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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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$27495
These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... more
1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass an outstanding example its 1 of a kind & Minty !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$17495
These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its pretty mahogany neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is ... 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
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
Gibson Thunderbird Non Reverse Bass 1967
Naugatuck, Connecticut, 067**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$7700
1967 thunderbird bass
See pics
1973 it had a headstock repair
It was a pancake repair by a furniture maker in Connecticut see pics
Bass sounds great & plays great
No case it has a zipper bag from the 70??s
I have a reissue pickgaurd I never put o on & it??s missing g thumb rest & metal cover... more
See pics
1973 it had a headstock repair
It was a pancake repair by a furniture maker in Connecticut see pics
Bass sounds great & plays great
No case it has a zipper bag from the 70??s
I have a reissue pickgaurd I never put o on & it??s missing g thumb rest & metal cover... more
Rare Black Gibson 1976 Bicentennial Thunderbird / All Original / No Breaks
Louisville, Kentucky, 402**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$5500
Only 91 Black Thunderbirds were produced in 1976 and here is one of the nicest I've seen. All original, no cracks, no breaks and an ebony fretboard. The neck is straight and really not a lot of playwear for it's age. Overall a fine playing bass. Original pickup cover, bridgecover plus a later hard-shell case that is also in fine condition. As per usual with older Thunderbirds, the strap button on the neck has been moved for better balance. It has never been gigged in the years I have owned it ... more
Used 2022 Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass, Ebony
Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2380
A rock 'n' roll legend, Gene Simmons has inspired countless metal-heads to bring groovy, rockin' sound to the world. The 2022-model Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass carries that essence in the purest form. Built in America, this striking bass has a Reverse Thunderbird body made from mahogany, with a Mirror Plex pickguard for an awesome look. The rounded mahogany neck hosts an ebony fingerboard, and it's powered by a set of T-Bird pickups, each with individual volumes and a master tone ... more
Vintage 1991 Gibson Thunderbird IV Electric Bass w / Case! All Original! NICE!!!
Santee, California, 920**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1999
At Top 40 Guitars, customer satisfaction is our first concern All of our items have a 14 day return policy If after 14 days you are not completely satisfiedwith your purchase, please return it for a refund .Peace be with you
all returned items must be in the same condition theywere at the time of sale. All original packing must be included
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Up for Sale is aVintage 1991 Gibson Thunderbird IV Electric Bass!
Gloss Black Finish! Made in USA!
This is really Cool. You are ... more
Gibson Thunderbird IV 4 String Rex Brown Pantera Bass Ebony Black w / VIDEO
San Diego, California, 921**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1895
Scroll down to see 44 HD Images of this bass
Here's a 2022 Gibson Rex Brown Thunderbird 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Ebony finish
She's in very good condition and has light playwear
The top back and sides are glossy and clean with some very light indents and a few superficial scratches
The back has some clear coat micro scratches
The serial number is 226530207 and she made in the Nashville Gibson plant in 2022
She has a fresh set up with d'addario 45 / ... more
Here's a 2022 Gibson Rex Brown Thunderbird 4 string bass guitar in a factory original Ebony finish
She's in very good condition and has light playwear
The top back and sides are glossy and clean with some very light indents and a few superficial scratches
The back has some clear coat micro scratches
The serial number is 226530207 and she made in the Nashville Gibson plant in 2022
She has a fresh set up with d'addario 45 / ... more
GIBSON NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03047365)
Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1800
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Gibson Non Reverse Thunderbird Bass Guitar
Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$1599
Beautiful red sparkle non-reverse Thunderbird bass guitar professional set up excellent condition some very light scratches. Nothing to mention. Looks just like the pictures Babicz replacement bridge Bartolini Thunderbird pick ups Plays and sounds fantastic. New strings case has some scratches nothing major
... more
... more
1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Rare Vintage Electric Bass
New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
€1300
1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass ?? All Original - Near Mint Condition
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to... more
This rare 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial bass is in exceptionally well-preserved, near mint condition. Everything on the instrument is 100% original, including the electronics ?? with potentiometers dated to 1976. Importantly, the neck is completely intact, with no breaks or repairs, which is uncommon for this model. It comes with the original Gibson hardshell case
? Historical Background:In 1976, to... more
Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass by Gibson w 50s Wiring, Case & More
Smyrna, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$777
Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass by Gibson w50s Wiring, Case & More
This Epiphone Limited Edition Thunderbird IV Bass is aWINNER as it has the Gibson 50s Wiring, Schaller S-Locks strap buttons (repositioned), Gold Top Hat knobs, and has been recently serviced and set up. Comes with hard case
GET THIS WINNER BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES!
GIBSON 50s WIRING
The Gibson Flying V 50s Wiring with Independent Volume Controlsand 3-Way Pickup Selector Switch ... 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
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
Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1964 - Sunburst
London, UK, UNITED KINGDOM
£11999
FINESTSELECTIONSHIPPINGSPECIALISTS24 HourSupportLondon Vintage Guitars are please to offer:Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1964 - SunburstGibson Thunderbird BassYear: 1964
Condition: Excellent
DescriptionTHE CLASSIC BIRD
We are happy to offer the following Classic Gibson Thunderbird details as follows
1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass
Sunburst
Twin Pickup
Internally / Externally Original
Condition: 8 / 10 – Normal playing wear
Original Case
Comments
Classic Gibson ... more
Condition: Excellent
DescriptionTHE CLASSIC BIRD
We are happy to offer the following Classic Gibson Thunderbird details as follows
1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass
Sunburst
Twin Pickup
Internally / Externally Original
Condition: 8 / 10 – Normal playing wear
Original Case
Comments
Classic Gibson ... 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
Metallica??s Jason Newsted Owned And Played Gibson Thunderbird Bass 1987
Meidrim, SA33***, UNITED KINGDOM
£4937
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 owning a celebrity owned instrument
I am a Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, so I ... more
The bass is in excellent condition. It has some marks of use, but I guess this is what you are looking for when owning a celebrity owned instrument
I am a Metallica fan, but I am a guitarist and do not play bass very often. An instrument needs to be used, so I ... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€3250
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
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
+ 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 Bass Rex Brown Limited Edition with all accessories and case
Preston, PR4***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2047
As new. only carefully gigged a handful of times. There is one tiny ding in the base which I've shown in the photo. other than that some very fine scratches on the back that are extremely superficial and hard to see
As I say, any blemishes are superficial however as it is not 'factory fresh' I have priced it accordingly. Why am I selling it? I simply prefer my Rick!!
It comes with the solid Gibson case complete with the Gibson accessories, postcard and owner booklet and new superb quality... more
As I say, any blemishes are superficial however as it is not 'factory fresh' I have priced it accordingly. Why am I selling it? I simply prefer my Rick!!
It comes with the solid Gibson case complete with the Gibson accessories, postcard and owner booklet and new superb quality... more
Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1650
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Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Here for sale we have a Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Ebony finish. Made in the USA in 2023, this bass consists of a Mahogany body, a Mahogany neck, and a 20-fret Ebony ... more
On this platform we are unable to arrange part exchange, viewings or direct prices
We advise finding our website where you can find direct prices and discuss all of the above!
Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass
Here for sale we have a Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Ebony finish. Made in the USA in 2023, this bass consists of a Mahogany body, a Mahogany neck, and a 20-fret Ebony ... more