No Gibson's??

[Ianhin]

I m a rookie bassist, but it just struck me the other day, that there s barely a mention of Gibson basses on TB? In fact u hardly EVER see Gibson basses except with Gene Simmons and a very small handfull of others?
Why is this, i mean they make stunning guitars but u hardly ever hear or see Gibson basses? Looking forward to the answers!

 

[MobileHolmes]

I sort of regret not picking up a number of unloved instruments when I was first starting out. You could get a decent condition EB-O or EB3 for like 200 bucks (jazzmasters and jaguars were also about 3 bills at the time).

As for why most Gibsons never really caught on, their early models were basically a perfect storm for mud. Mahogany body, short scale, big humbucker right at the end of the finger board, flatwound strings. Gibson has made some cool basses over the years (I think Rippers and Grabbers are great, although not probably worth the money they are commanding now). Unfortunately, for a lot of players, gibson just hasn't been able to shake the original impressions people have.

Also, Gibson instruments in general are pretty expensive. The basses are all over a grand, and there are just so many other good instruments in that price range

 

[Lownote38]

To me, Gibson doesn't make stunning basses. I'm not even really a fan of their current guitar selection (or prices!!! So over the top!!!). I've never played a Gibson bass that I liked honestly.

 

[Mosfed]

I like Gibson basses.

I collect both guitars and basses and frankly I prefer Gibson guitars over their basses. I have a great SG bass that I do enjoy but never play.

 

[hdracer]

There are a lot of Gibson fans here. There is more you just have to look a little.

SG & EB Bass Club | TalkBass.com

Thunderbird Club | TalkBass.com

 

[Gaolee]

I have two Gibson bass guitars and an Epiphone that is a Gibson design. I like 'em a lot.

 

[Ianhin]

Thanks it s sounding really interesting...especially the muddy 1st impressions.

 

[Panther]

Have you even searched??

 

[ScarfFace]

There is a HUGE Thunderbird Club on Talk Bass. Start there. As for my experience with Gibson, I've tried many and never bonded with one. The Thunderbird body shape is uncomfortable for me, although the non-reverse version is not nearly as bad. I do like the thunderbird tone, though. The Gibson bass that really does intrigue me is the Midtown. I haven't had a chance to play one, but I bet if I did, I'd love it.

 

[Ianhin]

Have you even searched??

No coz i m not looking, it was just something that struck me the other day and decided to ask.

 

[Ianhin]

Even in all the music shops i go to i never see any Gibson basses.

 

[Joe Nerve]

The newer Gibson EBs get loads of love here. And for good reason. They're awesome basses. Much different than their elder kin. Sadly, I believe they just stopped making them.

 

[hopsbb]

As listed above there are two huge clubs on TB.I'm a member of both.Own an SG Special which is hands down my favorite bass and a Tbird.I prefer the tone of Gibson's over other basses.You just have to eq them a little different.

 

[A-Step-Towards]

Lots of Gibson lovers, I'm a huge fan of Thunderbirds but also of these...

 

[TBird1958]

Plenty of Thunderbird LOVE here..........RD's and any other Gibson's are welcome too, they're the path less taken - c'mon on over!


At my house fenders are car parts

 

[lowendblues]

I have an Epiphone Classic Thunderbird IV in alpine white. Not a Gibson, but I love it. I had a Gibson Ripper back in the late '70, I'll have another one day.

 

[Celtic59]

Have to admit selling my 1968 EB-2d was a huge mistake, but at the time, I had a Rick and a P-bass, and rarely had an opp. for the Gibson. Now getting a similar bass isn't worth 3 grand for a VG/Mint condition.
I'm not tall enough to rock a T-Bird, either, bummer. They do look extraordinary on taller bassists. Keepin' an eye out though for a Bach non-reverse or a Lull if I hit the Lotto. Gibson's QC is spotty, and for the $$$ I don't see it.

 

[Jughead6]

Proud owner of 2 Gibson Victory basses here. Better than any common garden variety of Fender Precision you will ever find IMHO.

Thinking very hard about buying an ES 335 that I have spied in my neighbourhood.

 

[veebass]

+1 to the Thunderbird Club. Great info and discussion about T Birds and other Gibsons. Really nice bunch of people.
There are some really good, interesting Gibson basses. Like TBird1958 said, they are the path less taken, but it is an interesting path. T Birds are well known, as are Rippers, Grabbers etc. Victorys are great basses in the P Bass style. My RDs below never fail to get positive attention for their sound and their looks when they go out.
In answer to the OP's question, I think you don't see a lot of discussion of Gibson basses in the general forum for a couple of reasons. There are less of them around than say, Fenders, and naturally fewer bass players have them- so I guess less overall interest in them. Also some bass players obviously don't like them and make their feelings plain which can make discussion of them in some places unproductive and unpleasant.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I m a rookie bassist, but it just struck me the other day, that there s barely a mention of Gibson basses on TB? In fact u hardly EVER see Gibson basses except with Gene Simmons and a very small handfull of others?
Why is this, i mean they make stunning guitars but u hardly ever hear or see Gibson basses? Looking forward to the answers!

Sometimes a question answers itself... like a koan.