Gibson Firebird and Thunderbird custom finish options

Six new solid body guitars. Ten exciting custom colors

When the Gibson Thunderbird and Gibson Firebird were introduced in late 1963, they were offered with a Sunburst finish as standard, and in 10 new colors for an extra $15. Golden Mist poly, Cardinal Red, Heather poly, Inverness Green poly, Silver Mist poly, Ember Red, Kerry Green, Polaris White, Frost Blue and Pelham Blue poly. These Duco colours were available throughout their years of manufacture until 1969.

The brochure below, from 1963, details the original custom Thunderbird finish options for the reverse body basses.

These colors were not advertised for other Gibson bass guitars, (though Pelham blue and Polaris White EB basses certainly exist). Unfortunately, no shipping information by color is available, and these custom color basses are very rare. Some Gibson Thunderbird and Firebird custom finishes do come up, but of the 1700 or so total Thunderbird production (1963-69), the vast majority were the standard sunburst. Some finishes, such as Golden Mist poly, Heather poly, and Silver Mist poly are exceptionally rare, if existing at all.

A similar brochure was produced in 1965 for the non-reverse Thunderbird and Firebird models. The same ten finishes are listed as in the previous brochure.

These Gibson custom finishes have certainly gained in popularity over the last fifty years, and such solid colors seem to be the finish of choice in Thunderbird and Firebird restorations. In part due to their rarity, in part their good looks - but also as a solid cover for the invariable headstock repair that so many of these instruments have suffered.

The 1976 Bicentennial reissue Thunderbirds were offered in Ebony, White, Tobacco Sunburst and Natural only. More recent limited editions with unusual finishes include the 2007 Thunderbird Studio in Cherry, 2012 non-reverse Thunderbird in Pelham Blue and 2013 50th anniversary Thunderbird in Bullion Gold.

Gibson Bass guitars for sale

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1987 Gibson Bass IV - hergestellt in den USA - THUNDERBIRD TONABNEHMER

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

1987 GIBSON BASS IV BASS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1150

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 & 6
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT ... more

1987 GIBSON BASS IV BASS - made in USA

Köln, 50***, GERMANY

€1195

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 & 6
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
... more

1973 Greco EG-420 Les Paul Standard (Brown Sunburst)

Mojo Stompboxes, 2***, AUSTRALIA

AU $715

A Les Paul from the very early days of Greco, this is one of the few early models that wore a super aesthetic laminate flame on the cherry sunburst finish. Chambered pancake construction (3 7kg's) with a maple neck and 22 fret rosewood fingerboard, it's loaded with the original factory Maxon pickups that sound great.
This one's seen plenty of use over it's 50 years but is still rock solid. The finish has some clouding on the top that dulls the burst a little along with some cosmetic dings as... more

1974 Greco EG-380 Les Paul Sunburst Made in Japan

Gosford, NSW, 2***, AUSTRALIA

AU $819

All original built in 1974 and loaded with Maxon pickups it is a fantastic sounding and playing guitar. Quality Japanese craftmanship built to last. Maple top on Birch body with a 3 piece maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The neck is straight , action low and plays flawlessly all up the fretboard. There is some fretware but it isn't really noticeable. Pickups are the original Maxon U-500 and they have a real nice grippy tone that takes a lot of gain / overdrive and they seem to sustain forever.... more

1975 Ibanez Japan 2342 Deluxe 59'er Les Paul (Black)

Mojo Stompboxes, 2***, AUSTRALIA

AU $1525

Although many Japanese guitars claim to be "Ibanez " , unless it's wearing that glorious word on the headstock it's just not the same! Made in 1975, the 2342 59'er model features an unbound arched birch top, mahogany body, slim 60's maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and weighs 4 2kg's. Loaded with the original Super 70 pickups and factory hardware (except for possibly replacement knobs)
Good vintage condition as pictured with some signs of wear and tear including some patina to the hardware. ... more

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