Gibson Thunderbird 1963-1965 (1st generation)

The reverse body Gibson Thunderbird

The Gibson Thunderbird bass was launched in 1963 as a response to the long-scale solid-bodied Fender basses that were doing so well at the time (Fender Jazz and Precision). This was a high end instrument, and retailed at slightly more than Fenders offerings. There were two versions, the single pickup Gibson Thunderbird II and the dual pickup Gibson Thunderbird IV. In the July 1963 pricelist, the Thunderbird II was $260 and the IV was $335; compared to $229.50 for a Fender Precision and $279.50 for the Fender Jazz.

New features

Aswell as being Gibson's first long scale bass, it had their first fully-adjustable bass bridge, and was the first Gibson bass to utilize neck-through construction. This idea had first been used on an electric bass six years earlier by Rickenbacker (the 4000 bass), and consisted of one central piece (or laminate) of wood spanning the entire length of the instrument, and 'wings' glued to the sides to make the body. This contrasted the separate neck and body approach of most guitar makers who normally glued (Gibson) or bolted (Fender) the neck to the body.

The central wood was raised slightly and accommodated tuners, pickups, bridge and the tailpiece. Having the entire length of the strings vibrating on one piece of wood increases sustain, and has added strength for long necks. It is a technique still widely used today on higher end guitars and basses; most notably Rickenbacker and B.C. Rich (and many more besides). The mahogany wings were glued on using a V-shaped notch and groove arrangement. This construction method is unchanged in today's Thunderbird IVs.

Early Thunderbird publicity

The following publicity sheets were printed in 1963, alongside similar sheets for the full Gibson Firebird range

Gibson Thunderbird shipping totals (1963-1965)

1964 was the peak year, with just 1040 basses produced in this time. The shipping totals by year are as follows:

Sales were not good and Fender complained about similarities to their guitars. Production only lasted from Autumn 1963 until May 1965

from the Gibson 1964 catalog

Gibson Thunderbird / Firebird custom colour chart

Type 1 Thunderbirds in action

Thunderbird gallery

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

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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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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