Gibson Thunderbird

1966 Gibson non-reverse Thunderbird II: bridge moved up slightly so it would intonate, post holes filled and re-drilled. Bartolini preamp with bass-mid-treb equaliser mini-switch for 200/400/800hz mid frequency. Chandler Thunderbird re-issue pickup (no longer made? see SlinkP's Custom Bass Project). Bone nut. Black Grover tuners. Output jack put on side and replaced with neutrik locking 1/4" jack. Headstock repaired and whole neck painted black.

FlyGuitars Before you got into EB3s again, you were using a non-reverse Gibson Thunderbird II - what do you like about it, and what do you think about Thunderbirds in general?

Mike Watt With the reverse, the horns are too much in the way of the higher frets. I got into that with D. Boon (playing on the upper neck), but with the non-reverses it's all open for you. I got that in the early 90's. That was the good thing about touring back then, you could find basses for cheap. I got that thing, original Pelham blue. That big long headstock came off in my hands, it was all bondo. Gibson used that angled headstock for string tension, but, made the guy's weak. I added some mahogany & fiberglass on that thing. I really like the way that body was cut. The bridge was put up too close so I had them move it up a bit. I filled in the hole and moved it up.

Contemplating the Engine Room

I used that bass for the entire Contemplating The Engine Room. I got asked to do a funny session back in November, with a pop singer that won that game show, ahhhh.. Kelly Clarkson, from a producer, an old friend I knew. I brought a few basses and that's the one they liked (Non Reverse II), the sound & stuff.

FlyGuitars What are the extra switches on this bass?

Mike Watt I had them add a Bartolini preamp, with a bypass switch. There is something about, man I love them old nickel-plated Thunderbird pickups. I love them so much. I don't like the plastic new ones, you know; they are too tepid, too dampened. The closest I have come to them, for a few years, Chandler was making them, they sounded pretty close.

FlyGuitars The 60's ones are great pickups

Mike Watt Yeah man, those are fucking great pickups.

FlyGuitars Gibson did not keep records on anything.

Mike Watt One time I was playing in Kalamazoo, they closed the factory. A guy from there told me the same thing. This stuff is a mystery.

The old EB-3s were one-piece bodies, the non-reverse Thunderbirds, too. The other difference in the Thunderbirds, the non-reverses were two piece (neck & body) and the reverse was three pieces (neck and two body wings). I actually think there is better tone with the two-piece.

FlyGuitars Some people think the non-reverse Thunderbird II also sounded better than the two pickup IV.

Mike Watt I had a non-reverse IV and I liked the II better. I thought they just added another pickup? They're not the same. I sold it to a kid.

FlyGuitars Has Gibson ever approached you to do a signature bass?

Mike Watt There was talk once about making me a custom non-reverse - that was years ago and I just got caught up & torn and never followed it up. A cardinal red one you know.

FlyGuitars Everyone wishes they would reissue those. There is of course the Epiphone version....

Mike Watt Yeah they did a bolt-on neck, maybe Korean made non-reverse that had P/J pickups. It was nothing! I went into a store, boy... Whoof. It is a good body shape, besides that, it yeah, was nothing, like a Squire P bass.

Youtube Video Clips
Mike Watt playing Thunderbird - click the images to view clips

Left - Big Train / The Red and the Black, with Pat Smear, Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl. Right - Mike Watt, In the Engine Room

Gibson Thunderbird bass guitars for sale

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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... view on ebay

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass

Clifton Park, New York, 120**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

The Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass pairs its classic Reverse Thunderbird shape with two T Bird pickups, individual volume controls, and a master tone control. It features an ebony fretboard, black chrome hardware, and a Gene Simmons logo pickguard. Original hardshell case is included
SN: 207020000Weight: 8lbs 12 1ozFinish: Gloss EbonyMahogany BodyMahogany NeckEbony Fingerboard20 Frets12" RadiusRounded Neck ProfileLead & Rhythm T-Bird PickupsOriginal Hardshell Case IncludedUsed: ... view on ebay

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... view on ebay

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Electric Guitar with Case

Newman, Illinois, 619**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

Gibson G2 Thunderbird bass in great shape with official case. There are some markings near the volume pots and a bit of wear here and there but overall in great shape and the Emg's are awesome in this. This has relatively no neck dive compared to most of the T birds and the new bridge is awesome and a lot easier to work with. Fantastic bass Gibson really knocked it out of the park with this one
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... view on ebay

1994 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Vintage Sunburst EMG Hipshot Tuner Gig Bag

Astoria, Oregon, 971**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1995

Has been played and shows it, is in solid player condition. There are knicks and chips on the body and headstock. There is a finish crack behind the E tuner that does not go into the wood. The pots sounds clean but could be tightened up. EMG pickups, hipshot bridge and hipshot drop D tuner installed, the original three pole bridge and tuner are included. Ready to play out of the box, but would benefit from a solid tune up. Please review all photos :)... view on ebay

Gibson ThunderBird 4 String Bass Tobacco Sunburst w / Gibson Case & Strap, & COA

Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2300

For your review and consideration - we present you with another fine Gibson Guitar from the guitar collection at Magdon Music!
Please read the description below and review the photos. The exact Gibson Bass pictured and in the description is the exact guitar that you will purchasing. If there is something that you need to know that is not in this description - please message us before your time of purchase and we will be very happy to assist!
Please note that our guitars are tech ... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird II 1979 Plus Xtras: TOUR-READY!!!

Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

Thanks for looking at the best deal for a TOUR-READY 1979 Gibson Thunderbird II
No cracks / breaks / repairs - functionally perfect
The only work I had done was stainless steel frets by Tenorio Werx (the best in the business IMHO). As a rule he insists on nut replacement when doing one of his legendary fret jobs. Wait until you play this beast
The combination of the impeccable fretwork and that impossibly-thin '79 neck results in one of the best-playing basses I have owned
And of... view on ebay

Epiphone by Gibson Thunderbird Bass Alpine White Limited Edition

Delphi, Indiana, 469**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$750

The Epiphone Thunderbird Limited Edition 4-String Bass in Alpine White with Rosewood neck is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for intermediate-level players. With a solid wood body and neck, this bass features a sleek white color with a beautiful rosewood fretboard. It includes a hard case for protection and has 20 frets for a comfortable playing experience.
It comes with white matching Gibson truss rod cover
Amazing tone with two TB Plus chrome humbuckers designed by Gibson. ... view on ebay

Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset

Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£345

Rare Epiphone by Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass guitar. Hard Maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard. 20 medium jumbo frets with XII 12th fret inlay. 2 Epiphone humbuckers (bridge and neck positions). Thunderbird shaped Mahogany body with flat black finish. Plastic black pick guard with white emblem. Some authentic wear around the bottom and sides of the body. Old rusty strings have been recently replaced with fresh standard gauge Ernie ball bass strings. Fully functional electronics. Good... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst

Romney Marsh, TN29***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1537

Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst. Two previous owners. Excellent to mint condition. Extremely well looked after. Neck is super flat with low string height. Serial No 123620314 Collection only TN29 0ST... view on ebay

Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset

Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£345

Rare Epiphone by Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass guitar. Hard Maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard. 20 medium jumbo frets with XII 12th fret inlay. 2 Epiphone humbuckers (bridge and neck positions). Thunderbird shaped Mahogany body with flat black finish. Plastic black pick guard with white emblem. Some authentic wear around the bottom and sides of the body. Old rusty strings have been recently replaced with fresh standard gauge Ernie ball bass strings. Fully functional electronics. Good... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst

Romney Marsh, TN29***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1537

Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst. Two previous owners. Excellent to mint condition. Extremely well looked after. Neck is super flat with low string height. Serial No 123620314 Collection only TN29 0ST... view on ebay

60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€2998

60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... view on ebay

Trades Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar Usa

Port Talbot, SA13***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2299

Can deliver for fuel / shipping costs.

Trades / part ex on Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Squier, Musicman, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Taylor, Suhr and many more! Basses and pedals too! Try me ??????

Pokemon cards, videogames and gold jewellery also considered!
... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse - Pelham Blue Inc Hard Case

Norwich, NR2***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1499

Pre Loved Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse Pelham Blue Inc Hard Case
Made in the USA in 2021 and in a very good used condition. The only mark of any note is the usual ding on the to be found on the headstock of a Thunderbird bass (pictured). Other than that, there are the usual very light playing marks on the body of the bass. The previous owner has upgraded the original stock bridge to a Babicz - the original bridge is included
The bass comes with the original fitted hard case, and all the... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Bass Original 1976 Bicentennial

Südstadt, 38***, GERMANY

€4750

Beschreibung
Totally original
Frets 80%
Lightweight 4kg
No breaks
Wear & Tear from the years
Trussrod 100% working
Comes with custom flightsase1 owner was my dad
Original Invoice (USA) in copy
COA on request & extra cost
CITES certificate incl
Nothing changed at all
With original covers
" Wie beschrieben" verkauft?Ja... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird IV READY TO GIG

Nocera Superiore, 84***, ITALY

€6990

Thunderbird IV Bass, READY TO GIG This instrument has had its neck and headstock replaced , repainted in black ,the diameter of the nut is 10 cm 1\2 on the first fretthe serial number, engraved on the replaced headstock, is 21 81 20, the frets have been transferred on the new neck, Everything else, regarding the body it has been repositioned .The potentiometers have been replaced, they are not the original onesThe "soapbar" pickups are original and unmistakable in sound, I supply the replaced ... view on ebay

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass

Hamburg, 20***, GERMANY

€2199

Hallo!
Aus Sammlungsverkleinerung:
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird
Ebony
Mahogany Body
Multi-Ply Top Binding
34" Scale
Mahogany Neck
Rounded Neck Profile
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearloid Reverse Split-Diamond Inlays
12" Fingerboard Radius
20 Medium Jumbo Frets
Hipshot Mini Clover Tuners
Hipshot Bass Bridge
Black Chrome Hardware
Mirror Plex Custom Pickguard with Gene Simmons Logo
Mirror Plex Control Knobs
Black Top Hat Knobs with Silver ... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Bass cw hardcase

Paignton, TQ4***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1972

The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is a vintage electric bass guitar made by the renowned brand Gibson. This right-handed 4-string bass features a solid mahogany body with a classic brown colour, a rosewood fretboard, and 20 frets. Known for its high-quality construction and smooth sound, the Gibson Thunderbird Bass is a popular choice among musicians looking for a reliable and versatile bass guitar for their performances
I have never gigged this but the previous owner was in a pro band and its ... view on ebay

Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse Bass Guitar 2024 With Original Case Made in USA

London, W7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1434

For Sale Gibson Thunderbird Non-Reverse Bass Guitar Vintage Cherry Finish, Made in 2024 With Original Gibson Case. The Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird s one of a kind, providing one of the most powerful bass experiences you can imagine. Coming with two legendary Gibson Thunderbird pickups in the neck and bridge, it has a wide tonal range which you can use to fill your music with colour. The Non-Reverse Thunderbird is equipped with a Graph Tech® nut. A 3-point adjustable bridge provides a full ... view on ebay

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