The Origin And Features Of The Gibson Thunderbird

In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird made its debut. Since introducing the Precision Bass twelve years previously, Fender had been the market leader in the electric bass category at the time. The Firebird guitar, which it mimics in form, structure, and name, was also created by American vehicle designer Raymond H. Dietrich (Chrysler, Lincoln, Checker), along with the Thunderbird.

The Story Of Gibson’s Thunderbird

Gibson’s Thunderbird is a type of electric bass guitar that was first introduced by the Gibson company in 1963. The Thunderbird was designed to be a more modern and “cool” alternative to the company’s existing line of bass guitars, which were seen as being somewhat staid and traditional.

The Thunderbird was designed by Gibson’s chief engineer, Ray Dietrich, who was inspired by the futuristic car designs of the time. The bass guitar features a unique, asymmetrical body shape that is meant to evoke the image of a thunderbird in flight. It also has a set of distinctive, “horns” at the top of the body that were inspired by the fins on 1950s cars.

The Thunderbird quickly became popular with rock and roll musicians, who appreciated its unique looks and powerful sound. It was used by a number of prominent bass players in the 1960s and 1970s, including John Entwistle of The Who and Jack Bruce of Cream.

Despite its initial success, the Thunderbird struggled to maintain its popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. It was seen as being too “old-fashioned” compared to newer, more modern bass guitar designs that had emerged during this time. However, the Thunderbird has enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years, with many musicians rediscovering its unique tone and style.

Today, the Thunderbird remains an iconic and instantly recognizable symbol of the golden age of rock and roll. It is still produced by Gibson, and continues to be a popular choice for bass players looking for a classic and distinctive instrument.

Gene Simmons

Rock & roll icon Gene Simmons is known for his work as a bassist and philanthropist. He is a founding member of the rock band KISS, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Additionally, he was a founder of Wicked Lester, and many other bands have used his name.

A few months ago, Gene Simmons and Gibson announced their collaboration to create a line of signature guitars. They’ll pay homage to Simmons’ legendary reputation.

The cooperation is known as G2. The first of these instruments to be released is the Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass. The guitar has an ebony fretboard, truss rod cover, reverse Thunderbird body, and T-Bird pickups. It also sports a laser-engraved Gibson Gene Simmons logo and black chrome hardware.

Inlays made of Pearloid reverse split diamonds are also included to complete the instrument. Additionally, the guitar has a Graph Tech nut for the best tuning stability.

The guitar has an ebony fingerboard, Graph Tech nut, rounded Mahogany neck, and truss rod protected by a mirror Plex pickguard. Numerous voicing choices are possible thanks to its inverted Thunderbird body form.

Ebony nitrocellulose lacquer is used to finish the bass. A distinctive Gene Simmons emblem has been laser etched on the pick guard’s mirror plex. A contemporary hardshell case is also included with the bass.

The G2 Thunderbird is a high-end piece of equipment. It has T-Bird pickups that are connected to separate volume controls. The bridge pickup’s pleasant midrange shift makes it the best choice for chords that call for an additional snarl.

Ebony Nitrocellulose Lacquer and Black Chrome are possible finishes for the Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird. The instrument is available for purchase on the Gibson website. It can also be purchased via a Gibson-approved retailer. The cost is $2,799.

It’s hard to deny that the Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass is a stunning piece of gear. It’s the ideal option for dedicated musicians. Additionally, a recent hardshell travel case is included. Although it is one of the priciest basses available, the purchase is wise.

Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse

Gibson has unveiled a Thunderbird bass that is not reversed. It has a traditional mahogany body, a fretboard made of rosewood, and Thunderbird pickups. It has a hardshell case included. It will be offered in Vintage Sunburst, and Pelham Blue finishes. Additionally, it boasts a neck-through design, tone control, and volume control.

Since 1963, there has been a Gibson Thunderbird. Its structure strikes the ideal balance between rosewood and mahogany. It has a mighty thud and is simple to play. It has a lot of sustain thanks to its pickups. You may adjust your sound quality with the master tone control.

Several bass players have used the Thunderbird. Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull, Jim Gordon of Daydream Nation, and Pete “Overend” Watts have played Gibson Thunderbird basses. The bass was also used while recording the hit song “Dirty.”

The Gibson Thunderbird is known for its solid body and right-handed hand. It also has a mahogany neck. It has 20 medium jumbo frets. The guitar features two volume controls, a Graph Tech nut, and a Thunderbird logo pickguard. The body is equipped with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish that enhances its tone.

The Gibson Thunderbird has been available in a variety of finishes. It is made with nitrocellulose lacquer, which is a favorite among musicians. It is also designed to bring out the tone of the wood.

