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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Gibson ThunderBird 4 String Bass Tobacco Sunburst With Gibson Case, Strap, & COA
Olyphant, Pennsylvania, 184**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2300
For your review and consideration - we present you with another fine Gibson Guitar from the guitar collection at Magdon Music!
Please read the description below and review the photos. The exact Gibson Bass pictured and in the description is the exact guitar that you will purchasing. If there is something that you need to know that is not in this description - please message us before your time of purchase and we will be very happy to assist!
Please note that our guitars are tech ... 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
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
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass Electric Guitar with Case
Newman, Illinois, 619**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2000
Gibson G2 Thunderbird bass in great shape with official case. There are some markings near the volume pots and a bit of wear here and there but overall in great shape and the Emg's are awesome in this. This has relatively no neck dive compared to most of the T birds and the new bridge is awesome and a lot easier to work with. Fantastic bass Gibson really knocked it out of the park with this one
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... more
Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons ... 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
Trades Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar Usa
Port Talbot, SA13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2299
Can deliver for fuel / shipping costs.
Trades / part ex on Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Squier, Musicman, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Taylor, Suhr and many more! Basses and pedals too! Try me ??????
Pokemon cards, videogames and gold jewellery also considered!
... more
Trades / part ex on Gibson, Fender, PRS, Epiphone, Squier, Musicman, Ibanez, Gretsch, Martin, Taylor, Suhr and many more! Basses and pedals too! Try me ??????
Pokemon cards, videogames and gold jewellery also considered!
... 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 Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar in Black and Gold
Birmingham, B18***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1799
PRODUCT REPORT
Case: Hardcase Included. Condition: This Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through previous usage. This Bass Guitar is fully functional but shows noticeable, but light, cosmetic wear.
Frets: 20 /... more
Case: Hardcase Included. Condition: This Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through previous usage. This Bass Guitar is fully functional but shows noticeable, but light, cosmetic wear.
Frets: 20 /... more
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass
Hamburg, 20***, GERMANY
€2199
Hallo!
Aus Sammlungsverkleinerung:
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird
Ebony
Mahogany Body
Multi-Ply Top Binding
34" Scale
Mahogany Neck
Rounded Neck Profile
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearloid Reverse Split-Diamond Inlays
12" Fingerboard Radius
20 Medium Jumbo Frets
Hipshot Mini Clover Tuners
Hipshot Bass Bridge
Black Chrome Hardware
Mirror Plex Custom Pickguard with Gene Simmons Logo
Mirror Plex Control Knobs
Black Top Hat Knobs with Silver ... more
Aus Sammlungsverkleinerung:
Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird
Ebony
Mahogany Body
Multi-Ply Top Binding
34" Scale
Mahogany Neck
Rounded Neck Profile
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearloid Reverse Split-Diamond Inlays
12" Fingerboard Radius
20 Medium Jumbo Frets
Hipshot Mini Clover Tuners
Hipshot Bass Bridge
Black Chrome Hardware
Mirror Plex Custom Pickguard with Gene Simmons Logo
Mirror Plex Control Knobs
Black Top Hat Knobs with Silver ... more
Gibson Thunderbird Electric Bass in Sunburst, Hard Case included
Birmingham, B18***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1999
PRODUCT REPORT
Case: Hardcase Included. Condition: This Gibson Firebird Bass is in Very Good condition with minimal wear through previous usage. Electronics: All Original / No issues. Hardware: All Original / No issues. Serial No: 02961336. Made in USA, 2001. Overall Condition Score: ??️??️??️??️ - 4 / 5 Stars 2001 Gibson Thunderbird in Sunburst finish, in good used condition and fully ... 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
* 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
Epiphone By Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass Guitar In Black. Collection Somerset
Bath, BA3***, UNITED KINGDOM
£410
Rare Epiphone by Gibson Goth Thunderbird IV Bass guitar. Hard Maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard. 20 medium jumbo frets with XII 12th fret inlay. 2 Epiphone humbuckers (bridge and neck positions). Thunderbird shaped Mahogany body with flat black finish. Plastic black pick guard with white emblem. Some authentic wear around the bottom and sides of the body. Old rusty strings have been recently replaced with fresh standard gauge Ernie ball bass strings. Fully functional electronics. Good... more
gibson thunderbird bass Original 1976 Bicentennial
Südstadt, 38***, GERMANY
€5700
Beschreibung
Totally original
Frets 80%
Lightweight 4kg
No breaks
Wear & Tear from the years
Trussrod 100% working
Comes with bag
1 owner was my dad
Original Invoice (USA) comes with the bass
COA on request & extra cost possible
CITES certificate incl
Nothing changed at all
With original covers
" Wie beschrieben" verkauft?Ja
... more
Totally original
Frets 80%
Lightweight 4kg
No breaks
Wear & Tear from the years
Trussrod 100% working
Comes with bag
1 owner was my dad
Original Invoice (USA) comes with the bass
COA on request & extra cost possible
CITES certificate incl
Nothing changed at all
With original covers
" Wie beschrieben" verkauft?Ja
... more
60's EPIPHONE by GIBSON EMBASSY BASS USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND - LONG SCALE
COLOGNE, GERMANY
€2998
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