, hard. If you really want to go deep, drop in a set of Bart pickups, too (for around 200) and you've got a better-sounding bass than the Gibson for half the price of a used Gibson.
I just got my EPI Thunderbird classic pro with the Gibson pickups and it sounds Awesome. The Gibson pickups difently will make you here the difference " it's a WOW FACTOR!!!!! ( imo ) change the Epi . Pickups to the Gibson pickups you wont regret it !!!!👍🎸
The hipshot bridge is made with aircraft grade aluminum which is much better then the stock three point metal bridge because it’s lighter, corrosion resistant and transfers the tone from the body because as you mentioned it makes full contact with the surface. I removed the input jack from the front of mine, drilled out a hole and put it in the side of the body like thunderbirds from the ‘90s. I then used the front hole from input jack and installed a three way switch. I rewired it so you can toggle between the bridge and neck pickup and center position is both pickups in unison. I don’t mess with the volume or tone pots and keep ‘em at 11 at all times. I also upgraded the stock tuners to Schaller M4 half cover inline gear tuners.There is a company on eBay that makes knock off reverse Gibson thunderbird truss rod covers that looks better then the originals. These mods on a $300 bass make it look and sound better then a $2300 bass for less the $200.
Thanks for posting the video. I have made a habit of buying less expensive basses and modding them to get high-end tone. My biggest success was with a Squier vintage modified (babicz full contact bridge). It sounds better than my USA geddy. But, I got an Epiphone T-bird classic pro in alpine white. I’m definitely getting the hipshot for it. I got a Gibson truss rod cover and you can’t tell the difference btw a 7ply and 9ply neck-thru. It has Gibson usa pickups.
I also replaced the shitty 3 points gibson bridge with this Hipshot Supertone bridge.. then I replaced its plastic nut with a Blacktusq and now my thunderbird sounds MASSIVE..
I've had my goth tbird for over 10 years. As the band and I progressed, I've had to borrow other high end basses for studio time and big gigs. Just found this product today and I'm looking forward to transforming my bass, along with some Seymour Duncans. These two upgrades should really make this an all around good bass.
I just bought that bass, I love it! but I think those upgrades (plus a change of humbuckers and adding a toggle instead of the second vol. control) would give it more "punch in the face" feel.
I would suggest replacing the three point bridge to a hip shot ! Better Sustain and all-around deeper tone ! I’ve got the epiphone goth pro IV thunder bird and it plays grate and sounds awesome after replacing it ,all so if you are using distortion or fuzz it’s definitely a improvement
Hi there! Quick question, when you installed the Hipshot Bridge, did you screw it in just two points or did you put the middle one to create the same inclination of the old 3-point bridge?
Sebastián Lapidus the hipshot bridge bolts down with the two back screws only. The front screw is removed and hole is covered by the base plate and the bridge is designed in such a way that it compensates for the incline of the old three point bridge.
Thanks for sharing this. I just got a Epiphone Thunberbird myself, and wasn't sure if I should put a hipshot on it like my Squire. Im going to look into the bridge as well, as I like the versatility on my squires.
I agree with you about the value of the Epiphone T'bird, nearly as good as the Gibson for a lot less money.
I think Epis are better than the Gibson. I've had both and the Gibby is lighter, not as sturdy. Epi tone (unplugged) is brighter and more sustained. I'll take the Epi platform any day. The difference is the electronics in the Gibson are better and more versatile, but not by a whole lot. I spent 300 on an Epi, 100 on a Hipshot bridge (which you have to buy for the Gibson, too, because they both have that junky 3-point), and it rocks, hard. If you really want to go deep, drop in a set of Bart pickups, too (for around 200) and you've got a better-sounding bass than the Gibson for half the price of a used Gibson.
I like the Epi T-Bird Pros much better than the entry level. Much faster neck and sustain, along with the electronics and HW.
@@Ryzanu Is that right? I've had 3 NT basses (sub $1000) and loved all of em. Lots of sustain, and you could get the string action really low.
