Gibson Thunderbird Bass

Own the low end in thunderous style

When the Gibson Thunderbird™ Bass was first introduced in 1963, the world had never seen another bass quite like it. Designed by automotive coach designer Ray Dietrich, who also designed the Gibson Firebird™, its new, curvaceous, and asymmetrical body design was radical and groundbreaking at the time, and still looks fresh and contemporary even today. The earliest Thunderbirds had a 9-ply neck-through-body with mahogany “wings,” and were the first Gibson basses with neck-through-body construction. Later, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a Non-Reverse body shape and a glued-in, set neck. The Thunderbird was also the first Gibson bass model to feature a long-scale (34”) neck; previous Gibson basses had a shorter 30.5” scale length.

Now, Gibson is proud to bring a new version of the legendary Thunderbird to the Gibson lineup. The new Thunderbird Bass features a solid mahogany body in the original reverse body shape. The body retains the appearance of the original neck-through design, featuring a raised section running through the middle. However, this new Thunderbird boasts a glued-in, set mahogany neck with a fast-playing SlimTaper™ profile, making it more comfortable and accessible than ever. Additionally, the headstock on the Thunderbird Bass features the popular Non-Reverse headstock style, making tuning up quick and intuitive. Other modern updates include Hipshot® Ultralite® Mini Clover tuning machines, which offer precise tuning and improved balance, along with a Hipshot Supertone bridge that delivers full intonation and adjustable action height.

Like the mythical bird-like spirit of the North American indigenous peoples’ culture that it is named after, the Thunderbird Bass is powerful, thanks to its two EB Bass humbucker™ pickups, which deliver the boom with plenty of output and low-end punch. Each pickup is connected to a separate volume control, allowing you to use either one individually or to blend them in any ratio you prefer. A master tone control allows for additional tonal control. And, of course, the Thunderbird’s 3-ply white pickguard features the iconic Thunderbird logo. The Thunderbird Bass comes packed in a Gibson hardshell case for protection during travel. Order your own Thunderbird Bass today, and own the low end in thunderous style.