I Waited Too Long to Buy The KISS BASS | 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons Signature Thunderbird Ebony Review
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- Опубліковано 21 кві 2022
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📚 Description: These were first announced at the VERY beginning of 2021. Here we are in 2nd quarter 2022 and they have finally released. The Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird review is here. There are definitely a few things I would've done differently... but this is Gene's bass and it is POWERFUL!
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I Waited Too Long to Buy The KISS BASS | 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons Signature Thunderbird Ebony Review
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Mirror Inlays and Gibson Logo would've taken this from a B to an A+. The Bass speaks for itself though - it is THUNDEROUS!
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As to the headstock, I believe the extra smooth portion is the Holly overlay, they use those on most other headstocks, only they usually cover the entire front.
Ok Austin, there's recordings of whole songs you've got squirled away somewhere where you've got whole original songs you've recorded... Your getting very good at playing man.
Looks freaking awesome Sold! I'm buying this Bass
I thought that bass looked familiar. That model was one of a few Gene Simmons played when I saw them in 2019.
ew gloss finish on the neck
When this bass was first announced I liked it because I love KISS, but at the same time it didn’t and still doesn’t make sense to me why Gene would pick a Thunderbird instead of taking advantage of the opportunity to potentially revive the Ripper, y’know, a Gibson bass that Gene was actually known for playing in the early days. Either way it’s a cool bass.
It's very likely that it was because he had more fondness with the Firebird. I would also love to see a Ripper Reissue.
Krist Novoselic from Nirvana also could of also picked a Ripper for his signature model but chose the RD.
Gene was known for a Grabber more than a Ripper.
@@e1028 pretty sure the RD is what smacked Krist in the face that one time…
He`s only interested in making money, nothing to do with the fact he doesn`t play one.
Are you kidding? That commercial/announcement video was hilarious. Totally on brand for Gene.
Speaking of, saw Kiss live back in Sept - absolutely killer show at age 70.
Agreed, total '70s - '80s late night TV commercial.
He's 72.
I wish the bass itself had more Gene branding.
Saw them play on tuesday and wednesday. They've just begun their End of the Road tour here in Chile.
Well Chris are You a 70yryoungRock
That bridge was originally designed as an aftermarket replacement for the Gibson 3 point bridge.
Isn't it basically a blacked out Hipshot supertone bridge?
@@BassesandBows it it 100% a hipshot supertone 3 in black finish
Huge KISS fan here. I play Les Paul guitars because of Ace Frehley. The commercial was great, very Gene-ish!!
KISS your money goodbye then.
@@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT What? That makes no sense in the context of my comment.
He’s saying kiss loves money, especially when it belongs to their fans.
@@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT yup once again Gene is ripping his fans off
I understand the disappointment with it being not as flashy/blinged-out, I feel like this seems to be more based around him as a person outside of KISS. Like of course he’s still crazy but since he has his own line of basses based off the ones he uses live this seems more oriented towards him as a person off stage. Great Video!
I'm still bummed that it's not a Ripper or axe-bass rather than a Thunderbird, shapes he's been using for about 50 years
Axe bass has been available since 1998.
@@thefonzkiss although that is true, it's not currently available, neither is the punisher (which pretty much is a more aggressive ripper). A Ripper and/or Axe bass would be so much cooler than a refinished thunderbird with hipshot hardware
I’m not a Gene Simmons fan, I actually don’t like Kiss, and I’m not really a bass player; I’m a guitar player who sometimes doubles on bass. That being said, that’s a nice-looking and great-sounding bass.
I’ve got a 2011 Thunderbird Short scale which is also set neck, I honestly prefer it to the neck through. The binding looks badass on this bass tho, but I’m definitely gonna wait for the V Bass if/when that comes out.
The ad was fantastic. Made me want one and I'm not really down with giving Gene any money.
Very thorough review! The notch in the Hipshot bridge is do it’ll fit over that center anchor for the floating bridge. On my T bird it isn’t recessed.
I noticed that when it sits in the case the headstock disappears in the black plush. I wonder why they stuck with the common ridge on the headstock rather than keeping it consistent with the body and neck and use binding.
