This is a rare find. An all original, 1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass with no breaks or repairs!

Yes, these are superb basses but always seem to suffer the dreaded headstock break that causes some to shatter in more than one place. When you find one like this the is a) completely unmolested and b) free from any kind of savageries that may have stressed the vulnerable neck design then you know you are on to a good thing and you have found a rare bird indeed…

Designed in the early 60’s by U.S. auto designer Raymond H. Dietrich (Chrysler, Lincoln, Checker) this, along with the original Firebird was a revolution in design that has to be said, failed to set the guitar world alight. Since then, things have moved on and appreciation for 60’s futurist design is strong and the Thunderbird now looks an uber cool piece to strut around with.

Unlike most Gibson basses, the Thunderbird has a 34” scale length, just like Fender basses do and a sound that can growl with the some of the best Fender can offer together with a rich and very deep bass that altogether provides a most pleasing and powerful bass tone. The likes of Kings of Leon, UFO, Cheap Trick, System of a Down, John Entwistle, Wishbone Ash, Motley Crue, Jethro Tull seem to agree so if you ever fancied one of these iconic basses, you would be in great company.

This lovely example is in excellent condition, it does have a few dings here and there but is overall in excellent shape - have a good look at the photos to see what we mean. Serial number is actually in very early 1965 and pots are mid 64 so this is probably one of the last reverse body Thunderbirds to leave the Gibson Kalamazoo plant in early 1965. All solder is original and pickup has never been rewound. All hardware is nickel and correct and in great shape with some cool tarnishing.

Included is a late Gibson Thunderbird case, probably from the 90’s which is a good thing as the original cases were of a pretty poor design.

Super fast action makes this a beautiful player and it is the one bass I cannot put down right now. A firm store favourite.

If you seek one of these then you are really going to struggle finding an unbroken, unmolested example as nice as this one so do not delay, buy it today :-)