1979 Gibson Thunderbird Bass Guitar

This auction is for a 1979 Gibson Thunderbird bass with original case. As you can plainly see it has been refinished in a very cool TV yellow. I had long believed this to be a Bicentennial 76’ T-bird but after a little research it is more likely a 79. The 76’ T-birds say 76 below the Thunderbird logo on pick guard. While later 79 models retain the red, white, and blue colors without the "76." While not visible to my eye I have been told that the refinish may conceal some sort of neck break or repair. It was very common for these bass’ to have breaks; if it were repaired it was a very solid job. I’ve had this bass since the early 90’s and have never had a problem. When I bought it had EMG active Jazz Bass style pick-ups in it and also came with the original PU’s, which I reinstalled. I will include the EMG’s as well as I have no use for them. The case is pretty beat up and missing the handle.

No international bids - lower 48 only.

Article on found online about this bass:

“Gibson Thunderbird (3rd issue)

The Bi-Centennial Thunderbird

In 1976 Gibson reissued the Thunderbird, in its original early 60s body shape, and seeing as 1976 was the 200th anniversary of American independence, it is known as the bi-centenial model, or Thunderbird '76.

New Features

Although this bass was modeled directly on the 1963 Thunderbird, with a through neck and reverse body shape, there were some changes to the original design; most notably the new 3 point bridge, which appeared on most Gibson basses of the period, but also a red, white and blue Thunderbird logo with a 76 insignia. Later models still had the red white and blue bird, but without the 76.”