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1992 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass

Gibson bass guitars | Thunderbird main page | 1992 Thunderbird IV

• 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

Model: Gibson Thunderbird IV
Year: 1992
Pickup: Dual TB plus ceramic humbuckers
Scale: long, 34"
Body: Mahogany wings
Neck: Multi-ply mahogany/walnut through-neck construction. Rosewood fretboard with dot inlays
Frets: 20
Width at nut: 1 1/2"

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.

1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass - body detail
Unlike the 1960s and '70s Thunderbirds, the 1980s and 90s reissue was fitted with all-black hardware, matching the black covered TB plus pickups
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass - reverse body detail
Controls are accessible via the cover on the reverse of this bass
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The pickups fitted to this bass are TB plus ceramic humbuckers
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
Controls, like previous Thunderbird versions, are volume, volume, tone; i.e. a volume control for each pickup and a master tone. Control knobs are vintage bell-style, numbered 0-10, with silver inserts.
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The well-known Thunderbird logo still adorns the scratchplate of this bass.
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The Thunderbird uses a black version of the standard Gibson three-point bridge
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The Gibson Thunderbird has a narrow neck, just 1 1/2" at the nut
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The Gibson logo resides on the bass' truss rod cover, attached to the headstock with three screws
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
body reverse detail.
1992 Gibson Thunderbird bass
The reverse of the headstock holds the bass' serial number and the legend 'MADE IN U.S.A.' Tuning keys are made by Grover.
Control cavity of a 1992 Gibson Thunderbird IV

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

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1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !

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Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

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1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS

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1987 GIBSON BASS IV - made in USA :
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check pic 5
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This bass was owned and played by Jason Newsted. I bought this bass from a renowned auction house in the US in 2022. I have documents to prove authenticity and legitimacy. Please ask if you are seriously interested

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60's Epiphone by Gibson Embassy Deluxe Bass - made in USA:
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London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1400

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Orginal Gibson Thunderbird Bass 76

Orginal Gibson Thunderbird Bass 76

Göppingen, 73***, GERMANY

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Gibson Bass Thunderbird 76 in Sunburst !
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https: / / www youtube com / watch?v=BjbN1pQftk
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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
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+ new pots and ... more
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