Gibson Thunderbird

1966 Gibson non-reverse Thunderbird II: bridge moved up slightly so it would intonate, post holes filled and re-drilled. Bartolini preamp with bass-mid-treb equaliser mini-switch for 200/400/800hz mid frequency. Chandler Thunderbird re-issue pickup (no longer made? see SlinkP's Custom Bass Project). Bone nut. Black Grover tuners. Output jack put on side and replaced with neutrik locking 1/4" jack. Headstock repaired and whole neck painted black.

FlyGuitars Before you got into EB3s again, you were using a non-reverse Gibson Thunderbird II - what do you like about it, and what do you think about Thunderbirds in general?

Mike Watt With the reverse, the horns are too much in the way of the higher frets. I got into that with D. Boon (playing on the upper neck), but with the non-reverses it's all open for you. I got that in the early 90's. That was the good thing about touring back then, you could find basses for cheap. I got that thing, original Pelham blue. That big long headstock came off in my hands, it was all bondo. Gibson used that angled headstock for string tension, but, made the guy's weak. I added some mahogany & fiberglass on that thing. I really like the way that body was cut. The bridge was put up too close so I had them move it up a bit. I filled in the hole and moved it up.

Contemplating the Engine Room

I used that bass for the entire Contemplating The Engine Room. I got asked to do a funny session back in November, with a pop singer that won that game show, ahhhh.. Kelly Clarkson, from a producer, an old friend I knew. I brought a few basses and that's the one they liked (Non Reverse II), the sound & stuff.

FlyGuitars What are the extra switches on this bass?

Mike Watt I had them add a Bartolini preamp, with a bypass switch. There is something about, man I love them old nickel-plated Thunderbird pickups. I love them so much. I don't like the plastic new ones, you know; they are too tepid, too dampened. The closest I have come to them, for a few years, Chandler was making them, they sounded pretty close.

FlyGuitars The 60's ones are great pickups

Mike Watt Yeah man, those are fucking great pickups.

FlyGuitars Gibson did not keep records on anything.

Mike Watt One time I was playing in Kalamazoo, they closed the factory. A guy from there told me the same thing. This stuff is a mystery.

The old EB-3s were one-piece bodies, the non-reverse Thunderbirds, too. The other difference in the Thunderbirds, the non-reverses were two piece (neck & body) and the reverse was three pieces (neck and two body wings). I actually think there is better tone with the two-piece.

FlyGuitars Some people think the non-reverse Thunderbird II also sounded better than the two pickup IV.

Mike Watt I had a non-reverse IV and I liked the II better. I thought they just added another pickup? They're not the same. I sold it to a kid.

FlyGuitars Has Gibson ever approached you to do a signature bass?

Mike Watt There was talk once about making me a custom non-reverse - that was years ago and I just got caught up & torn and never followed it up. A cardinal red one you know.

FlyGuitars Everyone wishes they would reissue those. There is of course the Epiphone version....

Mike Watt Yeah they did a bolt-on neck, maybe Korean made non-reverse that had P/J pickups. It was nothing! I went into a store, boy... Whoof. It is a good body shape, besides that, it yeah, was nothing, like a Squire P bass.

Youtube Video Clips
Mike Watt playing Thunderbird - click the images to view clips

Left - Big Train / The Red and the Black, with Pat Smear, Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl. Right - Mike Watt, In the Engine Room

Gibson Thunderbird bass guitars 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

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, ... 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 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

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 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 ... 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 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 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

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

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 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 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

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

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