I'd be interested to hear a perspective on this from those who've installed vintage pickups in a newer T-Bird, or perhaps Lull T-Bass owners. This is why I don't like the T-Bird Plus pickups all that much on the newer T-Birds. In the case of the T-Birds I've owned, however, the pickups played a major role in tone. There's no doubt that the Grabber II, as you say, has the tone it does due to its construction. Since both are neckthroughs (and most of the tone/sustain will come from things aligned/installed along the length of the neck), I had to conclude that the pickups made the difference, for me at least. The '76, with the original alnico pickups, blew it out of the water tonally for me - you have that deep T-Bird tone, but at the same time there's still some high end/growl/edge to it. Both were pretty much mahogany, and the '87 just didn't have high end (which I like). Before I sold the '87, I confirmed this by A/B'ing them side by side. One of the reasons I wanted the Bicentennial is that it had more high end to it. It plays well, I didn't pay too much for it, and it brings out the inner Gene Simmons in me (man, if that isn't a loaded statement, I don't know what is).Ĭlick to expand.One thing - I recently sold an '87 Thunderbird, as I'd picked up a '76 Bicentennial (a bit beat, but plays and sounds great, no breaks at all). If they got the price point down around a grand or less, this thing would sell pretty well. Gibson made a bunch I would have wanted, and that's a good thing. I bought it mostly because I always wanted one, but wanted some improvements. I don't see this becoming collectible, but I could be wrong. While the regular Grabber model featured a single movable pickup, the G-3 (also known as the Grabber III) used three single coils. It's just not worth what they're asking, regardless of whether it's a limited edition or not. One of several Gibson solidbody basses introduced in the 70s, the Grabber and its counterpart the Ripper featured a large Maple bodies similar to guitars like the L6-S. It's not that it's a bad bass - it's not. T-Bird Plus pickups aren't my favorites, and I'm glad they did something different here.īang for Buck: I'm glad I got this used. All the way back, it still has that P growl, but with some top end. The T-Bird Plus pickup (sliding, that is) doesn't suck! It actually has some high end to it! I can actually get some gutsy gritty tones from it. Also gives it a nice resonance when played unplugged. It's nice to have a set neck - a bit easier to access the upper frets I think. Action is a bit high for me right now (see truss rod remark), but I'm confident I'll get it to where I want it. Playability: I'm still tweaking the action (waiting for some truss rod wrenches from Stew-Mac Geez, Gibson, for what you're asking for these things, is a $10 truss rod wrench too much to ask?), but it plays fairly well.

It's also comfortable sitting or standing ergonomically. Case is very nice, plush, put together well. Screwed together well, though I'm wondering why they went with a satin finish for the body. Has the lousy three point Gibson bridge (when will they ever learn?), one tone and volume. V shaped headstock, rosewood fingerboard, set neck, etc. Has the sliding pickup (a T-Bird Plus, but more on that in a minute).

Initial impressions: Well, it looks the part.

Gibson grabber neck