The Gibson Thunderbird stands out as the most respected of all Gibson bass guitars, and has been in production on and off since 1963. Fender's success with their solid body basses inspired Gibson's response: the Thunderbird. Designed by German auto engineer Ray Dietrich, and named after the giant bird of Native American folklore, Gibson's first 34 1/2 inch scale bass.
There have been several variants, and numerous issues of the Gibson Thunderbird, and it has been discontinued at various times in the 1970s and 1980s. But today, the model is held in such esteem that it is still in, and can be considered one of the mainstays of the Gibson line.
Thunderbird II and IV (1963-1965)
Launched in 1963 as a companion to Gibsons new Firebird range. The two models were a one pickup Thunderbird II and a two pickup Thunderbird IV. Also known as the reverse-body Thunderbird, sales were poor and production ceased in May 1965.
Thunderbird II and IV (1966-1969)
The late sixties instruments were really an 'upside down' Thunderbird, usually referred to as a non-reverse bodied Thunderbird. Still available with one or two pickups. The other difference was set neck, contrasting the through-body neck of the earlier design.
Thunderbird IV (1976-1979)
The bi-centennial models were a reissue of a 63-65 Thunderbird IV with the familiar seventies three-point bridge.
Thunderbird IV (1987-date)
Several variants of the Thunderbird are still available today.
Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale
Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird
Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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 Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more
2022 Gibson Thunderbird IV "Rex Brown" Signature Bass cool clean & unplayed !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2250
Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Inverness Green
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1665
This bass is in Near Mint condition, as there are really no particular issues ... more
Gibson Thunderbird bass pickgaurd in stainless steel
Moreno Valley, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$50
1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13495
Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Faded Pelham Blue
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1665
This bass is in Near Mint ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3333
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
+ 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
Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987
Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM
£7900
The bass is in excellent condition. It has some marks of use, but I guess this is what you are looking for when owing a celebrity owned instrument
I am a huge Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3333
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
1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£1090
* 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 non reverse Inverness green
London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1400
Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial 1979 - Natural
London, N13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3185
Brilliant Thunderbird that has seen some action plays and sounds incredible, it's definitely not for the faint hearted. The neck has small crack repair which has been very solid for long time, viewing strongly recommended on this one. Comes in a suitable but not original hard case
... more