The Thunderbird bass was launched as a reverse style bass in 1963. Sales were moderate but not improved when the instrument was designed as a non-reverse model in 1965. Production ceased in 1969, only to be launched again in 1976, as an original reverse bodied guitar, known as the Thunderbird '76. Sales were better this time round, but production stopped again in 1979. The model was finally resurrected again in 1987 as one of Gibson's flagship models, and enjoys a level of commercial success not seen in any of it's 1960s or 70s incarnations.
The design is broadly the same as the other reverse body versions, though there is no nickel or chrome on show. The pickup covers are black, like the bridge - and there is no bridge cover or handrest.
1992 Thunderbird IV specifications
The Gibson Thunderbird IV had a US list price of $
Control cavity of a 1992 Gibson Thunderbird IV
Sound Clips
These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Fitted with round wound strings.
Standard sound finger style
both pickups, and tone control all on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Neck pickup
Neck pickup only, tone control on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Bridge pickup
pickup only, tone control on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Toned down
both pickups on 10, and tone control on 0. Played fingerstyle.
Standard sound with pick
both pickups, and tone control all on 10. Played with pick.
Gibson Thunderbird basses for sale
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Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass - Vintage Cherry
El Paso, Texas, 799**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1250
Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird, Vintage Cherry
Needs strings and is missing a single bridge saddle ?? but can??t bother myself to get the part
I??m more of a Rickie backer guy anyways .
Used for a few weeks, but it does has it road knicks as pictured
Original case included.... more
Needs strings and is missing a single bridge saddle ?? but can??t bother myself to get the part
I??m more of a Rickie backer guy anyways .
Used for a few weeks, but it does has it road knicks as pictured
Original case included.... more
Gibson Gene Simmons Signature G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar USA
Georgetown, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1710
This is a fantastic made in USA bass! Sounds and plays so good! Straight neck. Fully functional. Slight cosmetic blemishes, nothing major. This can take your joy of playing to new heights and also is a very collectible item, being a Gene Simmons USA Bass! Comes with case!
Don't miss your chance to own!
Items only come with case or accessories if pictured or listed in the listing
Items only come with accessories / parts pictured and ... more
2024 Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Ebony 4 String Bass Guitar With Case
Lewiston, Maine, 042**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1826
This guitar plays very nice and comes with the original strap and hard shell case!!! There are some dings and dents as you can see in the photos of this listing.
Stock # J78010770-NK / 10 13XZ
A New Signature Bass Model From Rex Brown
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This?? His new Gibson Rex Brown Signature ... more
Stock # J78010770-NK / 10 13XZ
A New Signature Bass Model From Rex Brown
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This?? His new Gibson Rex Brown Signature ... more
02 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar Right Handed W / Hrd Shell Case LOCAL P / U OHIO
Dublin, Ohio, 430**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1450
This bass sounds amazing. It has neck through the body for incredible tone.
I have to call it used but it is like new without a scratch that I can see. It has Grover tuners and comes with an authentic Gibson hard shell case
LOCAL PICKUP IN THE CENTRAL OHIO AREA ONLY!!!... more
I have to call it used but it is like new without a scratch that I can see. It has Grover tuners and comes with an authentic Gibson hard shell case
LOCAL PICKUP IN THE CENTRAL OHIO AREA ONLY!!!... more
1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Rare Vintage Electric Bass
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
€1300
1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass ?? All Original - Near Mint Condition
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to... more
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to... more
Gibson Thunderbird IV 4 String Rex Brown Pantera Bass Ebony Black w / VIDEO
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1895
Scroll down to see 44 HD Images of this bass
Here's a 2022 Gibson Rex Brown Thunderbird 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Ebony finish
She's in very good condition and has light playwear
The top back and sides are glossy and clean with some very light indents and a few superficial scratches
The back has some clear coat micro scratches
The serial number is 226530207 and she made in the Nashville Gibson plant in 2022
She has a fresh set up with d'addario 45 / ... more
Here's a 2022 Gibson Rex Brown Thunderbird 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Ebony finish
She's in very good condition and has light playwear
The top back and sides are glossy and clean with some very light indents and a few superficial scratches
The back has some clear coat micro scratches
The serial number is 226530207 and she made in the Nashville Gibson plant in 2022
She has a fresh set up with d'addario 45 / ... more
1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$17495
These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its pretty mahogany neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is ... more
1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$27495
These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... more
Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar
Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
... more
... more
Used 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass, Ebony
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2380
A rock 'n' roll legend, Gene Simmons has inspired countless metal-heads to bring groovy, rockin' sound to the world. The 2022-model Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass carries that essence in the purest form. Built in America, this striking bass has a Reverse Thunderbird body made from mahogany, with a Mirror Plex pickguard for an awesome look. The rounded mahogany neck hosts an ebony fingerboard, and it's powered by a set of T-Bird pickups, each with individual volumes and a master tone ... more
Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird
Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more
Crafted with precision and care, this mute is made to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this bass guitar ... more
1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13495
These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more
1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS
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
* 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
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£2850
60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3250
60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
+ mahogany body finished in wine red, has lots of weather checking and wear, several extra screw holes on back
+ mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, LONG SCALE, has 4 minor SURFACE stress cracks below tuners=check last 3 pics
* skinny neck profile on back around first 5 frets
+ new Fender Reissue tuners
+ 1 original THUNDERBIRD pickup & 1 newer Fender Jazz bass single coil
+ new pickguard
+ new pots and ... more
Gibson Thunderbird E Bass rot
Meppen, 49***, GERMANY
€1250
Gibson Thunderbird, ca. 2 jahre alt ,mit Zertifikat, original Koffer Der Bass ist in einem guten Zustand, und ja, er wurde natürlich gespielt Kleine Kratzer, aber nix wildes
Privatverkauf, keine GrantieAbholung nur bei vorheriger bezahlung !!!... more
Privatverkauf, keine GrantieAbholung nur bei vorheriger bezahlung !!!... more
Original Gibson Thunderbird Bass
Göppingen, 73***, GERMANY
€3380
Sie bieten hier auf einen von limitierten Original-Gipson Thanderbird Bass aus dem Jahr 1977.
