Gibson Firebird I Sunburst 501380 (1965)

Just in from the original owner, who'd received this very guitar from her parents as a gift - a rockin' late '65 Firebird I in Sunburst finish!

1965 marked the first year that this variation of the Firebird I in its non-reversed orientation, evolving from the single-pickup version offered in the first few years of production. With its twin P90 pickups, lightning bar wraparound tailpiece, and short vibrola, this Firebird I shares a lot of the electronic and mechanical aspects of the fellow Mahogany-body Gibson SG models of the same time period. The elongated offset body with the uniquely designed 6-in-line headstock present as one of the more progressive models to come out of Kalamazoo since the Flying V and Explorer. The original P90 pickups are fat and bright sounding, with great output that still allows for chimey cleans into, say, a Blackface Fender. Into a cranked amp, the P90s come alive with upper midrange bark and a powerful top end cut. Middle position (both pickups engaged) yields an addictively bouncy tone with relaxed midrange that makes it sing with clean tones for R&B, funk, and soul.

The original Sunburst finish has aged gracefully, with the warmth of natural Mahogany grain shining through. There's lots of nice natural lacquer checking throughout, too. Most surprisingly? No breaks or cracks here, which is an exception to the rule when it comes to old Firebirds. Only the tuner buttons were replaced due to decomposition, and one reflector top became dislodged at some point.

Clean, uncompromised Firebirds are quite hard to find these days. This is an exceptional player that's survived over a half century without too much trouble, and represents one of Gibsons coolest 60s electrics to a tee.

Priced with its original plaid-lined hardshell, which has some shell damage on the top and is missing one latch, but still functional.