Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Electric Bass
Take Nikki's attitude to your next gig! The Blackbird rocks a solid mahogany body for tons of sustain, and Deep Sixx humbuckers for that killer Crue tone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 52 ratings)
Submitted July 25, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"The sixx dosent fall far from the tree"
AMAZING!!!! go get on... right now....
i mean it, GO!!!!!
Sound
I LOVE the sound. when I play it, it sounds just like Nikki.
I play metal, and it sounds great!!!
Features
Love the bass, wish it had tunning/ volume, but, i prob wouldent change it anyway
Ease of Use
I love it, feel great, looks great. Plays like a dream!!! really easy to get the sound I want
Quality
Quality is amazing. strong, a bit heavy, but I like that.
Value
Amazing. got it for under $450.00. would have paid ALOT more for this baby!!!
Manufacturer Support
Havent needed to do anything. when I got it, it took 2 days to come in.
The Wow Factor
Looks amazing. sexy, sleek, iron cross' really put it over the edge. clear pick guard and logo work really well. flat black and black hardware make it. Its like your playing Sixx himself!!!
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
metal/ classic rock
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Submitted October 1, 2012 by Shawn D in Green Bay, WI
"BAD ASS BASS FOR METAL"
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At 1st I was weary about this bass due to the price and that it's a cheaper made version of the original Gibson Nikki Sixx Blackbird. Saw several videos on line on how this bass sounded (no around me had one to play live) and it had the sound I wanted. When I got this bass and hooked it to my Beringer Ultrabass 15 Watt practice amp and it blew me away. 1st it was extremely loud 2nd it had a naturally deep bass tone to it. I would recommend this bass for anyone that wants to play loud deep bass for metal or hard rock. Plus I love that it just has a kill switch seen I usually play with the volume maxed and tone as low as possible on the guitar. The only thing I have a problem with is the head is heavy.
Musical Background:
Played bass guitar for 10 years from 1985-1995 in several hard rock and heavy metal bands then stopped till 2012.
Musical Style:
Rock, Heavy Metal, Death Metal and Speed metal
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Submitted November 13, 2009 by a customer from aol.com
"LOVE it!!!!!!"
I've been playing for over 20 years, played MANY basses, thousands of gigs, made a few records, toured the east coast, and I REALLY like this bass. Don't let the lower price fool you. This bass is AWESOME!!!!
Sound
I was initially hesitant to purchase an Epiphone but after plugging it in and hearing the sound, I was sold. It is honestly one of the best sounding basses I've ever played. I can't wait to record with it. It's definitely an instrument for rock/metal. VERY solid sounding.
Features
I REALLY like the fact that is has no knobs. In a rock/metal band do you really need them?
Ease of Use
The only complaint I had was the balance when wearing a strap. Like all Thunderbirds, it's a little neck heavy. I moved the top strap button to one of the screws on the neck plate and problem was solved. Simple fix.
Quality
I'm REALLY surprised at the quality of the instrument. Like I said earlier, I was hesitant about purchasing an Epiphone but it can definitely hold its own against higher priced basses. I work in a music store and get to play new basses every day and I can honestly say the Blackbird is just as good, if not better than, many higher priced instruments.
The sound and quality FAR surpass the other Epiphone Thunderbird models. This thing might as well say Gibson on it.
Value
I honestly would have paid a lot more for this bass. The $400 price tag initially made me assume it was a cheaply made instrument but I couldn't have been more wrong.
Manufacturer Support
I've had NO problems with the instrument. I'm VERY happy with my purchase.
The Wow Factor
I bought this bass because I'm a big Motley Crue fan. Even if you're not, any rock/metal fan will love the look and sound of this instrument.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted September 10, 2008 by a customer from ksu.edu
"Warning, Not For the Faint of Heart!"
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Sound
This bass is like no other, the sound quality is truly excellent. The mahogany body gives it a warm heavy tone for starters; definitely a good thing. The prize on this bass really goes to the DeepSixx hummbuckers though, as they are the deepest, and darkest that any metal fan could ever ask for! Personally, I play a lot of Motley Crue, Brides of Destruction, Deftones, etc. and this bass is perfect for it. Take note though, that if you aren't into metal or hard rock, the thunderbird IV may be a better route to go, this one's a beast!
Features
I'm very happy with the features on this bass, even though there aren't that many. Basically, it just has an on/off switch, and a personal installation by Nikki, called the opti-grab, which is a small u-shaped hardware mount that allows you to hold the bass with your pinky while playing pick style; works pretty well. Other than that, there's no volume or tone controls on the bass. Personally, I like that fact.
