Gibson 2021 Non Reverse Thunderbird - A short review

[TBird1958]

The previous NR reissue (2012?) had a much more pronounce volute. I wonder why they went back to the "almost none" volute? From the photos, it look like maybe the fit-and-finish is improved over the earlier reissues as well.

This has no volute at all.

 

[FFEJY]

Definitely looks cool. One question, is the paint bubbling in the neck/body joint or is that dust?

 

[NoSlapForYou]

I think 11/16" refers to the thickness of the headstock itself. I'm curious on the depth of the neck at the 1st fret. I like a good bit 'o chunk in that area myself.

I assumed he meant 1 11/16 at the nut. What do you mean by headstock thickness?

My original post should have said "wide" and not "thick," by the way.

 

[BassDaddy77]

I assumed he meant 1 11/16 at the nut. What do you mean by headstock thickness?

My original post should have said "wide" and not "thick," by the way.

Well I'd wait for OP to comment to be sure, but I'm thinking 11/16" thick front to back for the headstock "paddle" itself.

 

[TBird1958]

Definitely looks cool. One question, is the paint bubbling in the neck/body joint or is that dust?

View attachment 4376761

It likely is a little bit of bubble, not really to noticeable tho.

 

[TBird1958]

Well I'd wait for OP to comment to be sure, but I'm thinking 11/16" thick front to back for the headstock "paddle" itself.

Yes, that’s correct, 11/16th thick thru the headstock.

 

[TBird1958]

As promised here’s a shot with the bass on a strap, average width leather.

 

[wvbass]

For comparison, here is the neck volume on my 2012.

Here are examples of 2012’s fit-and-finish.

I also noticed that something has changed here, too. Same holes, different layout.

I’m not complaining. This is an excellent bass. It sounds like the newer ones might be even better!

 

[BklynKen]

View attachment 4376782 As promised here’s a shot with the bass on a strap, average width leather.

Are you planning on relocating the upper horn strap pin to the neck heel?

 

[FFEJY]

It likely is a little bit of bubble, not really to noticeable tho.

Thanks! It looks better than the finish on that 2012 for sure. Now those are some bubbles!

 

[TBird1958]

Are you planning on relocating the upper horn strap pin to the neck heel?

I don’t think so Ken, I like it as it is.

 

[bluesblaster]

At first I was thinking it was Pelham blue but you know how the light can change things, I'm digging the Inverness green. I like the way it sounds too, nice growly tone. Perhaps its something to explore, havent owned a Gibson in a lot of years but I like what I saw here , thanks for the review

 

[Goatrope]

For comparison, here is the neck volume on my 2012.
View attachment 4376783

Here are examples of 2012’s fit-and-finish.
View attachment 4376784 View attachment 4376785

I also noticed that something has changed here, too. Same holes, different layout.
View attachment 4376786

I’m not complaining. This is an excellent bass. It sounds like the newer ones might be even better!

My 2021 NR had the same knob layout as your 2012. I think most have come that way, with a few exceptions. I believe V re-configured hers to her preference.

I almost did that, as my Reverse are all in-line, but the way I route my cable would cause it to interfere with the tone knob. I also added a strap button to the heel, so it would hang the same as my Reverse, and now both hang comfortably at a 45° angle.

 

[Border]

Great review, great clip of your playing, as well as picture of you and the new bass. I appreciate your review. I am very interested in this new bass, and am beyond tempted by the Pelham Blue!

 

[kentiki]

Love it!!!!!!!! I want! Is this color supposed to be a take on an aged Pelham blue?

 

[TBird1958]

Love it!!!!!!!! I want! Is this color supposed to be a take on an aged Pelham blue?

The I reviewed is Inverness Green. It does change appearance under various light sources.

 

[monkeyfinger]

Not sure what happened to my post. So here we go again!

Great review. I've always loved TBirds. Really happy to hear you get that great bark out of with finger style playing.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

NEAT!!! That looks AWESOME!!! Always wanted a NRT, but... wanted something a little DIFFERENT. Finally decided to build My own. Funny enough, I did the "mock up" today. Hoping to finish the "finish" tomorrow. Wish me luck!!!

 

[BazzaBass]

It's weird that the bridge is so far from the end of the body. Does it balance worse than the usual thunderbird?

I was thinking the same. Sort of like the Beatles Hofner. Is it also a pretend short scale?

 

[JimmyM]

The previous NR reissue (2012?) had a much more pronounce volute. I wonder why they went back to the "almost none" volute? From the photos, it look like maybe the fit-and-finish is improved over the earlier reissues as well.

Gibson is notorious for headstocks snapping off.