Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$2,499.00
Guitar Center
$2,499.00
Reverb
5.0 (20)
$1,750.00 9 available Used
Musician's Friend
$2,499.00
zZounds
$2,499.00
Thomann
$2,390.00 $2,299.00 $91.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,341

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Thunderbird IV". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 30, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson Thunderbird IV is a revered icon in the world of electric basses, seamlessly blending bold design with powerful sound. Originally introduced in 1963 and crafted by the famed automotive designer Ray Dietrich, the Thunderbird IV is recognizable for its distinctive zig-zag body design and headstock. This bass isn’t just about looks; it delivers a resonant and thunderous sound that commands attention, making it a favorite among bassists who crave both style and substance.

Constructed with a solid mahogany body and wings, the Thunderbird IV offers a rich and warm tonal quality that complements its sleek appearance. The 9-ply multi-laminate mahogany/walnut neck speaks to Gibson’s commitment to durability and playability, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth navigation across its frets. Notably, the 12th fret is adorned with a special 120th-anniversary banner, a testament to Gibson's storied heritage.

This bass is equipped with T-Bird Plus pickups, which are engineered to deliver a robust and versatile sound, ready to tackle any genre. The black chrome hardware and 3-point adjustable bridge add both aesthetic appeal and functional precision, ensuring your performance is as sharp as your look. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio session or bringing the heat on stage, the Thunderbird IV stands as a paragon of innovation and style.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body and wings
  • 9-ply multi-laminate mahogany/walnut neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 120th anniversary banner on the 12th fret
  • 34" scale length
  • T-Bird Plus pickups
  • Black chrome hardware
  • 3-point adjustable bridge

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Thunderbird IV
Finish Alpine White, Classic White, Ebony, Ebony Stain, Natural, Natural Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 1994 - 2014
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 Black, Brown, Natural, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany, Walnut
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 Gibson Thunderbird IV?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV features a slim neck profile with a 9-ply mahogany and walnut construction, offering comfortable playability and stability for both intricate bass lines and powerful riffs.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Thunderbird IV pickups?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV is equipped with T-Bird Plus pickups, which deliver a powerful and punchy tone with deep lows and clear highs, making it suitable for rock, metal, and other genres requiring a strong bass presence.

Is the Gibson Thunderbird IV suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson Thunderbird IV offers professional-grade features, its playability and classic design can also appeal to dedicated beginners who are serious about learning bass guitar.

How does the Gibson Thunderbird IV handle neck dive?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV's neck-through construction and balanced design help minimize neck dive, providing a comfortable playing experience even during extended sessions.

What is the weight of the Gibson Thunderbird IV like?

The Gibson Thunderbird IV is known to be on the heavier side due to its solid mahogany construction, but its well-balanced design helps distribute the weight comfortably across the player's body.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Gibson Thunderbird vs. Epiphone Thunderbird with Jayme Lewis

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird vs. Epiphone Thunderbird with Jayme Lewis by The Bass Channel

Gibson Thunderbird vs. Epiphone Thunderbird with Jayme Lewis

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Thunderbird | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar by Chicago Music Exchange

1964 Gibson Thunderbird | CME Gear Demo | Marc Najjar

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass by gibsonshopru

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass

gibsonshopru

gibsonshopru

Video thumbnail for The Thunderbird is a very flawed bass by AMP

The Thunderbird is a very flawed bass

AMP

AMP

Video thumbnail for Fred Sablan Demos The New Gibson Thunderbird Bass by Gibson TV

Fred Sablan Demos The New Gibson Thunderbird Bass

Gibson TV

Gibson TV

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird Bass Demo by The Bass Channel

Gibson Thunderbird Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for GIBSON Thunderbird IV Vintage Sunburst by session

GIBSON Thunderbird IV Vintage Sunburst

session

session

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 2014 Electric Bass Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 2014 Electric Bass Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for The Gibson Bass Range - Thunderbirds Are Go! by Andertons Music Co

The Gibson Bass Range - Thunderbirds Are Go!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for How I Modified My Thunderbird to Play and Sound BETTER | GIBSON A GO GO by The Bass Channel

How I Modified My Thunderbird to Play and Sound BETTER | GIBSON A GO GO

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Vintage Sunburst 1997 by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Vintage Sunburst 1997

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass [Product Demonstration] by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass [Product Demonstration]

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for In DEFENSE of the GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS [Demo/Review] by BASSED.

In DEFENSE of the GIBSON THUNDERBIRD BASS [Demo/Review]

BASSED.

BASSED.

Video thumbnail for Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Tobacco Sunburst 1991 USA by Loud Lemon Demo

Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass Tobacco Sunburst 1991 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Loud Lemon Demo

Reviews

PROS

  • Surprisingly wide and deep tonal range

  • Comfortable, thin neck reminiscent of a jazz bass

  • Light-weight and not top-heavy

  • Excellent sustain and tone

  • Versatile with effect pedals like overdrive and fuzz

  • Distinctive classic Thunderbird design

  • Perfect strap position for taller players

  • Deep, focused lows and sweet highs

  • High definition, thick sound

  • Cool aesthetic with classic headstock

CONS

  • Stock pickups are notoriously noisy

  • Not as flexible as other basses for varied styles

  • Might be too long for some players

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Thunderbird's massive headstock is prone to damage and tends to knock into objects during play.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend replacing the 3-point bridge with a Hipshot Supertone for better stability and playability.

    Source
  • The two-piece bridge on the Epiphone Thunderbird is preferred for stability and ease of restringing over Gibson's three-point bridge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its unique sound makes it ideal for rock genres, particularly when played with a pick, offering a growly, punchy tone.

