Gibson Thunderbird Review

Finally a vintage looking T-Bird from Gibson

I'm so glad Gibson finally made a vintage looking T-Bird; and a Non-reverse at that! Yes, it doesn't have the true big headstock and it doesn't have the old style bridge but it is still a fantastic bass. The sound is crazy good and it feels really solid. I couldn't recommend this bass more.

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Best neck of any bass I've ever owned and has a great punchy tone. Fit and finish were perfect.

I noticed when I first got mine that I could bring the action down a lot lower than on any other bass I've owned besides a new reverse T-Bird I bought new in 2018 which is also capable of having very low action. I then found out that they plek all their instruments and it makes a huge difference. Mine is light, fit and finish were perfect, it sounds great, anywhere from a deep Motownish… read more type tone with a mute to punchy jazz tone to trebly grindy. They knocked it out of the park with this bass. The neck is comfortable, a little thicker than a typical Thunderbird but in a good way, it feels solid and doesn't move. This bass has become my favorite out of more than ten different basses, Fenders, Rics and other Gibsons. These things sound huge! I play mine through a variety of Ampegs including SVT's. This bass will go anywhere a P bass will go and cover just about every type of style. I use Rotosound Swing Bass 66's and they sound great on this bass and with an understring homemade cloth mute I can get a deep old-style tone. I bought mine because knowing Gibson if I didn't order one right away I might never get a new one. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made, even the finish is beautiful, deep glossy burgundy that looks thicker than it is, it's also lacquer so the bass breaths better, it's not covered with a ton of plasticy feeling poly like a lot of basses. I can't say enough about this bass, get one while you still can, you won't regret it.

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It's a Thunderbird!

First of all, many thanks to the folks at Gibson and Sweetwater for bringing the Thunderbird bass legacy and transition to a full circle. And, many thanks to Nate McClure for his assistance and prompt Sweetwater service in making this acquisition a smooth reality. This non-reverse version of the Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar reissue has been long wished for. This Thunderbird… read more checks all the boxes for build, tone and value. Gibson's homework is greatly appreciated. As with everything in this world, reviews are personal points of view: The neck is substantial in its physicality and contribution to tone and sustain, and its comfort is subjective...it's a Gibson and I like it. The hardware is what one would expect from Gibson...it works, so why reinvent the wheel and drive costs up? The overall tone of the bass is a result of the sum of its parts. To my ears, it's a Thunderbird through and through, and when treated right, the bass will live through several life times, with mine being its first. I added a few accoutrements to give the bass a little more of a vintage look...neck pickup and bridge covers, mahogany finger rest, gold top hat knobs, etc. Thank you Gibson, Sweetwater and Nate McClure!

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