The Bi-Centennial Thunderbird
In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centennial model, or Gibson Thunderbird '76. It was only available in limited numbers, with just 1855 basses built at Gibson's Kalamazoo plant between 1976 and 1979.
New Features for '76
Although this bass was modelled directly on the 1963 Thunderbird, with a through neck and reverse body shape, there were some changes to the original design; most notably the new pickups and circuitry, 3 point bridge, which appeared on most Gibson basses of the period, but also a red, white and blue Thunderbird logo with a '76 insignia. Later models still had the red white and blue bird, but without the 76.
Pictured below are a 1960s, 1976 and 1979 Thunderbird logo. Today's birds have a logo very similar to the 1960s design

Gibson Bi-Centennial Thunderbird shipping figures
The shipping figures are as follows:
1976 | 1977 | 1978 | 1979 | total | |
Ebony | 91 | 301 | 12 | 7 | 411 |
Natural | 224 | 237 | 6 | 467 | |
Tobacco Sunburst | 228 | 605 | 8 | 841 | |
White | 127 | 9 | 136 | ||
total | 1855 |
Thunderbird | 1855 |
Grabber G1 | 3586 |
Grabber G3 | 3890 |
Ripper L9-S | 5190 |
RD artist | 2640 |
Although sales were better than in the 1960s, Thunderbirds were still less popular than other Gibson bass models. The table right compares sales figures of other Gibson basses from 1976 to 1979. Only other 60s models such as the EB0 and EB3 managed to sell less. (and the RD standard!)
1976 Gibson Thunderbird specifications:
- Mahogany centerpiece
- Mahogany wings
- Sunburst, Natural, Ebony and White finishes
- Rosewood fretboard
- 34 1/2 inch scale (actually three eighths of an inch)
- Chrome plated pickup covers, bridge cover and finger rest
- Thunderbird humbucking pickups
- Laminated pickguard with red, white and blue Thunderbird logo
Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale
GIBSON THUNDERBIRD Used Electric Bass Guitar
Brunswick, Georgia, 315**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$900
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
This bass is in Near Mint condition, as there are really no particular issues ... more
Gibson Nikki Sixx Signature Blackbird Thunderbird Bass
Benicia, California, 945**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$2100
The fretboard is made of ebony, which adds a unique touch to the guitar. The neck material ... more
Bass guitar string mute From 1966 Gibson Thunderbird
Cumming, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$400
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
1965 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass in Pelham Blue oh-so rare & cool you need it !
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
$13495
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
Vintage 1977 Gibson Thunderbird White Bicentennial Bass Guitar *Upgraded* 1970s
Heanor, DE75***, UNITED KINGDOM
£2795
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
Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial 1976 Tobacco Sunburst Bass
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 82***, GERMANY
€4000
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
1987 GIBSON BASS IV - Made in USA - THUNDERBIRD PICKUPS
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£1090
* 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 DELUXE BASS - made in USA - THUNDERBIRD SOUND
COLOGNE, GERMANY
£2850
+ 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
Orginal Gibson Thunderbird Bass 76
Göppingen, 73***, GERMANY
€3690
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 bass tobacco sunburst with case
Northallerton, DL6***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1750
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
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 IV READY TO GIG
Nocera Superiore, 84***, ITALY
€6990
Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial 1979 - Natural
London, N13***, UNITED KINGDOM
£3185
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
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 non reverse Inverness green
London, W5***, UNITED KINGDOM
£1400
Would you be interested or know of anyone wanting to purchase Allan Woody's 1976 Thunderbird Bass?
Hi, in the 70s have they used the same bridge cover for all models? I mean : can I use an EB bridge cover to put on a 70s Thunderbird bass? thanks david