Gibson 2021 Non Reverse Thunderbird - A short review

[godofthunder59]

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

Original 63-65 Thunderbirds slanted backwards where Fenders and most others slanted forwards hence the "reverse" body shape description. 65-69 Thunderbirds were dubbed nonreverse because the slanted forward, much like Fender.

 

[dukeorock]

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

I never said I have too many Thunderbirds. I said I have too many basses

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

My ‘02 reverse is also 8 lbs

 

[lasbassplayer]

Great review, thanks! The sound, look and colors of this reverse are really nice. I agree, the 3 point bridge (original) on my centennial is easy to adjust and works perfectly, if done correctly.
How does that bass sound when used with a pick?
Probably Great!

 

[TBird1958]

Great review, thanks! The sound, look and colors of this reverse are really nice. I agree, the 3 point bridge (original) on my centennial is easy to adjust and works perfectly, if done correctly.
How does that bass sound when used with a pick?
Probably Great!

Yes it does! I really should have done a little bit of the demo using a pick - An error on my part, those of us that play them know a pick is the ignition switch for a Thunderbird!

 

[lasbassplayer]

Yes it does! I really should have done a little bit of the demo using a pick - An error on my part, those of us that play them know a pick is the ignition switch for a Thunderbird!

I thought so.....again, great review.
Now if they could only keep the Inverness green or faded pelham blue in stock....

 

[TBird1958]

I thought so.....again, great review.
Now if they could only keep the Inverness green or faded pelham blue in stock....

I think the initial production was likely based on what pre orders they took, and they were delayed about 90 days from what was first promised. There are a couple of the Burgundy Red ones in the club thread - beautiful color as well.

 

[iammr2]

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

Everyone knows that is a 'feature', not an 'issue'.

 

[map34157]

Just received mine. However, it needs a set up before I take it to practice.

 

[FFEJY]

Man I sure wish Epiphone would make this model!

 

[BklynKen]

Everyone know that is a 'feature', not an 'issue'.

 

[stevieg]

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.

View attachment 4376204

It is a very nice bass. Please enjoy it in good health. No doubt this simply a matter of personal preference; I think the non-reverse Thunderbird just looks odd. I can't really explain why I feel that way. Possibly because I have grown to love my reverse T-bird and I get many comments on it. I believe it makes a visual statement that the non-reverse models simply lack.

Please do not take this as a personal criticism.

stevieg

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.

 

[TBird1958]

"It is a very nice bass. Please enjoy it in good health. No doubt this simply a matter of personal preference; I think the non-reverse Thunderbird just looks odd. I can't really explain why I feel that way. Possibly because I have grown to love my reverse T-bird and I get many comments on it. I believe it makes a visual statement that the non-reverse models simply lack.

Please do not take this as a personal criticism."

stevieg


The Reverse Thunderbird is by far my favorite as well, I have many and they really speak to me, I've owned a couple of BaCH Non Reverses in the past and foolishly sold them (a common tale of regret here!), so I decided to give it one last try - it's a keeper, but I will always like the look of my Reverse Thunderbirds better

 

[Sandman64]

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:

View attachment 4377262

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

I bet these basses would look great with black pickguards. The truss cover is black so!

 

[MCF]

I think the initial production was likely based on what pre orders they took, and they were delayed about 90 days from what was first promised. There are a couple of the Burgundy Red ones in the club thread - beautiful color as well.

For some reason, they went to GC first. Maybe because of all the guitars they sell through them. It looks like SW was second along with some other high volume independents. My guy at SW was frustrated by the situation. All were spoken for before they arrived and it sounds like they didn't get enough to fulfill all the initial orders. It also seems like Gibson didn't do a run of like 400 each and then send them all out; more like they've sent out small batches and the line has continuied to produce them. I wonder if any have made it to Europe.

 

[TBird1958]

For some reason, they went to GC first. Maybe because of all the guitars they sell through them. It looks like SW was second along with some other high volume independents. My guy at SW was frustrated by the situation. All were spoken for before they arrived and it sounds like they didn't get enough to fulfill all the initial orders. It also seems like Gibson didn't do a run of like 400 each and then send them all out; more like they've sent out small batches and the line has continuied to produce them. I wonder if any have made it to Europe.

Yeah, I think that GC does get stock first, but I have to say I'm really please with the set up Sweetwater did on mine, further they look them over closely and they don't typically send out something with dodgy QC. So, it was worth the wait for me, a couple of the ones from GC were noted in the club thread as having some minor issues, mine's really good, and I'm quite happy with Sweetwater's service.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

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:

View attachment 4377262

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

The owner photos put that to shame. It's the one that's tempted me. But so far I've resisted.

 

[Miles_ONeal]

For some reason, they went to GC first. Maybe because of all the guitars they sell through them. It looks like SW was second along with some other high volume independents. My guy at SW was frustrated by the situation. All were spoken for before they arrived and it sounds like they didn't get enough to fulfill all the initial orders. It also seems like Gibson didn't do a run of like 400 each and then send them all out; more like they've sent out small batches and the line has continuied to produce them. I wonder if any have made it to Europe.

GC probably sells more and has higher clout. Or they won a bidding war. But either way, since these are "made by hand" (to whatever extent), they're likely going to continue dribbling out, especially given the global supply chain issues.

 

[MCF]

Yeah, I think that GC does get stock first, but I have to say I'm really please with the set up Sweetwater did on mine, further they look them over closely and they don't typically send out something with dodgy QC. So, it was worth the wait for me, a couple of the ones from GC were noted in the club thread as having some minor issues, mine's really good, and I'm quite happy with Sweetwater's service.

Me too. And they cover everything the first two years and will help with Gibson warranty work after that. They're easy do deal with if there's an issue as I found with my first Mesa cab when I got my dream rig a few months ago. Certainly worth the (excruciating) wait.

Yeah, I think that GC does get stock first, but I have to say I'm really please with the set up Sweetwater did on mine, further they look them over closely and they don't typically send out something with dodgy QC. So, it was worth the wait for me, a couple of the ones from GC were noted in the club thread as having some minor issues, mine's really good, and I'm quite happy with Sweetwater's service.

GC probably sells more and has higher clout. Or they won a bidding war. But either way, since these are "made by hand" (to whatever extent), they're likely going to continue dribbling out, especially given the global supply chain issues.

Yep. Although I suspect SW sells more basses.

 

[WillyW]

Mine is supposed to be in next Friday’s sweetwater delivery, I can hardly wait!

 

[rockscott]

Great looking bass! I had a similar experience with my new les paul dc tribute, bass was perfect, could not be happier!