Pricing and availability

Average Price: $550

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass is crafted for those who want to channel the raw energy and iconic sound of Mötley Crüe’s legendary bassist. This bass isn't just an instrument; it's a statement of boldness and sonic power. It's built with a solid mahogany body that promises a profoundly resonant bass tone, perfectly complemented by a fast maple neck for seamless playability. The Blackbird is armed with DeepSixx humbuckers, specifically designed to deliver the earth-shaking tones that defined Nikki Sixx’s stage presence.

One standout feature is its minimalist control setup—just an on/off toggle switch that keeps your focus on performance rather than fiddling with knobs. The bass also boasts an innovative Opti-Grab device, allowing for stable hand anchoring during intense picking, a feature that’s perfect for those who push the boundaries of their music. Meanwhile, the rosewood fingerboard adorned with pearloid iron cross inlays adds a signature aesthetic touch.

The Blackbird's hardware is as unique as its sound, featuring black die-cast tuners and a rock-solid 3-point adjustable tailpiece for exceptional stability. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to capture that signature Mötley Crüe vibe, the Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass offers a compelling mix of style, substance, and sonic capability.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for rich, resonant bass tones
  • DeepSixx humbuckers for thunderous low-end power
  • Maple neck with bolt-on construction for fast playability
  • On/Off toggle switch for streamlined control
  • Opti-Grab device for stable hand anchoring
  • Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid iron cross inlays
  • Black die-cast tuners and 3-point adjustable tailpiece for enhanced stability
universalrenote

universalrenote

Epiphone Blackbird Nikki Sixx Bass

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Blackbird Nikki Sixx Bass by universalrenote

Epiphone Blackbird Nikki Sixx Bass

universalrenote

universalrenote

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Nikki Sixx BlackBird by 스쿨뮤직 TV

Epiphone Nikki Sixx BlackBird

스쿨뮤직 TV

스쿨뮤직 TV

Video thumbnail for Nikki Sixx Epiphone Blackbird NOT Gibson Thunderbird bass guitar review w/ special guest Bastard by Shice Squad

Nikki Sixx Epiphone Blackbird NOT Gibson Thunderbird bass guitar review w/ special guest Bastard

Shice Squad

Shice Squad

Video thumbnail for Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Demo by Indra Putranto

Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Demo

Indra Putranto

Indra Putranto

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird has no controls, only an on/off switch, making it unique in its simplicity.

    Source
  • Deep Sixx pickups are passive but offer high output; these signature pickups are exclusive to this model.

    Source
  • The Blackbird features an Opti-Grab, a thumbrest behind the bridge, aiding in playability for some bassists.

    Source

User experience

  • The Blackbird is very neck-heavy, posing challenges for some players; wide leather straps can help reduce neck dive.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Blackbird is considered rare, with Gibson versions fetching $3000-$4000 due to limited production and Nikki Sixx's fame.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Although shaped like Thunderbirds, the Blackbird's unique pickups differentiate its sound significantly from other models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often upgrade Thunderbird bridges to Hipshot Supertone for better sustain and tone; however, the Blackbird's bridge remains stock.

    Source

Build quality

  • The headstock design is noted for its striking intensity, differing from more traditional designs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's common for owners to encounter improperly strung tuners, often requiring adjustment for optimal performance.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

decent enough

traded a marshall dsl 1 head and a tc electronic tremolo pedal for this and its pretty decent i love its simplicity but man has this thing been played it is pretty beaten up.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lukács László uses Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass

Lukács László

Singer, Bassist

Tankcsapda

...
Verified via Photo

Lukács László used the Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass on stage during the late 2000s and early 2010s, as evidenced by a photograph available on the Tankcsapda website. He used this on the "Rockmafia Debrecen" album to record the song "Hatalom nélküli rend" (https://youtu.be/Avsh4M06VbQ?t=148).

Album Usage

The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
thenerdbass

thenerdbass

Gear IQ 939

thenerdbass

thenerdbass

Gear IQ 939

thenerdbass

thenerdbass

Gear IQ 939

4 alternative and related items for Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird Bass, curated by the Equipboard community.

Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV

$379.00

similar sound

A similar aesthetic, made in the same factory, and pretty much the same bass. What more is there to say?

Schecter Nikki Sixx Signature Bass Guitar

$1,199.00 - $1,279.00

newer similar sound

The Schecter bass is trying to be the Gibson as that’s what Nikki plays, but Gibson have made all the money they can from him and dropped him like a bad habit.

Gibson Nikki Sixx Thunderbird Bass

 

high-end alternative

The epiphone wants to be the Gibson when it grows up. However, the epiphone has a different construction, electronics, and hardware. Visual style and pickup placement is all that unites these two signature models.

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV

$478.26

high-end alternative

Visually similar but with better everything. The body is actually a through neck and the hardware is an upgrade. For a little bit more this is a solid upgrade

More Epiphone Electric Basses

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides