Gibson Thunderbird 1966-1969
(3nd generation, reverse body)

The Bi-Centennial Thunderbird

In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centennial model, or Gibson Thunderbird '76. It was only available in limited numbers, with just 1855 basses built at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant between 1976 and 1979.

New Features for '76

Although this bass was modelled directly on the 1963 Thunderbird, with a through neck and reverse body shape, there were some changes to the original design; most notably the new pickups and circuitry, 3 point bridge, which appeared on most Gibson basses of the period, but also a red, white and blue Thunderbird logo with a '76 insignia. Later models still had the red white and blue bird, but without the 76.

Pictured below are a 1960s, 1976 and 1979 Thunderbird logo. Today's birds have a logo very similar to the 1960s design

Gibson Bi-Centennial Thunderbird shipping figures

The shipping figures are as follows:

1976 Gibson Thunderbird specifications:

• Mahogany centerpiece
• Mahogany wings
• Sunburst, Natural, Ebony and White finishes
• Rosewood fretboard
• 34 1/2 inch scale (actually three eighths of an inch)
• Chrome plated pickup covers, bridge cover and finger rest
• Thunderbird humbucking pickups
• Laminated pickguard with red, white and blue Thunderbird logo

from the 1977 Gibson new models catalog

Have a closer look at a 1979 Thunderbird

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

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

Gibson ThunderBird 4 String Bass Tobacco Sunburst With 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 ... 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

Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset

Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM

£410

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... 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 Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Black and Gold

Birmingham, B18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1799

PRODUCT REPORT
Case: Hardcase Included. Condition: This Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through previous usage. This Bass Guitar is fully functional but shows noticeable, but light, cosmetic wear.
Frets: 20 /... more

Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass in Sunburst, Hard Case included

Birmingham, B18***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1999

PRODUCT REPORT
Case: Hardcase Included. Condition: This Gibson Firebird Bass is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through previous usage. Electronics: All Original / No issues. Hardware: All Original / No issues. Serial No: 02961336. Made in USA, 2001. Overall Condition Score: ??️??️??️??️ - 4 / 5 Stars 2001 Gibson Thunderbird in Sunburst finish, in good used condition and fully ... more

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 ... 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

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 ... more

Gibson USA 50th Anniversary Thunderbird E-Bass mit Koffer

Mittelbiberach, 88***, GERMANY

€2800

Die Gibson USA 50th Anniversary Thunderbird wurde im Jahr 2013 veröffentlicht, um das 50-jährige Jubiläum des ursprünglichen Modells von 1963 zu feiern. Dieser limitierte E-Bass zeichnet sich durch seine markante Gold-Optik und die klassische Neck-Through-Konstruktion aus
... 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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