Ease of Use
This thing sounds awesome, there's really no other way to put it. Once you tune it, the bass pretty much stays in tune.
Quality
When Nikki Sixx and Epiphone get together, you know good things are bound to happen! Even though this bass was originally released as a Gibson and later downgraded to Epiphone, don't let that scare you away! This is a beautifully crafted instrument, the quality is commendable. The finish on the blackbird is a flat black, which really wears nicely. Also note that the fretboard has iron cross inlays throughout it, very cool.
Value
The blackbird is my pride and joy. I really can't recommend it enough if you're a metal fan. I would say this is an excellent bass for the price, but that's simply not true. It's an excellent bass period! It will give some of the higher end instruments a definite run for their money.
Also, note that although cases and gigbags are scarce for this instrument, the blackbird DOES have a Thunderbird IV body style and will fit the epiphone hardshell case perfectly.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had any problems with it so I wouldn't know! Knowing Epiphone though, you can be sure it will be very professional.
Musical Background:
hobbyist
Musical Style:
Metal, Hard Rock
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Submitted November 20, 2007 by a customer from aol.com
"THE BEST BASS ON PLANET EARTH!!!"
I don't know but when I get it I will be satisfied for ever.
Sound
The Sound is Great It has a very nice deep smooth sound when you plug it in and play it works with alot of kinds of music as well.
Features
There is very good Features on the Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass which is the toggle switch that is on the bass also the Opti grab which makes the bass lighter so you can rest your hand on it very good
Ease of Use
When I used the Blackbird it had a very nice reaction to when I played it I tryed it with a pick and with my fingers and both sounded great.
Quality
This is Bass is tough stuff and very sterty just what you would want in a Bass Guitar.
Value
It's worth every Penny hands down...
Manufacturer Support
I can't Really tell you about this because I had used my freinds when he all ready had it so Im not sure.
The Wow Factor
This is a very sexy bass
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock/ Alternative/ Metal
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Submitted October 2, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Absoloutely wonderful!"
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Sound
Beautiful low growl, perfect for all subgenres of rock. If you want a more articulated sound, play with a pick. It's very expressive.
Features
I personally don't like having all the extra tone and volume knobs on my axe - if I need fixing, I'll adjust my sound equipment. The opti grab is a nice touch as well.
Ease of Use
It's very easy to use - it's light and a little neck-heavy.
Value
worth every cent.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, aspiring recording engineer
Musical Style:
Rock - all types
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Submitted December 17, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Sexxy Bass!!!"
Love it
Features
I love that this bass has nothing but an on off switch! it adds to the looks of it! Louder is better!
Ease of Use
Its very easy to play
Quality
People complain of stain drips on the neck but I had no problems with mine!
Value
This bass is totally worth each and every penny!
The Wow Factor
Yea, Im a chick and I love each and every part of this bass! It has a nice smooth feel, its not too heavy and it looks great!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted March 1, 2008 by a customer from bedford.k12.va.us
"Great Blackbird"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I don't think it will ever let me down.
Sound
Don't let the Epiphone name fool you, this bass really cooks. The lows really growl, the mids have great tone, and the highs really pop. This bass is really suited for aggresive rock.
Features
The 1.5 nut is great. It is much smaller than the standard nut on the Epiphone Thunderbird. The on off toggle switch is nice. The bass is clean without any extras.
Ease of Use
Easy to play with a great sound. I play it through a Hartke stack and it really roars.
Quality
The Blackbird is well built. The satin finish looks great. The iron cross inlays look outstanding. Its a very clean bass with a killer look.
Value
This bass is great for rock. It plays as good as the more expensive basses on the market. It's well worth every penny.
The Wow Factor
You will be noticed when gigging this bass. It looks and sounds great.
Musical Background:
Active Musician, Gigging bassist "Out of Spite"
Musical Style:
Rock n Roll
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Submitted May 24, 2011 by a customer from us.army.mil
"SIKK"
FOREVER, I have bought 3 more and use these pretty much only these basses.
Sound
Totally awesome tone. I didn't have to do a thing to it, other then change the strings. I put some Ken Smith strings on it and it really roars. I couldn't ask for a more expressive tone. It has been grerat for both recording and live stuff.
Features
Finding a case was a pain.
Ease of Use
Gtreat tones right from the factory, as far as "moding" the tone. I just threw on some Ken smith strings and ran with it.
Quality
Excellent bass, the finish is awesome. It has been one of the most reliable basses that I've owned to date. I use it more then my modulus, custom alverez or schecter basses.
