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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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 1960's USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule KG EB Kalamazoo

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

$69

Vintage 1960's USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule ?? Steel alloy construction, chrome finish, normal vintage wear with patina. See all pics for dimensions-fit for your application, Original KG EB Kalamazoo Part. Thanks for looking!
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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
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Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickup Cover For EB-0 EB-1 EB-3 Circa 60's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$125

This listing is for an original Vintage Gibson EB Style Bass Guitar Humbucker pickup cover. This listing is for the cover only and is from a vintage Gibson bass guitar from the late 1960's or 1970's. The cover is for the Humbucker or Mudbucker type Gibson pickup that came on all EB bass guitars such as the EB-0, EB-2 and EB-3 models. The cover is chrome and comes as pictured with no mounting screws. The cover shows wear such as scratches and oxidation but should install fine. Please look at the ... more

Gibson Bass Guitar

Califon, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1375

The Gibson Bass Guitar is a 4-string electric bass guitar in a striking red color. It is part of the SG model series, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and iconic design. Perfect for musicians looking for a reliable and stylish bass guitar to enhance their playing experience. Includes original hard case.... more

Vtg 1970s Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ripper G-3 Grabber L9-S RD NICKEL

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

$55

Vtg 1970s Gibson Bass Tuner Bushing Ripper G-3 Grabber L9-S RD NICKEL finish, Normal light vintage wear, one bushing as shown, SEE DIMENSIONS FOR YOUR FIT, THANKS for looking!
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