The non-Reverse models had fewer appointments which is why this V has dot fretboard inlays. There were four versions of the Firebird models starting with the I (1) with a single pickup, III (3) with two or three pickups, V (5) with two humbucking pickups, and VII (7) with three pickups, gold hardware, and other appointments. Gibson updated the model to the non-Reverse body style in 1965. It was difficult to manufacture on a large scale and often had problems such as wing delamination. The Firebird models were introduced in 1963 with a unique neck through construction which most collectors refer to as Reverse. This rare Firebird V is a very early example of the non-Reverse body style with set neck joint. ![]() It happened to be one of very few finished in Cherry Red which was not a catalog option for the Firebird guitars. He says the factory was unable to repair the guitar so they brought out a brand new Gibson Firebird V to replace the old one. Since he lived only a few hour's drive from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, his mom drove him to the factory to see if Gibson would repair the guitar. A new year, a new decade and a fantastic new Gibson Guitars product lineup that is. He said that his parents bought him a Gibson Firebird guitar in 1964 but that one of the wings of the body delaminated from the guitar. I was lucky to find this guitar for sale from the original owner. Please contact me here to sell a vintage Gibson guitar. I'm always a vintage Gibson guitar buyer but I especially love all models of the Firebird and Thunderbird guitars. Nickel-plated: Kluson tuners with metal buttons fully adjustable four-saddle bridge stop tailpiece bridge and pickup covers.This amazingly rare 1965 Gibson Firebird V in Cherry Red finish came through the shop a few months ago. It is not only a fine playing vintage electric guitar but also retains all its original paperwork, case, and strap. 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 Hardshell Guitar Case for Gibson ES-339 Guitars with Heavy-duty Latches, Plush Interior, and Accessory Compartment - Brown. 1964 Gibson Thunderbird IIĪsymmetrical reverse design tuners on bass side raised middle section black/ natural finish Gibson Accessories ES-339 Original Hardshell Case - Brown. 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. The City of Fawn Creek is located in the State of Kansas. It seems reasonable to presume that the Fullerton firm was distracted enough by its CBS takeover during 1965 not to interfere. 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 Posted about my SAB listing a few weeks ago about not showing up in search only when you entered the exact name. ![]() And with Fender claiming a patent infringement of its Jazzmaster body styling, Gibson was further prompted to overhaul the entire range. The reverse Thunderbirds, it seems, were doomed from the start. ![]() 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. Indeed, Gibson still maintains the reverse ’Bird is one of the trickiest to produce.
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