Gibson USA Thunderbird Bass (Reverse) Bicentennial '76 Natural Finish & HSC 1976
For sale, an incredibly rare, one of just 224 made in 1976, Gibson Thunderbird Bass. Reverse body, known as the Bicentennial '76 model.
Back of headstock stamped:
00 214303
Dating to 1976, origin Kalamazoo.
Specification:
- Mahogany centerpiece
- Mahogany wings
- Sunburst, Natural, Ebony and White finishes
- Rosewood fretboard
- 34 1/2 inch scale (actually three eighths of an inch)
- Chrome plated pickup covers, bridge cover and finger rest
- Thunderbird humbucking pickups
- Laminated pickguard with red, white and blue Thunderbird logo
There is wear to the bass, check out the photos for patina and dings etc. It looks great though and its all natural playwear.
It looks absolutely stunning and sounds amazing, acoustically or when plugged in. I'm not a bass player at all, but it feels good, nice size and weight with a very playable neck.
The wings have not separated, but there looks to have been a partial headstock repair - the lower part - that has been glued. I don't think this was a complete break and can't see any evidence of a full repair - please check the photos. Front of headstock is clean, no delamination etc.
There is a Hipshot BT1 Bass Xtender (detuner) on the bass E tuner, which looks pretty old, I'm guessing mid 1980s when these first came to market.
The case is a non-original circa early 1980s Aria Pro II ZZB case, which is more like a Gibson Explorer, so its a bit too long but does the job with some foam padding. The hinges, latches, handle and Tolex are in good shape. There is also a budget nylon strap included. The pickup covers and bridge cover are long gone.
I see very few of these available, open to offers, feel free to get in touch with any info or questions.
Shipping quoted is for a bespoke service, fully insured by Overland Express, with either DHL, FedEx, or ParcelForce as the carrier.
You are welcome to collect in person, also.