Trog, if you can thump the Tony Franklin signature fretless and get it right, you know how to play bass.
I've only played a Thunderbird 1 or 2 times. I can tell you that the solid-body construction and pickups are definitely conducive to my style, which involves a lot of slapping. Only wish they made a few 22- or 24-fret editions.
Austin, the slap and pluck technique usually sounds best played where the neck meets the body. Otherwise good job showing the tones a Thunderbird player would want to hear.
I have a LP Jr Bass and I replaced the bridge with the same Hipshot bridge. It made sound way better and it’s much more stable. The Gibson bridge has to mounted floating on the screws whereas the Hipshot mounts to the wood against the body.
Thank you for the great video. I originally thought I’d like more than one but I’ve now been talked out of the Thunderbird. Thank you for that too. The V is what I’ve really been waiting for…of course, only in a lefty.
sounds better than I expected and the lack of neck dive is impressive...both my EB0 and EB3 wanna take the headstock to the floor.
You should try some Jones Soda bottles on camera. Maybe as a live stream. Berry Lemonade is my favorite. It tastes EXACTLY like the blue frozen ice things from childhood.
I love Jones soda!! It’s so dang good!!
That's a Hipshot bridge. They come with both metric and standard thread screws. That way you can use them on either a Gibson or an Epiphone. I have one on my Epiphone EB0.
Glad to see they didn't used the 3 point bridge because those are a real pain to adjust and set. I wish they would use the les paul bass bridge
I replaced the bridge of my Tbird with the same bridge that this one has stock. more contact with the body, better sustain and resonance. 100% love it over the traditional 3 point floating bridge.
I agree with the mirror inlays and logo. I'm not a big kiss fan, but always loved that bass line from Detroit rock city, and the tone was spot on.
Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!
Greg is in the house
Greg in the house
Yeah that’s a great bridge upgrade. I replaced my SG Bass 3-point bridge with a Hipshot. Drops right in and in theory offers better sustain as it is in full contact with the body - unlike the stock 3-point. On later SG Basses Gibson has featured the Hipshot as stock. The only reason to keep making basses with 3-points is for ‘vintage correctness’ I suppose or a cost saving.
3 point bridge junk. Hipshot way way better
I never seen him play a Tbird & no Gibson since about '77. Loved the Ripper & Grabber
Kiss Meets the Phantom, 1978.
Love the fact that you can actually rock this thing and nobody will know that it is a signature, plus…with that Hipshot hardware i believe this thing will be very versatile for both Rock and heavier forms of it
Loved you playing the classic tunes.
The commercial was really one of the best videos Gibson produced in a while. Very well done. The whole 'you need this bass if you don't like feeling like a loser' thing is just a usual Gene's way of touting his stuff.
I've been waiting for the Casino I ordered. Was told originally likely late april . But later told likely September possibly as late as November. I thought for sure when you left that tape on the bridge placement that you was going to come back and tell us that there was an acoustic pickup placed there as well as the bridge.
Actually loved the Gibson gene guitar add.
Would like to get one and a new sg bass
Yes! More basses!
Looks very similar to the Babicz bridge I have on my Tbird designed to replace the original 3 post
Yo Troggy! Would be great to see you review the Brandon Ellis Jackson signature series.
Yes please!!
This as to be the BEST VIDEO ON THIS SIMMONS BASS. Medical examination is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Gene has previously stated that he likes basses with "symmetry".
So do I.
That being said, a long or medium scale signature something like the LP Jr Tribute would be awesome!
I was really surprised that there's no bridge cover. Simmons has those on all of his basses for decades.
But he doesn`t play a T/bird!
@@jeffhopkins5704 He has a few times in the 70s. But you're right. Everything he's played is either double cutouts with 24 frets (Punisher), or the Axe.
The G in the G2 on the back of the neck should become Gibsons new headstock logo on a new boutique series of guitars.
Or go the other way and use it for import guitars instead of the Epiphone brand. I don’t mind the Epiphone brand on their own unique instruments, like Casinos and Coronets. Putting it on a classic Gibson shape, it may as well be branded Kirkland Signature. It dilutes both brands.
@@ArchieOnEarth I agree. Using the G on an import line of Gibson shapes is a good idea. I think it would easily boost their sales.
