Gibson Thunderbird 1966-1969
(2nd generation, non-reverse body)

The non-reverse body Thunderbird

Gibson had received complaints from Fender about the styling of the original Gibson Thunderbird bass. This is somewhat surprising, looking at the models today, as the Thunderbird does not look at all like a Fender.But at the time, sales had been poor and it was decided to remodel both the Firebird guitars and Thunderbird basses.

New Features

In May 1965 Gibson stopped producing the older reverse body Thunderbird and redesigned the instrument for a 1966 launch. Whether any were actually available in 1965 is unclear, however price lists were heralding the new instrument as early as June 1965. Interestingly enough the Thunderbirds were not as expensive as the much smaller EB basses. The Thunderbird IV was priced at $289.50 compared with $337.50 for an EB3, whilst the II was $239.50 - just 50 cents less than the $240 EB0.

The major difference to the 1963 Thunderbird was of course the reverse body style, but also the neck was now the typical glued in 'set neck' that appeared on all other Gibsons of the period. The new set neck meant the body was one flat slab, without the raised central portion. This allowed an unusual scratchplate that covered a lot more of the guitar body. The hardware and pickups remained unchanged, though the nickel plated covers were all switched to chrome.

Gibson Thunderbird shipping totals (1966-1969)

Commercial success

The shipping figures are as follows:

There are two sources of Gibson shipping data, first the book Gibson Shipment Totals by Larry Meiners, however an anonymous but quite comprehensive document being sold on ebay entitled 'Gibson Epiphone Kalamazoo Maestro shipping totals 1948-1969' lists a different figure for 1969 Thunderbird IVs

from the Gibson 1966 catalog

Gibson Thunderbird / Firebird custom colour chart

60s non-reverse-body Thunderbirds in action

60s non-reverse-body Thunderbird gallery

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

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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

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

GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03047365)

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

$1800

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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

1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial - Rare Vintage Electric Bass

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

€2200

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

Rare Black Gibson 1976 Bicentennial Thunderbird / All Original / No Breaks

Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Only 91 Black Thunderbirds were produced in 1976 and here is one of the nicest I've seen. All original, no cracks, no breaks and an ebony fretboard. The neck is straight and really not a lot of playwear for it's age. Overall a fine playing bass. Original pickup cover, bridgecover plus a later hard-shell case that is also in fine condition. As per usual with older Thunderbirds, the strap button on the neck has been moved for better balance. It has never been gigged in the years I have owned it ... 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

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

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

Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Burgundy Mist

McDonough, Georgia, 302**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$510

Bass is in great condition. Has some light scratches and small dings in the heads. Has 2 dings in the headstock, one on the bottom and one at the top. Can be seen in the pics. Also has a tiny ding onnthe back of the headstock and a small flaw in the clearcoat on the back of the headstock about the size of a dime. Could not get a good pic of it. Everything is in good working condition. Comes with case and every thing pictured. Free shipping. Thanks! Bass is very light!
... 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

Gibson Thunderbird non reverse Inverness green

London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1400

i m selling this beautyful gibson thunderbird non reverse in MINT condition, action low very good playability, low action thunderous tone, is complete with all the papers and cerification, i bought the bass new from guitar guitar.... 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

Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987

Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£4937

This bass was owned and played by Jason Newsted. I bought this bass from a renowned auction house in the US in 2022. I have documents to prove authenticity and legitimacy. Please ask if you are seriously interested

The bass is in excellent condition. It has some marks of use, but I guess this is what you are looking for when owning a celebrity owned instrument

I am a Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, so I ... 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

Gibson Thunderbird Bass Rex Brown Limited Edition with all accessories and case

Preston, PR4***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2047

As new. only carefully gigged a handful of times. There is one tiny ding in the base which I've shown in the photo. other than that some very fine scratches on the back that are extremely superficial and hard to see
As I say, any blemishes are superficial however as it is not 'factory fresh' I have priced it accordingly. Why am I selling it? I simply prefer my Rick!!
It comes with the solid Gibson case complete with the Gibson accessories, postcard and owner booklet and new superb quality... 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

GIBSON Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge (EB, SG, Thunderbird models)

Perugia, 06***, ITALY

€30

GIBSON
Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge
(EB, SG, Thunderbird models)
Vendo un set di 4 sellette con relative viti per ponti con fissaggio a tre viti usati sui bassi Gibson ed Epiphone, modelli EB0 / EB3, SG, Thunderbird ed altri. Sono di marca sconosciuta, ma compatibili con quelle usate dalla Gibson
Lunghezza delle viti 35mm
Sono in ottimo stato, numerate sul retro 1-3-3-4, con le due esterne leggermente più basse e le centrali più alte. Le due sellette centrali sono ... 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

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

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