Abused Thunderbird IV from 1964 - worth anything?

[bradd]

The pg is ebony w/abalone inlay that I did around 1980.
View attachment 2895139

Slightly off topic, but did you happen to make more than one of these? I have one from a pile of nickel bird parts I bought from a person in Hollywood several years ago.

 

[SirMjac28]

I like mine the way they came from the factory, although I did change the p/g on my first '77 to black...in '77.

View attachment 2895605

Now that was uncalled for Sir

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

I’m totally intrigued... seems sad to restore it. Might could be the best sounding bass ever assembled!

 

[mattbass6945]

I’m totally intrigued... seems sad to restore it. Might could be the best sounding bass ever assembled!

It may be, but if it has been in storage for 2 decades, I doubt it will get much playing time!

 

[brianrost]

I'd certainly buy it if it played well and sounded good, although it won't sound like a stock Bird if that is what you want. Heavy mods like that take 50% or so off the resale value, which makes it a good deal as a player's bass.

I would never restore a bass like that, even after the restoration it's still a modded bass so it's not a bargain any more.

 

[Larry V]

I'd certainly buy it if it played well and sounded good, although it won't sound like a stock Bird if that is what you want. Heavy mods like that take 50% or so off the resale value, which makes it a good deal as a player's bass.

I would never restore a bass like that, even after the restoration it's still a modded bass so it's not a bargain any more.

In what world is modded and restored the same thing?

Restored - Back to original.

Modded - Changed from original.

 

[brianrost]

Restoration that requires putting wood back into the body is not the same as stock. It will always be worth less than a an unmodded bass of similar condition.

 

[Larry V]

Restoration that requires putting wood back into the body is not the same as stock. It will always be worth less than a an unmodded bass of similar condition.

That's a different point entirely.

 

[RobTheRiot]

It def wasn’t the most well planned out layout of the knobs & switches (ok, it’s pretty bad..), but I would love to strap that on & plug it in.
Like was said earlier, something about it looks like it sounds huuuuuge. Looks like a players players bass.

Plz let us know what happens with it!

 

[dukeorock]

I’d love to see that thing get restored back to as close to original as possible. Seems like the right thing to do

 

[Dadagoboi]

OP hasn't been seen since 9AM yesterday.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Looks like the real deal to me.

You are supposed to be a Supporting Member for price checks, but I'll say my instinct is that this is worth more parted out than assembled.

The Alembic stuff gets a pretty penny and it seems to me anyone who would want this bass would restore it to spec, rendering the electronics unnecessary

You know, you are probably right about the sum of the parts being greater than the whole. Depending of the asking price, the best value for it might not be in selling it, parting it out, or as a historical restoration project, but it could a really cool player.

 

[ICM]

That's a pretty wicked bass, I bet it's a tone monster. Not sure about the knob placement though...

 

[Bassstud1]

OK, I'm interested in purchasing the bass also but please just become a member then ask whatever selling price point you think is fair.for the bass

 

[Miles_ONeal]

Hello, I have been commenting on fb. It is restorable. It will cost at least 2k-3k to put it right and then it might be worth 3-4k maximum. In it's present state 1-2k, maybe 3k on a very good day. Basically the value of the parts.

I'd happily pay a grand for that.

 

[the mojo hobo]

The headstock has been broken and repaired and it is in Europe:

Basar Säljes: Gibson Thunderbird 1964. 15000:-

 

[JIO]

Slightly off topic, but did you happen to make more than one of these? I have one from a pile of nickel bird parts I bought from a person in Hollywood several years ago.

I am pm'ing you -

 

[JIO]

The headstock has been broken and repaired and it is in Europe:

Basar Säljes: Gibson Thunderbird 1964. 15000:-

what is the US dollar equivalent?

 

[Gluvhand]

what is the US dollar equivalent?

$1948.33

 

[Dadagoboi]

Restoration that requires putting wood back into the body is not the same as stock. It will always be worth less than a an unmodded bass of similar condition.

A restoration is whatever it is. For example: a restored Stradivarius can contain many replaced wood parts.

The headstock has been broken and repaired and it is in Europe:

Basar Säljes: Gibson Thunderbird 1964. 15000:-

what is the US dollar equivalent?

$1900 USD

Actual Translation:
Gibson Thunderbird 1964
Posted 2018-01-29 19:36:53 by Robert, Växjö, Kronoberg.

Condition : Ok, Year of Build : 1964, Views : 576

Now you have the chance to buy what some call the world's best bass, Gibson Thunderbird from 1964!

In general, a regular mortal could not afford to buy one of these clothes, but in view of previous owners' timely modifications, it may be yours at a more modest price.

Modifications:
- The body has been refreshed and received a throat
- Active electronics
- Alembic microphones (probably 80s). for original The

base, like the vast majority of old Thunderbirds, has a layer where the neck meets the head.

Sold in existing condition.

Price: 15,000kr or highest bidder

Price 15000: -Can be shipped