1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird

$3,500.00 Price Tier: High-end

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jun 25, 2026

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5.0 (10)

$3,500.00 16 available Used

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Average Price: $3,500

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Unlock a piece of American music history with the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird, a unique tribute to the nation's 200th year. This electric guitar isn't just a musical instrument; it's a collector's gem that marries vintage aesthetics with classic Gibson craftsmanship. The Bicentennial Firebird reimagines the iconic "reverse" body design, standing out with its gold hardware—a nod to the luxurious Firebird VII. While it may not be a textbook reissue, its distinctiveness lies in its celebration of history and musical innovation. Whether on stage or in a studio, this guitar promises not only a stunning look but a rich, resonant sound that's unmistakably Gibson.

Key Features:

Gold hardware for a luxurious appearance
Iconic "reverse" body design, paying homage to the original Firebird series
Celebratory model marking the 200th birthday of the United States
Crafted with Gibson's renowned quality and attention to detail

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Firebird '76 Bicentennial
Finish	Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, White
Year	1976 - 1979
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Tan, White
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson Firebird
Model Sub-Family	Gibson Firebird V Reverse
Neck Construction	Neck-Through
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Series	Gibson Norlin Era

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird's pickups?: The 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird features dual humbucking pickups, delivering a powerful and balanced tone with a rich midrange. It's well-suited for rock, blues, and classic rock genres, offering both clarity and warmth.
Is the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird is ideal for advanced players due to its neck-through construction and high-quality craftsmanship. Its unique design and versatile sound make it a great choice for seasoned guitarists.
What is the neck profile like on the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird?: The 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird features a slim neck profile that offers comfortable playability and fast action, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
How does the neck-through construction of the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird affect its sound?: The neck-through construction of the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird enhances sustain and resonance, providing a fuller and more consistent tone across the fretboard.
What is the scale length of the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird, and how does it impact playability?: The 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird has a 24.75" scale length, offering a slightly shorter reach that facilitates easier bending and a comfortable playing experience for most guitarists.

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1976 Gibson Firebird V Bicentennial Limited Edition | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Firebird V Bicentennial | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Gibson Bicentennial FireBird Guitar Demonstration & Review

Robert Baird

Reviews

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PROS

Unique sound due to mini-humbuckers, distinct from other guitars
Playable neck shape with low action, minimal buzz
Striking design with gold-plated hardware and '76 Eagle detail
Solid construction reminiscent of early 60s Firebirds
Versatile for different musical styles, inspires creativity
Eye-catching aesthetic with ebony finish and white pick guard
Great historical significance, marking America's Bicentennial
Known for being a durable workhorse of a guitar

CONS

Heavier than some other electric guitars, may affect balance
Low fret wire makes bending notes challenging
Headstock design can cause neck to dip with non-grippy strap

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird.

User experience

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Owners appreciate the unique vintage smell and aesthetic appeal, enhancing their satisfaction with the guitar's authenticity and nostalgia.
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The banjo-style tuners, while visually appealing, have a 12:1 gear ratio, causing significant pitch changes with small adjustments, which can complicate tuning.
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The neck profile is praised for comfort when sitting, though it's reported to feel heavy and unbalanced when standing.
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The long tail and reverse headstock design make it cumbersome to transport, with some using a bass bag for better fit.
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Build quality

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There is a noted issue with the headstock being top-heavy, which some users find affects the balance during play.
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The Firebird features dot inlays and an unbound fretboard, with a distinct red/blue heat-stamped bird, differentiating it from other models.
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The thick poly finish is noted to be brittle, requiring careful handling to avoid chips or cracks.
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Other

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The purple-lined 70's case is highly praised for its distinctive look, adding value and appeal to the instrument's presentation.
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Comparisons

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Some users compare the mini humbuckers' sound favorably to that of a 1976 Les Paul Deluxe, noting minimal tonal difference.
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Features and functionality

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The 1976 model has a unique control arrangement: neck pickup volume and tone are on top, with bridge pickup pots on the bottom.
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The neck is wide and flat, providing a fast feel suitable for twang, blues, or funk, enhancing its playability for specific genres.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners appreciate its compatibility with blackface amps, noting a bright but balanced sound, making it ideal for clear, funky tones.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend changing the strap lock position to improve balance, with some drilling a hole on the back for better comfort.
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Upgrading to a TonePros bridge and installing Seymour Duncan pickups with coil-split capability enhances versatility and sound quality.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners experience tuning stability issues, which may be related to construction quality rather than just the tuners.
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Critic Reviews

CRAVE Guitars Feature – 1976 Gibson Firebird Bicentennial

craveguitars.co.uk

A vintage gem with striking black and gold aesthetics, the 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird shines with its unique mini-humbucking pickups and rarity as a limited '76 edition. While its neck shape and balance might not please everyone, and the absence of the original hard shell case is a downside, the guitar's originality and condition are commendable. This stylish reissue offers a taste of the classic 'reverse' Firebird without the prohibitive cost of 1960s originals, making it a desirable piece for collectors and players alike.

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Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

“The Francis Scott Key of Gibson Guitars… Well not quite. It’s a 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird. It was made along with a series of guitars in Gibson’s line to celebrate America’s 200th birthday in the year 1976. Check out the eagle on the pick guard. Now anybody reading this in Europe with be thoroughly unimpressed for a mere 200 years is proverbial blink of an eye in terms of history. These guitars are fun and also came in black which is a bit more rare. I brought this guitar along in 2010 to Santorini and can be heard on the song “Wandering Earth” on the Black Rock album," says Joe Bonomassa, on his website.

Pappo

Singer, Guitarist

Pappo's Blues

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "La Renga con Pappo - Hey hey My my - Huracan 2004," Pappo can be seen using a 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird during the performance.