 Gibson Thunderbird (3rd issue)
The Bi-Centenial Thunderbird
In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centenial model, or Thunderbird '76.
New FeaturesAlthough this bass was modelled directly on the 1963 Thunderbird, with a through neck and reverse body shape, there were some changes to the original design; most notably the new 3 point bridge, which appeared on most Gibson basses of the period, but also a red, white and blue Thunderbird logo with a 76 isignia. Later models still had the red white and blue bird, but without the 76.
Pictured below are a 1960s, 1976 and 1979 Thunderbird logo. Todays birds have a logo very similar to the 1960s design
Commercial sucess
The shipping figures are as follows:
| |
1976 |
1977 |
1978 |
1979 |
total |
| Ebony |
91 |
301 |
12 |
7 |
411 |
| Natural |
224 |
237 |
|
6 |
467 |
| Tobacco Sunburst |
228 |
605 |
|
8 |
841 |
| White |
|
127 |
9 |
|
136 |
| total |
|
|
|
|
1855 |
|
Although sales were better than in the 1960s, Thunderbirds were still less popular than other Gibson bass models. The table right compares sales figures of other Gibson basses from 1976 to 1979. Only other 60s models such as the EB0 and EB3 managed to sell less. (and the RD standard!)
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Specifications:
- One piece mahogany centerpiece
- Mahogany wings
- Sunburst, Natural, Ebony and White finishes
- Rosewood fretboard
- 34 1/2 inch scale (actually three eighths of an inch)
- Chrome plated pickup covers, bridge cover and finger rest
- Thunderbird humbucking pickups
- Laminated pickguard with red, white and blue Thunderbird logo
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Basses
