New 2009 Grabber II and, yes, even the Ripper!

[Chris P.]

BTW, see link above. Since when is the SG Reissue Bass called SG Standard Bass? That means you have to buy that too, Uwe. No other colour, but definately another name:)

[Nocturnal]

I like it! 

[Barklessdog]

Very cool, expensive for a Grabber/Ripper

[the mojo hobo]

Very cool, expensive, no mention of the body wood?

The Grabber II also emulates the original in its use of a thin maple body, as used on the first Grabbers until the change to alder wood in 1975

[uwe]

This is more a Ripper than a Grabber in structure: set neck, headstock not scarved, but in one piece with the neck, probably a multi-ply neck too, three point bridge, more expensive pup. The original Grabber was a cheapo in comparison. Still, while that (and passage of time, inflation, purchasing power etc) accounts for it being a lot more expensive these days than the original was in the days of yore, it doesn't explain the extravagantly high difference, even for a limited edition. 

Except that it is a Gibson bass of course. Which means not many will be sold, so you have to make a buck on those few that you actually can sell. 

Still a nice surprise. I wouldn't have thought that Gibson would go back to reissuing something from its maple era.

[Dave W]

BTW, see link above. Since when is the SG Reissue Bass called SG Standard Bass? That means you have to buy that too, Uwe. No other colour, but definately another name:)

Not only is the name changed, it's now $2419 MSRP on Gibson's site, while the Thunderbird MSRPs have dropped to $1799 for the TB IV and $2399 for the Sixx.

I noticed that they also have the Epis shown on the Gibson site, although you can separate out the Gibson USA models.

[lowend1]

This, missing from the press release:
"In its own version of 'economic stimulus'***, Gibson once again asks asking the bass-buying public to bend over and grab its ankles."
At that price, they should have issued it as "The Reamer" and stashed a tube of Preparation H in the case compartment.

*** Uwe's insight: You mean it's a Grabbama bass? In ebony finish too ... ouch (and crawling under the rock I despicably came from ...)

LOL - No, if that were the case, nobody would be able to agree on what color the bass actually was...

[uwe]

BTW, see link above. Since when is the SG Reissue Bass called SG Standard Bass? That means you have to buy that too, Uwe. No other colour, but definately another name:)

Do not tempt me, Niederländer!!!

Luckily, the trussrod cover is unchanged (not like with the Money bass). It still reads SG, just like it did under the SG-RI moniker, so technically it is still the same bass after all ....

Phew, close call, talked myself out of that one ...  

Uwe

[Basvarken]

Hey Uwe, is it me or is the headstock of that SG Standard slightly wider than the SG reissue headstock?

[gearHed289]

Hmm, pretty sexy. Definitely more of a "Gripper" than Grabber. No maple 'board? I do have a thing for black and chrome. 

[TBird1958]

Not only is the name changed, it's now $2419 MSRP on Gibson's site, while the Thunderbird MSRPs have dropped to $1799 for the TB IV and $2399 for the Sixx.

I noticed that they also have the Epis shown on the Gibson site, although you can separate out the Gibson USA models.

Just FYI I paid 1799 for my Nikki Sixx Mk.II...........I think any better (non-GC!) dealer is going to get you a way better price than the msrp on this bass, which BTW I really like - hard to belive, it's not a Thunderbird!  

[uwe]

Hey Uwe, is it me or is the headstock of that SG Standard slightly wider than the SG reissue headstock?

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!! 

Yes, it does look slightly more flared, but I will simply refuse to believe it.

[lowend1]

I think you're safe, Uwe. They look the same to me.
The REAL question is, are the SKUs different? If so, then they are technically two different models.
I'm just sayin'...

Uwe: Rather than empathy for my completist itch, what I have come to expect in this forum is sheer mockery ... sigh!

[Barklessdog]

Has anyone tried TB pickups on a Maple bodied bass ?

[rockinrayduke]

At that price, they should have issued it as "The Reamer" and stashed a tube of Preparation H in the case compartment.

Now that is a good one.