bass · solidbody
Thunderbird
| Maker | Gibson |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | bass · solidbody |
| Introduced | 1963 |
| Price | USD 2299 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1894 |
| Status | current |
The Gibson Thunderbird is a neck-through bass with a reverse body and headstock profile, styled with input from an automotive designer.
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Why it matters
The Thunderbird has moved in and out of the catalogue since the 1960s and remains one of the few production basses at its level built with a neck-through joint. The reverse outline and offset balance make it a rock bass that does not look like a Precision or a Jazz. Availability comes in waves, so colour and specification options shift through the year.
Note
Reverse-body bass designed with automotive designer Ray Dietrich; rock/metal bass icon.
Specifications
- Scale length: 863.6 mm (34 in)
- Neck shape: Rounded
Before you buy
- The reverse shape shifts the neck outward, so check balance on a strap first
- A fitted case is worth budgeting for
- Signature and limited versions differ in electronics and finish
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
The Bass Channel · 2020-07 · 130,172 views
“Head over to now for an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on your first billing cycle.”
Direct comparison of a Gibson Thunderbird and an Epiphone Thunderbird.
The Bass Channel · 2020-05 · 80,924 views
“The Gibson Thunderbird has the classic reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 as Gibson's first neck-through-body bass design.”
Played demo of a Gibson Thunderbird bass covering its range of tones.