McGrath Thunderhorse P-Style IV Bass – Pool Blue

Product Overview

The McGrath Thunderhorse IV in Pool Blue is not just a custom bass. It is a player’s instrument with boutique attitude, serious tone flexibility, and one-of-one visual identity. Based on the Thunderhorse model showcased at NAMM 2026, this version refines the design with an updated neck pickup position moved back 3/8 inch, giving slap players more room to dig in without sacrificing the bold character that defines the Thunderhorse line.

Finished in a striking Pool Blue with a body and matching headstock hand-painted by Madelyn McGrath, this bass carries the feel of a custom art piece while staying fully built for the stage, studio, and working musician. The mahogany body keeps the tone warm, resonant, and balanced, while the roasted flame maple neck and fingerboard bring speed, stability, and a premium playing feel.

Why Players Choose the McGrath Thunderhorse IV

The Thunderhorse IV is made for bassists who want more than a traditional single-lane instrument. Its signature pickup layout combines Thunderbird, Reverse P, and Jazz-style EMG HZ passive pickups, giving players a wide tonal range from thick rock authority to articulate punch and clean modern definition.

The EMG BQ30 3-band preamp runs at 18 volts, giving the bass extra headroom, clarity, and control when active. For players who want a more direct passive voice, the master volume includes a push/pull true bypass active/passive switch, letting you move between modern sculpted tone and raw passive response.

Each pickup has its own Switchcraft On/Off slider, allowing quick access to different pickup combinations without overcomplicating the control layout.

Bold Key Points

• One-of-one hand-painted Pool Blue finish by Madelyn McGrath
• Updated neck pickup position for better slap clearance
• Three EMG HZ passive pickups in Thunderbird, Reverse P, and Jazz configuration
• EMG BQ30 3-band preamp running at 18 volts for expanded headroom
• True bypass active/passive push-pull volume control
• Individual Switchcraft On/Off sliders for each pickup
• Solid mahogany body for warmth, resonance, and balanced weight
• Roasted flame maple neck and fingerboard for premium feel and stability
• Stainless steel frets for durability and smooth playability
• Carbon fiber reinforcement rods and two-way spoke nut truss rod
• Leo Quan Badass bridge and lightweight tuners in black hardware
• Comfortable 8.8 lb weight for long sessions and live performance
• Includes Gator gig bag

Player POV

This is the kind of bass that feels like it was built for players who actually use the whole instrument. The pickup layout gives you multiple personalities in one bass, the 18-volt preamp gives you clean power when you need it, and the passive bypass keeps things honest when you want the bass to speak for itself.

The updated pickup placement also shows that McGrath is listening to real players. That extra slap clearance matters. It is a small design move that makes a big difference when you are on stage, recording, or pushing the bass into more modern techniques.

Built for the Culture

At Tone Culture United, we look for instruments that carry a story, not just a spec sheet. The McGrath Thunderhorse IV Pool Blue does exactly that. It blends handmade artistry, boutique craftsmanship, and pro-level functionality into one bass that looks custom, feels intentional, and gives players a wide tonal vocabulary.

This bass is for the player who wants their instrument to have personality before they even hit the first note, but still needs the build quality, electronics, and reliability to handle real gigs, real sessions, and real musical demands.

Key Specs

The Bottom Line

The McGrath Thunderhorse IV in Pool Blue is a boutique bass with serious range, handcrafted visual identity, and player-focused upgrades. With its custom hand-painted finish, three-pickup EMG layout, 18-volt preamp, active/passive flexibility, and upgraded slap clearance, this bass is built for musicians who want power, versatility, and individuality in one instrument.

This is not just a bass you play. It is a bass that shows up with its own voice.