flyguitars logo
I'm happy with this
This website uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse traffic. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. See terms and conditions

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

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.
1970s Gibson BASS Bridge Cover Spacer Feet EB-0 EB-3 Vintage Part

1970's Gibson BASS Bridge Cover Spacer Feet EB-0 EB-3 Vintage Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$89

Black plastic construction, normal light vintage wire, includes original mounting screws, original early 1970s USA Gibson thanks for looking
... more
eBay logo
1970s Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge Cover EB-0  / 3 Ripper T Bird Vintage USA Part

1970's Gibson BASS Guitar Bridge Cover EB-0 / 3 Ripper T Bird Vintage USA Part

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$225

Steel construction, chrome finish, normal light vintage wear original vintage patina, measures 4 5 / 8 inches between mounting holes, original vintage Gibson part thanks for looking
... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1970s Gibson BASS Bridge cover for EB-0 EB-3

Vintage 1970's Gibson BASS Bridge cover for EB-0 EB-3

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$169

This is vintage 70's bridge cover for an EB-0 or EB-3 bass. It has wear and pitting. There are a couple of areas where the chrome plate has worn off. I have seen slight variations in size and in the distance between screw holes on these covers. The center-to-center distance between these screw holes is 4 5 / 8 inches. Please see pics for condition. Screws included.... more
eBay logo
Vintage late 60s ear. 1970s Gibson BASS Bridge for EB-0 EB-3 EB-2 Nylon Saddle

Vintage late 60's ear. 1970's Gibson BASS Bridge for EB-0 EB-3 EB-2 Nylon Saddle

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

Original vintage chrome plated Gibson Bass "Flat" bridge in vintage condition. Original equipment for many Gibson basses from late 60's - early 70's era. It has normal vintage wear and some pitting in the chrome plate. This one has the older nylon saddles.
... more
eBay logo
One 70s GIBSON Bass TUNER Bent Les Paul Flying V Marauder S-1 some L6-S ES335

One 70's GIBSON Bass TUNER Bent Les Paul Flying V Marauder S-1 some L6-S ES335

Miami, Florida, 331**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$35

Late 70's to early 80's. Button shaft is bent. Nickel plated and in good shape. As used on many vintage Gibson guitars in 80's and 70's.
Sales tax will be added by ebay. I will ship most of my items to many countries other than USA, but I ask that all buyers contact me before making a purchase. Foreign buyers are responsible for all of their taxes and customs duties. I will NOT declare lower values or declare items as gifts under any circumstance.
... more
eBay logo
Vintage 1960s USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule KG EB Kalamazoo

Vintage 1960's USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule KG EB Kalamazoo

Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$69

Vintage 1960's USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule ?? Steel alloy construction, chrome finish, normal vintage wear with patina. See all pics for dimensions-fit for your application, Original KG EB Kalamazoo Part. Thanks for looking!
... more
eBay logo