Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar >> FlyGuitars

The Gibson Thunderbird stands out as the most respected of all Gibson bass guitars, and has been in production on and off since 1963. Fender's success with their solid body basses inspired Gibson's response: the Thunderbird. Designed by German auto engineer Ray Dietrich, and named after the giant bird of Native American folklore, Gibson's first 34 1/2 inch scale bass.

There have been several variants, and numerous issues of the Gibson Thunderbird, and it has been discontinued at various times in the 1970s and 1980s. But today, the model is held in such esteem that it is still in, and can be considered one of the mainstays of the Gibson line.

Thunderbird II and IV (1963-1965)
Launched in 1963 as a companion to Gibsons new Firebird range. The two models were a one pickup Thunderbird II and a two pickup Thunderbird IV. Also known as the reverse-body Thunderbird, sales were poor and production ceased in May 1965.

Thunderbird II and IV (1966-1969)
The late sixties instruments were really an 'upside down' Thunderbird, usually referred to as a non-reverse bodied Thunderbird. Still available with one or two pickups. The other difference was set neck, contrasting the through-body neck of the earlier design.

Thunderbird IV (1976-1979)
The bi-centennial models were a reissue of a 63-65 Thunderbird IV with the familiar seventies three-point bridge.

Thunderbird IV (1987-date)
Several variants of the Thunderbird are still available today.

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

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

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$13495

These 2nd issue ??Non-Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Pelham Blue all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing but she??s has plenty of playtime wear. These tend to get funky from playing in ... more

Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird

Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This bass guitar string mute is a must-have for any Gibson Thunderbird owner. Made in 1966, this mute is a rare find for collectors and musicians alike. It is designed to fit perfectly on your bass guitar and provides a unique sound that is sure to impress
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

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

Gibson Thunderbird IV READY TO GIG

Nocera Superiore, 84***, ITALY

€6990

Thunderbird IV Bass, READY TO GIG This instrument has had its neck and headstock replaced , repainted in black ,the diameter of the nut is 10 cm 1\2 on the first fretthe serial number, engraved on the replaced headstock, is 21 81 20, the frets have been transferred on the new neck, Everything else, regarding the body it has been repositioned .The potentiometers have been replaced, they are not the original onesThe "soapbar" pickups are original and unmistakable in sound, I supply the replaced ... more

Gibson Thunderbird non reverse Inverness green

London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1400

i m selling this beautyful gibson thunderbird non reverse in MINT condition, action low very good playability, low action thunderous tone, is complete with all the papers and cerification, i bought the bass new from guitar guitar.... 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

60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND

COLOGNE, GERMANY

£2850

Orginal Gibson Thunderbird Bass 76

Göppingen, 73***, GERMANY

€3690

Gibson Bass Thunderbird 76 in Sunburst !
Zum 200 jährigen Unabhängigkeitstag der USA brachte Gibson 1976 den " Limitierte Thunderbird Bass" auf den Markt
Er zeichnet sich mit seinem kellertiefen Basssound perfekt aus Ein angenehmer " Jott Bass" ähnlicher Ton der Wohlbefinden auslöst
Dieser Bass ist eine aus der " Limitierten Ausgabe" mit der Serien-Nr. 06240249 von 1977 von der nur 605 gebaut wurden
Der Bass ist eine Rarität im guten Zustand, der kaum noch zu finden ist ... more

1978 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar

Bathgate, EH48***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2250

I bought this guitar about 12 years ago from Texas USA as a used guitar that had a professional neck repair and refinish. Comes with a Gibson case that I reckon could be original however I am no expert. Plays and sounds as it should. Only selling as I no longer use it nor forsee when I will ever need to use a I am retired!Below is a link to a Youtube video I made several years ago using the bass with a slapping style!
https: / / www youtube com / watch?v=BjbN1pQftk
Please, no offers as it... more

Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987

Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM

£7900

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

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