The Last Bass Outpost

Gear Discussion Forums => Gibson Basses => Topic started by: Chris P. on April 21, 2008, 12:14:00 PM

Title: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Chris P. on April 21, 2008, 12:14:00 PM

I think we never discussed this here:

Some of you guys have a zebrano Thunderbird of the GOW-series. Unfortunately I haven't tried Uwe's. How do they sound? What's the big difference with mahogany?

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Barklessdog on April 21, 2008, 12:22:16 PM

Warmoth-

Quote

Zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis):
You may see where Zebrawood gets its name. The distinctive look tells you it's none other than Zebrawood! This open grained wood is very heavy so it's primarily used as a bookmatched laminate top. When used as a body its tone is similar to maple.

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Chris P. on April 21, 2008, 12:43:24 PM

Thanx!

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Dave W on April 21, 2008, 12:58:31 PM

I wouldn't rely on Warmoth for accurate descriptions of tone.

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Chris P. on April 21, 2008, 01:06:15 PM

Then we'll have to wait on a full report by Herr Köllektör.

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Barklessdog on April 21, 2008, 01:33:07 PM

He said it sounds more warwick than Tbird, in a good way.

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: angrymatt on April 21, 2008, 03:37:54 PM

I love mine.  Unfortunately it is the only T-bird I have, so I can't offer a comparison.

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: uwe on April 22, 2008, 04:00:21 AM

It sounds more middish, but the mids aren't blurry, they're focused. I find that Warwick'ish. It also has less lively treble than any full maho TB I own, it's like the highest range of presence is cut off even with new strings, nothing for lovers of piano rrring then (makes me wonder whether Warwick zebrano wood basses always come with active electronics to add just that presence). But it sits well in a band sound, a bit bony, focused, less "all over" than a reg TB tends to be. Your preferred TBird for a fusion style band, but if you want to fill as much as you can you're better served with the full maho version.

It's a different voice, not better than a reg TB, just different.

My guitar shop has ordered the new Nikki Sixx Blackbird with maple wings for me (unlike the Shavo TBird it can already be ordered), once that is in, it will be interesting to see how that compares to the Zebrabird.

Uwe

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: Barklessdog on April 22, 2008, 04:34:09 AM

(unlike the Shavo TBird it can already be ordered)

I read that the Shavo bird was designed to be played by the guitarist?

Title: Re: Zebrano vs. mahogany
Post by: OldManC on April 22, 2008, 08:07:09 PM

Quote from: Barklessdog on April 22, 2008, 04:34:09 AM

(unlike the Shavo TBird it can already be ordered)

I read that the Shavo bird was designed to be played by the guitarist?

 ;D