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
GIBSON BASS COVER CONTROL CAVITY 1967 SG BASS GUITAR EBO SCREWS INCLUDED
East Jordan, Michigan, 497**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$90
WITH SCREWS!FOR EBO SG STYLE BASS NO CRACKS REAL DEAL VINTAGE PART... more
Hipshot SuperTone 3- Point Replacement Bridge for 4-String Gibson Bass - CHROME
Redondo Beach, California, 902**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$85
Vintage Gibson bass guitar mute assembly EB2, EB3, solid working No felt Luthier
Southampton, Massachusetts, 010**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$100
Today I have a mute assembly As used on vintage Gibson Bass guitars Not much to say missing felt / rubber. Everything slides freely .Once again I will state that the pics are the description, I am not a vintage instrument expert, and I'm going by old hand written notes. Everything is sold "as is " Perfect for a guitar repairman / luthier for a vintage 60's Gibson... more
1970s Gibson Bass 3-Point Vintage Bass Bridge for RD Artist Thunderbird Grabber
Los Angeles, California, 900**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$150
1970s Gibson Bass 3-Point Vintage Bass Bridge for RD Artist Thunderbird Grabber Ripper EB-0 EB-3 Complete w / Saddles & Studs
1976 Gibson 3-point bass bridge removed from a player??s grade Thunderbird bass
Rare 100% complete example including all saddles and studs Appropriate for many Gibson bass models produced between 1971-1981.... more
Vintage 1960s or 70s GIBSON Bass Guitar Chipboard Case, See Pics For Size
Youngstown, Ohio, 445**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$249
It has some wear, dings, scrapes, and peels, but it??s 100% original and structurally functional. All of the hardware is there and works. It has some bends and creases but can make a proper home for your vintage Gibson base. There aren??t any other ones like this on eBay so it can be considered rare to say the least. Overall, it??s badass and looks the role of a case that has ... more
Vintage Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge BASE EB-0 EB-3 EB-2 60s-70s USA
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$185
... more