Gibson 2021 Non Reverse Thunderbird - A short review

[MCF]

"I have many...

Talk about an understatement.

 

[jd56hawk]

Does anyone know if this is a limited run?
I mean, Fender often has limited runs that run and run and run, but I'm not sure about Gibson.
Is it a good idea to buy one now?
Will they stop production at the end of the year or will Gibson be producing thousands?

 

[jd56hawk]

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

The regular Thunderbird is a reverse design because the treble horn is longer than the bass horn, making it a reverse of the conventional design.
This, too, is a reverse design.

 

[TBird1958]

Does anyone know if this is a limited run?
I mean, Fender often has limited runs that run and run and run, but I'm not sure about Gibson.
Is it a good idea to buy one now?
Will they stop production at the end of the year or will Gibson be producing thousands?

Can't say for certain on the limited run thing, I do know that there are lead times out as far as December for them right now. I'm really liking mine a lot, really a good job by Gibson on these.

 

[jd56hawk]

Can't say for certain on the limited run thing, I do know that there are lead times out as far as December for them right now. I'm really liking mine a lot, really a good job by Gibson on these.

I'm waiting to see one hanging up.
Four stores within a 15-minute drive in my area.
The Cherry Hill Guitar Center used to have between 90 and 100 basses on any given day. That number went all the way down to 25 or so for the longest time, but as of today they're back up to 60. Maybe soon.

 

[TBird1958]

I'm waiting to see one hanging up.
Four stores within a 15-minute drive in my area.
The Cherry Hill Guitar Center used to have between 90 and 100 basses on any given day. That number went all the way down to 25 or so for the longest time, but as of today they're back up to 60. Maybe soon.

Seeing one as "open stock" might be difficult!

 

[Goatrope]

I'm waiting to see one hanging up.
Four stores within a 15-minute drive in my area.
The Cherry Hill Guitar Center used to have between 90 and 100 basses on any given day. That number went all the way down to 25 or so for the longest time, but as of today they're back up to 60. Maybe soon.

Ya, everywhere inventory is at all time lows. I think it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see a NR hanging in a store. Every outlet I’m aware of has waiting lists of folks with pre-orders.

If you live in proximity to a kind TBer, that may be your only way to see one in person.

Stop in at the Thunderbird club and see if anyone is near you who’d be willing to meet up, or maybe catch them at a gig.

Thunderbird Club

 

[Jeffrey A-Bomb]

I picked up a Burgundy one today! Fantastic bass!

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[MoWBass]

Hi! How rounded or big (front to back) is the neck? How would you compare It to a Fender Jazz Bass or modern Pbass?

 

[Goatrope]

More like a modern P bass, whereas my 2018 Reverse is like a modern J bass.

 

[Sandman64]

I love mine, however I love it even more since I changed out that stock Gibson bridge. Now I just have to locate a black pickguard, lol

 

[Dr Cryptosis]

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.

Just picked up a Vintage Cherry. Couldnt resist the bass because of its light weight. It came in at 7 lbs 2 ozs. Plays and looks great. I did replace the bridge with the Hipshot. I have them on all my Gibsons.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

A green Bird, I love it!

 

[sc_precision]

I just got one in ebony black. I have had reverse thunderbirds before but never a non-reverse. Quite strange the way it sits and the shape compared to the other ones. Definitely unique. Mine has some neck dive but I had the store install another strap button to the back of the neck to balance. I also replaced the bridge. It sounds fantastic.