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What the heck is Gibson doing?

Since we’re talking about new Thunderbirds…


Not the best sound-wise, but as of now, it’s less than a day old.

Mike

While I give Gibson some credit for actually changing something because they have traditionally been very resistant to change anything. I just did not care one bit for the sound of the T-bird in this video period. Of course I have never liked the sound of an orange bass amp anyways. To me they have always sounded nasally and this bass through an orange sounds exceedingly nasally to me. He talks about ergonomics and no more neck dive. but yet you notice through the whole video he never takes his hand off of the neck one time. And I'm sure if he took his hand and arm off the base it would dive like a submarine.

I know I might be in the minority here but I wish they would reintroduce the grabbers. Those were really nice bass guitars I wish I never would have gotten rid of the one that I had. Yeah, and I know Epiphone makes one but seriously look at the junk they put in it for pickups. The Victory would also be nice. Speaking of the victory base the headstock on this new T bird kind of reminds me of a reverse victory headstock. But at least they're trying But IDK it seems like Gibson has never really been deep in the base market if it's not a tea bird or an SG bass seems like they don't want to have anything to do with it. The new EB's were nice but alas, discontinued by Gibson after a very short time. Maybe they just weren't selling Who knows.
 
I know I might be in the minority here but I wish they would reintroduce the grabbers. Those were really nice bass guitars I wish I never would have gotten rid of the one that I had. Yeah, and I know Epiphone makes one but seriously look at the junk they put in it for pickups. The Victory would also be nice. Speaking of the victory base the headstock on this new T bird kind of reminds me of a reverse victory headstock. But at least they're trying But IDK it seems like Gibson has never really been deep in the base market if it's not a tea bird or an SG bass seems like they don't want to have anything to do with it. The new EB's were nice but alas, discontinued by Gibson after a very short time. Maybe they just weren't selling Who knows.
Grabbers and G3s would be cool. Personally I’d be VERY interested in a proper accurate Ripper reissue more so than any other Gibson.
 
Excuse me while I slip into the guitar world.
Traditional reverse Firebird
3F13CACD-8003-424F-8D74-6D5693EDE957.png

The new Firebird Platypus

4B2A56C9-4718-425A-BE74-79C036328F94.jpeg

I play a little guitar, and I have always wanted a Firebird.
The new Platypus just appeals to me.
 
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Hmm firebirds are cool but platypus is… an interesting choice. Not seeing a bill shape. I always thought the headstock on the firebird and t-bird was supposed to look like a bird beak. Am I imagining that?

Sounds believable, but I bet there are other explanations for the headstock shape. I know for a fact that some mid-sixties Firebirds were built with the headstock end pointing downward, and some pointing upward. IICR, the downward pointing one may be the rarer version. No clue how that might relate to a bird's beak though, but I like the beak theory anyway.
 
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Sounds believable, but I bet there are other explanations for the headstock shape. I know for a fact that some mid-sixties Firebirds were built with the headstock end pointing downward, and some pointing upward. IICR, the downward pointing one may be the rarer version. No clue how that might relate to a bird's beak though, but I like the beak theory anyway.
I assumed the body wings and headstock silhouette are supposed to evoke the bird image on the pickguard and thats what the whole design is about. If not then Ill accept Im crazy :woot:
 
They screwed up the Thunderbird so much you'd think someone from Fender is working there undercover!
Sure, nove bridge, but the headstock is one of the worst things they've ever done.
Boring colors, uninspiring pickups.
I bet for every Thunderbird they sell, Epiphone sells ten.
 
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I'm super interested in the market research that goes into these Gibson releases. Seems like they aren't catering to vintage enthusiasts with this new Bird, but who is the target audience supposed to be then?

Tbh though if they put this Hipshot bridge and tuners and these pickups in an SG Bass, put a bit more thought into the original design flaws (maybe offset the body a bit?) I'd put in my preorder yesterday.
 
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These latest Tbirds have some very nice upgrades! It is almost like they are listening to what people want? https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...-electric-bass-guitar-tobacco-burst-perimeter
This is what still needs improving, imo: The body needs to un-reversed so the longer horn is on top to prevent neck dive, improve player comfort, and increase the bass tone from the heavier strings. The tuning pegs can stay on top, but clearly string tree(s) are needed for the D/G strings to have better break angle over the nut and reduce sympathetic frequencies.
 
I think they look pretty good. I'm not interested at $2500 but I'd like to play one. It's interesting reading this thread and comparing it to opinions from guitar players on Gibson's current lineup. There are always naysayers but most people agree current Gibson QC is better than it has been in years. Even at GC most of the Gibsons I pick up play well with nice build quality.
 
Uncovered pickups, small headstock with silkscreen logo and satin finish for $2500 with terrible resale is what people want?

It's 2026. A 76' RI would be more like it.

Where's the new flying V bass that was teased when that other overpriced Gene simmons signature came out? It was even on the marketing and logos.

It's funny too how he has 2 signatures one he played 1 time for the paycheck and went back to playing Corts.
Yes. Please being back the Flying V - it’s been forever!
 
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