Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,795

High-end/Boutique

$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

Celebrate the fusion of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship with the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass. This electric bass pays homage to Gibson's iconic Thunderbird lineage with a robust mahogany body and a meticulously crafted 3-piece mahogany neck-through design. The result? An instrument that resonates with a deep, rich tone while offering exceptional sustain and stability, making it a formidable choice for both studio sessions and live performances.

The heart of this beast lies in its T-Bird Plus humbuckers, engineered with ceramic magnets to deliver a potent, earth-shaking bass tone. These pickups ensure your sound cuts through the mix with clarity and power, providing a tight, punchy bottom end that keeps your rhythm section locked in. Whether you're thumping out funky grooves or laying down heavy rock riffs, this bass has the dynamic range to elevate your playing.

Complementing its sonic prowess is a suite of high-quality hardware, including Grover tuners and a 3-point adjustable tailpiece, providing rock-solid tuning stability. The PLEK-cut nut ensures precise intonation, offering the kind of setup flexibility that seasoned bass players will appreciate.

This limited-edition bass not only serves as a testament to Gibson's enduring legacy but also as a reliable workhorse for today's discerning musicians. Dive into a world of classic design with modern enhancements and make a statement with every note.

Key Features:

  • Celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic '60s Thunderbird model
  • Mahogany body and 3-piece neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • Equipped with T-Bird Plus humbuckers for powerful, punchy bass tones
  • Grover tuners and 3-point adjustable tailpiece for tuning stability
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model 50th Anniversary Thunderbird
Finish Bullion Gold
Year 2013
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 Gold
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What makes the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass unique compared to other Thunderbird models?

The Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass features a distinctive Bullion Gold finish and celebrates the iconic model's legacy with high-quality craftsmanship, including a mahogany body and neck, passive pickups, and a unique HH pickup configuration.

How does the pickup configuration of the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass affect its sound?

The HH pickup configuration provides a powerful and versatile tone, suitable for a range of music styles, from rock to jazz, offering deep lows and clear highs.

Is the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass suitable for beginner bass players?

While the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass offers professional-grade features, its comfortable neck and classic design make it accessible for committed beginners willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass?

The Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass features a 12" fretboard radius and a mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience with easy access to all 20 frets.

Does the Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass have active or passive pickups?

The Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass is equipped with passive pickups, delivering a classic, warm tone without the need for a battery-powered preamp.

GAK

GAK

Gibson - 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Gibson - 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass Demo at GAK by GAK

Gibson - 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass Demo at GAK

GAK

GAK

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass.

Setup and maintenance

  • Relocating the strap button to the neck heel can help manage neck dive; costs can vary, with some owners spending around 10€-25€.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Thunderbird provides a deep, growly tone that excels in rock and metal but can also offer unique sounds for jazz and funk with proper EQ adjustments.

    Source

Build quality

  • The stock bridge lacks individual saddle height adjustment, which can complicate fine-tuning the action.

    Source

User experience

  • The Thunderbird is larger than typical basses, often requiring a custom case, such as the Epiphone-specific one.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest using a wide neoprene or leather strap to combat neck dive, enhancing playability and comfort.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frankie Poullain uses Gibson 50th Anniversary Thunderbird Bass

Frankie Poullain

Bassist

The Darkness

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Gold

News using this bass in this Instagram post

Genre Usage

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

More Gibson Electric Basses

Gibson EB-3

$359.00 - $2,250.00

# 16

Rank

Josh Homme Billy Corgan Flea
108 artists using
Gibson SG Bass

$1,699.00 - $1,999.00

 
Lemmy Kilmister Tobacco Negative XP
10 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides