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.
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.
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
Epiphone EB0 SG by Gibson Bass Guitar Neck Original Neck Plate
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$35
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
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.
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Gibson Bass Guitar String Saddle Set SHAVED Vintage EB -0 Project Part
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$49
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Vtg 1970s Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ripper G-3 Grabber L9-S RD NICKEL
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$55
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Vintage 1960's USA Gibson Bass Guitar Tuner Bushing Ferrule KG EB Kalamazoo
Plano, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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Vintage Gibson Bass Guitar Humbucker Pickup Cover For EB-0 EB-1 EB-3 Circa 60's
Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$125