Pricing and availability

Average Price: $21,216

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass stands as a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship of mid-60s electric bass design. Known for its distinctively sleek body shape and powerful sound, this iconic instrument was crafted during a pivotal era for rock and roll. The Thunderbird's neck-through-body construction provides exceptional sustain and resonance, making it a favorite among bassists seeking both style and substance.

Equipped with two humbucking pickups, this bass delivers a warm, punchy tone that can seamlessly transition from smooth jazz to gritty rock. The Thunderbird's unique headstock design is not only visually striking but also aids in maintaining tuning stability. Its rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability, while the comfortable neck profile accommodates a variety of playing styles, from fingerpicking to aggressive slapping.

Whether you're a collector or a performer, the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass offers a blend of historical significance and timeless performance. This piece of musical history is perfect for anyone looking to capture the essence of vintage sound with modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal range
  • Distinctive headstock design for tuning stability
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Comfortable neck profile suitable for various playing styles

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Thunderbird IV
Finish Sunburst
Year 1963 - 1965
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass?

The 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass features a slim, fast-playing neck profile typical of its era, made from mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard, offering smooth playability and comfort for both beginners and experienced players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass?

The Thunderbird Bass is equipped with passive humbucking pickups providing a rich, deep tone with a strong low-end presence, suitable for rock, blues, and jazz genres.

Is the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass is well-suited for live performances, offering a powerful sound and distinctive stage presence with its iconic sunburst finish and offset body shape.

How does the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass handle different playing styles?

The Thunderbird Bass is versatile, accommodating various playing styles from fingerstyle to pick playing, thanks to its balanced tone and responsive neck.

What is the scale length of the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass?

The 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass features a 34-inch scale length, providing a standard tension and feel that is comfortable for most bass players.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass.

Mods and upgrades

  • Raising pickup height and switching from nickel to steel strings can achieve a brighter tone similar to vintage Thunderbirds.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Using a no-load tone pot is recommended to replicate the sound characteristics of vintage Thunderbird pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Vintage Thunderbird pickups with silver covers are noted for a slightly brighter sound compared to modern versions.

    Source
  • The neck of the Thunderbird is mentioned to be less tapered compared to Fender basses, offering a bigger, fuller sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Relocating the strap button to the back where the neck joins the body resolves neck dive issues completely.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the Thunderbird is very heavy and cumbersome, making it less ideal for long gigs or recording sessions.

    Source
  • Multiple users report that the neck is the most comfortable they've played on, despite the instrument's overall weight.

    Source

Other

  • Using Ernie Ball Cobalt strings is suggested for those finding Ernie Ball Slinkys not articulate enough.

    Source

Build quality

  • Finding a gig bag or case that fits the Thunderbird can be challenging due to its size and shape.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1965 Gibson Thunderbird | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

summary text The 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass is a visually striking instrument, known for its rare custom color and unique design. Despite its rich history and the introduction of innovative features like neck-through construction and humbucking pickups, it struggled against Fender's market dominance. While the Thunderbird offers a resonant sound, it is often criticized for being "neck-heavy" and prone to broken headstocks. These factors make it more of a collector's piece than a player’s go-to choice. Still, for those seeking a vintage bass with character and a story, this model remains an intriguing option.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mikey Way uses 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass

Mikey Way

Bassist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Mikey is seen using a Thunderbird bass guitar. If you look closely, you can see the Thunderbird logo on the bass guitar in the picture.

See how Leon Wilkeson uses 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass

Leon Wilkeson

Bassist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via Scribd
Color/Finish: Sunburst

Leon Wilkeson used the 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass on Skynyrd's first two albums, as documented by Sean in the "Lynyrd Skynyrd - Leon Wilkeson Equipment History" available on Scribd.

See how Jackie Fox uses 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass

Jackie Fox

Bassist

The Runaways

...
Verified via The Huffington Post

Jackie noticed that the stand she’d been given wasn’t strong enough to hold her white 1965 Gibson Thunderbird and alerted the crew. She treasured the instrument—it felt like one of the few things from her music career that was hers alone. It also cost $1,600.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1965 Gibson Thunderbird Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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