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? check this out). 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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Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1599

Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
... more

1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

Rare Black Gibson 1976 Bicentennial Thunderbird / All Original / No Breaks

Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Only 91 Black Thunderbirds were produced in 1976 and here is one of the nicest I've seen. All original, no cracks, no breaks and an ebony fretboard. The neck is straight and really not a lot of playwear for it's age. Overall a fine playing bass. Original pickup cover, bridgecover plus a later hard-shell case that is also in fine condition. As per usual with older Thunderbirds, the strap button on the neck has been moved for better balance. It has never been gigged in the years I have owned it ... more

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 ... more

Used 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass, Ebony

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2380

A rock 'n' roll legend, Gene Simmons has inspired countless metal-heads to bring groovy, rockin' sound to the world. The 2022-model Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass carries that essence in the purest form. Built in America, this striking bass has a Reverse Thunderbird body made from mahogany, with a Mirror Plex pickguard for an awesome look. The rounded mahogany neck hosts an ebony fingerboard, and it's powered by a set of T-Bird pickups, each with individual volumes and a master tone ... more

Gibson One-Off! 2022 Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass HALLOWEEN BURST g2

Lee's Summit, Missouri, 640**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4750

Gibson One-Off! 2022 Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass!
Here is a unique Gibson Thunderbird Bass that was basically a potential alternate color or prototype of the Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass. Looks like it was sold as a prototype by Rumble Seat Music as the letter shows (included). We believe it's a one-off finish that was won at a Gibson Halloween function by an employee. Very cool bass! Comes with the original hard case, letter of authenticity from RSM, Kiss photo, and Halloween ... more

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial - Rare Vintage Electric Bass

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

€2200

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass ?? All Original, Near Mint Condition
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to ... more

GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03047365)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

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Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987

Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4937

This bass was owned and played by Jason Newsted. I bought this bass from a renowned auction house in the US in 2022. I have documents to prove authenticity and legitimacy. Please ask if you are seriously interested

The bass is in excellent condition. It has some marks of use, but I guess this is what you are looking for when owning a celebrity owned instrument

I am a Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, so I ... more

GIBSON Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge (EB, SG, Thunderbird models)

Perugia, 06***, ITALY

€30

GIBSON
Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge
(EB, SG, Thunderbird models)
Vendo un set di 4 sellette con relative viti per ponti con fissaggio a tre viti usati sui bassi Gibson ed Epiphone, modelli EB0 / EB3, SG, Thunderbird ed altri. Sono di marca sconosciuta, ma compatibili con quelle usate dalla Gibson
Lunghezza delle viti 35mm
Sono in ottimo stato, numerate sul retro 1-3-3-4, con le due esterne leggermente più basse e le centrali più alte. Le due sellette centrali sono ... more

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

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€3250

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 ... more

Gibson Thunderbird non reverse Inverness green

London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1400

i m selling this beautyful gibson thunderbird non reverse in MINT condition, action low very good playability, low action thunderous tone, is complete with all the papers and cerification, i bought the bass new from guitar guitar.... more

1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£1090

1987 GIBSON BASS IV - made in USA :
* the black painted part of the body was cut off before by some moron and replaced with 2 pieces of ash=
check pic 5
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
... more

60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£2850

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 ... more

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 ... more

Gibson Thunderbird Bass Rex Brown Limited Edition with all accessories and case

Preston, PR4***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2047

As new. only carefully gigged a handful of times. There is one tiny ding in the base which I've shown in the photo. other than that some very fine scratches on the back that are extremely superficial and hard to see
As I say, any blemishes are superficial however as it is not 'factory fresh' I have priced it accordingly. Why am I selling it? I simply prefer my Rick!!
It comes with the solid Gibson case complete with the Gibson accessories, postcard and owner booklet and new superb quality... more

Gibson 1994 Thunderbird Bass 1 of 10

Campbellfield, VIC, 3***, AUSTRALIA

AU $9995

Gibson Thunderbird
Built 1994
There is only 10 of these
I have had this bass since new it was signed on a meet & greet with Mötley Crüe in 1994
Gibson back in 1994 when Bassist Nikki Sixx from Mötley was endorsed by Gibson Thunderbirds he was given 10 of these to sign on the 1994 tour this is one
There is a few YouTube videos online explaining the background and story
The bass is in amazing condition
All original
It??s a super light bass 4kgs
Has a super thin... more

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