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Trogly unboxes a 2022 Gene Simmons Thunderbird (Gibson content)
- Thread starter B-Mac
- Start date
Millions of Les Paul players disagree.
It looks great (minus that gene logo) and I'm surprised it's balanced, but those pick-ups are way too muddy for rock to my ears. I'm not really a Kiss connoisseur, but I feel like this G2 bass sounds muddier than what Gene normally plays. Kind of a head-scratcher, since he upgraded all the hardware, why not change the pick-ups?
Looks great, but it’s a T-Bird. I own a ‘92 model ‘bird. It’s a neck diving boat anchor that doesn’t sound great, but I only have about $600 in it. If this one actually requires $2700 to buy, ($2700 is just MSRP, but can be bought much cheaper), it wouldn’t even be on a long list of basses I would be considering. And as mentioned, Gene doesn’t play a T-bird and hasn’t in the past that I know of. Seems Gibson is remaining true to their history of making very overpriced basses that don’t sound like anything special, have mediocre ergonomics, and are heavy. I don’t see a line forming for these….
You could almost buy two Dingwall Drocs for that kind of cash. Used, new condition drocs are going for $1500 +/-.
He lost me at “middle of the range, 10 lb”
The Dingwall Dbird and Droc balance perfectly, sound killer and generally weigh under 8.5lb.
And I always remember GS for his Kramer axe bass and the Gibson grabber.
The Gene we all know and love, right?
He lost me at “middle of the range, 10 lb”
The Dingwall Dbird and Droc balance perfectly, sound killer and generally weigh under 8.5lb.
And I always remember GS for his Kramer axe bass and the Gibson grabber.
Everyone complaining about the price. A brand new Stingray is $2400-2500. Ric $2500. Etc…
This is right in that price range for a USA sig series. People just like to hate Gibson and Gene makes that easier.
This is right in that price range for a USA sig series. People just like to hate Gibson and Gene makes that easier.
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,198
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
I selected "carrots" as it is not really growing on me (esp at that price point), but I don't hate it or anything. I do wonder if that logo on the pickguard means a V bass is coming down the line.
Has Gene ever played a Thunderbird? If so, it can't have been much.
Has Gene ever played a Thunderbird? If so, it can't have been much.
I’m not complaining about the price, I’m complaining about the value. The two basses you mentioned have reasonably good ergonomics, play well and sound good. For roughly the same price, T-bird might play Ok, but ergonomics & sound are weak points. Gene really has nothing to do with any of that. I don’t particular like to hate Gibson, but they are who make it easy to do in most cases. I had a great sounding & great playing 1984 Gibson Explorer I foolishly traded off. It’s ergonomics weren’t great, but somewhat better than a bird. In the end, modern Gibson basses haven’t been very popular or very competitive at their price points & they don’t make the models that were popular in the past. If they did, their prices might prevent them being popular again…..
Ergonomics are debatable and subjective. Some people find them very easy to play, there is a whole club of them here. Sound is also subjective, lots of people think thunderbirds sound fantastic in a rock setting. I understand the point you are making, but why argue what is a value in an item that is wholly dependent on the buyers likes and needs. People are paying $600 for squiers these days. Gibson is selling these to Kiss fans, not someone looking for the best value for the dollar.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Watch Trogly's video to just before he starts playing it. Time mark 15:47
4 strings, motion activated, and shaped like a......wait for it....a V
I’ve been wanting a T-Bird, love the binding. A quick swap of the PG and truss cover and this looks to fit the bill for what I would want. Nice addition with the Hipshot tuners and bridge.
Time to order…
Time to order…
Holy Horrible Workmanship, Batman!!!
That "sanding" (let's face it - complete lack thereof) on the headstock indent looks like Gene actually caught it on fire.
Laughable lack of quality and attention to detail for $280 let alone $2800.
Gibson. Quality is job none.
That "sanding" (let's face it - complete lack thereof) on the headstock indent looks like Gene actually caught it on fire.
Laughable lack of quality and attention to detail for $280 let alone $2800.
Gibson. Quality is job none.
