The Thunderbird & Ripper

The Thunderbird Bass

Thunderbird

The Thunderbird debuted in 1963 as the bass companion to the original Firebird guitar series. The most highly respected of all Gibson basses, it was Gibson’s first long scale (34½ inch) bass and was named after the giant bird of Native American folklore. It was a companion to the Firebird guitar.

Thunderbird Production dates

Reverse Thunderbird II & IV

1963-65

Non-Reverse Thunderbird II & IV

1965-69

BiCentennial Reverse Thunderbird IV '76

1976-79

Reverse Thunderbird IV

1987-date

Thunderbird Logos

Click on a photo to see a larger picture

A 1964 Thunderbird II - Reputedly owned by an uncle of the Kentucky Headhunters. This base is full of character-and a unique sound! The "II" is a one pick-up model, with the 2 pick-up known as the Thunderbird IV.

Kentucky Headhunters Website

A non-reverse 1966 Thunderbird II below, and a close-up of its head. This is one of only 361 that were ever made. The scratchplates tended to shrink and warp, so were often cut as in this case. The case has "Basil Cooper" written on it. Was this bass once owned by the Diamond Rexx and Mary's Window bassist?

For Sale on GibsonBassStore.com click photo below

A 1976 "BiCentennial" Thunderbird IV in Tobacco Sunburst (below & right) -one of only 228 made that year!

1976 BICENTENNIAL THUNDERBIRD LOGO

Thunderbird	Production	Numbers	Add your content here	Add your content here	Add your content here	Add your content here	Add your content here
Model/Year	1963	'64	'65	'66	'67	'68	'69
T-Bird II	2	501	205	361	0	67	7
T-Bird IV	0	235	87	131	120	31	1

1964/5 Thunderbird IV Sound Clips

Click here to hear a 1964/5 TBird IV played by Martin Turner of Wishbone Ash, playing "Warrior" live in 1973.

And more recent Martin Turner & a TBird

The "76" Bicentenniel T-Bird IV was a reissue of the 1963-65 T-Bird IV, mainly made in 1976 and 1977. Production was:
Finish	1976	'77	'78	'79
Natural Ebony	224 91	237 301	0 12	6 7
Tobacco Sunburst White	228 0	605 127	0 9	8 0
Serial numbers are: 00 for 1976, 06 for 1977 and the 1st and 5th number identifies subsequent years, with 2nd, 3rd & 4th the day of the year.

1976 Thunderbird Sound Clips
(to hear a 1976 T'Bird, click on the links below)

1976 TBird Mike Watts Engine Room

1976 TBird Bridge Finger-style

1976 TBird Neck Finger-style

1976 TBird Neck Picked-style

Close-up of the 1964 Thunderbird II. Clearly confused, the owner wrote 1962 (they were first made in 1963!) in indelible ink on the scratchplate-and stuck on a cloth rose. Well it was the era of peace and love-and it must have seemed a good idea at the time! Far out.......

1976 "BiCentennial" Thunderbird IV in Tobacco Sunburst - above & left

A 1976 "Bicentennial" Thunderbird IV in black-one of only 91 made that year!

See more Gibson Basses, available for sale, at www.gibsonbassstore.com