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Average Price: $1,750

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar is a striking masterpiece that melds classic aesthetics with modern functionality. This iconic instrument, originally designed by automotive visionary Ray Dietrich, continues to dominate the bass guitar world with its reversed zig-zag body design and unparalleled sonic capabilities. Crafted with a solid mahogany body and wings, and a 9-ply multi-laminate mahogany/walnut neck, this bass ensures durability and a rich, resonant tone that has been favored by musicians since its introduction in the early '60s.

The Thunderbird IV is celebrated not only for its distinctive look but also for its thunderous sound, delivered by dual T-Bird Plus pickups. These pickups, paired with the neck-through-body construction, provide a deep, powerful sound with impressive sustain. The bass features a rosewood fingerboard, adorned with a special 120th anniversary banner on the 12th fret, adding a touch of exclusivity to your performance.

Further enhancing its playability, the Thunderbird IV is equipped with a graph tech nut, max grip speed knobs, and an adjustable 3-point bridge, ensuring precise tuning and effortless control over your sound. With black chrome hardware and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this bass is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.

Key Features:

  • Reversed zig-zag body design
  • Solid mahogany body and wings
  • 9-ply multi-laminate mahogany/walnut neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 120th anniversary banner
  • Dual T-Bird Plus pickups
  • Graph tech nut and max grip speed knobs
  • 3-point adjustable bridge
  • Black chrome hardware
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Thunderbird IV
Finish Alpine White, Classic White, Ebony, Ebony Stain, Natural, Natural Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1994 - 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 Black, Brown, Natural, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, 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 kind of pickups does the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 have?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 features T-Bird Plus pickups, which are passive and provide a powerful, punchy sound ideal for rock and heavy music genres.

Is the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 offers high-quality construction and sound, its unique design and weight may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who are comfortable with its distinctive feel.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 features a 9-ply multi-laminate neck-through design made of mahogany and walnut, providing stability and a smooth playing experience with a comfortable, rounded profile.

Does the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 includes a vintage brown hardshell case, offering protection and style for your bass guitar.

What is the scale length of the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014?

The scale length of the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 is 34 inches, which is standard for many electric bass guitars, providing a familiar feel and tension for bass players.

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass by gibsonshopru

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide and deep tonal range with excellent definition

  • Comfortable, thin neck similar to a jazz bass

  • Lightweight design with no neck dive

  • Versatile sound with great compatibility for effect pedals

  • Classic, cool aesthetic with unique headstock

  • High sustain and amazing tone for various music styles

  • Ideal strap position for taller players

  • Deep, focused lows and sweet highs

  • Great for blues and live performances

  • Converts longtime Fender players with its unique feel

CONS

  • Stock pickups are notoriously noisy

  • Requires pickup swap for studio recording quality

  • Limited flexibility for varying tones and styles compared to some other basses

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • Owners report issues, such as glue around the nut and scratches on the rosewood fretboard, affecting the perceived value at $2650 CAD.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Thunderbird's mahogany body and soapbar pickups contribute to its distinct tonal character, with a preference for rock settings.

    Source
  • Despite its robust construction, the Thunderbird's finish is noted to be sensitive to dings and scratches, requiring careful handling during transport and use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Left-handed models use right-handed pots wired backward, causing poor taper and dead play in volume/tone controls.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Babicz bridge is praised for its durability and contributes to the instrument's sustain alongside the Grover tuners.

    Source
  • The location of the strap button significantly impacts the balance and playability, with back-mounted buttons reducing neck dive compared to side-mounted ones.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird's unique neck-through construction provides enhanced sustain and resonance, which is especially appreciated in live rock performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Thunderbird's pickups deliver a powerful, mid-heavy tone ideal for rock and metal, with less ability to produce a warm reggae tone without modifications.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird's design makes it ideal for players who frequently switch between pick and fingerstyle, offering versatility in sound production.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck is described as light and fast, similar to a Jazz Bass but longer, which suits players with smaller hands and those who prefer picking styles.

    Source
  • Owners find the Thunderbird to be exceptionally comfortable, with reports of it playing "like butter" due to its well-crafted neck.

    Source
  • The Thunderbird is described as well-balanced and light, often going unappreciated compared to other Gibson basses despite its playability.

    Source
  • Some players mention a learning curve when adjusting to the Thunderbird's extended scale length, which influences playing technique and comfort.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend experimenting with different string gauges to achieve varied tonal characteristics, particularly favoring heavier strings for a richer rock sound.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of Nine Inch Nails' "Burn" at the Hurricane Festival in Germany on June 21, 2009, Justin Meldal-Johnsen plays a Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar in Vintage Sunburst, as seen in the video by JoNINVidz on YouTube.

See how Nikki Monninger uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Nikki Monninger

Singer, Bassist

Silversun Pickups

...
Verified via YouTube

This and an olympic white version have been her main basses.

See how Paco Ayala uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Paco Ayala

Singer, Bassist

Molotov

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video "Molotov - Amateur (En Vivo)" by Sergio Manuel, Paco Ayala can be seen playing the Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar in Vintage Sunburst at the 1:11 mark, showcasing its prominent use in their concerts.

See how Chuck Garric uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Chuck Garric

Bassist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo from Talkingrock, Chuck Garric is shown playing a Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar in Vintage Sunburst.

See how Sean Yeaton uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Sean Yeaton

Bassist

Parquet Courts

...
Verified via YouTube

I’m this videos Sean is seen using the Thunderbird.

See how Noah Sierota uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Noah Sierota

Bassist

Echosmith

...
Verified via Bing

In this picture you can see Noah playing a Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass as shown by the headstock at a concert For his band Echosmith

See how caloncho uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

caloncho

...
Verified via Photo

oscar use a Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar Vintage Sunburst

See how Lukács László uses Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Lukács László

Singer, Bassist

Tankcsapda

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, you can see Lukács László with his Gibson Thunderbird IV Vintage Sunburst. He mainly used this instrument on stage and almost always in the studio between 1999 and 2017.

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 Gibson Thunderbird IV 2014 Electric Bass Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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joel_schlamauss

joel_schlamauss

Gear IQ 210

joel_schlamauss

joel_schlamauss

Gear IQ 210

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