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 ... more

2023 Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar - Hard Shell Case Free Shipping!

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 334**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1425

2023 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass ??
Excellent Playing Condition with Honest Play Wear + Original Hardshell Case, Tuner & Locking Strap
For sale is a fantastic Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird bass in excellent operating condition ?? this bass plays and sounds like a dream! It has some nicks and wear, see detailed photos, (light nicks & chips, and minor play wear on the body and edges), but nothing structural, no cracks, no major dings, and no issues with functionality. ... 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

GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03059497)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1600

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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

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

1991 Gibson Thunderbird IV Neck Through Bass Sunburst w / Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2450

Up for sale, a 1991 Gibson Thunderbird IV in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. A modern iteration of the 1963 original, this Thunderbird IV features nine-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through body construction, black hardware, a three-point bridge, and a gloss Sunburst nitro lacquer finish
As its name would suggest, this bass thunders and growls with the best, producing incredible low end thump and grind via its two imposing ceramic magnet humbuckers. The ... more

1976 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass ?? Natural ?? Vintage USA ?? Kalamazoo

Las Vegas, Nevada, 891**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5250

pppplispanul1976 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass, USA-made in Gibson??s Kalamazoo, Michigan factory to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the United States. These Bicentennial Thunderbirds were produced in limited numbers and are increasingly sought after by collectors and serious players alike
This is an original vintage instrument, not a reissue, with classic Thunderbird tone, feel, and presence
Serial Number
00243861
Weight
9 0 lbs
Great vintage condition for a ... 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

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

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

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

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 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 ... 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

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