Gibson Thunderbird 1963-1965 (1st generation)

The reverse body Gibson Thunderbird

The Gibson Thunderbird bass was launched in 1963 as a response to the long-scale solid-bodied Fender basses that were doing so well at the time (Fender Jazz and Precision). This was a high end instrument, and retailed at slightly more than Fenders offerings. There were two versions, the single pickup Gibson Thunderbird II and the dual pickup Gibson Thunderbird IV. In the July 1963 pricelist, the Thunderbird II was $260 and the IV was $335; compared to $229.50 for a Fender Precision and $279.50 for the Fender Jazz.

New features

Aswell as being Gibson's first long scale bass, it had their first fully-adjustable bass bridge, and was the first Gibson bass to utilize neck-through construction. This idea had first been used on an electric bass six years earlier by Rickenbacker (the 4000 bass), and consisted of one central piece (or laminate) of wood spanning the entire length of the instrument, and 'wings' glued to the sides to make the body. This contrasted the separate neck and body approach of most guitar makers who normally glued (Gibson) or bolted (Fender) the neck to the body.

The central wood was raised slightly and accommodated tuners, pickups, bridge and the tailpiece. Having the entire length of the strings vibrating on one piece of wood increases sustain, and has added strength for long necks. It is a technique still widely used today on higher end guitars and basses; most notably Rickenbacker and B.C. Rich (and many more besides). The mahogany wings were glued on using a V-shaped notch and groove arrangement. This construction method is unchanged in today's Thunderbird IVs.

Early Thunderbird publicity

The following publicity sheets were printed in 1963, alongside similar sheets for the full Gibson Firebird range

Gibson Thunderbird shipping totals (1963-1965)

1964 was the peak year, with just 1040 basses produced in this time. The shipping totals by year are as follows:

Sales were not good and Fender complained about similarities to their guitars. Production only lasted from Autumn 1963 until May 1965

from the Gibson 1964 catalog

Thunderbird/Firebird colour chart

Type 1 Thunderbirds in action

Thunderbird gallery

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

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Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass

Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2100

This Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird is a dream come true for any rockstar. With a right-handed design, this electric bass guitar is perfect for those who want to take their music to the next level. The body is made of mahogany, giving it a warm and rich sound that is perfect for any occasion. The satin black color adds a touch of elegance to the instrument, making it a true beauty
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... 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

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

Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Inverness Green

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1665

With unique, superb playability and absolutely dripping with style, the 2022-model Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass holds true as a fantastic bass guitar. It features a mahogany solidbody with a matching neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. Two Thunderbird pickups can be individually controlled via the volume control set and a master tone, while the Hipshot Ultralite tuning machines give a crisp tonal lock
This bass is in Near Mint condition, as there are really no particular issues ... more

Gibson Thunderbird bass pickgaurd in stainless steel

Moreno Valley, California, 925**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$50

Gibson Thunderbird bass pickguard, stainless steel with t-bird logo cut in. Looks great, original, only a few were made, great condition.... more

Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Electric Bass w / OHSC

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2499

Used but not abused. Everything works exactly how it should. Ships in its hard case
Will provide more photos soon. Has a D tuner added
... more

2022 Gibson Thunderbird IV "Rex Brown" Signature Bass cool clean & unplayed !

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

$2250

Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera, Down, and Kill Devil Hill, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on Thisâ??¦ His mint Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird bass features a mahogany neck and body, and gold hardware with a Hipshot bridge and tuners (including a Drop D Xtender). A pair of powerful Rexbucker T-Bird pickups provide plenty of output and low-end punch. The master tone control is equipped with a push / pull switch that ... more

Used 2022 Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass, Faded Pelham Blue

Tampa, Florida, 336**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1665

With thunderous Gibson sound and style jam-packed into one of the most infamous bass models of all time, the Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass will have you soaring on stage. Built in America in 2022, this awesome bass has a mahogany solidbody, a matching rounded-profile neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. The dual Thunderbird pickups have a powerful, gritty tone, each with individual pickup controls and a master tone to round out and stabilize your sound
This bass is in Near Mint ... more

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD NON-REVERSE Electric Bass Guitar

Chubu, UNITED KINGDOM

£2336

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD NON-REVERSE Electric Bass Guitar
Description
The Non-Reverse Thunderbird has been loved by advanced bassists since its release in 1965
Each of the two Thunderbird pickups has a volume control so you can use them individually or blend them to your liking
Equipped with master tone controls for a simple and effective control layout
Comes with hard case (HC-12) Paint peeling on the bottom of the back of the body
Although there is a feeling of use, there is no ... 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

Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial 1979 - Natural

London, N13***, UNITED KINGDOM

£3185

Weight: 9 73 lbs
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

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

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

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

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

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