![]() ![]() Nickel-plated: Kluson tuners with metal buttons fully adjustable four-saddle bridge stop tailpiece bridge and pickup covers. Gold Gibson logo on black truss rod cover three-ply (w/b/w) pickguard with bevelled edge and Firebird emblem two metal cap/reflector knobs labelled Volume and Tone 1964 Gibson Thunderbird IIĪsymmetrical reverse design tuners on bass side raised middle section black/ natural finish ![]() Exotic-sounding enough, but the regular, less expensive sunburst finish proved to be the most popular choice by far.Īlas, the Thunderbirds were not deemed popular enough to remain in production beyond the 60s, and with sales dropping off towards the end of the decade manufacturing ceased in 1969. Taking inspiration from Fender, the finishes included Ember Red, Frost Blue, Polaris White, Cardinal Red, Heather, Pelham Blue, Golden Mist, Kerry Green, Silver Mist and Inverness Green. Pictured at Guitars: The Museum in Umeå, Sweden, this custom colour 1967 Gibson Thunderbird II is of the later non-reverse variety. As before, the II and IV were structurally identical – the main difference being pickups and electronics (the IV sported an extra volume knob as per its second pickup).įrom its inception back in ’63, one of the range’s main selling-points was Gibson’s all-new custom color chart, and these options extended into the latter half of the 60s. Regardless, the revamped Thunderbirds arrived that year featuring glued-in necks. With its offset shape, neck-through construction, and scorching mini-humbuckers, the 63 Firebird V became an instant classic. It seems reasonable to presume that the Fullerton firm was distracted enough by its CBS takeover during 1965 not to interfere. When Gibson hired famed automotive designer Ray Dietrich to create a radical new solid body guitar, rock n roll history ensued. Interestingly, however, the ‘non-reverse’ design that followed – a virtual mirror image of the reverse counterpart – appears much closer to the Fender offset with respect to body and headstock profile. What better way to return to the drawing board than with a bona fide automotive designer? Well, that was the thinking when Gibson hired Raymond Dietrich And with Fender claiming a patent infringement of its Jazzmaster body styling, Gibson was further prompted to overhaul the entire range. The narrow nut width and rounded neck profile neck feels both fast and intuitive. The traditional 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck through body construction provides a thundering low end response and a piano like sustain. The reverse Thunderbirds, it seems, were doomed from the start. The Gibson Thunderbird has the classic reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 as Gibson's first neck-through-body bass design. ![]() And while a laminated neck-through-body construction provides great stability and tone, reverse Thunderbirds are especially prone to headstock breaks (aka Firebird disease) – a problem exacerbated by the instruments’ heavy Kluson tuners. It's a "cherry on top of the cake" type thing.Indeed, Gibson still maintains the reverse ’Bird is one of the trickiest to produce. Now it really sounds like a freight train.Īs an added bonus, we're including a picture disc containing the songs "Smokin' in the Boys Room" and "Use It or Lose It." We've had the disc forever, waiting for the perfect guitar to come in and when this bass hit the house, we knew the time was right to let it set sail. The only thing we did was to oil the fretboard and restring the bass with The plastic is still on the pickguard and rear electronics cover. Now to this Nikki Sixx Signature It shows absolutely zero signs of playwear and while we would never call anything "mint," this bass comes pretty dang close to being exactly that. Yessir, the Crue never fails to deliver (except for Generation Swine) and I've got Theater of Pain ripping as I write this. Everything in stock at our e-shop and in-store. You all know what I'm talking about: thousands of killer concerts, a couple of books, a movie, a few spicy videos sprinkled in for good measure and the cherry on top of the cake, Vince spotting a fried chicken leg in some chicks front pocket and falling off the stage five songs into the show in Atlanta back in 2005. Purchase GIBSON Firebird Cherry Red from the largest seller of musical instruments. How they're even alive is a miracle in itself and when they aren't turning out great '80s rock, they're providing some form of entertainment. If you've got over three decades listening to the Crue, then you already know what a crazy ride it's been with these boys. ![]()
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