Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar - Sparkling Burgundy with Non-reverse Headstock Reviews
Far from just a clever name, the Gibson Thunderbird 4-string bass possesses plenty of thunderous power and long-lasting reliability — all in a vintage-looking instrument. At its core sits a mahogany body and neck capped with an Indian rosewood fingerboard, the perfect recipe for bellowing bass and pro-quality performance. A pair of humbuckers produce plenty of classic Thunderbird tone with enough juice to push your amp into saturated oblivion, tweakable via individual volume knobs and a handy master tone control. For an added dose of vintage flair, the Thunderbird is finished in beautiful nitrocellulose lacquer, a Sweetwater favorite for its sharp looks and ability to bring out even more tone from an instrument's woods.
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Earn $85 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $71/month with 24 month financing*
$85 Earn $85.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
As low as $71/month
with 24 month financing*
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Highest Rated Reviews
Excellent bass
Trying to cover the historic basses in my collection at long last I realized I was missing an important bass of the 60s—the Gibson Thunderbird. I recently added it, and have been delighted with it. It's a joy to play, and an instrument of incredible beauty. The sound is outstanding, everything for which I was hoping. Buying from Sweetwater was a major benefit. Many basses I previously purchased elsewhere were not properly setup. Sweetwater's 55 point inspection insured that my bass was ready to play right out of the case. I highly recommend both the Gibson Thunderbird bass and Sweetwater. They are an unbeatable combination.
Best neck of any bass I've ever owned and has a great punchy tone. Fit and finish were perfect.
I noticed when I first got mine that I could bring the action down a lot lower than on any other bass I've owned besides a new reverse T-Bird I bought new in 2018 which is also capable of having very low action. I then found out that they plek all their instruments and it makes a huge difference. Mine is light, fit and finish were perfect, it sounds great, anywhere from a deep Motownish type tone with a mute to punchy jazz tone to trebly grindy. They knocked it out of the park with this bass. The neck is comfortable, a little thicker than a typical Thunderbird but in a good way, it feels solid and doesn't move. This bass has become my favorite out of more than ten different basses, Fenders, Rics and other Gibsons. These things sound huge! I play mine through a variety of Ampegs including SVT's. This bass will go anywhere a P bass will go and cover just about every type of style. I use Rotosound Swing Bass 66's and they sound great on this bass and with an understring homemade cloth mute I can get a deep old-style tone.
I bought mine because knowing Gibson if I didn't order one right away I might never get a new one. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made, even the finish is beautiful, deep glossy burgundy that looks thicker than it is, it's also lacquer so the bass breaths better, it's not covered with a ton of plasticy feeling poly like a lot of basses. I can't say enough about this bass, get one while you still can, you won't regret it.
It's a Thunderbird!
First of all, many thanks to the folks at Gibson and Sweetwater for bringing the Thunderbird bass legacy and transition to a full circle. And, many thanks to Nate McClure for his assistance and prompt Sweetwater service in making this acquisition a smooth reality.
This non-reverse version of the Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar reissue has been long wished for. This Thunderbird checks all the boxes for build, tone and value. Gibson's homework is greatly appreciated.
As with everything in this world, reviews are personal points of view:
The neck is substantial in its physicality and contribution to tone and sustain, and its comfort is subjective...it's a Gibson and I like it.
The hardware is what one would expect from Gibson...it works, so why reinvent the wheel and drive costs up?
The overall tone of the bass is a result of the sum of its parts. To my ears, it's a Thunderbird through and through, and when treated right, the bass will live through several life times, with mine being its first.
I added a few accoutrements to give the bass a little more of a vintage look...neck pickup and bridge covers, mahogany finger rest, gold top hat knobs, etc.
Thank you Gibson, Sweetwater and Nate McClure!