The Gibson Thunderbird’s pickups are warm and solvable. They have plenty of punch and growl. They are also compatible with amplifiers. In addition, they have a separate volume control for each pickup.

The Gibson Thunderbird is a four-string electric bass guitar. It has a mahogany body, a rosewood fingerboard, and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It has a master tone control and a Graph Tech nut. It is an excellent choice for beginners or experienced players.

The Gibson USA Thunderbird bass is a popular model. It features a mahogany body, two Thunderbird pickups, and Hipshot Ultralite tuners. It comes with a three-ply white pickguard. It is priced at $1899.

The Epiphone Thunderbird is different from the Gibson Thunderbird. It has a bolt-on neck and is available in a variety of colors. It is a budget alternative to the Gibson models.

Epiphone Thunderbird II

A reproduction of the Gibson Bird, the Epiphone Thunderbird II is made with high-quality materials, including mahogany, maple, and rosewood. Its striking looks and comfortable playability make it an excellent choice for musicians. It also offers great value.

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV has a unique body design, which makes it a highly versatile bass. It has a reverse headstock, a slim neck that is wide enough to comfortably navigate the entire fretboard, and a bridge that allows multiple set-up options.

The Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse IV Bass builds on the illustrious history of the Thunderbird bass, adding modern improvements to the pickups and electronics while retaining its organic retro look. It also offers excellent value for the price. This guitar is perfect for rock music, with a quality pickup system, a reliable bridge, and a reasonable price tag.

The Thunderbird Classic-IV PRO has a three-point adjustable bridge that lets players adjust the bass strings in any direction. It also features a claw tailpiece, an Alpine White lacquer finish, a mahogany body with a maple neck, and a 12-inch radius fingerboard with a rosewood fretboard. In addition, its unique pickup configuration produces tones ranging from thick to punchy.

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV is a budget alternative to the Gibson model. It has improved dual coils, a slender neck, and a high-quality pickup system. It also has a slim and unique body shape that helps create an organic, retro look.

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV has been used by various artists, from The Who to Nikki Sixx. Its unique design has allowed it to be one of the world’s most popular and recognized bass guitars. Its neck-through-body makes it a powerful bass suitable for guitarists of all skill levels. It’s a good choice for blues and country music.

The Thunderbird IV has been in production since 1963, but Gibson only started making them in regular production in 1987. In 2012, Gibson announced a non-reverse version of the Thunderbird. Its headstock was crafted with high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, and the truss rod cover was black with white or gold numbers.

Epiphone Thunderbird Studio

Gibson Thunderbird Studio is an electric bass guitar made by the Gibson Company. It’s an homage to the original Firebird, combining Gibson’s traditional “set neck” design with a reverse body shape. The Thunderbird is a favorite of many guitarists, including Jimmy Bain of Rainbow, Ty Ritter of The All American Rejects, Caleb Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer, Krist Novoselic, and Steve Harbin of Frech & Co.

The Thunderbird’s reverse body style was initially introduced in the 1963 line of Firebirds. This model was one of the first basses built on a 34-inch scale. In addition to the regular length, a five-string version was also available. Initially, the Thunderbird had a single pickup, but later models featured two.

Gibson’s Tbird studio is a bass that uses a smaller headstock, a mahogany body with fully radiused edges, a 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through construction, and mahogany wings glued onto the body. It’s also equipped with a set neck, which provides a more classic look.

It’s been around for a long time, having been in production for over a decade. It’s the model of choice for many top-level players, from Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull to Jimmy Bain of Rainbow. Besides being used for Dirty tour shows in ’92, it’s also been seen on Kim Gordon’s Daydream Nation tour.

It’s a solid guitar with outstanding power and presence. It features a master tone control, Grover tuners, individual volume controls, and a solid mahogany body. It also comes with a hardshell case. Lastly, it has a high gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It’s a great option for any player looking for a powerful and versatile instrument.

The new Gibson Thunderbird Studio Non-Reverse is a welcome addition to the line. It’s a traditional-looking bass with a solid mahogany body, a rosewood fingerboard, and a master tone control. It’s also available in a Vintage Sunburst finish. In addition, it’s loaded with upgrades, such as a soft case, Gibson’s limited lifetime warranty, and an owner’s manual. It’s sure to turn heads!

For more information, visit the Gibson website.

FAQ’S

Where are Gibson Thunderbirds made?

Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Gibson Thunderbird II Model Electric Bass Guitar (1966) features a sunburst top, natural back and sides, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and the original black tolex hard shell container.

When was the Gibson Thunderbird made?

In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird made its debut. Since introducing the Precision Bass twelve years previously, Fender had been the market leader in the electric bass category at the time. American vehicle designer Raymond H. developed the Thunderbird.

