• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Doomed For Extinction: Is the Gibson Thunderbird's days numberd?

#21
Gibenbackerbass said:
What do you think. Is the T-bird headed for extinction? It seems less and less people are buying it, so the story goes (according to dealers I've talked to). Gibson has lowered its price while Rickenbacker has increased it for the 4003.

If the T-bird is on its way out what do you think Gibson should do to keep it alive?

What would it take to get to get you to lay down your hard earned bread for this bird of a different feather?
Click to expand...

hey do you know where i could get a alpine white gibson thunderbird if so email me at [email protected] thanx
 
#23
I also don't think Gibson will give up the T-bird for reasons already expressed in this thread. But I'll also add that I think that Gibson (and Fender this year) are starting to price themselves out of the average guy or gal's price range.

I'm sorry to say that also, as I was brought up in a Fender family. Anyway, my point being that I think these price raises by the big U.S. guitar makers are forcing more and more guys like myself to try out guitars made in other countries. For better or worse.

Sort of off track but I did answer the original question!

~r~
 
#24
not when you got brian beller touring with dethklok with a mike lull t-bird!

l_4b971648507543d5b54a6989af652f8a.png
 
#25
I would never personally buy a T-Bird (even though I love the silverburst finish) because I do not like the feel of Gibson's finished necks. But that's just a personal thing. What really hurts the T-Bird, as with most Gibson products, is the ridiculous price associated with the Gibson name. Gibson has been relying on their name to make sales despite their stupidly high prices for far too long, and it WILL eventually come back to haunt them.
 
#29
Rezdog said:
Greetings from the North,

Gibson could take some pointers from Lull and perhaps do a quality reissue of their mid 1960's Thunderbirds with old style pups and bring back all of the chrome hardware and color choices too. And strengthen the neck/headstock while they're at it.

Rezdog

Hey TBird 1958
Click to expand...

And deal with fundamental design weaknesses like neck dive and lousy upper fret access. Survival of the fittest? IMHO the esthetics are cool, but there are reasons for the waning popularity.
 
#30
I love Thunderbirds I have been playing them since '76. The non reverse are my favorites, nice access to the upper register. I think there will always be a market for the Thunderbird will Gibson continue to serve that market ? Hard to say but I don't see them dropping the Tbird anytime soon. If they do there will always be those who will step in and fill the void. My NR Fenderbird in action, I built this a couple of years ago to give my vintage NRs a rest from the stage.
 
#33
I have been looking to find a T bird to play at a store- I am thinking about buying the Epi T-bird pro IV but want to see what the real deal is about. I live in SoCal, but can't find a store that actually carries the darned thing. How can Gibson sell them if you can't play them? Every store I go to has a wall of Fenders but no T-birds
 
#34
Rezdog said:
Greetings from the North,

bring back all of the chrome hardware and color choices too. And strengthen the neck/headstock while they're at it.

Rezdog
Yeahman! Those were the standout features drew me to them.That and the obvious stage presence. The new ones are kinda generic looking,although i like my Epi Goth as much as my custom. T-bird going away?,not in my life time.
Click to expand...
 
#38
I've played some nice ones in shops, I understand why they are liked, even if they aren't what I'm interested in these days. Might be more inclined to get a non-reverse one if they ever did those again. They definitely fill a role though, I don't think they'll ever go away for good.
 
#39
:(
neuro512 said:
I have been looking to find a T bird to play at a store- I am thinking about buying the Epi T-bird pro IV but want to see what the real deal is about. I live in SoCal, but can't find a store that actually carries the darned thing. How can Gibson sell them if you can't play them? Every store I go to has a wall of Fenders but no birds
Click to expand...

That was one of the things I was getting at. Very few dealers have them in stock when compared to other instruments, It's a shame. :(
 
#40
FWIW, I have enver been a lover of Gibson basses to the fanatical extent of those die hards out there, and the EB-3 is the only one I ever gassed super hardf or. But to lose the T-Bird woudl be a shame I think. I have tried to love them, but they just aren't for me at the price, and the Epis i have played were just not up to snuff for me. Just because of their status I would buy a Gibby T-Birdif it floated through my transom at a good price though. I also wish that more high end guys had gotten into super-Gibby copies like has happened with Fenders. Sure you got Lull making some really nice Birds, but compared to the staggering number of super jazz makers, there aint much going on. Imagine if there were even 5 companies making super nice fancied up EB-3 copies. But I digress. I hope the T bird hangs around so I can possibly get one some day at a price that I am happy with.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back