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Description

Celebrating 120 years of musical innovation, the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV is a testament to Gibson's legendary craftsmanship and visionary design. Born from the creative genius of automotive designer Ray Dietrich, this bass boasts the iconic reverse zig-zag body and distinctive headstock that have become synonymous with the Thunderbird name since its debut in 1963. The Thunderbird IV delivers a sound as bold as its silhouette, thanks to its powerful T-Bird Plus pickups that provide a thunderous low-end punch, making it a staple for bassists seeking both style and substance.

Crafted with precision, the body and wings are made of solid mahogany, offering a rich and resonant tone. The 9-ply multi-laminate neck combines mahogany and walnut, providing stability and a smooth playing experience, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and depth to the sound. Notably, the 12th fret is adorned with a special 120th anniversary banner, celebrating this milestone in Gibson's storied history. Modern features like the graph tech nut, max grip speed knobs, and an extra-large strap button ensure that this bass is not only visually captivating but also performance-ready for today's dynamic musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and wings
  • 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 120th anniversary banner on the 12th fret
  • T-Bird Plus pickups for a powerful low-end sound
  • 34" scale length
  • Black chrome hardware
  • 3-point adjustable bridge
  • Graph tech nut
  • Max grip speed knobs
  • Extra-large strap button

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV
Year 2014
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany, Walnut
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV unique?

The Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV features a distinctive reverse body and headstock design with a 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through-body construction, providing a powerful low-end response and sustained tone.

What type of pickups does the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV have?

The Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV is equipped with passive T-Bird Plus pickups, delivering a classic, rich bass tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV offers professional-grade features and build quality, its playability and iconic design can also be appreciated by dedicated beginners looking for a long-term investment.

Does the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV comes with a vintage brown hardshell case, providing excellent protection for transport and storage.

What is the scale length of the Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV?

The Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV features a 34-inch scale length, which is standard for most electric bass guitars and offers a balanced string tension and playability.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 2014 Electric Bass Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV.

Features and functionality

  • The 2014 Gibson Thunderbird IV 120th Anniversary model features a unique sound, described as superior to the 2009 model by an owner.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird has unique passive high-output Deep Sixx pickups, contributing to its distinct sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend Hipshot Supertone bridges for better sustain and tone on Gibson Thunderbirds.

    Source

User experience

  • Wide leather straps can mitigate neck dive issues commonly associated with Thunderbirds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fender American Professional Jazz Bass is praised for its incredible playability and sound, comparable in quality to the Gibson Thunderbirds.

    Source

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