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Thunderbird Bass 2015
Sustain that cuts through any mix
Vanguards of
Innovation
$2,599
The full contact bridge preserves every last string vibration for a wide range of unique tonal possibilities
Babicz Full Contact Hardware® Bridge: Easier adjustment and increased sustain
Nothing gives string sustain like a full contact bridge, but it's also easier to adjust for precise intonation and your ideal action.
New & Improved Electronics: Increased tonal Versatility, with eight distinct sounds
Choose from eight distinct, musically useful bass sounds all based on the purity of passive electronics–thanks to dual mini-toggle switches that control Gibson's tuned coil tap wiring.
Comprehensive Wood Selection
Gibson USA matches the rarest and finest woods to every guitar based on the quality of the match, consistency of the figure, intensity of the figure, clarity, and wave.
Thicker Rosewood Fingerboard
The increased mass of a thicker, one-piece rosewood fingerboard extends sustain.
Pearl Inlays
Genuine pearl inlays enhance the guitar's appearance and increase its value.
Smoother Sanded, Buffed and Oiled Fingerboard
A new, unique oil-treated buffing process upgrades the fingerboard to a silkier feel.
Comprehensive Setup
A new comprehensive setup and PLEK program combined with a lower fret height on every Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitar provides a silky smooth feel, accurate intonation, and easy bending.
Improved Output Jack
The re-designed jack houses a more secure, multipoint connection for better signal transfer and holds cables more firmly in place.
Heavier Gauge Wire
All Gibson USA guitars now use thicker, stranded wire that provides more surface area for making strong internal connections.
New and Improved in 2015
Babicz Full Contact Hardware® Bridge:
Easier adjustment and increased sustain
New & Improved Electronics:
Increased tonal Versatility, with eight distinct sounds
Comprehensive wood selection and grading:
Rarest and finest materials for best instruments
Thicker Rosewood Fingerboard:
Increased mass for sustain
Pearl Inlays:
Better appearance and value
Smoother sanded, buffed and oiled fingerboard:
Improved playability and feel
Comprehensive Setup (Lower Frets, Improved Plek, Intonation):
Silky smooth action and bending, improved intonation
Improved contact output jack:
Secure contact and uninterrupted signal
More robust cables:
Stronger signal strength
Body
Body
Wood Species:
Mahogany
Pieces:
multi matched
Grade:
Ultra low
Binding:
None
Weight
Average Weight (body only):
1.28 kg / 2.82 lbs
Materials Used
Glue:
Franklin Titebond 50
Tonal, Resonant, and/or Technical Effect:
A Solid mahogany body has the most sustain
Body Contour
Carve:
Flat
Wood Selection Scale
Body Grade:
Density:
Grain:
High Density/High Grain Variations
specifies the densest wood for a bright tone with prominent grain variations.
Models featuring
Les Paul CM 2015
Les Paul Junior Single Cut 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015 Heritage Cherry
LPM 2015
The Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature four different backs, from ultra-low density with light weight and clear grain to high-density wood with strong grain variations.
High
Variations
Medium Density/Medium Grain Variations
specifies moderately dense wood for a balance of comfort and tone, with medium grain variations.
Models featuring
Les Paul Studio 2015
Les Paul Less Plus 2015
Les Paul Classic 2015
SG Special 2015
The Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature four different backs, from ultra-low density with light weight and clear grain to high-density wood with strong grain variations.
Medium
Medium
Low Density/Slight Grain Variations
specifies light wood for a balance of comfort and tone, with slight grain variations.
Models featuring
Les Paul Deluxe 2015
Les Paul Traditional 2015
Midtown Standard
The Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature four different backs, from ultra-low density with light weight and clear grain to high-density wood with strong grain variations.
Low
Slight
Ultra-Low Density/Clear
specifies the lightest wood for comfort, and offers a naturally uniform grain pattern.
Models featuring
Les Paul Standard 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015 Tobacco Sunburst Candy
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt 2015
SG Standard 2015
SG Standard 2015 Fireburst
Derek Trucks SG 2015
SG Standard Bass 2015
Thunderbird Bass 2015
Firebird V 2015
The Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature four different backs, from ultra-low density with light weight and clear grain to high-density wood with strong grain variations.