I've always associated 24 frets with GS. I'm happy with my gibson eb4 24 fret bass.
Surprisingly cool looking! Gene Simons is so gaudy, most of the time, it’s a nice surprise to see such a classy design. Love it.
Boop,gotcha. Hope you are are doing well everyone.
So far so good, hope you are well too BeatlesCuber
Congratulations on climbing to the summit of the mole hill. Enjoy your Gold Medal for today.
You just won the wallmart aword for the first comment you are amazing 🍪 🍪 🍪
I think if they wouldve added chrome inlays on the neck instead of mop, to match the pick guard, it might be a little more KISS-like.
That’s a cool looking Bass!
I like the design! It’s not too loud or crazy looking. It’s actually subtle looking and understated. Now if it sounds good too then it’s the complete package!
I enjoy your reviews!
Thanks!
🎸👏🏻😎
Listen to you sneaking in a little Geezer Butler with Gene’s licks. Way to go!
Gibson missed out on a chance to re-issue the Ripper bass imo. Thunderchickens have always been available at many price points… it’s kinda meh to see another one
Really looking forward to the Flying V if we ever get that bass. I know they’re not super popular due to comfort, but I personally love the feel
Morello did a huge demo video for his Fender sig
Thanks. This is really nice. The price is good at $2,800. I thought it would be more because it being a Signature. It doesn't have Gene Simmons written all over it. I would definitely consider buying one of those.
I can’t wait for a Flying V bass honestly, they are so hard to find
The Thunderbirds are great looking. Nikki Sixx and Twiggy looked and sounded good. imho, 1) I wish there was better upper fret access. 2) and the wood Gibson uses in the Thunderbirds was acoustically louder. Thunderbirds are quiet basses.
They just left the third bridge anchor in the body because all the anchors are likely set in place before they get finished. Some bodies get turned into regular Thunderbirds, some get turned into GS basses.
If Gibson revived the ripper, grabber and RD bass (and guitar for that matter) they would be killing it in the bass market rn. I like the thunderbird and EB basses but let’s be honest most bassists don’t and for pretty valid reasons. I also have mad respect for you trying to play the supernaut bass line, it’s way harder than it sounds lol
Too bad Gibson VIPS don't seem to ever read or CARE what folks would LIKE!! Gibson had some great 'weird' basses too...like the RD you mentioned for one. Some great body shapes too! I want a LP Doublecut BASS in Korina (and Left-handed, of course!) They don't harly EVER make lefties in the bass line.
Trogly needs to setup a visit to all the various manufacturers to document their lines and historical pieces.
Thank you for the review. I can't believe this thing doesn't have real Mother of Pearl inlays and head-stock logo.
I'm waiting for the V. May part with my Rickenbacker for it.
I wish Gibson would release a proper reissue of the EB-3 bass
I think Rex Brown also did his Gibson demo ;)
That Hipshot bridge is a far better bridge than the flimsy 3-point that is the standard on both Gibson and Epiphone T-Bird basses. The Hipshot has been the most popular after market upgrade on both,
So the rex brown one is the same
Woot woot Trogly's 🙌
the ad is the greatest video ever uploaded to the gibson channel.
Tom Morello and Fender did put out a video with his signature model.
So much questions. First, I never knew Gene to play Gibson, did he? I was a little surprised to see it. That promo video, completely produced by Gene, so cheesy. You didn’t mention the fact it had clover tuners, I can’t say I’ve ever seen that on a Thunderbird. It’s nice to see it’s not neck heavy, I wonder if the one piece body contributed to that? I have an Epi Gothic Thunderbird that was assembled in Nashville, I love the sound, this one has that same deep solid sound. Thunderbirds just sound fantastic. I’d like to have one, but not for that price, I’m no longer gigging, and bass is not as fun as playing my Les Paul, when I’m alone.
Gibson and Pearl were the first endorsements that KISS had. From 74 to 76 Gene played Ripper and Grabber basses. Paul had used L6-S and destroyed Marauders on stage. Ace of course had his Les Pauls.
...... just a quick glance at the cover of ALIVE will show you all guitars are Gibson.
