McGrath Thunderhorse P-Style Bass - Galactic Purple - 12-Way Selector & Tilt EQ

Product Overview

Galactic Purple gives the Thunderhorse a darker visual identity while keeping the focus on McGrath's 12-way electronics platform. This P-style build uses a mahogany body, ebony fingerboard and carbon-reinforced roasted flame maple neck, then combines a Nordstrand Big Blade neck pickup with two Big Split 4 pickups. The pickup set is routed through the 12-way selector and paired with McGrath's center-detented Tilt EQ, passive tone and push-pull active bypass.

Why Players Choose This

The Galactic Purple configuration is especially attractive for players who want a muscular, modern bass voice without giving up broad pickup-selection options. With Big Split pickups in both middle and bridge positions, there is a strong emphasis on punch, clarity and mix presence. The neck Big Blade adds a warmer voice, and the selector lets the player combine those sources in series and parallel arrangements. The active circuit remains easy to bypass from the master volume.

Key Points

• Galactic Purple high-gloss finish
• Mahogany body with ebony fingerboard
• Nordstrand Big Blade plus two Big Split 4 pickups
• 12-way selector with series and parallel pickup combinations
• Save, recall and reset selector functions
• McGrath Tilt EQ, passive tone and 18V active system
• Push-pull passive bypass with power-loss failsafe
• Badass II high-mass bridge and lightweight tuners
• 34-inch scale; approximately 8.8 lb
• McGrath ProTec hybrid case included

The Player's Point of View

A player coming from a P-bass or modern split-coil setup will understand the center of gravity here quickly, but the Thunderhorse adds far more routing choices than a traditional instrument. The two Big Split pickups make this the most naturally punch-oriented of the Nordstrand Thunderhorse builds listed here, while the 12-way system keeps the bass from becoming a one-sound specialist.

Built for the Culture

Built for the culture here means modern tone, durability and identity without burying the musician under controls. The stainless frets, reinforced neck, high-mass bridge, fast-access electronics and passive fallback all support a player who expects the instrument to move between rehearsals, sessions and performance.

Why TCU Recommends This

TCU recommends the Galactic Purple version for the player who wants a stronger split-coil center of gravity. The duplicate Big Split positions give this model a particular punch and authority, while the Big Blade and 12-way architecture extend it well beyond the role of a traditional P-style bass.

Key Specs

• Model: P-Style Thunderhorse
• Finish: Galactic Purple, high gloss
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Roasted Flame Maple with carbon fiber reinforcement
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 12-inch radius
• Frets: Medium Jumbo Stainless Steel
• Nut Width: 1.5-inch J-Style
• Scale Length: 34-inch standard scale
• Weight: 8.8 lb
• Pickups: Nordstrand Big Blade, Big Split 4, Big Split 4
• Pickup Configuration: Neck Big Blade / Middle Big Split 4 / Bridge Big Split 4
• Electronics: McGrath 12-Way Rotary Pickup Selector; McGrath Tilt EQ; 18V active system; passive bypass; save/recall/reset selector functions; power-loss failsafe
• Control Layout: Master Volume with push-pull preamp bypass, 12-Way Pickup Selector, Tilt EQ, Passive Tone
• Bridge: Badass II High-Mass
• Tuners: Badass Lightweights
• Hardware: Black
• Pickguard: Black
• Strings: D'Addario NYXL .045-.100
• Included Case: McGrath ProTec Hybrid Case
• Condition: Brand New

Bottom Line

The Galactic Purple Thunderhorse is a strong choice for the bassist who wants modern punch, boutique visual character and a deep pickup-routing system in a 34-inch P-style platform. It is bold without being gimmicky because the electronics are built around real performance decisions.