    Source
  • A player in a Nirvana cover band is considering the Thunderbird IV for its aesthetic and tonal alignment with Krist Novoselic's sound, highlighting its role in grunge music.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners report significant neck dive and suggest using a wide padded leather strap to mitigate the issue.

    Source
  • Owners note diverse experiences with neck dive, suggesting solutions like wide straps and friction enhancements, indicating adaptability to personal preference and setup.

    Source
  • A user mentions having played multiple basses with more severe neck dive than the Thunderbird, suggesting variations in personal perception of the issue.

    Source
  • Owners of the Epiphone Vintage Pro appreciate its balanced, versatile pickups, which offer a full low end with better definition than Gibson's ceramic pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Vintage Pro is noted to have a brighter sound and better build quality than the Gibson original.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Thunderbird IV Vintage model is priced at $700, while the standard model is $470, indicating significant pricing differences that may affect decision-making for buyers.

    Source
  • The Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro is favored for its '63 looks, vintage specs, and lighter weight compared to the Pro IV model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Thunderbird's narrow neck is appreciated by players with smaller hands, facilitating easier access to higher frets.

    Source
  • The Gibson Thunderbird is produced in batches due to low demand, and some years it may not be in their catalog.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Maintaining fresh strings is crucial as old strings result in a muddy tone; lighter gauge strings are recommended for better sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Epiphone models are often chosen over Gibson for their similar quality and significantly lower cost, appealing to those who want the look without the high price.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 52 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Great

i think its from the late 90s i traded somone a broken svt for it, the bass is sunburst and stock it has black hardware, great sound i enjoy the feel a lot too

Genres:
stevefishman

Great Japanese Thunderbird

Mine is actually an Epiphone brand made at Fujigen in Japan and its a really great T-Bird. I think better than the US made ones of the 80s and 90s. They were also sold under Orville and Greco. I had some vintage T bird pickups that I installed which I think are 1960s so it has balls. Love it!

J

Great bass, unique styling.

I go through phases where I'll play this one religiously and then put it down for weeks at a time. Dark, growling tone, not a ton of punch or cut.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Instagram

In this picture, Billie Joe hold a Gibson Thunderbird bass.

See how Geddy Lee uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Cardinal Red Year: 1964

Geddy has been playing this Thunderbird IV for the 50th Tour for 2112.

See how Justin Chancellor uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 1995 live Oakland performance of TOOL, Justin Chancellor also known for his repertoire in Peach, ISIS, and M.T. Void, is seen playing a Gibson Thunderbird Bass for the song "Prison Sex".

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Iconosquare

In this Instagram photo, Thomas DeLonge is playing an Gibson Thunderbird bass.

See how Les Claypool uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Les Claypool

Singer, Bassist

Primus

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from Summer 2018, Les is shown playing a Thunderbird model bass.

See how Robert Trujillo uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Robert Trujillo

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo (taken by my phone 'cause Paramount+ won't let me take screenshots), Robert is holding a black Gibson Thunderbird. This was shown during Geddy Lee's show "Are Bass Players Human Too?".

See how Thurston Moore uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2007 live in-studio performance of "The Sprawl," Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth is seen using a Gibson Thunderbird IV bass, as captured in a video by sonicboy19 on YouTube.

See how Lemmy Kilmister uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Lemmy Kilmister

Bassist, Guitarist

Motörhead

...
Verified via Photo

Lemmy played on a Gibson Thunderbird Bass during some concerts with his old group Hawkwind, but rare are the photos where Lemmy does not play on Rickenbacker.

See how Duff McKagan uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress, Duff McKagan is pictured playing a sunburst Gibson Thunderbird IV bass.

See how Calum Hood uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Calum Hood

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via YouTube

Calum Used this bass throughout the North American Leg of 5 Seconds Of Summer's 2018 "Meet You There" Tour, and can be seen played on: Valentine - 54:38 Meet You There - 59:08 Jet Black Heart - 1:01:40 Want You Back - 1:05:48

See how Peter Hook uses Gibson Thunderbird IV

Peter Hook

Singer, Bassist

Joy Division

...
Verified via YouTube

Peter Hook using a Gibson Thunderbird Bass on Top Of The Pops, 21 August, 2001. Good shot of it at 2:25.

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 Gibson Thunderbird IV, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
jo3_the_great

jo3_the_great

Gear IQ 140

leo_hastspark

leo_hastspark

Gear IQ 224

naturalbornvillianess

naturalbornvillianess

Gear IQ 2810

jo3_the_great

jo3_the_great

Gear IQ 140

jo3_the_great

jo3_the_great

Gear IQ 140

bradcutbush

bradcutbush

Gear IQ 145

iannash

iannash

Gear IQ 274

davidmcardoso

davidmcardoso

Gear IQ 128

5 alternative and related items for Gibson Thunderbird IV, curated by the Equipboard community.

Epiphone Thunderbird IV

$369.00 - $449.00

cheaper alternative

It's the Epiphone version of the bass and it is cheaper than the Gibson Thunderbird

Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV

$478.60

cheaper alternative

The pro versions of the epiphone Thunderbird are neck through and really great quality if you overlook the shockingly bad electronics

Orville Thunderbird

 

cheaper alternative

The Orville Thunderbird was made in Japan by Gibson and some people prefer them

Schecter Ultra Bass

$1,049.00

cheaper alternative

Kind of similar looking, a Schecter copy without infringing body shape legal issues

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