Gibson CS NR Thunderbird

[godofthunder]

 I can't say to much but I may have a part in getting Gibson to build a custom shop NR Thunderbird. This will be a limited run of 12 minimum. I can't stress to the parties involved that they get it right. Some basic questions. Should a II or a IV be built (I vote a II for ease of production and to keep the cost down, also a II can always be converted to a IV). Color they will all have to be the same. Of course the pick up has to be right (or should we ask for stock TB plus pickups and the install Lulls on our own) ? I have convinced them I can sell 12. Lets see where this goes.

[eb2]

Amazing if it all works out.  I would vote for a custom color.  I am torn among Pelham blue, Cardinal red, Heather or Gold.  I would think these would be a tad flashier than sunburst, and if you are going to do a very limited run, then go custom color.  Plus if ageing is an option, you could green up the blue easy.

I would think that if they are only doing a dozen, then the price will be nosebleed section, so what would be the difference between two or one pup?  If I were going in hock, then I would go in hock for an extra pup.  They can't possibly jack it up that much, could they?

I would go for whatever pup as long as the holes and rings are right, (and it has a Dasson bridge).  They you could swap the pups for whatever later.

[godofthunder]

I agree custom color is the way to go, me I like IIs so that's why I am pushing that  but in reality it will most likely be a IV. Price? Some #s have been tossed around but I can't say anything just yet.

[Denis]

Man, that's cool, Scott! I shudder to think what those 12 would go for though...

[TBird1958]

I'm listening...................... 

[Basvarken]

LOL, is Gibson doing a BaCH?

[bassvirtuoso]

Interested, but it HAS to be reasonable, which is saying a lot for Gibson.

Custom color would be great, IV would be my choice, but I'd be open for either. I'd go with TB+'s to keep costs down. You'd get at least one sale from Uwe, one from Mark, one from you. So there's three right off the bat, almost guaranteed. Keep us informed Scott!

[godofthunder]

The new Ripper list for $ 3600.00. Define reasonable?

[TBird1958]

That's list tho........They listed my N.S.MkII at 2400.00 I paid 1800.00, regardless it's only money - I don't intend to be buried with what little of it I have so I'd rather spend it on something that makes me sproingky 

[bassvirtuoso]

Retail: $1500.00-$2100.00

But then again, that's just me. I won't buy a new Ripper or Grabber because of the inflated prices of their "limited" run re-issues. Just doesn't seem worth it when they're more than the original, to me.

[godofthunder]

In the Rippers case yes way to much there are plenty of vintage ones around, Not so with NRs.

[stiles72]

I would guess that to keep cost down, they would want to be a stock color such as black or cherry. Also using the existing TB+ pickup would allow them to use parts on hand. Same with the tuners. Either of which could be upgraded/swapped if you wanted to down the road.  If they could put out the set neck Studio Thunderbirds  a few years back for a reasonable price, they should be able to do the same with these.

[Highlander]

(sitting on the sideline, thoroughly enjoying the show)

[saltymonkey]

I'd definitely pony up for one too. Like Mark said, It's only money.

[Hornisse]

Back in 2005 or '06 we played a show at the local Gibson outlet here in Austin.  I told the rep then that a non reverse would sell.  Glad you were able to make them listen.  I won't buy one simply because Bach did it first and they are just fine by me and also very reasonable.  Gibson will probably put those cheesy tuners that they have on their SG, Ripper and Grabber reissue basses.