What is best Thunder I or II Guitar?

I am interested in this model but would like to hear from you folks that own or have owned one to tell what I may need to look for to get the best model. 

Thank you;

Thomas

Thunder II passive. Great guitar!! one of Westones best models.

are those original pickups in both pics? The one I have been dealing on has two switches on the bottom three brass knobs. What is the deal on the active electronic model?

The red one in the pic is like the one I am dealing on.

What would be a good price on one in good shape? The prices are all over the place on ebay and reverb. Is 400 US dollars a fair price to pay or too high?

Thank you

The red one is the earlier model. Price wise depends on condition and how much you want it ?????

Yes those are all original pickups etc.

Hi guys,

I have a soft spot when it comes to Thunders and the earlier the better. I managed to score a very nice '81 Thunder II in navy blue. This purchase completed my collection and I got them all. I love them all, but the ugly duckling is the Thunder I with the barrel bridge, because of the intonation problems. 
With the exception of my Thunder III, I have paid around €225,- for each guitar. The III was €400,- but came with a case and was near mint. The '81 Thunder II is a very nice guitar and at the moment my favorite.

My navy blue baby.

Like that, a lot!  

First a caution: The Thunders are heavy! Comfortable but heavy.
OK if seated, but will bend yer spine if playing on yer feet for any length of time.  

I've been lucky enough to have found two Thunder I-A's.


1981 top load bridge, Ash body, Maple/Mahogany centre


1983 string thru, solid Maple

The "A" indicates an active circuit but it relates to the tone/volume, not the pickups. Those are still passive.
When you flip that switch hold on to your wig 'cuz that's when the thunder arrives!

More Thunder information on our website HERE
and circuit information HERE

I continually get laughing cramps whenever my Son grabs my "Thunder (X)" and hits the boost switch, and then searches for his popped out eyeballs so he can scrape his jaw off the floor.  He (and me) loves that axe.

Mine arrives today I can't wait to see it. It is not as nice as those models pictured above but I play out all the time so my guitars that are excellent never go to work with me. They just get played at home. 

I do like guitars that are player because that is a sign they been working well and somebody who played it most likely was a working artist. I like the look of a worn guitar as well.

All of the above models look fantastic. Like new. I can see why you prize them.