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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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 ... view on ebay
1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV Reverse Body Bass Vintage, Japan Terada
Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1600
Up for sale, a 1994 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird IV bass in 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Made exclusively for the Japanese market and uncommon outside its country of origin, this Orville is an official Gibson-licensed guitar and a result of a partnership between Gibson USA and their Japanese distributor Yamano Gakki. Named after Gibson's founder, Orville Gibson, this long-since discontinued Orville model was crafted at the Terada factory
As its name would suggest, ... view on ebay
As its name would suggest, ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
Gibson USA Thunderbird Natural 1976 Bicentennial Vintage Electric Bass Restore
Orange, California, 928**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1100
Comes as seenDoes not include caseGenuine Vintage 1976 Thunderbird bass but missing some parts, and has some reissue parts on itsee all picturesmostly in pretty nice shape but the neck which was repaired - has opened up along the same crackwill need to be redoneaside from the repair it is has not damage or cracksneck is straight and frets are goodshow some normal age and play wear as seensee all pictures for conditionbicentennial logo on pickguard scratched off as seen- you can still make out ... view on ebay
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Electric Guitar with Case
Newman, Illinois, 619**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
Gibson G2 Thunderbird bass in great shape with official case. There are some markings near the volume pots and a bit of wear here and there but overall in great shape and the Emg's are awesome in this. This has relatively no neck dive compared to most of the T birds and the new bridge is awesome and a lot easier to work with. Fantastic bass Gibson really knocked it out of the park with this one
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... view on ebay
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... view on ebay
Gibson ThunderBird 4 String Bass Tobacco Sunburst w / Gibson Case & Strap, & COA
Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
For your review and consideration - we present you with another fine Gibson Guitar from the guitar collection at Magdon Music!
Please read the description below and review the photos. The exact Gibson Bass pictured and in the description is the exact guitar that you will purchasing. If there is something that you need to know that is not in this description - please message us before your time of purchase and we will be very happy to assist!
Please note that our guitars are tech ... view on ebay
Gibson Thunderbird II 1979 Plus Xtras: TOUR-READY!!!
Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$4600
Thanks for looking at the best deal for a TOUR-READY 1979 Gibson Thunderbird II
No cracks / breaks / repairs - functionally perfect
The only work I had done was stainless steel frets by Tenorio Werx (the best in the business IMHO). As a rule he insists on nut replacement when doing one of his legendary fret jobs. Wait until you play this beast
The combination of the impeccable fretwork and that impossibly-thin '79 neck results in one of the best-playing basses I have owned
And of... view on ebay
No cracks / breaks / repairs - functionally perfect
The only work I had done was stainless steel frets by Tenorio Werx (the best in the business IMHO). As a rule he insists on nut replacement when doing one of his legendary fret jobs. Wait until you play this beast
The combination of the impeccable fretwork and that impossibly-thin '79 neck results in one of the best-playing basses I have owned
And of... view on ebay
Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset
Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM
£365
Rare Epiphone by Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass guitar. Hard Maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard. 20 medium jumbo frets with XII 12th fret inlay. 2 Epiphone humbuckers (bridge and neck positions). Thunderbird shaped Mahogany body with flat black finish. Plastic black pick guard with white emblem. Some authentic wear around the bottom and sides of the body. Old rusty strings have been recently replaced with fresh standard gauge Ernie ball bass strings. Fully functional electronics. Good... view on ebay
Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset
Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM
£380
Rare Epiphone by Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass guitar. Hard Maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard. 20 medium jumbo frets with XII 12th fret inlay. 2 Epiphone humbuckers (bridge and neck positions). Thunderbird shaped Mahogany body with flat black finish. Plastic black pick guard with white emblem. Some authentic wear around the bottom and sides of the body. Old rusty strings have been recently replaced with fresh standard gauge Ernie ball bass strings. Fully functional electronics. Good... view on ebay
Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst
Romney Marsh, TN29***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1537
Gibson Thunderbird Bass IV Vintage Sunburst. Two previous owners. Excellent to mint condition. Extremely well looked after. Neck is super flat with low string height. Serial No 123620314 Collection only TN29 0ST... view on ebay
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€2998
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 ... view on ebay
Trades Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar Usa
Port Talbot, SA13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2299
Can deliver for fuel / shipping costs.
