Gibson Unveils the Revamped Thunderbird Bass: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary
Gibson has officially reintroduced the Thunderbird bass guitar,now featuring notable enhancements that cater to modern musicians.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Thunderbird’s original design was crafted by Ray Dietrich, a renowned figure in automotive design, who collaborated with Gibson to create both the Thunderbird bass and its six-string sibling, the Firebird. These instruments made their debut in 1963, quickly becoming favorites among iconic bassists like Chris squire, Krist Novoselic, and Nikki Sixx. Notably, Lemmy kilmister famously modified his Rickenbacker by installing Thunderbird pickups, claiming it transformed his sound into that of a “powerful bulldozer.”
Modern Features Meet Vintage Aesthetics
The latest iteration of the Thunderbird arrives in two striking finishes: the sleek Ebony and the timeless Tobacco Burst Perimeter. This blend of classic aesthetics with modern functionality positions the Thunderbird as both a vintage treasure and a contemporary powerhouse.
Notably, the Thunderbird was Gibson’s first bass to feature an extended scale length, moving from the standard 30.5″ to an impressive 34″. This design choice remains intact in the new model, which is constructed from mahogany for both the neck and body. It retains its signature raised center block and glued-in set neck, ensuring that the essence of the original design is preserved.
Innovative Enhancements
Upon closer inspection, the neck has been upgraded to include a SlimTaper profile and a Graph Tech nut, enhancing playability on its 20-fret rosewood fingerboard. However, whether these changes effectively address the neck dive issues noted in previous models is yet to be persistent.
The Non-Reverse headstock has also been refined, featuring a more streamlined taper that promises improved tuning stability. This is complemented by Hipshot Ultralite Mini Clover tuners, ensuring precision in tuning.
Hipshot’s influence continues with the inclusion of a Supertone bridge, which allows for adjustable action height. The high-output EB Bass humbuckers are designed to deliver a thunderous sound, with straightforward controls that include individual volume knobs for each pickup and a master tone dial.
Classic Touches and Availability
The thunderbird is finished off with a three-ply white pickguard adorned with the iconic Thunderbird logo and is packaged in a durable Gibson hardshell case.
“With its distinctive style,modern upgrades,and legendary sound,the new Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Ebony and tobacco Burst Perimeter is poised to grace stages and studios worldwide,” states Gibson.
The revamped Gibson Thunderbird Bass is now available for purchase at a price of $2,499.
This launch follows a resurgence of interest in the Thunderbird, fueled by signature models from notable musicians like Rex Brown of Pantera and Gene Simmons.
For more details, visit Gibson’s official website.
