1979 Gibson Thunderbird Bicentennial Bass $1850.00
In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in it's original early 60's body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the bicentennial year of our nation, it's known as the bicentennial model. Technically, Gibson produced the Thunderbird Bicentennial from 1976-1979. Most all of them were actually made in '76 and '79. This bass was modeled directly on the 1963 thunderbird... a through neck and reverse body shape. Bicentennial Thunderbirds are the only ones to have the red, white and blue "bird" logo on the pick guard. The original bicentennial logo pick guard is in near mint condition. The quality of this Thunderbird vs what they make today..... it's not even on the same level in any way.
This particular Thunderbird has a history to it. I'm told, the original owner was Tommy Stinson from The Replacements. He had it refinished from natural sunburst to sea foam green. Very well done re-fine that has aged well and has a very cool patina. Original case included. As the story goes, Tommy Stinson used it for a specific record and tour then sold it. The second owner played this bass around the globe in a punk band. He retired and sold it to a local church in my community. I happen to take notice of it one Sunday... next thing I knew, I owned it. This story has been passed to me from a reliable source, I do not have documentation to verify it.
Original case has some normal wear to it given it's age and history but good working condition. The second owner added 2 after market strap peg holes, so he could change how the strap held the bass to prevent neck dive. Obviously professionally done. Your choice of original strap pegs (with Gibson nose dive) or you have the option of moving the pegs to a more balanced position. This is an UNBROKEN headstock and maintains tremendous resonance and sustain. It's a beast!! I find the neck to be a little more "chunky" than modern Tbirds... It feels very solid. Lots of tone and thickness... it FILLS a room with low end. The original bridge pick up quit working properly right after I got the bass. I replaced it with a high end *Lollar pick up that was recommended by a well respected luthier and vintage guitar expert in Nashville. The original pick up will be included in the case. It may be fixable, I haven't looked into it. It's a players bass... Couple scratches here and there...look at the pictures and feel free to ask anything.
There are plenty of Thunderbirds out there. Not all of them are great, even fewer are unique these days. This is a one of a kind. It's one of the gems that just plays, sounds and feels better than the others.... and its SEA FOAM GREEN with a killer PURPLE lined case... it's Rock n' Roll personified!!
... and I'm only asking $1850.00.... Thats a hell of a lot of bass for under $2k. Cash crunch or wouldn't be selling. Split shipping please.
*Lollar Thunderbird Pick up details
MSRP: $210.00
The classic T-bird thunder! Custom magnets, bobbins, steel base plate and pickup covers made from scratch...essentially the same as the originals with a few improvements. I wind a hotter bridge pickup for better balance, and a very quick wax potting to keep the pickup cover from being overly microphonic (and to ensure the coils don't become more microphonic over time). It's clear and smooth, but can also get the trademark growl Thunderbirds are known for. Alnico 5 bar magnets. Gi
In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in it's original early 60's body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the bicentennial year of our nation, it's known as the bicentennial model. Technically, Gibson produced the Thunderbird Bicentennial from 1976-1979. Most all of them were actually made in '76 and '79. This bass was modeled directly on the 1963 thunderbird... a through neck and reverse body shape. Bicentennial Thunderbirds are the only ones to have the red, white and blue "bird" logo on the pick guard. The original bicentennial logo pick guard is in near mint condition. The quality of this Thunderbird vs what they make today..... it's not even on the same level in any way.
This particular Thunderbird has a history to it. I'm told, the original owner was Tommy Stinson from The Replacements. He had it refinished from natural sunburst to sea foam green. Very well done re-fine that has aged well and has a very cool patina. Original case included. As the story goes, Tommy Stinson used it for a specific record and tour then sold it. The second owner played this bass around the globe in a punk band. He retired and sold it to a local church in my community. I happen to take notice of it one Sunday... next thing I knew, I owned it. This story has been passed to me from a reliable source, I do not have documentation to verify it.
Original case has some normal wear to it given it's age and history but good working condition. The second owner added 2 after market strap peg holes, so he could change how the strap held the bass to prevent neck dive. Obviously professionally done. Your choice of original strap pegs (with Gibson nose dive) or you have the option of moving the pegs to a more balanced position. This is an UNBROKEN headstock and maintains tremendous resonance and sustain. It's a beast!! I find the neck to be a little more "chunky" than modern Tbirds... It feels very solid. Lots of tone and thickness... it FILLS a room with low end. The original bridge pick up quit working properly right after I got the bass. I replaced it with a high end *Lollar pick up that was recommended by a well respected luthier and vintage guitar expert in Nashville. The original pick up will be included in the case. It may be fixable, I haven't looked into it. It's a players bass... Couple scratches here and there...look at the pictures and feel free to ask anything.
There are plenty of Thunderbirds out there. Not all of them are great, even fewer are unique these days. This is a one of a kind. It's one of the gems that just plays, sounds and feels better than the others.... and its SEA FOAM GREEN with a killer PURPLE lined case... it's Rock n' Roll personified!!
... and I'm only asking $1850.00.... Thats a hell of a lot of bass for under $2k. Cash crunch or wouldn't be selling. Split shipping please.
*Lollar Thunderbird Pick up details
MSRP: $210.00
The classic T-bird thunder! Custom magnets, bobbins, steel base plate and pickup covers made from scratch...essentially the same as the originals with a few improvements. I wind a hotter bridge pickup for better balance, and a very quick wax potting to keep the pickup cover from being overly microphonic (and to ensure the coils don't become more microphonic over time). It's clear and smooth, but can also get the trademark growl Thunderbirds are known for. Alnico 5 bar magnets. Gi
