/ Register

1979 Thunderbird bass for sale on thE bay. Repaired neck heal or not?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Rotwang, Jul 18, 2013.

  1. Jul 18, 2013 #1
    Rotwang

    Rotwang

    Nov 6, 2011
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Gibson-Thunderbird-Bass-IV-Bicentennial-Sunburst-Finish-Player-/281137995268?pt=Guitar&hash=item4175215e04 I just saw this and thought the neck heel looks waaay darker than it should, like maybe there was a repair and then black over spray. I know there was a repair around the nut area. I am comparing this to my sunburst '76 T-bird, and mine has a transparent back finish. Maybe they shot them like that. Anyone have a '79 like this? Here is a shot of my '76 neck heel.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Jul 18, 2013 #2
    JIO

    JIO Be seeing you. Gold Supporting Member Commercial User

    Jun 30, 2010
    The Mission SF/CA
    musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
    I searched around on-line and it appears there were a few different finishes during the bicentennial re-issue (75-79) years. Some are dark mahogany w/no black burst (like the '60's originals), some all 'natural' (lighter mahogany), and some dark mahogany w/black-burst on the front only (like that one), and some with black-burst on front, sides and back. Seems to be many versions that were factory finished. You may want to post this on the Thunderbird Club thread for more insight.
     
  3. Jul 18, 2013 #3
    TBird1958

    TBird1958 As a matter of fact....I am your Queen! Staff Member

    Mar 13, 2008
    Seattle Washington
    Endorsing Artist Mike Lull T Bass pickups
    The heel looks fine, Gibson did paint these several ways - I'd agree about the neck and at least want to see it in person. I haven't seen what these are selling for lately but that does seem a bit high. A properly repaired neck isn't bad, it just shouldn't have as high a selling price, FWIW I think this one's a little beat up for that kind of $$$
     
  4. Jul 19, 2013 #4
    Cretin76

    Cretin76

    Jun 6, 2012
    My first car was a 79 Thunderbird.

    I'm afraid that's all I have to say
     
  5. Jul 19, 2013 #5
    johnk_10

    johnk_10 vintage bass nut Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 16, 2008
    Washington, Utah
    John K Custom Basses
    t-birds generally don't ever break at the heel. now the headstock, that's another story. ;)