Gibson Thunderbird II Bass 1964 – Alembic Custom 1976 – Tree of Life – Ember Red

Pat's Guitars – Your specialist for high-quality second-hand guitars.

Trade in your electric guitar? With us, it’s easy and straightforward.

Each guitar is cleaned, inspected, and fitted with new strings – ready to play immediately.

Specifications:

• Neck Dimensions: 1st Fret 20.7mm / 12th Fret 23.7mm
• Fretboard: Rio Rosewood
• Nut width: 37.9mm
• Weight: 4.64kg
• Serial number: 160056
• Gibson Thunderbird case - newer model

History & Modifications:

• 1964 Gibson Thunderbird Bass – early series with only about 1,000 instruments built in total.
• An extensive conversion was commissioned in 1975 and completed in 1976.
• Electronics converted in the style of an Alembic Series I system with two additional pickups and an expanded circuit including phase switching.
• Converted to Alembic brass hardware: bridge and string holder, nut, control knobs, truss rod cover, engraved electronics cavity cover, pickup surrounds, and matching screws.
• Equipped with gold-plated open Schaller tuners.
• Refinished in Merlot Burst (matte), comparable to Amber Red, with a darker gradient toward the edge similar to a sunburst finish.
• Fretboard made of Brazilian rosewood with CITES certificate available.
• Tree of Life fretboard inlay (1976) crafted by Larry Robinson from mother-of-pearl and ivory – CITES certificate available.
• The bass was referred to as "Superbird" in historical records.
• The instrument was part of a Christie’s auction in London years ago.
• Extensive paper documentation available, including expert reports from a master plucked instrument maker and appraiser, invoices, repair records, and historical documents.
• The complete history can be viewed upon request.

Consignment sale.

Setup: Each guitar receives a basic setup and is ready to play. The adjustment is made to the best of our knowledge and belief – individual modifications such as string action or intonation may be necessary depending on playing style and personal preferences.

Note: When shipping to countries outside the EU, additional taxes or fees (e.g., customs duties) may apply, which are not covered or charged by us. These must be paid directly to the relevant customs or tax authorities. Please check with the appropriate authorities for more information.

Shipping Costs
Shipping within Europe is completely free for all guitars.

Shipping Time
We know how important fast and secure deliveries are. That’s why your order within Germany is carefully packed and shipped with insurance to ensure it arrives safely. The delivery time is usually 2-4 business days, so you can have your desired products in your hands soon.

Shipping within the EU takes about 3-7 business days.