The Origin And Features Of The Gibson Thunderbird

In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird made its debut. Since introducing the Precision Bass twelve years previously, Fender had been the market leader in the electric bass category at the time. The Firebird guitar, which it mimics in form, structure, and name, was also created by American vehicle designer Raymond H. Dietrich (Chrysler, Lincoln, Checker), along with the Thunderbird.

The Story Of Gibson’s Thunderbird

Gibson’s Thunderbird is a type of electric bass guitar that was first introduced by the Gibson company in 1963. The Thunderbird was designed to be a more modern and “cool” alternative to the company’s existing line of bass guitars, which were seen as being somewhat staid and traditional.

The Thunderbird was designed by Gibson’s chief engineer, Ray Dietrich, who was inspired by the futuristic car designs of the time. The bass guitar features a unique, asymmetrical body shape that is meant to evoke the image of a thunderbird in flight. It also has a set of distinctive, “horns” at the top of the body that were inspired by the fins on 1950s cars.

The Thunderbird quickly became popular with rock and roll musicians, who appreciated its unique looks and powerful sound. It was used by a number of prominent bass players in the 1960s and 1970s, including John Entwistle of The Who and Jack Bruce of Cream.

Despite its initial success, the Thunderbird struggled to maintain its popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. It was seen as being too “old-fashioned” compared to newer, more modern bass guitar designs that had emerged during this time. However, the Thunderbird has enjoyed something of a resurgence in recent years, with many musicians rediscovering its unique tone and style.

Today, the Thunderbird remains an iconic and instantly recognizable symbol of the golden age of rock and roll. It is still produced by Gibson, and continues to be a popular choice for bass players looking for a classic and distinctive instrument.

Gene Simmons

Rock & roll icon Gene Simmons is known for his work as a bassist and philanthropist. He is a founding member of the rock band KISS, which has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Additionally, he was a founder of Wicked Lester, and many other bands have used his name.

A few months ago, Gene Simmons and Gibson announced their collaboration to create a line of signature guitars. They’ll pay homage to Simmons’ legendary reputation.

The cooperation is known as G2. The first of these instruments to be released is the Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass. The guitar has an ebony fretboard, truss rod cover, reverse Thunderbird body, and T-Bird pickups. It also sports a laser-engraved Gibson Gene Simmons logo and black chrome hardware.

Inlays made of Pearloid reverse split diamonds are also included to complete the instrument. Additionally, the guitar has a Graph Tech nut for the best tuning stability.

The guitar has an ebony fingerboard, Graph Tech nut, rounded Mahogany neck, and truss rod protected by a mirror Plex pickguard. Numerous voicing choices are possible thanks to its inverted Thunderbird body form.

Ebony nitrocellulose lacquer is used to finish the bass. A distinctive Gene Simmons emblem has been laser etched on the pick guard’s mirror plex. A contemporary hardshell case is also included with the bass.

The G2 Thunderbird is a high-end piece of equipment. It has T-Bird pickups that are connected to separate volume controls. The bridge pickup’s pleasant midrange shift makes it the best choice for chords that call for an additional snarl.

Ebony Nitrocellulose Lacquer and Black Chrome are possible finishes for the Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird. The instrument is available for purchase on the Gibson website. It can also be purchased via a Gibson-approved retailer. The cost is $2,799.

It’s hard to deny that the Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass is a stunning piece of gear. It’s the ideal option for dedicated musicians. Additionally, a recent hardshell travel case is included. Although it is one of the priciest basses available, the purchase is wise.

Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse

Gibson has unveiled a Thunderbird bass that is not reversed. It has a traditional mahogany body, a fretboard made of rosewood, and Thunderbird pickups. It has a hardshell case included. It will be offered in Vintage Sunburst, and Pelham Blue finishes. Additionally, it boasts a neck-through design, tone control, and volume control.

Since 1963, there has been a Gibson Thunderbird. Its structure strikes the ideal balance between rosewood and mahogany. It has a mighty thud and is simple to play. It has a lot of sustain thanks to its pickups. You may adjust your sound quality with the master tone control.

Several bass players have used the Thunderbird. Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull, Jim Gordon of Daydream Nation, and Pete “Overend” Watts have played Gibson Thunderbird basses. The bass was also used while recording the hit song “Dirty.”

The Gibson Thunderbird is known for its solid body and right-handed hand. It also has a mahogany neck. It has 20 medium jumbo frets. The guitar features two volume controls, a Graph Tech nut, and a Thunderbird logo pickguard. The body is equipped with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish that enhances its tone.

The Gibson Thunderbird has been available in a variety of finishes. It is made with nitrocellulose lacquer, which is a favorite among musicians. It is also designed to bring out the tone of the wood.

The Gibson Thunderbird’s pickups are warm and solvable. They have plenty of punch and growl. They are also compatible with amplifiers. In addition, they have a separate volume control for each pickup.