Ultra Low
Clear
Body Contour
Carve:
Flat
the minimalist, straight forward body style translated into a more affordable guitar design
Models featuring
Les Paul Junior Single Cut 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015 Heritage Cherry
SG Special 2015
SG Standard 2015
SG Standard 2015 Fireburst
Derek Trucks SG 2015
SG Standard Bass 2015
Thunderbird Bass 2015
Firebird V 2015
Midtown Standard
The four body types available on Gibson USA's 2015 Model Year guitars range from flat to enhanced carve.
Flat
Slight Carve
adds a subtle curve that accents the guitar's shape.
Models featuring
Les Paul CM 2015
LPM 2015
Les Paul Studio 2015
The four body types available on Gibson USA's 2015 Model Year guitars range from flat to enhanced carve.
Slight
Classic Carve
provides moderate carving that emphasizes the guitar's shape and grain.
Models featuring
Les Paul Less Plus 2015
Les Paul Classic 2015
Les Paul Deluxe 2015
Les Paul Supreme 2015
The four body types available on Gibson USA's 2015 Model Year guitars range from flat to enhanced carve.
Classic
Enhanced Carve
delivers the maximum amount of carving, highlighting the grain patterns and increasing the visual impact.
Models featuring
Les Paul Traditional 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015 Tobacco Sunburst Candy
Les Paul Standard 2015
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt 2015
The four body types available on Gibson USA's 2015 Model Year guitars range from flat to enhanced carve.
Enhanced
Neck
Neck
Wood Species:
Mahogany/Walnut neck thru
Pieces:
9 ply multi laminate
Details
Truss Rod:
Thunderbird
Profile:
Rounded
Thickness at Fret 1:
20.09 mm / .790"
Thickness at Fret 12:
23.75 mm / .930"
Other Materials:
Franklin Titebond 50
Average Weight:
1.72 kg / 3.8 lb
Peg Head
Type:
Thunderbird
Inlay:
Peg Head Binding:
Logo:
Silkscreen:
Headstock Angle:
10 degrees
Tonal, Resonant, and/or Technical Effect:
The mahogany/walnut neck through construction provide maximum sustain and strength.
Neck Fit
Joint Angle:
2.0 degrees
Joint Angle Tolerance:
0 deg 0 min 15 sec
Type:
Neck through break angle
Gauges Used:
Pitch Height Gauge, Alignment Gauge
Nut
Style:
Classic
Material:
Tektoid
Width:
3.810 cm / 1.50"
Slots:
E: 2.67 mm / 0.105"
A: 2.16 mm / 0.085"
D: 1.65 mm / 0.065"
G: 1.14 mm / 0.045"
B:
e:
Fingerboard
Wood Species:
Rosewood
Pieces:
1
Shade:
Dark
Fingerboard Details
Radius:
30.48 cm / 12"
Frets:
20
Nut/End of Board:
3.810 cm / 1.50" @ nut, 5.9944 cm / 2.360" @ end of board
Scale:
86.36 cm / 34"
Binding:
none
Side Dots (Color):
white
Fingerboard Inlays
Style:
Dot
Material:
Mother of Pearl
Dimensions:
6.3246 mm / 0.249"
Average Weight:
117.93 gm / 4.16 oz
Wood Selection Scale
Fingerboard:
Shade:
Grain:
Fingerboard — Light
Light shade rosewood with some grain variations.
Models featuring
Les Paul CM 2015
Les Paul Junior Single Cut 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015 Heritage Cherry
LPM 2015
Les Paul Studio 2015
SG Special 2015
All Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature high-quality rosewood with different looks ranging from dark to light.
Light
Variations
Fingerboard — Medium
Medium shade rosewood with slight grain variations
Models featuring
Les Paul Less Plus 2015
Les Paul Classic 2015
Les Paul Deluxe 2015
SG Standard Bass 2015
Midtown Standard
All Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature high-quality rosewood with different looks ranging from dark to light.
Medium
Slight Variations
Fingerboard — Dark
Dark rosewood with a uniform grain pattern.
