Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,350
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Standard
High-end
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Description
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is a legendary instrument that has powered countless rock anthems with its distinctive sound and iconic design. This bass combines classic aesthetics with modern playability, making it a favorite among both seasoned musicians and enthusiastic newcomers alike. Crafted with precision, the Thunderbird boasts a mahogany body that delivers deep, resonant tones, while its 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck ensures stability and smooth playability.
The rosewood fretboard offers a comfortable playing surface, allowing for effortless navigation across its frets. The Thunderbird is equipped with Rhythm and Lead T-Bird pickups, which provide a versatile range of sounds from growling lows to crisp highs, perfect for any musical style. Recent updates in Gibson's Original Collection have brought subtle enhancements, including a new nut and a selection of vibrant finishes, allowing players to express their personality through both sound and style.
Whether you're thundering through a live performance or laying down tracks in the studio, the Gibson Thunderbird Bass promises a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body
- 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck
- Rosewood fretboard
- Rhythm/Lead T-Bird pickups
- New nut and finish options from Gibson's Original Collection
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Thunderbird |
| Finish | Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Tobacco Burst |
| Year | 2019 - 2025 |
| 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, Red, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| 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, Plain |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Thunderbird Bass have?
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The Gibson Thunderbird Bass features dual T-Bird passive pickups, offering a powerful and distinct tone suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Gibson Thunderbird Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson Thunderbird Bass is known for its unique tone and style, its larger body and neck may be more comfortable for intermediate to advanced players.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Thunderbird Bass?
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The Gibson Thunderbird Bass features a 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience with a medium jumbo fret size.
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Does the Gibson Thunderbird Bass come with an active preamp?
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No, the Gibson Thunderbird Bass does not have an active preamp; it uses passive pickups.
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What are the finish options available for the Gibson Thunderbird Bass?
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The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is available in Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, and Tobacco Burst finishes, each providing a classic and stylish look.
Videos
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Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Thunderbird Bass.
Comparisons
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Users compare the Epiphone Thunderbird's tonal qualities to a Fender P Bass, noting similar fullness when both instruments are set to passive mode.
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The Epiphone Vintage Pro is favored for its more affordable price and tone resembling 60's Reverse models, despite slight shape discrepancies.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Thunderbird's 35" scale length benefits players who frequently detune, maintaining string tension and clarity.
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The raised portion on the body of the Epiphone Pro model provides a consistent thumb rest, enhancing plucking comfort.
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The Thunderbird's neck-through design with a mahogany/walnut combo contributes to its unique growl and significant bottom end.
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User experience
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Owners report that adapting to the Thunderbird's unique feel can improve technical skill and speed over time.
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Some players find that wrapping the bass strap around their belt helps mitigate neck dive during performances.
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The large size and weight distribution can make the Thunderbird uncomfortable for smaller players or when playing seated.
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Mods and upgrades
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La Bella flatwound strings enhance the Thunderbird's tone, providing a heavy sound without muddiness.
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Some users recommend adding coil tap toggle switches for increased tonal versatility.
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Users often replace the Gibson's bridge with a Babicz or Hipshot for improved stability and setup ease.
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Setup and maintenance
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Moving the strap button where the neck joins the body can reduce neck dive, improving balance and playability.
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Using lighter gauge strings is suggested to prevent a muddy tone, especially for rock and blues genres.
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Owners recommend replacing the stock bridge with a Hipshot 3 Point bridge for easier setups and adjustments.
Source
Use cases and applications
Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In an article from Bassplayer titled "Holy Trinity: Mike Dirnt and Green Day," Mike Dirnt discusses his gear choices, mentioning that while he primarily used Yamaha G100 guitar heads with a custom Mesa Boogie 6x10 cabinet on every record, he occasionally used an Ampeg. This insight highlights his preference for the 6x10 setup, which influenced his sound over the years.
Here you can see him playing a WHITE IV BASS
“The thunderbird has been worked over pretty severely, with bone nut, Badass bridge, and chrome new old stock pickups" - JMJ https://www.flyguitars.com/interviews/justinMeldalJohnsen2.php
This live performance of the unreleased song heaven can wait, possibly the only live performance of Leto on bass
In the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, Kevin Otten of Knocked Loose is noted for using an EBMM Sterling Bass (USA). The article highlights his unique customization, as the band, including Kevin, installed custom tolex on their Mesa bass cabinets themselves.
Bruce Thomas mentioned, "I had a Gibson Thunderbird for one gig, and a Hamer for another," in an interview with Nick Wells for Guitar World, confirming his use of the Gibson Thunderbird Bass.
In a 1977 photo, Kenny Aaronson is seen playing a Gibson Thunderbird Bass.
Marvin Nygaard previously used a white Gibson Thunderbird Bass as one of his main instruments. He has since transitioned to primarily using Fender P basses. [User-uploaded photo verifies usage.]
In the video "My Home Studio Tour 2020 | How I Record My Music!" by Emma Blackery, at 10:57, she is seen showcasing her guitar collection, which includes a Gibson Thunderbird Bass.
According to a 2016 article archived on the Wayback Machine, Patrick Dahlheimer is mentioned as using the Gibson Thunderbird Bass.
Jukka Jylli plays a Gibson Thunderbird in the newly recorded backing track for the song With My Mind. The various close-ups of Jylli's playing showcase the bass clearly.
Cody Okonski can be seen playing a Gibson Thunderbird Bass during a live performance with his band Millington, as shown in a photo posted by Cody on Instagram with the caption, "Last night's show in Philly was a dream. Thank you so much for coming and singing along!"
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 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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