The Gibson Thunderbird is a four-string electric bass guitar. It has a mahogany body, a rosewood fingerboard, and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It has a master tone control and a Graph Tech nut. It is an excellent choice for beginners or experienced players.

The Gibson USA Thunderbird bass is a popular model. It features a mahogany body, two Thunderbird pickups, and Hipshot Ultralite tuners. It comes with a three-ply white pickguard. It is priced at $1899.

The Epiphone Thunderbird is different from the Gibson Thunderbird. It has a bolt-on neck and is available in a variety of colors. It is a budget alternative to the Gibson models.

Epiphone Thunderbird II

A reproduction of the Gibson Bird, the Epiphone Thunderbird II is made with high-quality materials, including mahogany, maple, and rosewood. Its striking looks and comfortable playability make it an excellent choice for musicians. It also offers great value.

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV has a unique body design, which makes it a highly versatile bass. It has a reverse headstock, a slim neck that is wide enough to comfortably navigate the entire fretboard, and a bridge that allows multiple set-up options.

The Epiphone Thunderbird Reverse IV Bass builds on the illustrious history of the Thunderbird bass, adding modern improvements to the pickups and electronics while retaining its organic retro look. It also offers excellent value for the price. This guitar is perfect for rock music, with a quality pickup system, a reliable bridge, and a reasonable price tag.

The Thunderbird Classic-IV PRO has a three-point adjustable bridge that lets players adjust the bass strings in any direction. It also features a claw tailpiece, an Alpine White lacquer finish, a mahogany body with a maple neck, and a 12-inch radius fingerboard with a rosewood fretboard. In addition, its unique pickup configuration produces tones ranging from thick to punchy.

The Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV is a budget alternative to the Gibson model. It has improved dual coils, a slender neck, and a high-quality pickup system. It also has a slim and unique body shape that helps create an organic, retro look.

The Epiphone Thunderbird IV has been used by various artists, from The Who to Nikki Sixx. Its unique design has allowed it to be one of the world’s most popular and recognized bass guitars. Its neck-through-body makes it a powerful bass suitable for guitarists of all skill levels. It’s a good choice for blues and country music.

The Thunderbird IV has been in production since 1963, but Gibson only started making them in regular production in 1987. In 2012, Gibson announced a non-reverse version of the Thunderbird. Its headstock was crafted with high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, and the truss rod cover was black with white or gold numbers.

Epiphone Thunderbird Studio

Gibson Thunderbird Studio is an electric bass guitar made by the Gibson Company. It’s an homage to the original Firebird, combining Gibson’s traditional “set neck” design with a reverse body shape. The Thunderbird is a favorite of many guitarists, including Jimmy Bain of Rainbow, Ty Ritter of The All American Rejects, Caleb Hood of 5 Seconds of Summer, Krist Novoselic, and Steve Harbin of Frech & Co.

The Thunderbird’s reverse body style was initially introduced in the 1963 line of Firebirds. This model was one of the first basses built on a 34-inch scale. In addition to the regular length, a five-string version was also available. Initially, the Thunderbird had a single pickup, but later models featured two.

Gibson’s Tbird studio is a bass that uses a smaller headstock, a mahogany body with fully radiused edges, a 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through construction, and mahogany wings glued onto the body. It’s also equipped with a set neck, which provides a more classic look.

It’s been around for a long time, having been in production for over a decade. It’s the model of choice for many top-level players, from Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull to Jimmy Bain of Rainbow. Besides being used for Dirty tour shows in ’92, it’s also been seen on Kim Gordon’s Daydream Nation tour.

It’s a solid guitar with outstanding power and presence. It features a master tone control, Grover tuners, individual volume controls, and a solid mahogany body. It also comes with a hardshell case. Lastly, it has a high gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish. It’s a great option for any player looking for a powerful and versatile instrument.

The new Gibson Thunderbird Studio Non-Reverse is a welcome addition to the line. It’s a traditional-looking bass with a solid mahogany body, a rosewood fingerboard, and a master tone control. It’s also available in a Vintage Sunburst finish. In addition, it’s loaded with upgrades, such as a soft case, Gibson’s limited lifetime warranty, and an owner’s manual. It’s sure to turn heads!

For more information, visit the Gibson website.

FAQ’S

Where are Gibson Thunderbirds made?

Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Gibson Thunderbird II Model Electric Bass Guitar (1966) features a sunburst top, natural back and sides, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, and the original black tolex hard shell container.

When was the Gibson Thunderbird made?

In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird made its debut. Since introducing the Precision Bass twelve years previously, Fender had been the market leader in the electric bass category at the time. American vehicle designer Raymond H. developed the Thunderbird.