Models featuring
Les Paul Traditional 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015 Tobacco Sunburst Candy
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt 2015
SG Standard 2015
SG Standard 2015 Fireburst
Derek Trucks SG 2015
Thunderbird Bass 2015
Firebird V 2015
All Gibson USA 2015 Model Year guitars feature high-quality rosewood with different looks ranging from dark to light.
Dark
Uniform
Neck Profile
Slim Taper
Neck Profile — SlimTaper™ 1st Fret
SlimTaper™'s slimmer neck taper promotes faster playing
Models featuring
Les Paul Junior Single Cut 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015 Heritage Cherry
Les Paul Studio 2015
Les Paul Classic 2015
SG Special 2015
SG Standard 2015
SG Standard 2015 Fireburst
Derek Trucks SG 2015
Firebird V 2015
Midtown Standard
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
1st Fret
Neck Profile — SlimTaper™ 12th Fret
SlimTaper™'s slimmer neck taper promotes faster playing.
Models featuring
Les Paul Junior Single Cut 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015
Les Paul Special Double Cutaway 2015 Heritage Cherry
Les Paul Studio 2015
Les Paul Classic 2015
SG Special 2015
SG Standard 2015
SG Standard 2015 Fireburst
Derek Trucks SG 2015
Firebird V 2015
Midtown Standard
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
12th Fret
Slim Taper Asym
Neck Profile — SlimTaper™ Asymmetrical 1st Fret
SlimTaper™ Asymmetrical's design provides a more ergonomic grip for guitarists who keep their thumb on the neck's back
Models featuring
Les Paul Standard 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015 Tobacco Sunburst Candy
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
1st Fret
Neck Profile — SlimTaper™ Asymmetrical 12th Fret
SlimTaper™ Asymmetrical's design provides a more ergonomic grip for guitarists who keep their thumb on the neck's back.
Models featuring
Les Paul Standard 2015
Les Paul Standard 2015 Tobacco Sunburst Candy
Les Paul Standard Premium Quilt 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
12th Fret
Rounded
Neck Profile — Rounded 1st Fret
Rounded's traditional look and substantial feel.
Models featuring
Les Paul CM 2015
LPM 2015
Les Paul Less Plus 2015
SG Standard Bass 2015
Thunderbird Bass 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
1st Fret
Neck Profile — Rounded 12th Fret
Rounded's traditional look and substantial feel.
Models featuring
Les Paul CM 2015
LPM 2015
Les Paul Less Plus 2015
SG Standard Bass 2015
Thunderbird Bass 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
12th Fret
Rounded Asym
Neck Profile — Rounded Asymmetrical 1st Fret
Rounded Asymmetrical increases sustain and adds a twist to standard rounded necks by providing a more ergonomic grip for guitarists who keep their thumb on the neck's back.
Models featuring
Les Paul Deluxe 2015
Les Paul Supreme 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
1st Fret
Neck Profile — Rounded Asymmetrical 12th Fret
Rounded Asymmetrical increases sustain and adds a twist to standard rounded necks by providing a more ergonomic grip for guitarists who keep their thumb on the neck's back.
Models featuring
Les Paul Deluxe 2015
Les Paul Supreme 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
12th Fret
Rounded XL
Neck Profile — Rounded XL1st Fret
Rounded XL thickens the rounded design to provide maximum sustain, while also recalling the shape of the earliest Les Pauls.
Models featuring
Les Paul Traditional 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
1st Fret
Neck Profile — Rounded XL12th Fret
Rounded XL thickens the rounded design to provide maximum sustain, while also recalling the shape of the earliest Les Pauls.
Models featuring
Les Paul Traditional 2015
Gibson USA's new 2015 Model Year offers the five most popular neck designs to accommodate individual playing styles.
