Gibson basses. When Burt calls.

[Hevy T]

Bring back...

Growler
Victory
Q4

Both epiphone and Gibson versions, but higher end than the Tobies. Say start them about the Toby pro

 

[40Hz]

I’ll pass on playing this game.

From my many years of experience observing Gibson both as a longtime owner/player and a critic, one thing I’ve learned is that their senior management - by which I mean anybody with real authority to do anything - is completely immune to outside opinion, and actively resents even the most well intentioned criticism.

“The hubris in such as these is strong.” as Yoda would put it.

 

[devnulljp]

Something that DOESN'T look like 1965?

Hey now, this doesn't look like 1965. 1995 maybe, but not 65

 

[Hummergeist]

Shortscale bird for me too .

I feel like there's definitely something in that. Keep the 'classic' as well, but some kind of update to the design as well. I used to own a 1976 and I still remember how clunky it could be.

 

[devnulljp]

Find a way to make a set neck,
mahogany back, gold top pen and charge $500 for it.

...with limited edition whisky glass and humidor for aficionados only: $5000

 

[Hummergeist]

Reissue:
2013 EB
Les Paul bass
RD
Ripper

also make a Gibson version of the Epiphone Embassy

+ different price points for each model, for example:
junior ($500 - $1000) no lacquer, no binding, cheaper parts/electronics/paint, no hard case, etc.
standard ($1000 - $2000)
custom ($2000+) best materials, more options (colors, wood), looks super pretty, binding, block inlays, etc.

A 21st century take on the RD would be very interesting.

 

[Hummergeist]

Lol... What makes you think Ned wants the brand back? Gibson took it over because he wanted out from the daily grind of running a business.

NS Design and his alliance with the Czech factory seems to suit him better.

Seems I'm not the only one on here who likes the idea. I guess it's more about seeing the brand hanging on but not being all it could be! And yeah I have two of the Czech instruments.

 

[BobKos]

Chambered body Victory bass.

Other than this one throwback to history, I think a fresh lineup is needed. Young players will drive the sales numbers necessary to make basses a worthwhile endeavor for Gibson. Let's face it. If EVERYBODY on TB who would actually buck up and buy his / her ideal Gibson bass custom built without compromise at fair market price, I predict Gibson would sell 200 basses. Why would they bother? The answer is that they don't.

Gibson will need to attract a different group through cool, innovative products marketed directly at them. They will need to ignore the people who complain about companies rehashing S.O.S., but don't buy anything new or retro from said companies. Those people buy used Jazz Basses and used Stingrays and brag about the great deal they got.

I think Gibson got close with the 2013 - 2019 EB series. If they would have bumped out-of-box quality a little more and offered something a bit more exciting than natural finish or matte black, I think it would have done ALOT better. It checked alot of the boxes that many players clamor for in a bass. It really is a great bass that is now another underselling, discontinued item in the giant list of such items.

 

[PJ Bassthumper]

Bring back the RD standard shape. Keep it simple 2 pick up's 3 knobs. VVT. Find ways to shave the weight get it under 9lbs under 8lbs even better. Keep it affordable. Price it under $1500.

 

[5StringBlues]

You got a problem with Burt Reynolds? Burt Bacharach? Burt Lancaster?

No, just Burt from Gibson.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Reissue of this for less than $2000.

WOAH! I think I know what my next bass is
Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar - Faded Pelham Blue with Non-reverse Headstock

 

[BobKos]

<SNIP>
Agreed on the sub-$2,000 pricepoint... and a price under $1,500 would be even better. I wonder if using domestic woods could help this?

Then, go get it in the hands of a well-known, veteran player or industry name. No need to do a signature model... just create some positive publicity for your new toy. Do what it takes to generate positive awareness that will permeate across age groups and playing types.

I agree 100% with this. Price is important and $1500 would be an attention getter. Coupled with exposure from a talented or popular (or maybe BOTH) player would go a long way towards putting Gibson in the bass guitar game. Geddy, Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Michael Anthony, Flea, Reggie Hamilton, Steve Harris, Gene Simmons, and MANY others have done wonders for the promotion of their respective sponsors. Gibson needs to be on board with this too. Aspiring players can and DO buy to emulate heroes in the music world.

 

[TBird1958]

I feel like there's definitely something in that. Keep the 'classic' as well, but some kind of update to the design as well. I used to own a 1976 and I still remember how clunky it could be.

You do know that Gibson has already made a short scale Thunderbird?

 

[Plectrum72]

Epiphone already makes better basses than Gibson. Make Gibson a guitar only brand (since that's the thought culture there anyway) and give all the bass designs to Epiphone.

 

[Johnny Fingers]

A Gibson Boogie Bass with eight knob active eq.

 

[Gizmot]

There seems to be a lot of interest in short-scale basses at the moment. If Gibson put better-sounding pickups on its existing designs, they might have something that gets customers excited.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

There used to be a cool dual pickup Les Paul Bass that was a flat top and long scale I think. I played one in a store once, and it was so cool. Those in a few different colors would be cool.

Grabbers and Rippers would be nice too. I think they could make them one pup, volume, and tone and people would dig them.

It seems the recent DC basses were overlooked until they were no longer made, and now there is a market for them.

I would personally love an SG bass with neck binding, dot inlays, and the crown headstock logo.

It would be cool to see if they could figure out how to create a retrofit kit for all of the various bridges they have used on basses. Start with a three point bridge and then make a plate/adapter that accepts all of the quirky designs they have used. This way they could make money selling aftermarket bridges.

 

[Hummergeist]

You do know that Gibson has already made a short scale Thunderbird?

No I didn't, but I'm just looking at it, thanks! I wonder what else could change and still technically keep it a T-bird. As I said, I used to own one, and sentimentally I was very attached to it, but in playing terms not so much.

 

[roller]

Wow, that was quick.

You mean like this?

Gibson Les Paul Junior Tribute Doublecut Bass - Worn Cherry

 

[blue4]

First thing I would do is make new pickups sound more in line with modern players. Second I'd realize that ergonomics is a major factor in modern bass designs and I'd design a new line accordingly using a lot of maple and other woods known for being rugged yet inexpensive in order to get the price down to what people are willing to pay.
Third I'd reissue some older designs with some modern upgrades that I said earlier. Mahogany necks replaced with maple, snappier pickups instead of mud, and absolutely no more 3 point raised bridge. Granted the older loyalists will hate the new reissues but if those guys bought new basses we wouldn't be having this discussion.

Last, give Epiphone the ability to make all of these as well in order to compete at all price points. This is important because it give an entry point to new players, who you then sell an upgraded USA Gibson to 5 years down the road. IMO this is why Squier/Fender, Ibanez and the rest continue to do well.

Edit also not to be dramatic but whoever has been in charge of QC I'd have security escort them out of the building.