Gibson Thunderbird vs Fenders P-Bass
- Thread starter bassplaya
- Start date
Musicana77
New member
comparison
hmm, the term "pack more sound" is kinda general. Are you referring to tonal capabilities or are you look for a particular tone ? = )
hmm, the term "pack more sound" is kinda general. Are you referring to tonal capabilities or are you look for a particular tone ? = )
I suggest you test them both and see which one you like... Please don't buy base on what ppl comment here.. its really about what works for you....
Thunderbird got looks, but its a very unbalanced bass (if you don't hold it the neck will swing down) Some people can't get past that discomfort when you first play it.
Both basses will give you a nice big low end while still retaining the low mids character... Don't expect the super sub bassy kinda boom from either tho... if you want that maybe look at a stingray
Thunderbird got looks, but its a very unbalanced bass (if you don't hold it the neck will swing down) Some people can't get past that discomfort when you first play it.
Both basses will give you a nice big low end while still retaining the low mids character... Don't expect the super sub bassy kinda boom from either tho... if you want that maybe look at a stingray
iverson763
New member
Just to point out, my experience with a gibson tbird is that it doesn't do the neck dive thing that the epiphone one apparently does to you. Even if there is a slightness of neck dive, nothing a good strap, i.e. comfort strapp, cannot help rectify really.
And prior to playing a gibson tbird, heard a lot of rumours that it's a damn heavy bass. but having played a fender 5 string jazz for years, when i picked up the tbird, it felt as light as a electric guitar.
As someone said, everything is relative, from neck dives, weight to sound. So yea, you should go try it out yourself
And prior to playing a gibson tbird, heard a lot of rumours that it's a damn heavy bass. but having played a fender 5 string jazz for years, when i picked up the tbird, it felt as light as a electric guitar.
As someone said, everything is relative, from neck dives, weight to sound. So yea, you should go try it out yourself
Last edited:
rottenramone
Active member
go get a t-bird if u can rock it, otherwise just stick to the usual fenders
Ken
New member
Gibson T birds rule. and I will tell you why from my extensive experience of having played a total of 6 Gibson T birds, 4 US P basses, 2 Mexican P basses and numerous Jap ones.
1) The grind
The T birds have booming lows and visible highs. They can punch and still retain their clarity in a heavy mix, can't say the same for a P bass
2) The warmth
All of us Motown fans are enamoured with that warm low thunk of the P bass. Well...plug the T bird into a good amp, say an Ampeg or Juicy Bassman, lower the mids and highs a little and see what you get.
3) Versatility
The T bird runs on two ceramic pickups which are bloody high output for passives. The two tone controls are usually very sensitive and you can get most things you want out of it ( even Jaco sounds...... if you see me with my T bird, ask me abt this and I will show you) The P bass is cool....but its not as versatile
4) Playbility
The neck is a nice cross between old fender jazz C profiles and a full P bass feel. Coupled with that cool neck thru smoothness
5) No one piece is the same
Every piece is handmade and has its character. Not factory manufactured
6) Un bastardisable
Its a neckthru, not bolt on, made out of quality wood. Only way to bastardise this beast is to rip out the neck ala some famous dead bassplayer.
DISCLAIMER:
The above only apply to the Gibby Birds
Myths:
1) It neck dives..... well.... hang it low, it balances out, this is a T bird not your school teacher's after hours playmate
2) Epiphones are better.... erm....... play the gibbys man, i am sure converts on this forum will agree with me
3) Its a one trick pony ( Most folks i know say that till they play my T birds... at least one of them gets them)
4) Same price as P basses.... well wrong......
End of day its what you prefer...Both P basses and T birds are tried and tested basses, its just that different people go for different ones.
1) The grind
The T birds have booming lows and visible highs. They can punch and still retain their clarity in a heavy mix, can't say the same for a P bass
2) The warmth
All of us Motown fans are enamoured with that warm low thunk of the P bass. Well...plug the T bird into a good amp, say an Ampeg or Juicy Bassman, lower the mids and highs a little and see what you get.
3) Versatility
The T bird runs on two ceramic pickups which are bloody high output for passives. The two tone controls are usually very sensitive and you can get most things you want out of it ( even Jaco sounds...... if you see me with my T bird, ask me abt this and I will show you) The P bass is cool....but its not as versatile
4) Playbility
The neck is a nice cross between old fender jazz C profiles and a full P bass feel. Coupled with that cool neck thru smoothness
5) No one piece is the same
Every piece is handmade and has its character. Not factory manufactured
6) Un bastardisable
Its a neckthru, not bolt on, made out of quality wood. Only way to bastardise this beast is to rip out the neck ala some famous dead bassplayer.
DISCLAIMER:
The above only apply to the Gibby Birds
Myths:
1) It neck dives..... well.... hang it low, it balances out, this is a T bird not your school teacher's after hours playmate
2) Epiphones are better.... erm....... play the gibbys man, i am sure converts on this forum will agree with me
3) Its a one trick pony ( Most folks i know say that till they play my T birds... at least one of them gets them)
4) Same price as P basses.... well wrong......
End of day its what you prefer...Both P basses and T birds are tried and tested basses, its just that different people go for different ones.
PatheinRaindropMoe
New member
Well said, Ken.
I played a Fender Jazz for 10 years, but am happily thumping away on a T-bird after a loooong multi-year search for one (finally bought one in Osaka last year).
Well pointed-out on the myths, especially the neck dive. The other one I often hear is that T-birds don't play friendly with slap bassists, which in my experience is not true. This video should provide some food for thought (well worth watching for anyone wanting to buy a Thunderbird) : YouTube - augustos and the tbird
There is indeed a middle ground. John Entwhistle of The Who played a bass with a Thunderbird clone body and T-bird hardware, but with a Fender Precision neck. This "frankenbass" was called the Fenderbird. Awesome bassist, fantastic gentleman and great, great music. John Entwistle Gear: 1971-1974 | Whotabs | The Who Equipment
I played a Fender Jazz for 10 years, but am happily thumping away on a T-bird after a loooong multi-year search for one (finally bought one in Osaka last year).
Well pointed-out on the myths, especially the neck dive. The other one I often hear is that T-birds don't play friendly with slap bassists, which in my experience is not true. This video should provide some food for thought (well worth watching for anyone wanting to buy a Thunderbird) : YouTube - augustos and the tbird
There is indeed a middle ground. John Entwhistle of The Who played a bass with a Thunderbird clone body and T-bird hardware, but with a Fender Precision neck. This "frankenbass" was called the Fenderbird. Awesome bassist, fantastic gentleman and great, great music. John Entwistle Gear: 1971-1974 | Whotabs | The Who Equipment
henryvelge
New member
just to off track abit, how much does a new japan p. bass cost? roughly. and a used one. thanks guys.
Wow! I find that "Fenderbird" totally awesome.
Ken
New member
Funny you said that...I have been thumping on my Gibby T birds forever, but recently I just found new value in the Fender jazz hahahahahaha
Similar threads
