Gibson 2014 Thunderbird IV Electric Bass (with Case)

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Take the reinvented Thunderbird for a spin. Constructed from 9 pieces of walnut and mahogany, this neck-through-body 34" scale bass delivers insane sustain.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Grover tuners Fantastic stability and reliability
Mahogany wings Rich, warm tone and smooth resonance
Rosewood fretboard Open, warm tone and smooth playing feel
T-Bird Plus pickups Ceramic magnets add clarity to tone

As part of their 120th Anniversary, Gibson USA has reinvented several classics to match the needs of today's demanding players. The 2014 Thunderbird Bass is the roaring four-string partner to the Firebird guitar line introduced in 1963, and its soaring looks, thundering tone, and solid, full scale playability make this an unbeatable value in a handcrafted, made-in-America bass.

Traditional Thunderbird styling and nine-ply "through neck" construction are joined by two mighty T-Bird Plus bass pickups and a rock-solid three-point adjustable bridge to deliver anything from mellow jazz lines to rumbling rock. The 34" scale fingerboard celebrates the 2014 Model Year with a 120th Anniversary inlay at the 12th fret.

Body and Neck

The core of the 2014 Thunderbird Bass lies in its "through neck" construction, with the neck and central body section fashioned from the same rugged nine-ply mahogany and walnut tonewoods for unparalleled strength and sustain. Two solid mahogany body wings complete the distinctive Thunderbird look. This full-scale 34" bass features a rosewood fingerboard that carries 20 jumbo frets, acrylic pearl dot inlays, and a 120th Anniversary banner inlay at the 12th fret.

Pickups and electronics The firm sonic foundation of the Thunderbird Bass cranks through a pair of superbly versatile contemporary T-Bird Plus bass pickups, with ceramic magnets for enhanced punch and clarity. Individual volume controls and a master tone control let you blend the pickups for a read more wide range of sounds.

Hardware

A three-point T-Bird bridge in black chrome provides a rock-solid anchor at the body end for maximum resonance and sustain, with black chrome tuners at the stylish four-in-line headstock. A white pickguard with Thunderbird graphic, black truss-rod cover with Gibson logo, and black top-hat knobs with silver inserts complete the package.

Case and Coverage

The 2014 Thunderbird Bass comes protected in a vintage-brown Gibson hardshell case, includes a truss-rod wrench and owner's manual, and is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and Gibson's 24/7/365 Customer Service.
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Body:
- Body: Mahogany
- Adhesive: Franklin Titebond 50

Headstock:
- Truss Rod Cover: Hot Stamp Gold "Gibson"

Pickups:
- Neck Position: Bass T-Bird Plus (Ceramic)
- Neck Position: Bass T-Bird Plus (Ceramic)

Neck:
- Species: Mahogany/Walnut Neck-Thru
- Profile .790" / .930" T-BIRD BASS
- Truss Rod: Standard
- Joint Angle: 5* (+/- 15 seconds)
- Adhesive: Franklin Titebond 50

Tuners:
- Model: Grover
- Tuning Ratio: 20:01
- Plating: Black Chrome

Electronics:
- Potentiometers: 2 Volume Controls, 1 Tone Control
- Type: 500K Non-Linear
- Output Jack: 1/4" Barrel Jack

Fingerboard:
- Species: Rosewood
- Frets: Cryogenically Tempered, 20
- Radius: 12"
- Nut/E.O.B: 1.500/2.320
- Inlays: Acrylic Dot with 120th Banner

Hardware:
- Pickguard: Multi-ply White Hot Stamp Thunderbird
- Knobs: Black Top Hat with Silver Metal Inserts
- Control Plate: Black
- Strings: .045 - .105, Genuine Gibson strings
- Strap Buttons: Aluminum

Nut:
- Material: White TekToid
- Width: 1.5
- Slots: Gibson PLEK System

Case:
- Type: Hardshell
- Exterior: Historic Brown w/Gibson Logo
- Interior: Plush

Additional Materials:
Each Thunderbird comes with a truss rod wrench, adjustment literature, and Warranty/Service documentation .

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (3 ratings)
Submitted March 23, 2014 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Better than an epiphone tbird"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I own a a 2013 Epiphone thunderbird classic pro and a 2014 Gibson thunderbird. So, these two are both very close together in age. I set them up identically. So, straight out of the box the differences begin. The epi came in a box. Factory set up was ok but it obviously needed a set up. Intonation and action was a bit off. Strings were serviceable. Finish was good. Has the minor weird spots around the neck and raised center piece that's common even on gibsons. The electronics are vastly better than the non pro epis. Very close to the gibby tbird. The pots are not as responsive as the stock Gibson pots. The serial number is painted on in a very universal manner. Strap buttons are placed to eliminate neck dive.The Gibson comes in its case. A very nice one at that. Factory setup was awesome. Intonation was flawless. Strings were a better set of stainless rounds. It truly felt ready to gig right out the box. The neck is not as thick and is a tiny bit wider. The finish is noticeably thinner and just a bit more refined. The electronics are again just more refined. The pickups have the same fundamental sound but just sound much "clearer" and "woodier". The pots provide a smoother more even taper and the tone pot is much more usable. The bridges are identical. The gibby's tuners are smother and more consistently "firm"(?) in operation. The nut is of a higher quality on the Gibson. Weight and size wise I can't tell a difference.Honestly, the difference is refinement in details. But the read more question most will have is, "Is that refinement worth the price?" In my mind YES. The Epiphone is a solid entry to mid level bass. It looks good, sounds good, and is affordable for most. BUT. The Gibson feels and sounds like a $1200- $1500 bass. Which, is not for everyone. But if you like the sound, look and feel of an Epi Tbird, you'll f***ing love a Gibson Tbird.

Musical Background:
Full time job not in music aka musician. For 16 yrs. Bass only. Several past and current projects.

Musical Style:
punk, hard rock, retro, garage, various obscure sub genres of metal.
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