Gibson Thunderbird

1966 Gibson non-reverse Thunderbird II: bridge moved up slightly so it would intonate, post holes filled and re-drilled. Bartolini preamp with bass-mid-treb equaliser mini-switch for 200/400/800hz mid frequency. Chandler Thunderbird re-issue pickup (no longer made? check this out). Bone nut. Black Grover tuners. Output jack put on side and replaced with neutrik locking 1/4" jack. Headstock repaired and whole neck painted black.

FlyGuitars Before you got into EB3s again, you were using a non-reverse Gibson Thunderbird II - what do you like about it, and what do you think about Thunderbirds in general?

Mike Watt With the reverse, the horns are too much in the way of the higher frets. I got into that with D. Boon (playing on the upper neck), but with the non-reverses it's all open for you. I got that in the early 90's. That was the good thing about touring back then, you could find basses for cheap. I got that thing, original Pelham blue. That big long headstock came off in my hands, it was all bondo. Gibson used that angled headstock for string tension, but, made the guy's weak. I added some mahogany & fiberglass on that thing. I really like the way that body was cut. The bridge was put up too close so I had them move it up a bit. I filled in the hole and moved it up.

Contemplating the Engine Room

I used that bass for the entire Contemplating The Engine Room. I got asked to do a funny session back in November, with a pop singer that won that game show, ahhhh.. Kelly Clarkson, from a producer, an old friend I knew. I brought a few basses and that's the one they liked (Non Reverse II), the sound & stuff.

FlyGuitars What are the extra switches on this bass?

Mike Watt I had them add a Bartolini preamp, with a bypass switch. There is something about, man I love them old nickel-plated Thunderbird pickups. I love them so much. I don't like the plastic new ones, you know; they are too tepid, too dampened. The closest I have come to them, for a few years, Chandler was making them, they sounded pretty close.

FlyGuitars The 60's ones are great pickups

Mike Watt Yeah man, those are fucking great pickups.

FlyGuitars Gibson did not keep records on anything.

Mike Watt One time I was playing in Kalamazoo, they closed the factory. A guy from there told me the same thing. This stuff is a mystery.

The old EB-3s were one-piece bodies, the non-reverse Thunderbirds, too. The other difference in the Thunderbirds, the non-reverses were two piece (neck & body) and the reverse was three pieces (neck and two body wings). I actually think there is better tone with the two-piece.

FlyGuitars Some people think the non-reverse Thunderbird II also sounded better than the two pickup IV.

Mike Watt I had a non-reverse IV and I liked the II better. I thought they just added another pickup? They're not the same. I sold it to a kid.

FlyGuitars Has Gibson ever approached you to do a signature bass?

Mike Watt There was talk once about making me a custom non-reverse - that was years ago and I just got caught up & torn and never followed it up. A cardinal red one you know.

FlyGuitars Everyone wishes they would reissue those. There is of course the Epiphone version....

Mike Watt Yeah they did a bolt-on neck, maybe Korean made non-reverse that had P/J pickups. It was nothing! I went into a store, boy... Whoof. It is a good body shape, besides that, it yeah, was nothing, like a Squire P bass.

Youtube Video Clips
Mike Watt playing Thunderbird - click the images to view clips

Left - Big Train / The Red and the Black, with Pat Smear, Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl. Right - Mike Watt, In the Engine Room

Gibson Thunderbird bass guitars for sale

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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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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