Thanks for that but I was interested in the weight of the maple versions.
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Trogly unboxes a 2022 Gene Simmons Thunderbird (Gibson content)
- Thread starter B-Mac
- Start date
As a T-Bird owner, I know what you are saying. I can use a long strap with the bridge end of the strap routed across the top of the body and it keeps the bass from trying to hang “forward”. It also helps prevent some of the neck dive tendencies, making the bass hang at a much more comfortable and playable angle, but this strap routing method does nothing to mitigate the weight of the bass. As for sound, I know there are players that like T-Bird tone, but it certainly doesn’t seem to be a large group.
My take on the value of Gibson basses is not actually based on my opinion of my single T-Bird, but based more on my observation of what basses are out there in use (or in the case of Gibson, what basses are not out there). The relatively small number of Gibson basses being used by bands / musicians pretty much indicates what the market thinks of their value. As for the T-bird club, I’m a member, but that is more for purpose of picking up information on how to improve things about the T-Bird rather than registering as a devoted fan of the instrument. So, I’m not arguing what is a value in regard to Gibson basses, I’m just pointing out what the market thinks about their value.
Seems a little insulting to the financial acuity of Kiss fans, but pretty much in line with the marketing ideas of Gibson
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It was a slight insult, but the point was about Kiss fans buying the merch above all other fandoms. Kiss, Gene specifically, is literally more known for merchandising than their music. That’s why I say there is no point in arguing value or price. It could be $10k like one of those Fender Custom shop Hot Wheels basses and people would buy it.As a T-Bird owner, I know what you are saying. I can use a long strap with the bridge end of the strap routed across the top of the body and it keeps the bass from trying to hang “forward”. It also helps prevent some of the neck dive tendencies, making the bass hang at a much more comfortable and playable angle, but this strap routing method does nothing to mitigate the weight of the bass. As for sound, I know there are players that like T-Bird tone, but it certainly doesn’t seem to be a large group.
My take on the value of Gibson basses is not actually based on my opinion of my single T-Bird, but based more on my observation of what basses are out there in use (or in the case of Gibson, what basses are not out there). The relatively small number of Gibson basses being used by bands / musicians pretty much indicates what the market thinks of their value. As for the T-bird club, I’m a member, but that is more for purpose of picking up information on how to improve things about the T-Bird rather than registering as a devoted fan of the instrument. So, I’m not arguing what is a value in regard to Gibson basses, I’m just pointing out what the market thinks about their value.
Seems a little insulting to the financial acuity of Kiss fans, but pretty much in line with the marketing ideas of Gibson
I may have to try to get one then. Although, I would like 9Lb or less. I tried so many T-Birds that neck-dived that I finally just gave up. I happen to really like the tone and the look.
The other part of me wants to sell all my basses to get one NYC Sadowsky. But I'd easily have $$ leftover for one of these.
No argument from me, the market makes that case, but if Gibson was trying to maximize profits, they should have had Gene sign a Les Paul…..
I dig it! If I was EVER gonna buy a Thunderbird, this would be the one. Love the binding and the inlays, I'm ok with the mirrored pickguard, love the black hardware. I'm not generally a fan of Gibson basses anyway, so this pretty cool.
I loved his old Spectors from the 70's, and the original Punishers from the 90's too.
I loved his old Spectors from the 70's, and the original Punishers from the 90's too.
What do I think? Well...
- I think that it's just another "No Lefty model for you, Grasshopper... so, f@#* off" bass;
- I think that I'll just continue to be very happy with my left handed '13 T-Bird; and
- I think that, if you think an MSRP of $2800 for a right handed T-Bird is outrageous? Sorry, no sympathy here. Try $3500 for my left handed '18 T-Bird. Count your self lucky that you don't have to pay the Lefty Surcharge for most of the new (or used) basses you want...
- I think that it's just another "No Lefty model for you, Grasshopper... so, f@#* off" bass;
- I think that I'll just continue to be very happy with my left handed '13 T-Bird; and
- I think that, if you think an MSRP of $2800 for a right handed T-Bird is outrageous? Sorry, no sympathy here. Try $3500 for my left handed '18 T-Bird. Count your self lucky that you don't have to pay the Lefty Surcharge for most of the new (or used) basses you want...
Here is the best demo I've seen on the G2 bass and one of the best I've seen of a T-Bird- clean melodic lines with cool double-stops and arpeggios played clean as opposed to the monolithic, always overdriven and dark tones seen in most demos -
Agreed. I've always thought a bound Bird would look way cool and this one definitely does. Especially after viewing @ectoflanger 's video post above (thank you) I'm not completely convinced that the price is too out of line, although I'd be much more interested if it were a few hundred less. The similar Rex Brown Signature (same Hipshot hardware but no binding) is the same price and is arguably less "known" then Gene Simmons, for whatever that's worth. Kinda comes down to how much you like T-Birds and if this one stirs something in you or not. I already have two and I think this one looks badass (PG not withstanding, easy fix) but not enough to make me want to drop that much coin on one.
We'll see what they go for on the used market in a couple years. I could care less about the Gene Simmons connection, IMO it's something Gibson should have offered at some point anyway (meaning bound body and Hipshot tuners/bridge). Agreed with several others that a Ripper/Grabber at similar (or preferably lower) price point would probably be a whole lot better received.
I would like one too- btw, a Reverb seller did recently make an offer of 2400.00 and some change on a brand new I was watching, and another made an offer of 2376.00 or thereabouts, but even that I could not justify at the time. Was surprised to get the offers though.
I had a 2010 epiphone pro 4 tbird, the neck was amazing but thats where it ended! The weight, length, neckdive & lugging it around in a case was awful! I purchased a new bass a month ago that gives me that tbird sound with no bad ergonomics, the epiphone embassy with the probucker 760s, an awesome bass @ a fraction of the cost of a gibson tbird! Play the embassy. its a no brainer!
I managed to snag a new B-stock at a considerable discount (40% off) from a Reverb seller- it has some paint missing in a couple of small spots on the top and bottom edges of the headstock, but nothing that a black lacquer marker from Stewmac can't alleviate. The case has some scratches and tears on the outside but is structurally sound. It also comes with a full Gibson warranty. It should arrive this Thursday.
That’s not B-Stock, that’s an Epiphone Relic job at no extra charge!
Seriously, you snagged a nice looking bass at close to half off!
