Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? Purchased this bass 10 days ago as a back-up to my '57 Fender P-Bass Re-Issue (MIJ). This is a very well made instrument, I was pleasantly surprised with the craftsmanship. This particular series far surpasses not only Squire basses, but the Fender MIM models as well. Also, I have not experienced the "neck dive" issues most basses of the "explorer" shape tend to have. I now have a new #1. Features What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could? Neck-thru construction, flush mount bridge, active electronics, all great features in this price range...but the feature that has impressed me the most, thus far, have been the tuning machines. I tuned this bass the minute I pulled it out of the box. Since then, I have put close to 30 hours of playing time into it. I have only had to tune the bass once in that time period. Stays in tune beautifully (which was a concern, considering the price point.) Overall Your general opinion of this product. I have played and owned basses that cost twice as much as this bass, and the Epiphone Thunderbird Pro would embarrass them all. The few things I would change are: 1.) The location of the front strap post. The post sits on the backside of the bass, and thus the bass tilts slightly forward when you’re standing. Not an issue when you are comfortable with what you’re playing, but if you are not familiar with the piece and you need to glance down at the fret board to get your bearings the bass is at just enough of a down angle that you can’t see where you’re at on the lower frets. 2.) You’re pretty much stuck with the pups…I haven’t been able find aftermarket pickups for this instrument. They are certainly good enough for playing live, I would just want a fuller tone for recording. 3.) The stock strings are junk. But that’s it. I give this instrument a 5 star rating because you will not find a better bass in this price range. Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? The tone is a little on the bright side and a little thin for my taste, but I have to admit that it cuts through the mix nicely. Finish How did the stain or paint job look? The most incredibly beautiful instrument I have ever owned. I am a strong proponent of the saying, "It's not yours until you've scratched it." But with this, I would feel guilty about even having dust settle on this bass. The Vintage Sunburst is just incredible.

Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? yes, solid, heavy, had it for about two months now... no issues at all. Features What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could? the best features are the feel, the weight and the sound. Would be better with a gloss coat and a case. Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? you can get virutally anything you want out of it... those pickups are hot. Finish How did the stain or paint job look? the different layers of wood look awesome, but the matte finish on the natural model leaves something to be desired, if it had a gloss coat,wow, this bass would be perfect

Quality Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable? great, have used epiphones since the mid 90's... havent had this bass too long, but no problems yet--it is solid. Features What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could? the feel and weight are excellent, quality woods, this bass just looks awesome, active electronics sound great, lots of variation in sounds. If i could add one thing it would be a gloss coat(or a lower price on the natural finish model. Tone Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin? hot pickups. once again, versatile. Finish How did the stain or paint job look? looks good, however the satin finish is lackluster, really wish it had a gloss coat, i kinda wish i had opted for the gloss of the sunburst finish.