Quite breaking news - Gibson Bass Line Up 2016

[Pilgrim]

I agree, Gretsch and most hollow basses are acquired tastes.  You can bump some of the music and highs up with the right strings and EQ.  It is hard to make them sound as aggressive as any TB or jazz bass.  But that's ok.  I still love the sound of the TJ and Briadkaster thru my Mesa M Puse amp.  I can get plenty of clear cut through the mix noise sound as I need.

In fact, I'm still open to buying more HB basses!

You, sir, have excellent taste!   

[uwe]

I believe the TB and the SG Bass will remain iconic stayers  and consistent, if moderate sellers in the catalogue. Everything else will eventually go and new things tried which will - inevitably and not always a fault of Gibson - fail. The world seems largely happy with TBirds and SGs.

[Highlander]

If you think about it, narrow down the basic models and what have you got...

1st Division: Precision, Jazz, Ricky, Thunderbird, SG... and in that order...

Everything else, and I mean everything, is 2nd string, and SG is nearly there too... yes, okay, Explorer and EB2 (style) float around the periphery, but what else is up there...

Discuss... or not...

[patman]

Pretty much hasn't changed in 40 to 50 years

except that the second string and third string basses are much more playable nowdays

[Highlander]

If it ain't broke rule applies...?

[Pilgrim]

Since musicians are heavily oriented to instruments with proven popularity, it doesn't seem that difficult an idea for Gibson to get a focus group together or otherwise poll musicians about what features and models they prefer - then build them. 

[TBird1958]

Since musicians are heavily oriented to instruments with proven popularity, it doesn't seem that difficult an idea for Gibson to get a focus group together or otherwise poll musicians about what features and models they prefer - then build them.

Heretic! 

[dadagoboi]

The world seems largely happy with TBirds and SGs.

...mostly made by Epiphone.  What ARE the most recent yearly numbers of  those produced by Gibson USA?

[Dave W]

...mostly made by Epiphone.  What ARE the most recent yearly numbers of  those produced by Gibson USA?

Since CMI sold to Norlin have they ever published unit sales? Of course cheaper models have always way outsold the more expensive ones. In the 50s the Juniors and Specials consistently outsold the LP Standards by about 8 to 1. I'd guess Epi basses outsell Gibsons by at least that much.

[dadagoboi]

In the 50s the Juniors and Specials consistently outsold the LP Standards by about 8 to 1. I'd guess Epi basses outsell Gibsons by at least that much.

Judging by the Thunderbird Club thread on TB, online GC offerings of used, and Ebay listings I'd guess at least 25 to one.  Probably quite a bit more.

[TBird1958]

Judging by the Thunderbird Club thread on TB, online GC offerings of used, and Ebay listings I'd guess at least 25 to one.  Probably quite a bit more.

I think you're right Carlo - I guess Epi is disco'ing the white - makes no sense!

[the mojo hobo]

I think he's Carlo too

[the mojo hobo]

Since musicians are heavily oriented to instruments with proven popularity, it doesn't seem that difficult an idea for Gibson to get a focus group together or otherwise poll musicians about what features and models they prefer - then build them.

It would end up looking/sounding/feeling like a P bass, and they already did that long ago. It is an Epiphone Accu-bass, and with a little searching you can get one delivered to your door for less than $100. I bought one a month ago and love it.

[TBird1958]

I think he's Carlo too

I should never post when I'm at work...... 

My attention span is as short as that "other thing" I've got.

[veebass]

I think you're right Carlo - I guess Epi is disco'ing the white - makes no sense!

Yeah, I don't understand that one.