I just got my EPI Thunderbird classic pro with the Gibson pickups and it sounds Awesome. The Gibson pickups difently will make you here the difference " it's a WOW FACTOR!!!!! ( imo ) change the Epi . Pickups to the Gibson pickups you wont regret it !!!!👍🎸
The hipshot bridge is made with aircraft grade aluminum which is much better then the stock three point metal bridge because it’s lighter, corrosion resistant and transfers the tone from the body because as you mentioned it makes full contact with the surface. I removed the input jack from the front of mine, drilled out a hole and put it in the side of the body like thunderbirds from the ‘90s. I then used the front hole from input jack and installed a three way switch. I rewired it so you can toggle between the bridge and neck pickup and center position is both pickups in unison. I don’t mess with the volume or tone pots and keep ‘em at 11 at all times. I also upgraded the stock tuners to Schaller M4 half cover inline gear tuners.There is a company on eBay that makes knock off reverse Gibson thunderbird truss rod covers that looks better then the originals. These mods on a $300 bass make it look and sound better then a $2300 bass for less the $200.
Tone rolled down flats finger style recipe for the warm fuzzy circle I love this Bass.
Thanks for posting the video. I have made a habit of buying less expensive basses and modding them to get high-end tone. My biggest success was with a Squier vintage modified (babicz full contact bridge). It sounds better than my USA geddy. But, I got an Epiphone T-bird classic pro in alpine white. I’m definitely getting the hipshot for it. I got a Gibson truss rod cover and you can’t tell the difference btw a 7ply and 9ply neck-thru. It has Gibson usa pickups.
I had one of these a few years back. I put the exact same bridge on it too. Sold it to fund another bass purchase and regret letting it go. Nice bass.
I also replaced the shitty 3 points gibson bridge with this Hipshot Supertone bridge.. then I replaced its plastic nut with a Blacktusq and now my thunderbird sounds MASSIVE..
Had hard time finding a nut for my goth bass. What size/brand did you end up getting?
I've had my goth tbird for over 10 years. As the band and I progressed, I've had to borrow other high end basses for studio time and big gigs. Just found this product today and I'm looking forward to transforming my bass, along with some Seymour Duncans. These two upgrades should really make this an all around good bass.
I really enjoyed this. Just bought one of these and will upgrade the bridge
Bad ass sound bro😮
I just bought that bass, I love it! but I think those upgrades (plus a change of humbuckers and adding a toggle instead of the second vol. control) would give it more "punch in the face" feel.
Definitely planning on changing my bridge too.
Me 2
Bridge and Tuners are the main issues on this great instrument i would say...changing these and it is perfect then
What tuners would you recommend
@@ChaseFotti Gotoh GB707 4L B or Schaller but first i would change the bridge
I would suggest replacing the three point bridge to a hip shot ! Better Sustain and all-around deeper tone ! I’ve got the epiphone goth pro IV thunder bird and it plays grate and sounds awesome after replacing it ,all so if you are using distortion or fuzz it’s definitely a improvement
Hi there! Quick question, when you installed the Hipshot Bridge, did you screw it in just two points or did you put the middle one to create the same inclination of the old 3-point bridge?
Sebastián Lapidus the hipshot bridge bolts down with the two back screws only. The front screw is removed and hole is covered by the base plate and the bridge is designed in such a way that it compensates for the incline of the old three point bridge.
Thanks for sharing this. I just got a Epiphone Thunberbird myself, and wasn't sure if I should put a hipshot on it like my Squire.
Im going to look into the bridge as well, as I like the versatility on my squires.
Great demo.
Those are better then the Gibson.!
Did someone with the name"Worshipbass" start playing Holy Diver?
Great video, man. Was the Hipshot bridge an easy install?
Great video.
Vielen Dank🇩🇪🇩🇪
You have one with Gibson pickups?
Fleetwood Mac!
I have the same bass and rocking it for Jesus!
Se la pasa hablando al pedo, yo quería escuchar el bajo no al pelado