'New' Gibson Pickups

copacetic · November 10, 2016, 11:57:49 AM

Yesterday I played a 2015 Gibson Thunderbird for the first time. Please note that I do have a 2008 TBIV which I do like. However this one with the Music Man looking pickups and the Babicz bridge did ring some bells. I rather liked it and the little switches(which I usually hate) did give some nice sound options that were refreshing, possibly because I am so used to the + pups on my TBIV and Supreme.
It also seemed the neck profile was ever so slightly wider which did not bother me. One of the appealing things to me on the TBIV's was that thin neck profile which suits my smaller fingers. Actually the '15 did not remind of any T Bird of any era at all. But that did not bother me. I have 2 very nice Precisions and one of them might have to be sacrificed for one of these '15's. I also noticed when I first saw the '15's about a year and a half ago ago hanging up in several music shops around the Bay Area , they did not catch my interest with those pups and little switches. However not after playing one.

Dave W · November 10, 2016, 12:51:47 PM

I liked the DeCola pickups when I played them on the EB Bass that is now in Uwe's collection. Well balanced to my ears, yet not bland, still had plenty of character. A side-by-side comparison with the TB Plus would be interesting.

patman · November 10, 2016, 01:24:28 PM

I like the pickups on my EB a lot...

Not as many highs as a precision, but to my ears, the frequencies reproduced are the "right" ones...

Still sounds very "Gibson-ish"

4stringer77 · November 12, 2016, 08:29:44 AM

Speaking of new pickups, wasn't there a mention of some new Gibson basses coming out for 2017 as well? Would be nice to see some classic designs come back. Maybe they can put the new pickup in a Grabber. A perfect homage to the new Commander in Chief!

Dave W · November 12, 2016, 11:47:40 AM

Quote from: 4stringer77 on November 12, 2016, 08:29:44 AM
Speaking of new pickups, wasn't there a mention of some new Gibson basses coming out for 2017 as well? Would be nice to see some classic designs come back. Maybe they can put the new pickup in a Grabber. A perfect homage to the new Commander in Chief!

Aside from the 2017 EB Bass T that's already out, apparently not. Chris P. said that there would be more for the 2018 model year.

copacetic · November 12, 2016, 12:19:51 PM

So does that mean Gibson will not have any Thunderbirds or SG basses in their catalogue? Wow! I wonder what they have up there sleaves?!

Dave W · November 13, 2016, 05:23:39 PM

Quote from: copacetic on November 12, 2016, 12:19:51 PM
So does that mean Gibson will not have any Thunderbirds or SG basses in their catalogue? Wow! I wonder what they have up there sleaves?!

Not for 2017, but I'll be surprised if they don't make a return in 2018. Not necessarily with the DeCola pickups though.

Chris P. is editor of De Bassist magazine, he'll be the first to find out.

Chris P. · November 14, 2016, 08:20:02 AM

If I hear or see something...

uwe · November 16, 2016, 01:56:04 PM

Compared to the tried and trusted TB Plus, the DeColas offer a bit more P Bass clarity and sonic tidiness - they are not as "all over" (or raunchy, depending on your preference) as TB Plus pups.

I thought the TB 2015 was an effectively, yet gently modernized weapon. Only indignant traditionalists could fault it. Which means, of course, 90% of the forum members here.

copacetic · November 16, 2016, 03:27:35 PM

Oh, I always thought that 90% were tourists...!?
Yes, Your description of the difference between the DeGravy and TB+ hits the nail on the head so to speak.