Gibson Thunderbird 1966-1969
(3nd generation, reverse body)

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 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

from the 1977 Gibson new models catalog

Have a closer look at a 1979 Thunderbird

Gibson Thunderbird bass for sale

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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

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

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

2024 Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Ebony 4 String Bass Guitar With Case

Lewiston, Maine, 042**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1826

This guitar plays very nice and comes with the original strap and hard shell case!!! There are some dings and dents as you can see in the photos of this listing.
Stock # J78010770-NK / 10 13XZ
A New Signature Bass Model From Rex Brown
Multi-instrumentalist Rex Brown is well-known for his work with legendary metal bands Pantera and Down, and his hard-rocking solo album, Smoke on This?? His new Gibson Rex Brown Signature ... 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

02 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar Right Handed W / Hrd Shell Case LOCAL P / U OHIO

Dublin, Ohio, 430**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1450

This bass sounds amazing. It has neck through the body for incredible tone.
I have to call it used but it is like new without a scratch that I can see. It has Grover tuners and comes with an authentic Gibson hard shell case
LOCAL PICKUP IN THE CENTRAL OHIO AREA ONLY!!!... more

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

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

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 NON REVERSE THUNDERBIRD BASS (P03047365)

Spokane, Washington, 992**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1800

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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

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

Gibson Gene Simmons Thunderbird Bass Ebony 2023 Electric Bass

Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7***, UNITED KINGDOM

£1650

Welcome to the eBay shop of Sell Us Your Guitar
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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

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

LEGACY THUNDERBIRD BASS WITH BARTOLINIS (NOT GIBSON)

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13***, UNITED KINGDOM

£364

LEGACY THIUNDERBIRD BASS, CUSTOM GRAPHICS HAND IN GREAT CONDITION
THIS HAS BARTOLINI PICKUPS FITTED AND A FAR BETTER BRIDGE THAN THAT FITTED TO GIBSONS AND SOME EPIPHONES
IT IS CURRENTLY MISSING A VOLUME KNOB AND I HAVE ORDERED A NEW ONE THIS SHALL BE IN PLACE FOR THE NEW OWNER
COMES WITH A BRAND NEW RITTER GIG BAG AND A STRAP
NICE STRAIGHT NECK, GREAT FEEL - BUT THAT IS SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL TASTE
BASS HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. BUT IT DOES NEED NEW STRINGS. IT IS CURRENTLY FITTED ... 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

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

GIBSON Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge (EB, SG, Thunderbird models)

Perugia, 06***, ITALY

€30

GIBSON
Bass Guitar Saddles for 3-point Bridge
(EB, SG, Thunderbird models)
Vendo un set di 4 sellette con relative viti per ponti con fissaggio a tre viti usati sui bassi Gibson ed Epiphone, modelli EB0 / EB3, SG, Thunderbird ed altri. Sono di marca sconosciuta, ma compatibili con quelle usate dalla Gibson
Lunghezza delle viti 35mm
Sono in ottimo stato, numerate sul retro 1-3-3-4, con le due esterne leggermente più basse e le centrali più alte. Le due sellette centrali sono ... more

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