NBD 1965 Thunderbird II

godofthunder · January 09, 2026, 03:50:21 AM

So about 4 years ago I was ready to buy a 63-65 Thunderbird, While I was shopping prices jumped out of reach almost over night. This popped up on Guitar Centers used site they were asking 7k it has the original case, bridge mute with felts and pickup cover. it's missing the truss rod cover and bridge cover. Overall it's in really nice shape just the right amount of player wear. It does of course have a headstock repair, the repair is well done, stable and well north of the nut, it doesn't involve the delicate area of the truss rod Chanel. After some back and forth with GC I ended up paying 6k shipped. The bass plays and sounds great, I'm really happy with it. Here's a quick video I'll do a more indepth one later. https://youtu.be/MOwb3YFhYjI?si=5dtxB9TfB3v2793a

Basvarken · January 09, 2026, 03:56:48 AM

Congrats Scott!

Even with the $1000 off the original asking price, I think that's a lot of money for a bass guitar

But I've seen them for sale for way more. So I guess you did good

godofthunder · January 09, 2026, 04:03:18 AM

Quote from: Basvarken on January 09, 2026, 03:56:48 AMCongrats Scott!

Even with the $1000 off the original asking price, I think that's a lot of money for a bass guitar
But I've seen them for sale for way more. So I guess you did good

It is by far the most I have ever paid for a bass and I gotta admit it made me squirm. But I ain't getting any younger and I've wanted one for 50 years lol. 😅

Stjofön Big · January 09, 2026, 05:08:05 AM

Congratulations Scott! That is a piece to have. First time a laid eyes on a T-bird was in -64 when I saw one in a Hagstrom catalogue. It felt like a solid knock, to see that bass! So I wanted one from that day. But it took 20 years for me to get one. That was in -84. Around $ 600. Never knew about the -76 model, but that was what I bought. Never came in deep contact with that bass. Sold it a couple of years later. And then I discovered the Epiphone Embassy, the brother to the T-bird. Got one from -64 at a price of $ 1 000. Was worth every penny.
But of course I still long for that first model of the bird.... Congratulations, again!

4stringer77 · January 09, 2026, 10:30:44 AM

Congrats on landing the reverse. Does it hit the same sweet spot for you as the vintage NRs do?

morrow · January 09, 2026, 01:24:49 PM

Congrats! It's a lot of money , and there are not many around. Good call. No regret.

Son of Dave W · January 11, 2026, 12:25:07 PM

Nice! It sounds fantastic as well.

ilan · January 13, 2026, 11:14:13 AM

Now that is a keeper. Dream come true

Rob · January 13, 2026, 05:22:49 PM

Quote from: godofthunder on January 09, 2026, 04:03:18 AMIt is by far the most I have ever paid for a bass and I gotta admit it made me squirm. But I ain't getting any younger and I've wanted one for 50 years lol. 😅

Grog · January 13, 2026, 05:28:28 PM

Wow!! Awsome bass Scott!!

godofthunder · January 29, 2026, 04:33:35 AM

Quote from: 4stringer77 on January 09, 2026, 10:30:44 AMCongrats on landing the reverse. Does it hit the same sweet spot for you as the vintage NRs do?

While I love how the bass sounds,plays and looks there is the one thing that has always bugged me about reverse Thunderbirds and that is the atrocious upper register access, even Entwhistle complained about his fingers getting "tangled up" up there. I'm not quite sure what to do with it, I'm slightly afraid to take it out of the house lol I do plan on having a road case built for it.

4stringer77 · January 30, 2026, 01:06:33 PM

Just stick to the money notes and you'll be fine. I thought you might say the rev isn't as punchy but glad to hear that's not an issue. Violinists regularly play their Strads so I'm sure you'll be fine bringing the old bird on stage for special occasions.