12th Fret
Finishes
Vintage Sunburst
Color Code:
VS
Surface Texture:
Smooth/ Hi Gloss 90 Sheen Lacquer
Filler:
Walnut
Sealer:
1–1.5 mils
Top:
Sunburst Yellow #508–Y5V–1167 w/ New Red Brown #508–1185D–H5PRS
Top Coat:
Hi Gloss Lacquer/ 90 Sheen 7–8 mils
Scraped:
Fingerboard Sides and Nut
Electronics
Pickups
Rhythm
Lead
Style:
Rhy EB Bass
Lead EB Bass
Winds/Coil: Screw side/Slug side:
6000 / 6000
7000 /7000
Material of Wire (gauge):
Copper (42)
Copper (43)
Coil Dimensions (per coil):
18.54 mm x 80.64 mm / 0.730" x 3.175"
18.54 mm x 80.64 mm / 0.730" x 3.175"
Coil Material:
Fiber
Fiber
Coil Winding Process:
Machine wound
Machine wound
Pole Piece Material:
Alnico V Rod Magnet
Alnico V Rod Magnet
Pole Piece Position from Nut:
67.95 cm / 26.75"
78.74 cm / 31.0"
Slug Material:
Alnico V rod magnet
Alnico V rod magnet
Slug Dimensions (diameter x length):
Magnet Material:
Alnico V Rod Magnet
Alnico V Rod Magnet
Magnet Position from Nut:
69.8 cm / 27.5"
80.65 cm / 31.75"
Magnet Dimensions:
7.92 mm x 15.87 mm /0.312" x 0.625"
7.92 mm x 15.87 mm /0.312" x 0.625"
Polarities:
North side is up
North side is up
Cover:
Black ABS
Black ABS
Qfactor:
2.75
3.72
ResistanceDC:
9.65k ohms
15.01k ohms
Resonant Frequency:
2902.31 Hz
2417.42 Hz
Tonal & Resonant Advancements:
The Alnico rod magnet gives an articulate, tight response combined with the extra windings for more punch
Control Pocket Assembly
Lead Volume
Rhythm Volume
Type:
500K Non–Linear
500K Non–Linear
Peak Voltage:
500V
500V
Range:
0–500K
0–500K
Power Rating:
1/4 watt above 100K ohms
1/4 watt above 100K ohms
Resistance Tolerance:
+/– 20%
+/– 20%
Minimum Resistance:
200 ohms
200 ohms
Lead Tone
Rhythm Tone
Master Tone
Type:
500K Non–Linear
Peak Voltage:
500V
Range:
0–500K
Power Rating:
1/4 watt above 100K ohms
Resistance Tolerance:
+/– 20%
Minimum Resistance:
200 ohms
Capacitors:
Lead Value
Rhythm
.022 uF
.022 uF
Hardware
Tuning Keys
Style:
Grover Tulip bass
Material:
Zamak
Weight:
53.86 gm / 1.9 oz
Tuning Keys Details
Tuning Ratio:
20:01
Gear Type:
Worm
What is allowable turn:
+/– 4 degrees
Plating specs:
Black chrome
Part numbers:
430–14184
String Dimensions
E:
2.67 mm / 0.105"
A:
2.16 mm / 0.085"
D:
1.65 mm / 0.065"
G:
1.14 mm / 0.045"
B:
e:
Bridge
Style:
Babicz Full Contact Hardware® Three Point
Material:
Aluminum
Plating Specs:
Black Chrome
Part number:
430–14091B
Weight:
249.48 gm / 8.8 oz
Output Jack
Style:
1/4" mono with dual tip contact barrel jack
Strap Buttons
Material:
Aluminum
Plating Specs:
Black powder coat
Part numbers:
430–19162 / 430–19162E
Weight:
4.0 gm / 0.14 oz
Plastics
Pick Guard
Style:
multi ply white hot stamp black Thunderbird logo
Part Number:
380–12352
Truss Rod Cover
Style:
Thundrbird hot stamped gold "Gibson"
Part Number:
430–19283
Knobs
Style:
Black Volume and Tone top hat silver insert
Part Number:
430–19200 / 430–19201
Dial Pointers
Yes/No:
No
Control Plate(s) (Backplate Cover)
Style:
ABS black
Part Number:
430–19311
Accessories
Case
Style:
Hard Shell
Color:
Gold Molded
Strap Locks:
No
Tools:
Truss Rod Wrench
Manual:
Gibson USA Owner's
COA/Other:
None
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