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Average Price: $10,500

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash the spirit of rock history with the Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, an iconic instrument that embodies the rebellious essence of its era. Introduced in the mid-60s, the Firebird III boasts a distinctive "non-reversed" body shape, paired with chrome hardware that exudes vintage charm. Its thru-body construction ensures remarkable sustain, while the bound neck with dot inlays provides a smooth playing experience.

This classic piece is equipped with two authentic Firebird pickups, delivering a tone that's both powerful and nuanced, setting it apart from the more common mini-humbuckers found in other models. The "short" Maestro vibrato tailpiece offers expressive bending capabilities, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist seeking that unique blend of classic and modern sound.

Favored by legendary musicians like Johnny Winter and Eric Clapton, the Firebird III is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of rock history. Whether you're a collector or a player, this guitar offers a connection to the past with a sound that still resonates today.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive "non-reversed" body shape
  • Chrome hardware
  • Thru-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Bound neck with dot inlays
  • Two Firebird pickups for unique tonal range
  • "Short" Maestro vibrato tailpiece for expressive playability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Firebird III
Finish Cardinal Red, Cherry, Ember Red, Sunburst
Year 1963 - 1965
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Firebird
Model Sub-Family Gibson Firebird III 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"

FAQs

What makes the Gibson 1965 Firebird III unique compared to other electric guitars?

The Gibson 1965 Firebird III features a distinctive reverse body shape and neck-through construction, offering enhanced sustain and a unique aesthetic. Its dual humbucker pickups provide a powerful, warm tone, ideal for rock and blues genres.

How does the neck-through construction of the Gibson Firebird III affect its playability?

The neck-through construction of the Gibson Firebird III enhances sustain and stability, providing a smoother transition from neck to body. This design contributes to a comfortable playing experience, especially for lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson 1965 Firebird III suitable for playing blues and rock music?

Yes, the Gibson 1965 Firebird III is well-suited for blues and rock due to its dual humbucker pickups, which deliver a warm, powerful tone. The guitar's design and tone capabilities make it a favorite among players in these genres.

What kind of bridge does the Gibson 1965 Firebird III have?

The Gibson 1965 Firebird III features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation and expressive playing styles. This bridge type is popular among players who incorporate vibrato effects into their music.

What are the available finish options for the Gibson 1965 Firebird III?

The Gibson 1965 Firebird III is available in several finishes, including Cardinal Red, Cherry, Ember Red, and Sunburst, each offering a unique visual appeal to suit different aesthetic preferences.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott

This 1965 Firebird is Absolutely STUNNING.

Video thumbnail for This 1965 Firebird is Absolutely STUNNING. by Matthew Scott

This 1965 Firebird is Absolutely STUNNING.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Firebird III | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson Firebird III | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Firebird III -Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1965 Gibson Firebird III -Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gold Poly Mist Gibson Firebird III | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy by Chicago Music Exchange

1965 Gold Poly Mist Gibson Firebird III | CME Vintage Demo | Nathaniel Murphy

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Firebird III | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson Firebird III | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Firebird III played by Jack Ruch by Carter Vintage Guitars

1965 Gibson Firebird III played by Jack Ruch

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson Firebird III - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1965 Gibson Firebird III - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique blend of Tele and P-90 pickup characteristics

  • Surprising sustain from neck-through design and long string length

  • Balanced pickups offer both twangy brightness and deep, expressive tones

  • Neck pickup provides full, resonant sound with dynamic touch response

  • Versatile tonal range with out-of-phase capabilities when adjusting volume knobs

  • Exceptional depth and complexity in sound, captivating even to non-musicians

  • Strong sentimental and historical value for long-time owners

CONS

  • Weight imbalance requires adjustment for comfortable play

  • Arm stretch may be uncomfortable for some players

Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1965 Gibson Firebird III - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Clark Jr uses Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar

Gary Clark Jr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this video Gary posted to Instagram, he can be seen playing a non-reverse Firebird from Gibson.

See how J Mascis uses Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

At 25:18 in the video "Dinosaur Jr. - Live at PC69 Discothek 1987," you can see J Mascis playing a Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, identifiable by its three P90 pickups. This footage is part of the bonus features from the German Blu-Ray release of "Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr.," as provided by Tiago Laranjo on YouTube.

See how Pablo van de Poel uses Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar

Pablo van de Poel

Singer, Guitarist

DeWolff

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "My Go-To Guitars: Pablo van de Poel of DeWolff" Pablo discusses his collection of guitars. At the 11:40 mark, he specifically recounts the story of acquiring his vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III Electric Guitar.

See how Johnny Mackay uses Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar

Johnny Mackay

Guitarist

Children Collide

...
Verified via Australian Musician Magazine

In an interview with Australian Musician Johnny Mackay states that he bought a Teisco Spectrum 5 and a 1965 Gibson Firebird 3, with a non-reverse headstock. "I also just got a 1965 Gibson Firebird 3, with the non-reverse headstock, and both those guitars are getting set up at the moment."

See how Austin Weber uses Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar

Austin Weber

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Austin played his 1965 Gibson Firebird III in the music videos for "Together" and "Goodbye."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Teisco Spectrum 5
Teisco Spectrum 5 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
1

1 alternative for Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson Firebird Platypus Electric Guitar

$1,935.00 - $2,499.00

cheaper alternative

The new Firebird Platypus is based on the 1965 versions that had the classic reverse body, but use the non-reversed headstock instead.

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    gchiaren
    gchiaren

    Gear IQ 37552