NASHVILLE, TN – Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, proudly announces the worldwide release of the new Gibson Thunderbird™ Bass, arriving worldwide in two striking finishes: Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter. First introduced in 1963, the original Thunderbird was unlike anything the music world had ever seen. Designed by renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich—who also created the Gibson Firebird™—the bass featured a bold, curvaceous, and asymmetrical body shape that was groundbreaking at the time and remains instantly recognizable today. The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations, via authorized Gibson dealers, and on Gibson.com.
Early Thunderbird models were built with a nine-ply neck-through-body design with mahogany wings, marking the first use of neck-through construction on a Gibson bass. It was also the first Gibson bass to feature a long 34” scale length, departing from the shorter 30.5” scale used previously. Today, Gibson honors that heritage with a new Thunderbird Bass that blends the spirit of the original with modern craftsmanship and performance.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Tobacco Burst Perimeter.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass (L-R) in Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter.
The instrument features a solid mahogany body in the classic Reverse shape, complete with the raised center section that evokes the look of the early neck-through design. A glued-in, set mahogany neck with a fast SlimTaper™ profile offers exceptional comfort and playability, while the updated Non-Reverse style headstock makes tuning intuitive and familiar for today’s players. Modern hardware upgrades include Hipshot® Ultralite® Mini Clover tuners for precise tuning and improved balance, along with a Hipshot Supertone bridge that provides full intonation control and adjustable action height.
True to its name, the Thunderbird delivers powerful, thunderous low end thanks to its two EB Bass Humbucker™ pickups. These high-output pickups offer deep punch, clarity, and dynamic range, with independent volume controls that allow players to blend tones effortlessly. A master tone control provides additional shaping, giving the bass a wide sonic palette suited for any genre or playing style. The instrument is completed with the Thunderbird’s signature 3-ply white pickguard, proudly displaying the iconic Thunderbird logo.
Each Thunderbird Bass ships with a Gibson hardshell case, ensuring reliable protection for touring musicians, studio professionals, and collectors alike. With its unmistakable style, modern enhancements, and legendary tone, the new Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter is ready to take its place on stages and in studios around the world.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Ebony.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Tobacco Burst Perimeter.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass front headstock.
The Gibson Thunderbird Bass rear headstock.
Step inside the Gibson USA craftory and watch how Gibson’s world‑renowned electric guitars are handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee, in Gibson TV’s award‑winning docuseries The Process—Season 1, streaming worldwide HERE.
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Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.
