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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

1970's Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge Cover EB-0 / 3 Ripper T Bird Vintage USA Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Steel construction, chrome finish, normal light vintage wear original vintage patina, measures 4 5 / 8 inches between mounting holes, original vintage Gibson part thanks for looking
... more

VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL

Northfield, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$595

THIS IS AN ORIGINAL COMPLETE GIBSON BASS GUITAR AMPLIFIER, CIRCA 1970'S (1972-1975). MODEL NUMBER G-100B. IT IS IN VERY GOOD USED CONDITION WITH A NICE FINISH THROUGHOUT. THE OUTER CASE IS NOT GOUGED OR BEAT UP. THE COVER SCREEN HAS NO RIPS. ALL ORIGINAL KNOBS ARE INTACT. THE UNIT HUMS WHEN PLUGGED IN AND SEEMS TO WORK FINE. AS I HAVE NO WAY TO TEST IT, IT IS BEING SOLD AS-IS WITH WORKING CONDITION UNKNOWN. THERE WILL BE NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS (FULL OR PARTIAL) ON ITEMS SOLD. RARE AND HARD TO ... more

Vintage 1960s 1970s Gibson Bass Bridge or Pickup Cover

Port Charlotte, Florida, 339**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$79

This is a Vintage Gibson Bass Bridge or Pickup Cover Looks nickel plated Measures 4 1 / 8 inches center screw hole to center screw hole for mounting Make sure you Measure Your Bass Cover Mounting Holes as we do not know the exact year tor Model this came from There is normal vintage wear, scratches some tarnishing, great for restoring Vintage Gibson Basses Please look at all the pictures This is Sold As Is All Sales Final No Returns Buyer pays shipping, thanks
... more

1970's Gibson BASS Bridge Cover Spacer Feet EB-0 EB-3 Vintage Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

Black plastic construction, normal light vintage wire, includes original mounting screws, original early 1970s USA Gibson thanks for looking
... more

60s Gibson Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickup Cover EB-0 EB-1 EB-3 Vintage Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$139

Chrome over brass, normal light vintage wear, nice original vintage Gibson part. Thanks for looking
... more

70's Gibson Bass Guitar Tuners (2) Bass Side + 1 Grover & 1 Schaller Black

Moscow, Idaho, 838**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$65

Here are 2 Vintage Gibson Black Bass side tuners plus another Schaller (the Gibsons were made by Schaller, BTW) and one Grover, both treble side. All are highest quality, perform perfectly and are complete with bushings and washers. The 3 Schaller / Gibson Bushings are 12mm and the lone Grover is 14 mm in diameter... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co