New Gibson Bass in 2013

[Nev375]

Oh, I didnt know you'd already played it...I stand corrected i guess.:scowl:

I was speaking more about the overall track record of the company so far.

As far as this bass goes it certainly looks to continue the tradition of bad ergonomic balance. Unless of course, the body weighs a ton to offset the shortened fulcrum point of the upper strap button.

But no, you are right, I haven't played it therefore I can know nothing at all about it.

 

[stiles72]

I'd be happy if they produced a bass that was designed to be played as a bass in the correct ergonomic position and balance of a bass.

.

They do... It's called a Thunderbird

 

[aquateen]

I don't have ergonomic problems with any of these. maybe I'm doing something wrong.

no problems with these either, even though they're Gibson designs

 

[BawanaRik]

I dig it looks kinda like an old mosrite

It's got the skinny neck of a Mosrite.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I may be in the minority here but I actually think it looks pretty cool. Any idea what the street price will be?

 

[Stranger Danger]

As with all other Gibson basses. Do Not Like.
Scale's too short. Pickup options are bland. No 5 string, and it's trying to be retro.

Umm its 34" scale.

 

[Baird6869]

I may be in the minority here but I actually think it looks pretty cool. Any idea what the street price will be?

$1999 MSRP = $1200-ish.

 

[Avalon]

I am a Gibson fan and I do like that they are doing something unique.

Now, having said that, it's time to Compare and Contrast:
Gibson

Teisco/Silvertone

 

[Baird6869]

I am a Gibson fan and I do like that they are doing something unique.

Unique? Seriously?

I have played Gibson basses for 25+ years. This bass is a sellout and ripoff of a few '60's basses.

This is IMO the worst bass Gibson has EVER made.

Brutal.

 

[Baird6869]

Unique? Seriously?
This is IMO the worst bass Gibson has EVER made.

Brutal.

Honestly? Makes me want to cancel my Midtown hollow body.

 

[Avalon]

Well then, maybe I'll buy three. If they're that hard to sell, they should be pretty rare in about 10 years and then everyone will want one. .. OK, well maybe not.

But "sellout"? Are you kidding? Ripping off '60s designs? Really? And how does that differ from every other instrument maker out there today?

In any case, my reason for showing the Teisco was exactly to bring out that point. It does appear to emulate the "lowly" Silvertones made my Teisco. I see no shame in it, but did find it interesting. Maybe now Teisco (or whoever bought them out) can turn the tables and start sueing Gibson for stealing their designs.

In fact, I think that they ought to also re-issue the old EA-260 that was originally made under the Epiphone brand. Pretty cool stuff to me.

 

[Baird6869]

But "sellout"? Are you kidding? Ripping off '60s designs? Really? And how does that differ from every other instrument maker out there today?

"Are you kidding?". No. TOTAL sellout.

Eastwood and other cheap manufacturers can do copies of Teisco, Burns, etc.... Gibson and Fender should not sell out..... Ever.

This bass is something I would expect Eastwood to make in the far east..... Not a NEW, GROUNDBREAKING American made Gibson bass.

First new design in what..... 30 years? WOW! Groundbreaking.

 

[samtastic]

I have a 74 ripper and it plays better than most fenders I have played. Gibson has made quality basses in the past. I get tired of all the pro fender bs. Fender has made some really overpriced basses too. I just feel as a company Gibson does not commit to bass guitars. They will probably bring this out then like always discontinue the bass before it has a chance to build a following.

 

[Baird6869]

I have a 74 ripper and it plays better than most fenders I have played. Gibson has made quality basses in the past. I get tired of all the pro fender bs. Fender has made some really overpriced basses too. I just feel as a company Gibson does not commit to bass guitars. They will probably bring this out then like always discontinue the bass before it has a chance to build a following.

Absolutely. I have owned a G3, Grabber, Ripper, TBird, Money Bass, SG RI, 3 Les Paul Basses..... All were great sounding and the construction was top notch.

I asked about Gibson basses when at their office in Nashville.... an exec told me that it sucks that there isn't a strong focus, but Gibson sells more Banjos and Mandolins than basses. Hard to throw large R&D $$$ at a product line that sells less than a single new reissue Les Paul guitar release, as an example.

I think the new design sucks, but I still love Gibson. I have a Hollowbody bass on order, own 2 Les Paul's, etc. I just wish they would take their heads out of their @$$es and build a bass that the market actually wants.

 

[steveinohio]

I think these look great!! If they sound as good as they look I will buy one.

Ive got a Ripper, a Grabber, and Ive had a bunch of T-Birds. Ive liked them all. Still I dont think they are as consistent as Fender. Gibson makes guitars and really doesnt get behind bass.If they dont sell I can understand why. They are in business to make money.

 

[Dug2]

I wonder if anyone at Gibson is an actual bass player?

hahahah, i was thinkin the same. i've played an eb-3 some time ago, and it was nice. other than that, gibson is not for me

 

[Maiden Bass]

Wow, so much love for this bass here!
Well, I just ordered one. I was the 1st person to order one through American Musical and they should be in within 2 weeks. They are only making this bass for a limited time, so if you want one you need to order one soon. American Musical/Same Day Music/ZZ Sounds have about 6 of each color coming in if you're looking for one. I think it's gonna be a great bass, we'll see.

 

[DrSpunkwater]

I asked about Gibson basses when at their office in Nashville.... an exec told me that it sucks that there isn't a strong focus, but Gibson sells more Banjos and Mandolins than basses. Hard to throw large R&D $$$ at a product line that sells less than a single new reissue Les Paul guitar release, as an example.

Maybe if Gibson devoted more R&D $$$ at their basses, they'd have better basses. Seems to me that if you have a product that's weaker than your other products, you should find a way to make the weaker product better.

 

[bobalu]

And you wonder why Gibson is in such a downward spiral..............

 

[Serek_Basses]

It's nice to see that Gibson is at least trying to innovate their basses as opposed to putting out reproductions of their old instruments that keep missing the mark..

That said, there is nothing 'Gibson' about this bass. It's cheesy, too curvy with none of the menacing appeal typical to their other designs.

Looking forward to the EB-2 reissue (Midtown) though, but someone needs to get in and steer that company so that they can once again put some momentum and innovation into the bass industry.