• 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck-through construction • mahogany wings • rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays • dual Thunderbird TB Plus humbuckers • 34 1/2 inch scale
The Thunderbird bass was launched as a reverse style bass in 1963. Sales were moderate but not improved when the instrument was designed as a non-reverse model in 1965. Production ceased in 1969, only to be launched again in 1976, as an original reverse bodied guitar, known as the Thunderbird '76. Sales were better this time round, but production stopped again in 1979. The model was finally resurrected again in 1987 as one of Gibson's flagship models, and enjoys a level of commercial success not seen in any of it's 1960s or 70s incarnations.
The design is broadly the same as the other reverse body versions, though there is no nickel or chrome on show. The pickup covers are black, like the bridge - and there is no bridge cover or handrest.
Control cavity of a 1992 Gibson Thunderbird IV
Sound Clips
These sound clips are recorded directly into a mobilepre preamp. Fitted with round wound strings.
Standard sound finger style
both pickups, and tone control all on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Neck pickup
Neck pickup only, tone control on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Bridge pickup
pickup only, tone control on 10. Played fingerstyle.
Toned down
both pickups on 10, and tone control on 0. Played fingerstyle.
Standard sound with pick
both pickups, and tone control all on 10. Played with pick.
Gibson Thunderbird basses 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
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 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
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC-Excellent!!!
Bigfork, Montana, 599**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2299
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Guitar W / OHSC
Specs / info:
Rock Like the God of Thunder
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass reflects his tastes. Designed to meet the musical needs of modern bassists, it features the classic Reverse Thunderbird?? body and headstock shape. The G2 Thunderbird Bass is voiced with a pair of powerful T-Bird pickups, each with individual ... more
1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13495
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 bass tobacco sunburst with case
Northallerton, DL6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1750
In very good condition as barely used
Fitted with coil split Alnico pickups - each pickup can be used as either humbucker or single coilBabicz 3 point bridge fitted - perfect intonation and height adjustment
UK postage only pleaseor collect from Northallerton area or Saltburn (north east uk)... 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
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
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
Gibson Thunderbird IV READY TO GIG
Nocera Superiore, 84***, ITALY
€6990
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