NBD HELP! Damage! Cracks! Return or Keep? Gibson Thunderbird Content!

[ZombiiBass]

So, I have been eyeing the bright red 2018 Gibson Thunderbird Bass for a while now and took the plunge last night. Ordered it from American Musical Supply. Maybe my first mistake, but anyways...

To my surprise it came today! Opened it up and it looked pretty cool. Action was a bit high, but figured I’d adjust the rod and saddles...no big deal. That’s the usual stuff you do when you get a bass anyways.

So I’m getting ready to set it up and I get to the nut as I’m looking it over...on the bass side there are what seem to be cracks in the finish. Possibly separation in the wood but it’s really hard for me to tell as I am not an expert in this area. So, I flip it to the treble side...cracks down from the nut past the first fret in the finish along where the fret board meets the neck!

I’ve called and set up a return already, but wanted to see what Talkbass thought of these cracks...just surface cracks in the finish or do they look like structural damage? Is it worth keeping and maybe asking AMS for a large discount if the bass plays well or should I just send it back and get something different all together?

Zoom in on the photos for a real good look!

What say you Talkbass?!?!?!

 

[bassbully]

Ohhhhhh....nope....nope! Send that sucka back pronto. Looks like the fretboard is lifting and what’s with the nut? It’s even cracked. Gibson quality has really slipped. I had one a few months ago and it had flaws everywhere.

 

[Paulabass]

I think laquer cracks, wood doesn't shatter. My guess is that it was dropped flat, in the case and box. I'd return it, but that's really up to you.
On second look- that might actually a crack on the bass side.

 

[FunkHead]

It either got slammed before it left the Shipper or it was dropped from the back of a truck from high up. Definitely don't keep it.

 

[jd56hawk]

It's a $2,000 bass…it should be perfect.
I wouldn't expect to see that on a new $200 bass.
Third bad report I've heard.
That's why I'd go with an Epiphone Classic Pro or the new Epiphone Vintage Thunderbird and save $1,400 and a headache.
Enough positive reviews here to make your head spin.

 

[ZombiiBass]

Yeah, I’m certainly leaning towards a return. Really bummed about this one!

 

[slamsinger]

Yeah, I’m certainly leaning towards a return. Really bummed about this one!

I’d have that thing already boxed up rich .... you don’t need the headaches brother
Send her back where she came from

 

[Trouztrouz]

Awful. Back it goes.

 

[user362432]

Send it back and as for money back. Buy somewhere else.

 

[buldog5151bass]

NO, No and no.

 

[ZombiiBass]

Packaged up and ready to go back!

 

[Hillbillypolack]

Odd for sure. Looks like an impact, hard to tell from which direction (my guess is from the treble side of the nut since it’s showing fracture marks).

Regardless, if there’s an opportunity for a replacement, take advantage of it.

This, in a nutshell is the difficulty of ordering online.

 

[mikeoso]

That is a whiplash crack.

 

[Spidey2112]

Rev, that thing looks like its about ready to blow... beautiful color/finish, though. Are you going to try for another, or full refund?

 

[ZombiiBass]

Rev, that thing looks like its about ready to blow... beautiful color/finish, though. Are you going to try for another, or full refund?

I’m going to return it and get a Spector Euro I think.

 

[cataract]

Shoddy. I’d return ASAP..

 

[physics]

I have a 2015 Gibson Thunderbird that got a neck crack like that. It was due to some kind of impact that I was unaware of. From the looks of that crack it looks as if the headstock got whacked from front to back. This is the weak point of these basses; the necks break very easily.

The good news is that this kind of break can be repaired to a good as new condition by a competent luthier. Don't cheap out on the repair, it'll cost you about $300. At the time, I also had the stock Tektoid nut replaced with a custom-cut bone nut.

Whether you keep it or get a replacement, get a good gig bag for it. I use a Mono M-80 that I've added additional cushioning to in the form of little terry cloth towels with good results so far.

 

[4SG]

Let us know what kind of response you get from AMS. That's inexcusable.

 

[electracoyote]

I don't like the looks of that at all. Stress cracks in an area already known to be susceptible in these basses.

I'm usually one for keeping a bass with small flaws, maybe shooting for a partial refund or discount, especially if it's a player. But this could easily develop further and go far beyond a small flaw.

I vote for the return/exchange. And have the retailer inspect the next one for you.

 

[MEKer]

Send it back.