When the Gibson Thunderbird™ Bass was first introduced in 1963, the world had never seen another bass quite like it. Designed by automotive coach designer Ray Dietrich, who also designed the Gibson Firebird™, its new, curvaceous, and asymmetrical body design was radical and groundbreaking at the time, and still looks fresh and contemporary even today. The earliest Thunderbirds had a 9-ply neck-through-body with mahogany “wings,” and were the first Gibson basses with neck-through-body construction. Later, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a Non-Reverse body shape and a glued-in, set neck. The Thunderbird was also the first Gibson bass model to feature a long-scale (34”) neck; previous Gibson basses had a shorter 30.5” scale length.
Now, Gibson is proud to bring a new version of the legendary Thunderbird to the Gibson lineup. The new Thunderbird Bass features a solid mahogany body in the original reverse body shape. The body retains the appearance of the original neck-through design, featuring a raised section running through the middle. However, this new Thunderbird boasts a glued-in, set mahogany neck with a fast-playing SlimTaper™ profile, making it more comfortable and accessible than ever. Additionally, the headstock on the Thunderbird Bass features the popular Non-Reverse headstock style, making tuning up quick and intuitive. Other modern updates include Hipshot® Ultralite® Mini Clover tuning machines, which offer precise tuning and improved balance, along with a Hipshot Supertone bridge that delivers full intonation and adjustable action height.
Like the mythical bird-like spirit of the North American indigenous peoples’ culture that it is named after, the Thunderbird Bass is powerful, thanks to its two EB Bass humbucker™ pickups, which deliver the boom with plenty of output and low-end punch. Each pickup is connected to a separate volume control, allowing you to use either one individually or to blend them in any ratio you prefer. A master tone control allows for additional tonal control. And, of course, the Thunderbird’s 3-ply white pickguard features the iconic Thunderbird logo. The Thunderbird Bass comes packed in a Gibson hardshell case for protection during travel. Order your own Thunderbird Bass today, and own the low end in thunderous style.
Highlights
- Reverse Thunderbird mahogany body
- Glued in, set neck with a SlimTaper profile and Non-Reverse Thunderbird headstock
- Rosewood fretboard with 20 medium jumbo frets and acrylic dot inlays
- Hipshot Supertone bridge
- Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Gibson hardshell case
Specifications
BODY
Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material: Mahogany
Body Shape: Thunderbird
NECK
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count: 20
Frets: Medium Jumbo
Inlays: Acrylic Dot
Neck Joint: Glued In, Set Neck
Neck Material: Mahogany
Nut Material: Graph Tech
Nut Width: 40.64mm / 1.6in
Neck Profile: SlimTaper
Scale Length: 863.6mm / 34.0in
ELECTRONICS
Bridge Pickup: EB Bass (Humbucking)
Neck Pickup: EB Bass (Humbucking)
Controls: 2 Volume, Master Tone
Output Jack: 1/4"
HARDWARE
Bridge: Hipshot Supertone
Control Covers: Black
Control Knobs: Black Top hat with Silver Reflector
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Pickguard: 3-ply White with Thunderbird Graphic
Pickup Covers: Black
Strap Buttons: 2 - Bottom and Heel
Truss Rod: Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover: Black
Tuning Machines: Hipshot Ultralite Mini-Clover
MISCELLANEOUS
Case: Hardshell
Headstock: Non-Reverse Thunderbird
Headstock Inlay: Gibson Logo Gold Silkscreen
Strings Gauge: .045, .065, .085, .105
Shipping:
Shipping costs are calculated during checkout. Enter your shipping address in the checkout to view the shipping options for your purchase.
Note: Please ensure all address details are accurate, or select your address from the dropdown suggestions that appear once you start typing. Incorrect details may cause shipping options to be incorrect or not appear at all.
If you are unsure about the shipping cost, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Click and Collect Orders:
Once your order has been processed, you will receive an email informing you that your order is ready for collection.
Note: Click and Collect orders are usually processed the same or next business day of purchase. If you have not received an email and it is not in a junk/spam folder, feel free to contact us for an update.
