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Best year(s) for a Gibson Thunderbird?

#21
Barkless Dog is correct about Greco, again for the $$$ they are an excellent bass, there are a couple of Japanese ebayers that sell them pretty regularly, tho the single pick up version is somewhat rare - mine is a '77. It's a set neck instrument with real good QC, better pickups and build than an Epiphone, also *most* will have chrome hardware like 60's - 70's Gibsons, really a nice inbetween bass.
As modern (post '88) era pickups go there are at least two different *phases* of production which is likely what is accounting for the differences in sound, I don't know when Gibson made this change, probably they switched outside suppliers. Here are two that I *potted* into chrome covers as part of a project to retrofit the hardware from black to chrome. The one one the bottom is from 1989, the other is newer post '95.
I'd have to say too that while I missed getting a Studio model 'Bird, I want one. Everybody that owns one seems to really like it alot......Undoubtably they would sound great with a pick, really good for punk and again a great bass for the $$$

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#24
You really can't go wrong with either a 1 or 2 pickup Greco 'Bird, you'll likely see a two pick up version long before a single tho, I'm sure it'll be great sounding with a pick in a punk band. Great way to stand out in a crowd too.
 
#27
That's a trade show picture a friend of mine took in Germany at the Gibson booth. I you've got an authorized Gibson dealer you can pre-order it now. It will be a limited production model, possibly in their Guitar of the Month program.
 
#29
I'd like to inject a couple other suggestions here. The Gibson Thunderbird Studio from the mid 2000s is an excellent bargain if you can latch onto one. Set neck, all mahogany, and with the Victory-style headstock's decreased mass, it balances nicely. They usually sell in the $600-$800 range. I got mine on an even up trade for a Gibson SG. Also, the Epiphone Classic IV Pro is great bang for the buck too - the mildly modified lower bout gives better upper fret access than the "traditional" Thunderbird, and it is loaded with the Gibson TB-Plus pickups.
Weighing in on the '76s, I've had mine since '79, and while the output on those pickups is low, the growl is delicious. The first time I played an original reverse ('63-'64), I was a little underwhelmed because it didn't have the same tone - but they really yare different animals. The secret with the Bicentennials is to mic the amp - don't run direct.
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