Gibson Thunderbird 1966-1969
(2nd generation, non-reverse body)

The non-reverse body Thunderbird

Gibson had received complaints from Fender about the styling of the original Gibson Thunderbird bass. This is somewhat surprising, looking at the models today, as the Thunderbird does not look at all like a Fender.But at the time, sales had been poor and it was decided to remodel both the Firebird guitars and Thunderbird basses.

New Features

In May 1965 Gibson stopped producing the older reverse body Thunderbird and redesigned the instrument for a 1966 launch. Whether any were actually available in 1965 is unclear, however price lists were heralding the new instrument as early as June 1965. Interestingly enough the Thunderbirds were not as expensive as the much smaller EB basses. The Thunderbird IV was priced at $289.50 compared with $337.50 for an EB3, whilst the II was $239.50 - just 50 cents less than the $240 EB0.

The major difference to the 1963 Thunderbird was of course the reverse body style, but also the neck was now the typical glued in 'set neck' that appeared on all other Gibsons of the period. The new set neck meant the body was one flat slab, without the raised central portion. This allowed an unusual scratchplate that covered a lot more of the guitar body. The hardware and pickups remained unchanged, though the nickel plated covers were all switched to chrome.

Gibson Thunderbird shipping totals (1966-1969)

Commercial success

The shipping figures are as follows:

There are two sources of Gibson shipping data, first the book Gibson Shipment Totals by Larry Meiners, however an anonymous but quite comprehensive document being sold on ebay entitled 'Gibson Epiphone Kalamazoo Maestro shipping totals 1948-1969' lists a different figure for 1969 Thunderbird IVs

from the Gibson 1966 catalog

Thunderbird/Firebird colour chart

60s non-reverse-body Thunderbirds in action

60s non-reverse-body Thunderbird gallery

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

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

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

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar

Brunswick, Georgia, 315**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$900

GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar. Serial# 133990000
In Good condition. No cracks that I can see. Some minor scratches.
PLEASE ASK ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING
WE DO NOT SHIP OUTSIDE THE LOWER 48 UNITED STATES (USA), SO PLEASE DON'T ASK. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PAY YOUR STATES SALE TAX ON PURCHASE. All PAYMENTS WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH EBAY!
WE DO NOT SHIP TO PUERTO RICO OR HAWAII! UNLESS THE PURCHASED ITEM CAN BE MAILED FLAT RATE USPS
PLEASE CHECK MY OTHER ITEMS UP ... 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 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

Vintage 1977 Gibson Thunderbird White Bicentennial Bass Guitar *Upgraded* 1970s

Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM

£2795

Vintage 1977 Gibson Thunderbird White Bicentennial Bass Guitar *Upgraded* 1970s
This particular guitar is a wonderful players graded / upgraded bass guitar with one heck of a history tracked back. I doubt you'll find a better sounding and playing Thunderbird again. It started life as a 1977 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial in Black, and was allegedly purchased by Steve Baker at Electric Ladyland in Bristol from Pete Way of UFO. When it was purchased from Electric Ladyland, the owner had it ... 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

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

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

Gibson Thunderbird bass tobacco sunburst with case

Northallerton, DL6***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1750

Gibson Thunderbird basswith Gibson fitted case
In very good condition as barely used
Fitted with coil split Alnico pickups - each pickup can be used as either humbucker or single coilBabicz 3 point bridge fitted - perfect intonation and height adjustment
Collect from Northallerton area or Saltburn (north east uk)
OR
Feel free to arrange your preferred courier and insurancePackage dimensions and weight given on request... 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

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

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

Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial 1976 Tobacco Sunburst Bass

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 82***, GERMANY

€4000

Verkaufe nachdem ich ihn 45 Jahre lange besessen habe meinen geliebten Thunderbird. Hat in jungen Jahren viel die Bühne gesehen, aber jetzt liegt er seit Jahren nur noch im Koffer. Und so ein Bass sollte auf die Bühne. Traumhafter schneller Hals, super eingestellt, und immer noch keine Abnützung an den Bünden zu sehen
Es gibt 2 Optionen:
1. als gut bespielbarer Bass. Mit Tuner der Firma Sandberg, sind zur Zeit verbaut. Diese Tuner sind um 210 g leichter als die original Tuner von ... 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

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co