Gibson / Thunderbird II - Non Reverse / 1966 / Sunburst / Bass For Sale
1966 Gibson Thunderbird II in very good condition. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 553134, sunburst top, natural back and sides finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard. No headstock break or repair. Aside from the pickguard and tone pot, this bass is all original. The case is from a '70s T-Bird. It's been fully set up in our workshop and is strung with an old set of flats. It has a big thumping sound and an iconic rock n roll look. It's nice and light weighing: 8 lbs 8.5 oz / 3.87 kg. Nut width: 38.5 mm. Depth at 1st fret: 21.2 mm. Pickup DC resistance 8.9k. Supplied with a 3-month warranty and 14-approval period.
The non-reverse Thunderbird IV bass has a Honduras mahogany neck and body with set-neck construction and a reverse body shape. 20-fret Rosewood fretboard, laminated pickguard, 1 humbucking pickup, 34 & 3-8 inch scale length.
Typical for 1966 this bass has a mix of chrome and nickel-plated hardware; the older stock was intermixed with newer parts and installed with no consistency. The tailpiece, bridge cover and pickup are chrome, while the bridge is nickel. The copper mute mounting is still attached to the bridge; the felt mute pads are gone. The pot codes are not legible but the serial number and features indicate 1966, one of only 361 shipped out that year.
The bass has fairly minor wear and remains mostly original; the pickguard is a very nicely done repro complete with the correct bird logo and the tone pot looks to have been replaced long ago. There is no centre handrest, and no holes in the pickguard for it. Most importantly, there is no structural damage or repair; a large proportion of surviving Thunderbirds have suffered broken headstocks and/or body cracks in the thin control area; this bass has none of these issues.
The finish has lacquer checking, dings, scratches and dents with plenty of belt-buckle scuffing on the lower back but no heavy wear. There is one noticeable chip in the upper neck heel, a shallow scratch above it and a couple of "hanger marks' at the base of the headstock. It also has some scuffs around the edge of the headstock. The frets are in good shape with plenty of life left in them. All-round superb bass.
Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars Ltd, UK 
Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars has established a name as the best place to shop for vintage basses in the UK. We're also getting a name for ourselves stocking fine vintage 6 string electric & acoustic guitars. All instruments are thoroughly checked over and set up before sale. We offer free setups for the first year after purchase.
As a reputable and knowledgeable dealer, we offer the complete variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, Music Man, Hofner, and Vox. Vintage bass guitars with a high degree of character and investment value are our specialty. We work with musicians, collectors and dealers around the globe, and offer quick delivery worldwide.
Have a look at the website often, as our inventory changes regularly. Chances are, you’ll find what you need. If you don’t, contact us and using our guitar-finding service we will track down your heart’s desire.
What next...
If you are happy to buy over the internet, I will send you as much information about the bass guitar you're interested in as I can, and if you require more high resolution photos dont hesitate to ask.
You can always make an appointment with me and come and try some of the Bass guitars out first. I will consider part exchange, if it makes your desired bass a little easier to afford.
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Installments / Layaway policy / Deposits
Payments are to be made on the dates agreed. If the customer fails to do so or pulls out of an agreed deal after 1 month has elapsed from the date of the first payment, 10% of the agreed sale price is non refundable. A further 10% will be added each consecutive month thereafter. Within the first month a 5% fee is applied. Andy Baxter Bass has the right to withdraw from any agreement and re list the item if payments are not made on the agreed dates. A 10% non refundable deposit will hold any guitar for 30 days. With installment / layaway / deposit agreements all sales are final, no returns, no refunds and no exceptions.
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Payable by consignee upon receipt of goods. We are not responsible for VAT, duty or customs charges.
Shipping
Shipping costs are in addition to the cost of your guitars or merchandise. ( unless otherwise stated) If you prefer, you can arrange shipping via your own preferred carrier. Shipping charges paid by Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars Ltd are non-refundable.
Returns
Merchandise is sold as is. Please ask all questions, view all pictures etc, before purchasing. We do not negotiate price after the sale. No exceptions. Just the same, if you find out that the guitar or gear doesn’t work for you, you can return it within 48 hours. Please call or email for return authorization before shipping any merchandise back. Returned merchandise must be shipped fully insured at the customer’s cost and in it’s original condition. Upon receipt of the merchandise, a refund (less shipping and any other applicable fees) will be issued within 48 hours, subject to a 5% restocking fee. The restocking fees will be waived if the instrument is damaged. ALL dealers will be charged restocking fee on returns for any reason due the the common practice of reselling. Special orders are not returnable. Amplification sent overseas is not returnable under any circumstaces unless damaged upon arrival.
International Returns
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