Gibson 2021 Non Reverse Thunderbird - A short review

[Deleted member 271037]

Just when I thought I didn't need (or should I say WANT) another bass. It looks gorgeous! It's such a cool design and the finish looks amazing!

The 3-point bridge is not a problem at all as long as the radius of the saddles is designed to follow the radius of the fingerboard. Sadly this has not always been the case on cheap Epiphones. I've even seen many of them come from the factory with the wrong saddles in the wrong position. The saddles are different height and are numbered 1-4. If you for example get a "1" saddle under the D-string it will be far too low and buzz unless the entire bridge is raised far too high for a comfortable action. This will make the bass impossible to set up properly and I've seen this on a LOT of Epiphones. I suspect this may be the main reason for the poor reputation of the 3-point bridge. When it's done properly it works great (and looks much cooler than most bass bridges too!). I know some people complain about a loss of tone/sustain with the 3-point but personally I do not find this to be a problem at all. It's just part of the Gibson sound.

Anyway, I've never seen any saddle related issues on a Gibson USA bass. I've only ever seen this problem on Epihones. Anyone who is experiencing setup issues with their 3-point saddle should check that the saddles numbered 1-4 are in the correct positions. If not, you can buy a full set of replacement saddles reasonably cheap.

Are the pickups voiced like the early T-bird metal cover pickups from the 60s? Those are my personal favorite T-bird pickups!

Congrats with your new bass! I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I enjoy looking at it!

 

[MCF]

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.

I have a '13 Pelham Blue NR. The fit and finish is excellent. As it is on my '11 short scale and '15 Reverse.

 

[MCF]

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

It's a nitrocellulose finish on a set neck. That's a natural result with nitro.

 

[MCF]

Gibson is notorious for headstocks snapping off.

There's a comedian in every bunch. How ya doin' Jimmy? You know you want one one these, just do it.

 

[Sgtpepper89]

Man I cant get that bass outta my head even tho my bank account want me to..

Really hard to get a grasp of that green color on internet pictures.

Something I dont get is why the placement of what I assume is tone control and the input jack seem to be switched on some peoples new NRs… random from factory or done by the owners maby?

 

[Sandman64]

What's the weight of these basses? I prefer under 9 pounds as it's easier on the shoulder after a few hours etc.

Nice looking bass by the way.

 

[Goatrope]

What's the weight of these basses? I prefer under 9 pounds as it's easier on the shoulder after a few hours etc.

Nice looking bass by the way.

Mine came in right at 8.9 pounds. My Reverse is a flat 8, so this NR is definitely chunkier on paper. I don’t feel it on the strap, however I did add a neck-heel button.

 

[Sandman64]

Mine came in right at 8.9 pounds. My Reverse is a flat 8, so this NR is definitely chunkier on paper. I don’t feel it on the strap, however I did add a neck-heel button.

Great thanks!

 

[40Hz]

Beautiful bass! Congratulations!

But you had to share that, didn’t you?

Much as I like Gibson basses (I already own four), and TBirds in particular, I’ve successfully (so far at least) resisted the urge for a couple of decades now.

But with this:

*** Must control hand reaching for credit card!!! Must control… ***

 

[NOLA Bass]

Very cool. Looks like Gibson did a nice job with this one. The clip of you playing, the bass really sounds great!

 

[MCF]

Man I cant get that bass outta my head even tho my bank account want me to..

Really hard to get a grasp of that green color on internet pictures.

Something I dont get is why the placement of what I assume is tone control and the input jack seem to be switched on some peoples new NRs… random from factory or done by the owners maby?

There have been a few, I know of one for sure, that came with the knobs in line. Most are coming with them offset. Some owners, like the OP, are switching them to in line for a more authentic 60's vibe.

 

[SactoBass]

Long awaited by some, the new Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird is now out and available, and I have to say it does not disappoint! These basses feature a set neck neck construction, new Hipshot clover tuners, new pickups and chrome hardware throughout. My example came from the folks at Sweetwater, it was nicely set up with low action and was ready to play afetr being tuned up. Some notable differences would be the neck, it's quite a bit beefier than a standard Reverse Thunderbird, with the thickness of the wood increased to 11/16th at the headstock. Post '88 Reverse Birds are 9/16ths and '76s just a shade over 1/2". I have yet to take this bass apart to look at the pickups, they do not sound like any of the previous (5) versions of pickups Gibson has used in Thunderbirds since 1988, they're warm and growly with a nice punch to them, soloing the neck pup is bliss!
Gibson gets slagged for QC often but I've found this bass to be really well done, with nice attention to detail in the finish, especially around the base of the neck, but overall as well. The fret ends are very neatly done with no sprout at all, it's just a good, solid player. It uses a 3 point bridge which some folks don't like....Yada, yada... it works really well on this bass, it's shallow neck pitch and the bridge get along quite well and as I mentioned the action is quite low, and aesthetically it looks like it belongs on the bass.
Anyway, its a very solid and well made bass, so far I'm really enjoying playing it and its tone, a keeper for sure!

Here's a few pics.

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A down on of the headstock, quite a bit thicker here.

View attachment 4376205

Nicely finished overall.

View attachment 4376235

View attachment 4376206

A properly set up 3 Point, not all that hard as long as you're at least as smart as the thing you're working on!
View attachment 4376207


A bit of Youtube, please excuse my rather pedestrian playing! If you FF to 3:45 I do talk about it some more.

Simply awesome! I have always preferred the looks of the non-reverse body shape as compared to the reverse.

 

[dukeorock]

Simply awesome! I have always preferred the looks of the non-reverse body shape as compared to the reverse.

I’ve always preferred…both

 

[Gaolee]

I’ve always preferred…both

Being an omnivore means being hungry less. But more GAS.

 

[TBird1958]

I’ve always preferred…both

It becomes a problem when one must consider adding onto the house so as to be able to have more Thunderbirds

 

[BklynKen]

What's the weight of these basses? I prefer under 9 pounds as it's easier on the shoulder after a few hours etc.

For what it's worth, my 2013 NR is 8 lbs.

 

[godofthunder59]

The bird has landed! I picked up this morning at the House of Guitars! Down to the shop for a setup and then a demo video!

 

[BklynKen]

The bird has landed! I picked up this morning at the House of Guitars! Down to the shop for a setup and then a demo video! View attachment 4377378

Play it like you stole it, Scott!

 

[Root 5]

Always wondered why they call this the NON reverse. Shouldn’t it just be called the ‘reverse’ body???

 

[BklynKen]

Gibson is notorious for headstocks snapping off.

Come on, Jimmy. You know that was just a special order option.