Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass – Inverness Green – Mint – Original Hardshell Case
The Non-Reverse Thunderbird has one of the more interesting origin stories in Gibson's catalog. The original Thunderbird debuted in 1963 with its distinctive reverse body — sleek, angular, unmistakably modern for its time. Gibson flipped the body in 1965, creating the Non-Reverse, which brought a different visual weight and balance to the design and quickly developed its own devoted following. It was a shorter production run than the original, which gave it a certain rarity that players and collectors have respected ever since. When Gibson brought it back in recent years, they did it right — same mahogany body and neck, same Thunderbird pickups, same three-point bridge and that iconic beak headstock, now with Hipshot Ultralite tuners that do a lot to address the neck dive these basses are historically known for. The gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish in Inverness Green is a deep, rich color that photographs beautifully and looks even better in person.
This particular example came directly from Gibson as a warranty replacement — which means it is, for all practical purposes, a brand new instrument. It has never been played. The condition is mint in every sense of the word. The one thing to know going in is that Gibson's warranty is non-transferable, so it sells here as used. What you're getting is a factory-fresh bass at a used price, in a color that tends to move quickly when it shows up.
- Make: Gibson
- Model: Non-Reverse Thunderbird Bass
- Country of origin: USA
- Finish: Inverness Green, gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany, rounded profile, glued-in
- Fingerboard: Indian rosewood
- Fingerboard radius: 12"
- Scale length: 34"
- Nut: Graph Tech
- Nut width: 1.6"
- Frets: 20, medium jumbo
- Pickups: Gibson Thunderbird rhythm (neck) and lead (bridge) humbuckers
- Controls: 2 volume (individual per pickup), 1 master tone
- Pickguard: White 3-ply with Thunderbird graphic
- Bridge: 3-point adjustable
- Tuners: Hipshot Ultralite, chrome
- Hardware: Chrome
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Mint – warranty replacement direct from Gibson, never played
- Note: Gibson warranty is non-transferable; sells as used
- Includes: Original Gibson hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
