Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Finally got my Christmas present. An Epiphone Thunderbird IV Pro. Tried to buy one locally but after 2 months on order and being told they couldn't order from Gibson, I gave up. Then I saw MF had them $100 off and for St. Paddy's Day 14% more off, so I ordered with a hard Epi case. Quite a bargain.

It is well-made, in China though, and plays and sounds great. Needs a setup (tonight) and it will be ready to rock.

Nice!! Looks like a fun one!

Had a short spin on it earlier and still learning the controls. It's an active bass which is new to me. Love the sounds I can get with it. I played a regular Epi T-bird but it sounded way too much like a Jazz bass. Got one of those.

Oooh, that's a nice one John!

Congrats.

What's the difference from the cheapish model vs the PRO model?

How's the weight?

Thanks Tony! The difference is neck-through, active preamp, better pickups, and a whole lot more tone variations. It is rather light. I haven't weighed it but just having it on my shoulder I can tell it is lighter than a Rick.

johnallg wrote:Thanks Tony! The difference is neck-through, active preamp, better pickups, and a whole lot more tone variations. It is rather light. I haven't weighed it but just having it on my shoulder I can tell it is lighter than a Rick.

WOW, LOL, BIG difference! So much for the $300.00 version! LOL

REALLY, that light eh? They sure LOOK like they have some weight to 'em. That's pretty cool!

John is the battery compartment easy to get at? Also can you use a rechargeable with this bass?

Congrats again btw.

Brian, back of the neck in the lower body area.



As for using rechargable 9V batteries, I sure hope so. I have true 9V rechargeable NiMH (9.6V) so I'm thinking yes.

John, that looks cool. The 5-strings have always tempted me. Construction seems good.

Rechargeables should be okay but because they always discharge a little their lifespan should be much less than a disposable.

John,

The placement of the battery box looks well thought out. Hopefully you can use a rechargeable battery and get enough out of each charge to last a few days. Enjoy. It looks fabulous.

Nice one, JA.

johnallg wrote:Thanks Tony! The difference is neck-through, active preamp, better pickups, and a whole lot more tone variations. It is rather light. I haven't weighed it but just having it on my shoulder I can tell it is lighter than a Rick.

Thats interestting what you say about the weight John, I had one of these as well and I sold it because it honestly felt so much heavier that any RICs I have. I also thought the neck was too long.. especially when reaching for the 1st fret. It really felt like a stretch to me...other than that they are a great bass and the sound is as you say very good.

Nice, John! They don't make it in MG, I see.

Well,semi,anyway .....show us the backside of it,John.

jps wrote:Nice, John! They don't make it in MG, I see.

Actually they do; they call it natural. The battery compartment pic is of the back of a natural finish.