This signature electric bass isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a modern, road-ready machine packed with high-end components, including Gibson USA pickups and the revered Leo Quan Badass II bridge.
A Punk Machine Optimized for Green Day’s Mike Dirnt
Mike Dirnt’s relationship with the original Gibson Grabber G-3 spans decades of touring and recording with Green Day. The new Epiphone iteration has been reimagined and built entirely to Dirnt’s specifications, ensuring every detail, from the feel to the sonic output, is spot on.
Core Features & Construction
| Feature | Detail | Benefit |
| Body & Neck Material | Maple Body, 3-Piece Maple Neck, Ebony Fingerboard | Snappy, immediate sound with fantastic attack and smooth playability. |
| Scale Length | 34″ (863.6 mm) | Classic long-scale feel for punchy low notes. |
| Bridge | Leo Quan Badass II (Through-Body Stringing) | Powerful attack, long-lasting sustain, and rock-solid tuning stability. |
| Case | Hardshell Case Included | Road-ready protection for gigging musicians. |
The Engine Room: Gibson USA G-3 Pickups
At the heart of the Dirnt Grabber G-3’s versatile sound is a trio of Gibson G-3 pickups, all meticulously manufactured at the renowned Gibson Pickup Shop in Nashville, Tennessee.
These pickups are wired in a sophisticated “buck-and-a-half” configuration, offering three distinct, hum-free tonal characteristics via a simple three-way toggle switch:
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Top Position: Engages the neck and middle pickups for a beefy, humbucker-style thump—perfect for thick, foundational grooves.
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Middle Position: All three pickups are active, producing a full-bodied, versatile growl.
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Bottom Position: Activates the middle and bridge pickups for a tight, treble-heavy tone, ideal for gritty punk grooves reminiscent of Green Day’s Dookie-era sound.
Paired with master volume and tone controls, this setup provides a broad sonic palette, ensuring this bass can handle everything from stadium-sized punk anthems to tight studio sessions.
Hardware Built for the Road (and Rock)
The hardware on the Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 is designed for performance and reliability. The legendary Leo Quan Badass II bridge is a standout feature, utilizing through-body stringing and full adjustability to maximize sustain and attack. This is a critical component for maintaining tuning stability and punch, especially in the context of energetic live performances.
The bass is finished with a classic Grabber V headstock, featuring historic cloverleaf open-gear bass tuners. The nut is made of bone for improved tone transfer and sustain.
Conclusion: A Fitting Tribute at a Competitive Price
The Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 is a superb signature instrument that successfully merges vintage aesthetics with modern, performance-focused construction. It offers not only an attractive tribute to Green Day’s iconic bassist but also genuine tonal versatility and proven reliability on the road.
With the inclusion of high-quality Gibson USA electronics and a rugged hardshell case, the $1,299/£1,99/€1,399 price point makes this bass an extremely competitive option for serious players looking to capture the iconic Green Day low-end tones.
Ready to grab the Green Day sound?
The new Epiphone Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 is available now at Epiphone dealers worldwide.
Available at Andertons, priced £1199
More Information
#Epiphone #Mike Dirnt #Green Day #Grabber G-3 Bass
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