Value
This bass is worth way more then paid for.
Manufacturer Support
Having dealt Epiphone customer service when I worked at Guitar Center I always had excellent service. So have some customers that I put in contact with them.
The Wow Factor
SSSEEEXXXXXXYYYYYYYYY
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock and Metal
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Submitted February 4, 2012 by ioannis e in wichita, KS
"Needs a lot of work, what a shame!"
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The pick ups sound good, but the output jack was broken and the static sound is out of this world( needs grounding). And.. the action needs to be substantially lowered. Despite this changes, the pickups are very hot and its got looks that kill. Buy it! Its a good buy and ZZounds has the best prices around anyways.
Sound
The sound of Heavy Metal. No more no Less. Its built to rock out..........
Features
Needs set up and ground work to eliminate the static in order to get the best out of the pickups.
Ease of Use
Hang it low, turn it on and ROCK OUT.
Quality
Scratches and dents can be very visible due to its solid black color. Also, the electronics are not the best. However the pick ups are grade A and the mahogany body gives you a good amount of sustain and harmonics.
Value
Its should be the same price as the firebird intro level.
Manufacturer Support
NO
The Wow Factor
ITs a firebird. You either love it or hate it. It has a punk rock look for sure.
Musical Background:
20 years
Musical Style:
ROCK N ROLL
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Submitted February 23, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"Pretty in black ... but it just went back"
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I sent it back. Thanks zZounds! I really wish I could have kept it but the sound was just too trebly and there was nothing I could do to change it. Too expensive to keep as eye candy on the wall.
Sound
I think the sound is not good on this bass. Believe me folks, I really WANTED to love it. How cool does this thing look!? But unfortunately the sounds was very tinny and trebly, and that just doesn't suit my style at all. It was also very unexpected in light of the Crue sound I was expecting and the "deepsixx" PUPs.
Features
I'm going to give it a 7 because it's features are it's features and I knew and accepted that going in. But just know that if you don't love its fixed tone, then don't buy it or you also will likely be bothered by not having tone and volume knobs. And after all, the switch is a feature, right? So is the opti-whatever grab thingamajig, not that I found it to be all that useful. But the switch worked. It turns off, it turns on.
Ease of Use
I have to give this a low rating because the way the question is phrased, it asks "how easy is it to get great sounds from this product" and I found it impossible to do so. The adjustability of the bridge is pretty good, and the finish and fret dressing is all very acceptable in a budget instrument. Better than expected, actually. So this is an ease of use as to tone score.
Quality
The product is made well and I would have definitely kept it if I had been able to get comfortable with its nasal, twangy, whiny tone. Did I just get a defective unit? I do wonder...
Value
O.k., here's where I have a beef with this instrument. As to value, it is merely o.k. You're paying for the look and musician's name. If you want you can save $100 and get the goth epi thunderbird, and that one even has knobs! Especially compared to other budget to midrange basses on the market -- if you want heavy tone, check out the Ibanex SRX series bass -- this thing is not a good value at all. Sorry Nikki, and yes I still dig you and the Crue.
Manufacturer Support
I only owned it for about two weeks, and I never had occasion to call them. I haven't owned any other Epiphone products that broke, so again, I'm just going to throw this review a bone here.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted January 14, 2014 by a customer from msn.com in san antonio, TX
"Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass"
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WOW! Great price! Super awesome bass! My son loves it! Only thing is it doesn't have volume control. But the speaker does. So it's all good!
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Submitted April 2, 2012 by Colin Heeregrave
"Don't like it"
Worst bass ever. just an ON and OFF switch. No elements, no volume. For that price you would buy the look and the sound. And I don't very much like the sound. I tried it in the store and I was very dissapointed. Got myself a Rok Axe instead (warwick look-a-like) That's a good buy.
Musical Background:
Amateur band and jam at home.
Musical Style:
Metal, Funk, Punk, Hard-rock, Post-hardcore.
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Submitted March 22, 2007
"NIKKI SIXX CUSTOM BLACKBIRD REVIEW"
Forever if you take care of it.
Sound
Sound is nice and deep good for hard rock and metal style music.
Features
Opti Grab and the toggle tone switch is realy awsome features to put on this bass.
Ease of Use
This bass neck is normaly heavey but Opti Grab that makes the bass realy nice.
Quality
It has a nice solid structure and realy heavey dutey.
Value
Yes this item is realy worth it.
Manufacturer Support
No there realy is no adjustments needed right away but you will have to change the strings after awhile to realy make the sound good.
The Wow Factor
This is the Sexiest bass there is.
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