1966 Gibson Thunderbird IV Non-Reverse Vintage Bass, Inverness Green w/ Case
$9,999.99
$9,999.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a 1966 Gibson Thunderbird IV Non-Reverse in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. Refinished in custom color Inverness Green, this Thunderbird IV is complete with all of its original electronics, hardware and plastics.
Following suit with the Firebird models, the Thunderbird was reengineered and reintroduced with a Non-Reverse body in the Summer of 1965, and this is one of the first production examples. While the reverse body Thunderbirds are known for their short production run and particularly small production totals, the Non-Reverse body examples like the bass seen here are even rarer. Easily one of the least seen Gibson bass models ever made and a powerhouse worthy of the Thunderbird name, this bass offers plenty of growl, thump and articulation. The bridge pickup is quite round-sounding, offering a rich upper midrange bark, while the neck pickup has a thick, smooth quality with enough treble detail to accentuate the note attack of the roundwound strings. Lightweight at 8lbs 3oz, this Thunderbird IV has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 45-100 strings and easy-playing action.
The neck has a slender U-shaped profile carve at the nut, with a gentle and substantial increase in additional heft further up the fretboard, measuring .820" deep at the 1st fret and 1.025" at the 12th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard has been refretted with flawless jumbo fretwire, playing cleanly up the 34" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1 1/2" in width, and the headstock retains the original clover button nickel-plated tuning machines. The original serial number has been retained, restamped after the refinish with a small "2" beneath the serial, denoting some small finish flaw no longer present.
The stock electronics work as intended, with two CTS pots that date to '65 and a CentraLab pot which crosses over to the 3rd week of 1966. Hardware includes the chrome-plated four-saddle bridge and tailpiece, while the pair of strap buttons are modern, vintage-spec replacements. Plastics include the trio of reflector cap knobs and three-ply pickguard with Thunderbird graphic, exhibiting sparingly little shrinkage. The original Brazilian rosewood finger rest is also present.
The nitro lacquer Inverness Green refinish was expertly executed decades ago, and cosmetic wear is limited to only a couple small finish chips and scuffs on the body edges, and a couple minor marks on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original hardshell case is included. The case has a gold plush interior, functional latches, and the stock handle.
Following suit with the Firebird models, the Thunderbird was reengineered and reintroduced with a Non-Reverse body in the Summer of 1965, and this is one of the first production examples. While the reverse body Thunderbirds are known for their short production run and particularly small production totals, the Non-Reverse body examples like the bass seen here are even rarer. Easily one of the least seen Gibson bass models ever made and a powerhouse worthy of the Thunderbird name, this bass offers plenty of growl, thump and articulation. The bridge pickup is quite round-sounding, offering a rich upper midrange bark, while the neck pickup has a thick, smooth quality with enough treble detail to accentuate the note attack of the roundwound strings. Lightweight at 8lbs 3oz, this Thunderbird IV has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 45-100 strings and easy-playing action.
The neck has a slender U-shaped profile carve at the nut, with a gentle and substantial increase in additional heft further up the fretboard, measuring .820" deep at the 1st fret and 1.025" at the 12th. The Brazilian rosewood fretboard has been refretted with flawless jumbo fretwire, playing cleanly up the 34" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1 1/2" in width, and the headstock retains the original clover button nickel-plated tuning machines. The original serial number has been retained, restamped after the refinish with a small "2" beneath the serial, denoting some small finish flaw no longer present.
The stock electronics work as intended, with two CTS pots that date to '65 and a CentraLab pot which crosses over to the 3rd week of 1966. Hardware includes the chrome-plated four-saddle bridge and tailpiece, while the pair of strap buttons are modern, vintage-spec replacements. Plastics include the trio of reflector cap knobs and three-ply pickguard with Thunderbird graphic, exhibiting sparingly little shrinkage. The original Brazilian rosewood finger rest is also present.
The nitro lacquer Inverness Green refinish was expertly executed decades ago, and cosmetic wear is limited to only a couple small finish chips and scuffs on the body edges, and a couple minor marks on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original hardshell case is included. The case has a gold plush interior, functional latches, and the stock handle.
