Gibson introduced the Thunderbird bass in 1963 as part of a new lineup of instruments created by legendary auto designer Ray Dietrich. The new models included the Firebird and Explorer, and they used a new ‘Reverse’ body style – the upper treble bout and the lower bass bouts were longer. On ‘Non Reverse’ style instruments, like the Stratocaster, the upper bass bout is longer. Unfortunately, these futuristic instruments didn’t sell very well and there were some legal complaints from Fender regarding the shape of the headstock, so from 1965 to 1969 new versions, the ‘Non Reverse’ Thunderbirds and Firebirds were built.

This instrument has sold

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