Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Vintage Sunburst IBGM
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Epiphone
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Service.Europe@gibson.com
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Gibson Europe B.V.
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A Classic Epiphone Revisited: The Kalamazoo Spirit, E1 Version
The Thunderbird E1 pays tribute to the first Thunderbird released from the legendary Kalamazoo factory in 1963. Its "reverse" design with automotive style, attributed to designer Ray Dietrich, marked the history of solid body basses with its strong visual identity. Today, the Epiphone Thunderbird E1 revives these vintage codes while relying on a modern and accessible configuration, notably thanks to the TB Plus pickups. (Previously known as the Thunderbird-IV Reverse model.)For Which Bassist and Styles
With its assertive character and generous output level, the Thunderbird E1 is aimed at beginner to intermediate bassists who want a stage bass with a cult look, as well as more experienced players seeking an immediate rock sound. It excels in rock, hard rock, metal, punk, and stoner, and remains perfectly comfortable in pop when the tone is softened and the pickup volumes are balanced.The Sound
The combination of a mahogany body and TB Plus humbuckers delivers a muscular sonic signature: deep lows, full low-mids, and a clear attack, ideal for filling the mix effortlessly. The neck pickup provides roundness and thickness, while the bridge pickup adds bite and definition. Thanks to the two volume controls, you can switch from a massive, enveloping sound to a more incisive register, then fine-tune with the main tone control to gain softness or aggressiveness depending on the style.Technical specifications
| Body Shape | Bass | Tuners | Premium Die-cast 17:1 |
| Body Material | Mahogany | Pickguard | Traditional Thunderbird pickguard |
| Material | Hard Maple | Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Profile | SlimTaper | Control Knobs | Black speed knobs |
| Number of Frets | 20 | Neck Pickup | TB Plus humbuckers |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo | Bridge Pickup | TB Plus humbuckers |
| Nut Width | 44 mm / 1.73" | Controls | Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Main Tone |
| Inlays | Pearloid Dots | Output Jack | 1/4" / 6.35 mm Epiphone Heavy Duty |
| Joint | Bolt-on | String Gauge | .50, .75, .85, 105 |
| Bridge | 3-point fully adjustable | Gig Bag | Optional |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Thunderbird E1 suitable for rock and metal?
The two TB Plus humbuckers deliver deep lows and a sharp attack, suitable for rock, hard rock, metal, punk, and stoner genres. The mahogany body enhances the presence of low-mid frequencies.
What pickup controls does the Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Vintage Sunburst IBGM offer?
Two independent volume controls manage the neck and bridge pickups, complemented by a master tone control. The neck pickup emphasizes a warm, rounded tone, while the bridge pickup adds more bite.
What is the neck like on this Epiphone bass?
The hard maple neck features a SlimTaper profile and a 44 mm nut width. It has 20 Medium Jumbo frets and an adjustable truss rod.
What type of bridge does the Thunderbird E1 have?
It is equipped with a fully adjustable 3-point bridge. The Premium Die-cast tuners have a 17:1 ratio, and the strings installed are .050, .075, .085, and .105 gauge.
Is a gig bag included with the Thunderbird E1?
The gig bag is optional. The bass features an Epiphone Heavy Duty output jack in 6.35 mm format.



