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Gibson Firebird and Thunderbird custom finish options

Six new solid body guitars. Ten exciting custom colors

When the Gibson Thunderbird and Gibson Firebird were introduced in late 1963, they were offered with a Sunburst finish as standard, and in 10 new colors for an extra $15. Golden Mist poly, Cardinal Red, Heather poly, Inverness Green poly, Silver Mist poly, Ember Red, Kerry Green, Polaris White, Frost Blue and Pelham Blue poly. These Duco colours were available throughout their years of manufacture until 1969.

The brochure below, from 1963, details the original custom Thunderbird finish options for the reverse body basses.

1963 Gibson Thunderbird / Firebird color chart

These colors were not advertised for other Gibson bass guitars, (though Pelham blue and Polaris White EB basses certainly exist). Unfortunately, no shipping information by color is available, and these custom color basses are very rare. Some Gibson Thunderbird and Firebird custom finishes do come up, but of the 1700 or so total Thunderbird production (1963-69), the vast majority were the standard sunburst. Some finishes, such as Golden Mist poly, Heather poly, and Silver Mist poly are exceptionally rare, if existing at all.


Thunderbird/Firebird color chart

A similar brochure was produced in 1965 for the non-reverse Thunderbird and Firebird models. The same ten finishes are listed as in the previous brochure.

These Gibson custom finishes have certainly gained in popularity over the last fifty years, and such solid colors seem to be the finish of choice in Thunderbird and Firebird restorations. In part due to their rarity, in part their good looks - but also as a solid cover for the invariable headstock repair that so many of these instruments have suffered.

The 1976 Bicentennial reissue Thunderbirds were offered in Ebony, White, Tobacco Sunburst and Natural only. More recent limited editions with unusual finishes include the 2007 Thunderbird Studio in Cherry, 2012 non-reverse Thunderbird in Pelham Blue and 2013 50th anniversary Thunderbird in Bullion Gold.


Gibson Bass guitars for sale

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1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

1960??s GIBSON Bass EB-3 EB-2 EB-0 Hand Rest Cover

Houston, Texas, 770**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

This vintage hand rest cover is a must-have for any Gibson EB-3, EB-2, or EB-0 Bass guitar enthusiast. Made in the 1960s, this cover is a true piece of music history. The cover is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and is made from high-quality materials to ensure durability.

The cover features the iconic Gibson logo and is a great addition to any vintage musical instrument collection. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a collector, this hand rest cover is a unique and... more
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VINTAGE 1970S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL

VINTAGE 1970'S 1972 1973 GIBSON BASS GUITAR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER # G-100B ORIGINAL

Northfield, Ohio, 440**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$595

THIS IS AN ORIGINAL COMPLETE GIBSON BASS GUITAR AMPLIFIER, CIRCA 1970'S (1972-1975). MODEL NUMBER G-100B. IT IS IN VERY GOOD USED CONDITION WITH A NICE FINISH THROUGHOUT. THE OUTER CASE IS NOT GOUGED OR BEAT UP. THE COVER SCREEN HAS NO RIPS. ALL ORIGINAL KNOBS ARE INTACT. THE UNIT HUMS WHEN PLUGGED IN AND SEEMS TO WORK FINE. AS I HAVE NO WAY TO TEST IT, IT IS BEING SOLD AS-IS WITH WORKING CONDITION UNKNOWN. THERE WILL BE NO RETURNS OR REFUNDS (FULL OR PARTIAL) ON ITEMS SOLD. RARE AND HARD TO ... more
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1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0

1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0

Arlington, Indiana, 461**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1500

1969 Gibson Bass Guitar EB-0... more
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Fernandes Burny REB-65 - Kopie EB-3 SG Bass - Original Gibson Bass Modern Case

Fernandes Burny REB-65 - Kopie EB-3 SG Bass - Original Gibson Bass Modern Case

Berlin, 13***, GERMANY

€750

Der Burny REB-65 ist ein Nachbau eines EB-3 SG Bass
Er wird mit einem neuen original Gibson SG Bass Modern Hardshell Case geliefert
Das japanische Vertriebsunternehmen Fernandes Co. Ltd. hatte zwei Gitarrenmarken, Fernandes für die Kopien von Fender-Gitarren und Burny, für die Nachbauten von Gibson-Instrumenten
Fernandes Co. Ltd. war einer der größten Gitarrenhersteller Japans OHNE eigene Fabrik
Die Instrumente wurden ausschließlich für den japanischen Markt angeboten und ... more
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1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS

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
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1987 GIBSON BASS IV BASS - made in USA

1987 GIBSON BASS IV BASS - made in USA

COLOGNE, GERMANY

€1150


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 & 6
* pearl white finish is very worn
* Thunderbird pickups
* black Schaller hardware
* ebony fingerboard, frets are fine
PLENTY of PARTS for SALE
ATTENTION! OVER 1000 more
GUITARS-BASSES-AMPS-PARTS
in our OTHER AUCTIONS !!!
CHECK OUR SHOP OUT ... more
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