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
Vintage early 1970's Gibson BASS Flat Bridge for EB-0 EB-3 EB-2 with STUCK Studs
Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$230
... more
Gibson bass Amplifier Chassis, With Some Parts. Used
Indianapolis, Indiana, 462**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$99
Buyer pays sh / H. All sold as-is and no turns as I and down sizing all.... more
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
Gibson Bass Tailpiece Bridge Frame Chrome 4 String Guitar Parts Project 3 Point
Caldwell, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$100
Gibson Gear Galore / Platinum Collectibles Worldwide
Celebrating close to three decades in the eBay Community!
You are invited to bid on the Genuine Gibson Bass Bridge / Tailpiece Frame pictured above
One used 4-string Bass Tailpiece Frame. Not available from Gibson separate. Color is Chrome. No Saddles, Mounting Studs or Anchors
Been sitting in our parts bin a long time. Excellent for your next Guitar project
Free Gibson Guitar Pick with this ... more
1972 Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar-Cherry / Brown-Good Condition-Small Amp Included
Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 530**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1700
This bass is in good condition and belonged to my uncle who used it for a good amount of years. Minor scratches and ... more
Vintage 1960??s Kalamazoo Gibson Bass / Guitar Knobs | Volume & Tone
Costa Mesa, California, 926**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
... more