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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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

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

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

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 ... 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

GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03059497)

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

$1600

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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

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

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 Original 1976 Bicentennial

Südstadt, 38***, GERMANY

€5700

Beschreibung
Totally original
Frets 80%
Lightweight 4kg
No breaks
Wear & Tear from the years
Trussrod 100% working
Comes with bag
1 owner was my dad
Original Invoice (USA) comes with the bass
COA on request & extra cost possible
CITES certificate incl
Nothing changed at all
With original covers
" Wie beschrieben" verkauft?Ja
... 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

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!
... more

Trades Gibson Thunderbird Iv Bass Electric Guitar Usa

Port Talbot, SA13***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2250

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!
... more

Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1979

Oldham, OL8***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1843

The Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1979 is a classic electric bass guitar that embodies the iconic design and craftsmanship of Gibson instruments. With a solid mahogany body, walnut fretboard, and 4-string configuration, this right-handed bass offers exceptional sound quality and playability for musicians and bass players. The vintage appeal of this model adds to its allure for those seeking a unique and timeless addition to their musical arsenal.... more

Used 1991 Orville by Gibson / Terada MIJ Thunderbird Bass Sunburst 4 11kg W / GB

Sarnia, Ontario, N7T***, CANADA

C $1800

I purchased this in 2021 with intent to learn but never found the time. It has been in a case unused since then
Ask me for extra pictures or any additional questions... 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 Thunderbird IV Bass ?? 120th Anniversary ?? Heritage Cherry ?? Immaculate

Manly, NSW, 2***, AUSTRALIA

AU $2500

For sale is my Gibson Thunderbird IV 120th Anniversary in Heritage Cherry (HC), presented in completely immaculate condition

This is the special 120th Anniversary edition featuring the commemorative 12th fret inlay and classic Thunderbird styling. It delivers the unmistakable deep, punchy low-end and growling midrange that Thunderbirds are famous for ?? huge stage presence and serious tone

Condition:
Absolutely immaculate. No dents, buckle rash, chips or scratches. ... more

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