Dieser Bass wurde speziel von Gipson zum 200ten Geburtstag der Unabhängigkeitserklärung der USA in limitierter Auflage gefertigt
Eine Ideale Geldanlage und Weihnachtsgeschenk zugleich
Der Bass ist gut spielbar und im technisch einwandfreiem Zustand!
Abholung bevorzugt
Kein Versandt ins Ausland
... more
Dieser Bass wurde speziel von Gipson zum 200ten Geburtstag der Unabhängigkeitserklärung der USA in limitierter Auflage gefertigt
Eine Ideale Geldanlage und Weihnachtsgeschenk zugleich
Der Bass ist gut spielbar und im technisch einwandfreiem Zustand!
Abholung bevorzugt
Kein Versandt ins Ausland
... more
Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar, Sunburst with Hard Case 120yr Anniversary
Hexham, NE47***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1750
2014 Gibson 120th Anniversary Thunderbird IV Bass in classic burst finish.
Cosmetically it is in good overall shape, but there is some wear that comes with regular use. Specifically some buckle rash, flaking of the finish on the back of the body and a bump on the corner ( see pic).
Sold with the original Gibson hardshell case.
Specs:
- Body: Mahogany
- Truss Rod Cover: Hot Stamp Gold "Gibson "
- Pickups: Bass T-Bird Plus (Ceramic)
- Tuners: Grover
- Controls: 2 ... more
Cosmetically it is in good overall shape, but there is some wear that comes with regular use. Specifically some buckle rash, flaking of the finish on the back of the body and a bump on the corner ( see pic).
Sold with the original Gibson hardshell case.
Specs:
- Body: Mahogany
- Truss Rod Cover: Hot Stamp Gold "Gibson "
- Pickups: Bass T-Bird Plus (Ceramic)
- Tuners: Grover
- Controls: 2 ... more
Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1650
Welcome to the eBay shop of Sell Us Your Guitar
On this platform we are unable to arrange part exchange, viewings or direct prices
We advise finding our website where you can find direct prices and discuss all of the above!
Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Here for sale we have a Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Ebony finish. Made in the USA in 2023, this bass consists of a Mahogany body, a Mahogany neck, and a 20-fret Ebony ... more
On this platform we are unable to arrange part exchange, viewings or direct prices
We advise finding our website where you can find direct prices and discuss all of the above!
Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Here for sale we have a Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Ebony finish. Made in the USA in 2023, this bass consists of a Mahogany body, a Mahogany neck, and a 20-fret Ebony ... more
Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1964 - Sunburst
London, UK, UNITED KINGDOM
£11999
FINESTSELECTIONSHIPPINGSPECIALISTS24 HourSupportLondon Vintage Guitars are please to offer:Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1964 - SunburstGibson Thunderbird BassYear: 1964
Condition: Excellent
DescriptionTHE CLASSIC BIRD
We are happy to offer the following Classic Gibson Thunderbird details as follows
1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass
Sunburst
Twin Pickup
Internally / Externally Original
Condition: 8 / 10 – Normal playing wear
Original Case
Comments
Classic Gibson ... more
Condition: Excellent
DescriptionTHE CLASSIC BIRD
We are happy to offer the following Classic Gibson Thunderbird details as follows
1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass
Sunburst
Twin Pickup
Internally / Externally Original
Condition: 8 / 10 – Normal playing wear
Original Case
Comments
Classic Gibson ... more