Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird

Year: 2020
Finish/Color: Sparkling Burgundy
Made in: USA
Factory/Plant: Nashville, TN

The stylish rebel While the original Reverse Thunderbird was designed to mimic the fins of 1950s automobiles, the Non-Reverse body style – introduced in 1965 – offered a more ergonomic, balanced feel that resonated with the psych-rock and garage bands of the era. This Nashville-built model captures that vibe perfectly, featuring a solid Mahogany body and neck for that deep, fundamental resonance Gibson is famous for. Unlike the neck-through construction of its siblings, the Non-Reverse layout provides a snappier response, and when finished in the stunning Sparkling Burgundy, it stands out as one of the most visually striking instruments in the vault.

Did you know? The Non-Reverse design was actually born out of a legal necessity! After the original Thunderbird debuted in 1963, Fender claimed the design infringed on their “Offset Waist” patent (used for the Jazzmaster and Jaguar). To avoid a courtroom battle, Gibson flipped the design, resulting in the more traditional silhouette you see here. This specific 2020 iteration is a modern powerhouse, equipped with Thunderbird Rhythm and Lead pickups – ceramic magnet monsters that deliver the high-output growl and clank necessary to cut through a wall of loud guitars.