Thunderbird 2026

[Basvarken]

After a few years of absence in their catalogue Gibson brings back the (Reverse )Thunderbird.
And they've made quite a few changes...
- It is set neck. As opposed to the original neck through construction. It is set less deep into the body. Allowing for better upper fret accessibility.
- The neck is not the nine-ply Mahogany/Walnut construction. But it looks to be a one piece neck.
- The headstock is the Non-Reverse headstock with the crest pointing downward. Instead of the original headstock with the crest pointing upward.
- The body has the raised middle section on the front. But on the backside it does not have the raised middle section.
- The tuners are Hipshot Ultralites. And the bridge is the Hipshot Supertone bridge.
- The DeCola pickups from the 2015 Thunderbird are re-introduced.


So what are we calling the new Thunderbird? The Non-Non-Reverse Thunderbird?
What a hot mess.
I wonder how long it will take Gibson to abandon this one again. Like they've abandoned almost any bass they've released in the past 30 years.

[Grog]

Is it way cheaper? Likely not!

P.S....... Musicians Friend has it for $2,499, $100 more than the Non Reverse Thunderbird.

[gearHed289]

Some real weird design choices there. All I can say is "Why?" 

[morrow]

That is one very different Bird.

[Ken]

Wow, that's pretty bizarre.  It's like a mashup of the NR and the Gene Simmons or Rex Brown Thunderbird.

[doombass]

Is Henry J back at the helm?

[gearHed289]

I'm doing fine with my Indonesian Vintage Pro. 

[Pilgrim]

I figure that if it has a Gibson name on it, then it will go out of production in a very few years and immediately become collectible for its differences.

[Basvarken]

A few years? I bet they take it out of production before this year is over!

[Pilgrim]

A few years? I bet they take it out of production before this year is over!

Good note. The lifespan of the model may be measured in months.......

[Alanko]

Jeez, it's practically a Fender!

[morrow]

The short scale Dc Lp Jr was such a great little thing , and it seemed popular enough. I was hoping they might do a deluxe version in their glossy finish.
After they finished production it still sat on the website for some time. Years.

[Alanko]

Current Gibson definitely gives off the vibe of a guitar manufacturer that grudgingly makes basses. Perpetually out of sync with what people want or expect from them. Enough period weirdness to put off modern bassists, while awkwardly trying to modernise historic designs in a way nobody asks for.

[Ken]

As has been said, if you want a set-neck Thunderbird, get a Greco.

[morrow]

I know you will have some trouble believing this , but Gretsch is even worse than Gibson for basses.