Trades / part ex on Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Squier, Musicman, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Taylor, Suhr and many more! Basses and pedals too! Try me ??????
Pokemon cards, videogames and gold jewellery also considered!
... view on ebay
Trades / part ex on Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Squier, Musicman, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Taylor, Suhr and many more! Basses and pedals too! Try me ??????
Pokemon cards, videogames and gold jewellery also considered!
... view on ebay
Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse - Pelham Blue Inc Hard Case
Norwich, NR2***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1499
Pre Loved Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse Pelham Blue Inc Hard Case
Made in the USA in 2021 and in a very good used condition. The only mark of any note is the usual ding on the to be found on the headstock of a Thunderbird bass (pictured). Other than that, there are the usual very light playing marks on the body of the bass. The previous owner has upgraded the original stock bridge to a Babicz - the original bridge is included
The bass comes with the original fitted hard case, and all the... view on ebay
Made in the USA in 2021 and in a very good used condition. The only mark of any note is the usual ding on the to be found on the headstock of a Thunderbird bass (pictured). Other than that, there are the usual very light playing marks on the body of the bass. The previous owner has upgraded the original stock bridge to a Babicz - the original bridge is included
The bass comes with the original fitted hard case, and all the... view on ebay
Gibson Thunderbird IV READY TO GIG
Nocera Superiore, 84***, ITALY
€6990
Thunderbird IV Bass, READY TO GIG This instrument has had its neck and headstock replaced , repainted in black ,the diameter of the nut is 10 cm 1\2 on the first fretthe serial number, engraved on the replaced headstock, is 21 81 20, the frets have been transferred on the new neck, Everything else, regarding the body it has been repositioned .The potentiometers have been replaced, they are not the original onesThe "soapbar" pickups are original and unmistakable in sound, I supply the replaced ... view on ebay
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass
Hamburg, 20***, GERMANY
€2199
Hallo!
Aus Sammlungsverkleinerung:
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird
Ebony
Mahogany Body
Multi-Ply Top Binding
34" Scale
Mahogany Neck
Rounded Neck Profile
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearloid Reverse Split-Diamond Inlays
12" Fingerboard Radius
20 Medium Jumbo Frets
Hipshot Mini Clover Tuners
Hipshot Bass Bridge
Black Chrome Hardware
Mirror Plex Custom Pickguard with Gene Simmons Logo
Mirror Plex Control Knobs
Black Top Hat Knobs with Silver ... view on ebay
Aus Sammlungsverkleinerung:
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird
Ebony
Mahogany Body
Multi-Ply Top Binding
34" Scale
Mahogany Neck
Rounded Neck Profile
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearloid Reverse Split-Diamond Inlays
12" Fingerboard Radius
20 Medium Jumbo Frets
Hipshot Mini Clover Tuners
Hipshot Bass Bridge
Black Chrome Hardware
Mirror Plex Custom Pickguard with Gene Simmons Logo
Mirror Plex Control Knobs
Black Top Hat Knobs with Silver ... view on ebay
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
... view on ebay
* 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
... view on ebay
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£2698
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 ... view on ebay
+ 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 ... view on ebay
Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse Bass Guitar 2024 With Original Case Made in USA
London, W7***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1434
For Sale Gibson Thunderbird Non-Reverse Bass Guitar Vintage Cherry Finish, Made in 2024 With Original Gibson Case. The Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird s one of a kind, providing one of the most powerful bass experiences you can imagine. Coming with two legendary Gibson Thunderbird pickups in the neck and bridge, it has a wide tonal range which you can use to fill your music with colour. The Non-Reverse Thunderbird is equipped with a Graph Tech® nut. A 3-point adjustable bridge provides a full ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay
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 ... view on ebay