Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar - Vintage Cherry

Flaunting a bulbous lower bout emblazoned with a representation of its legendary namesake on the pickguard, Gibson’s original Thunderbird bass guitar certainly turned heads when it was introduced in the early 1960s. A few years later, Gibson launched the Non-Reverse Thunderbird, which reversed the body geometry for slightly more conventional — but still head-turning — visuals. Powered by beefy Gibson humbuckers, these models were birds of a feather that plowed through dense rock tracks like a pile driver through concrete. Perhaps that is why Thunderbirds were the bass of choice for one John “Thunderfingers” Entwistle when the Who played to sell-out crowds in the early ’70s! Don’t miss your chance to own this meticulously crafted reissue and take flight with thunderous, bold bass tone.

A vast tonal arsenal

As you might imagine, we have a fiercely loyal contingent of Thunderbird aficionados here at Sweetwater, for whom the reverse/non-reverse discussion rages on. For bassists in the latter camp, today’s Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird bass offers a meticulous, USA-made reissue of its historic forbear, complete with hand-selected solid tonewoods, premium electronics, and the superior ergonomics and playability the iconic model is famous for. The Gibson USA Non-Reverse Thunderbird features a mahogany body and set neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and a duo of Thunderbird pickups. Each pickup has its own volume control, which opens up access to a vast tone arsenal by allowing you to deploy the neck and bridge pickups separately or to blend them to taste. A master tone control completes the simple yet highly effective control set.

The devil is in the details

Premium appointments abound on this stunning Non-Reverse Thunderbird reissue. The 3-ply white pickguard on the upper bout features the infamous Thunderbird graphic. A genuine Graph Tech nut and Gibson’s outstanding three-point adjustable bass bridge lock down the tone, while the latter gives you a full range of adjustment for action and intonation. Hipshot Ultralite tuners provide absolute tuning stability while reducing the weight of the distinctive headstock for optimal balance. The result is an instrument with comfortable ergonomics that are difficult to convey to the uninitiated. Get your hands on a Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird, and you’ll understand what the fuss is all about!

Nitro finish for the look and feel of a classic

This Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird wears a gorgeous nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Nitro finishes — standard back in the day — are significantly thinner than today’s polyurethane finishes, allowing the wood to “breathe” and resonate naturally. Nitro finishes not only look amazing, but they also enhance the instrument’s tonal qualities. Onstage or in the studio, this bass has the look, feel, and sound of a lovingly cared-for classic — one that will only improve with age.

Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Features:

• Premium, American-made 4-string electric bass guitar
• Meticulous reissue of the classic mid-’60s models
• Hand-selected solid tonewoods and top-drawer electronics
• Vintage-style gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish
• Mahogany non-reverse body with pickguard on upper bout
• Mahogany set neck with comfortable rounded profile
• Rosewood fingerboard with 12-in. radius and Graph Tech nut
• Gibson 3-point adjustable bass bridge
• Hipshot Ultralite tuning machines
• Thunderbird Lead and Rhythm pickups
• 2 volume controls, master tone

·Number of Strings:4

·Left-/Right-handed:Right-handed

·Body Shape:Non-Reverse Thunderbird

·Body Material:Solid Mahogany

·Color:Vintage Cherry

·Body Finish:Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

·Neck Material:Mahogany

·Neck Shape:Rounded

·Neck Joint:Set Neck

·Radius:12"

·Fingerboard Material:Rosewood

·Fingerboard Inlay:Dots

·Number of Frets:20

·Scale Length:34"

·Nut Width:1.6"

·Nut Material:GraphTech

·Bridge/Tailpiece:3-point adjustable bridge

·Tuners:Hipshot Ultralite

·Neck Pickup:Epiphone Thunderbird Rhythm Humbucker

·Bridge Pickup:Epiphone Thunderbird Lead Humbucker

·Controls:2 x volume, 1 x tone

·Strings:.045-.106

·Case/Gig Bag:Hardshell Case