The Trogly’s Bass Show. I dig it!
i think that’s meant to read G squared. like Gene and Gibson, G^2
Nice looking bass. I also loved the release video it is 100% Gene!
🎶 Trog's tear-downs bring all the views to the yard
You should review an iceman dmm1 daron malakian signature
Noticed you tuned down to E flat, just like KISS does, for the playing part of the video.
That hipshot bridge is an upgrade! Most of my friend who have Thunderbird, upgrade to this bridge. Have no idea why bassist hate the Gibson one (I'm not bassist)
It’s more finicky to set the intonation and action. Some have the habit of pulling themselves out of the body due to not being adjusted correctly or having to be adjusted an extreme amount and being under too much tension.
I thought that Gene Simmons originally played a Gibson Ripper Bass. I have one and it's still a beautiful sounding bass guitar.
Yup. I always wanted one - natural - but not for Kiss inspired reasons. I've had a 50s P bass for over half of my life and IMO could get better tones with it.
What is Gene's sound? Loud and throaty with good midrange. Amp/speakers can cover that.
@@alwaysopen7970 For me the Gibson Ripper is the best bass I've ever plated. My friends had Rickies and Fenders but the Gibson has always felt good in my hands and the range of sound colourations possible have always sounded great to my ears. And it's in the natural finish rather than stained and coloured so just feels like it has a purity in its' textures both in looks and sound.
fingers crossed that they bring back the ripper in this series
The headstock wood grain is not intentional, most will come completely flat, it’s just based on how hard the buffer flattens it out. Also this is unconfirmed, but since I’ve been waiting forever to buy a firebird on my discount at Gibson, I asked around and they believe the reason traditional thunderbirds and firebirds have been out of stock is because Gibson can’t buy the long walnut or mahogany pieces, which eludes to why this is a glue on!
I think the kid in the Gibson ad is supposed to pay tribute to the one in the I love it loud music video
When you feature a bass, you could mention whether it is strung with round or flat wound strings.
No bass comes stock with flatwounds so one should always assume they are roundwounds.
Assume roundwound unless stated differently
This bass is sick! But at the price def not worth it! The red one looks way better! I appreciate the review thanks trogly!
More excited for the flying V bass reveal!
I was hoping you would get one of these! Sadly the current price is about $800 more than I would pay.
I don't know, if I spending top dollar I'm thinking of a Dingwall D-Roc instead of this. Or spending less than or half as much for an Epiphone or ESP Phoenix.
That instrument looks amazing. Good video......!
Other then the bridge dig the Nikki bass more
Tom Morello did do a whole video about his signature model.
I'd be happier if Gene had made the Grabbber again. Black with a Maple neck maybe even a modern version.
I am not a kiss fan but the teaser video was really cool.
The lightweight tuning machines are a most for basses with no upper horn. The thunderbird shape is neckdive hell otherwise.
That bridge sure looks good! Definitely sounds like a bass!
impressed with the KISS tunes nice job on the trout oh sorry the bass lol a real kiss fan would know what I'm talking about
Hip shot is a upgrade for the 3 point it’s far better then the 3 point .
Reason it has the 3 holes , to be mass produce with non gene Simmons basses
U r not shy on the bass, i like that!!!!
This is a rocking look, but I’m a bit underwhelmed by the tone. Anyone else notice that dead spot at the B on the A string (2nd fret?). The note just dies after a couple of seconds.
More likely due to my technique rather than the bass
I like the Gibson tribute guitars and reissue pieces. For me personally, I prefer buying a really nice vintage in the same configuration (or close to) as say Ace Frehley for example. It’s a fraction of the cost and more accurate in most cases. Even if I need to modify it to match up, it’s worth the effort.
The truss rod cover is the profile of thunderbird head
I'm buying this ASAP
Do a hofner review
that axe is AWESOME
Hipshot tuners. The BEST.
Hipshot Bridges. Damn good.
5:13 agreed - it shoulda had his KISS face on there
Nice tones!
Love it! Gotta get me one!
I contacted Sweetwater and Gibson, no plans to produce the flying V bass, and that's what I want. Also watched every UA-cam of last KISS tour and never saw him use this bass.