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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
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What makes the Gibson 1965 Firebird III unique compared to other electric guitars?
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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.
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How does the neck-through construction of the Gibson Firebird III affect its playability?
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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.
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Is the Gibson 1965 Firebird III suitable for playing blues and rock music?
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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.
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What kind of bridge does the Gibson 1965 Firebird III have?
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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.
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What are the available finish options for the Gibson 1965 Firebird III?
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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.
Videos
Matthew Scott
This 1965 Firebird is Absolutely STUNNING.
Reviews
PROS
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Unique blend of Tele and P-90 pickup characteristics
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Surprising sustain from neck-through design and long string length
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Balanced pickups offer both twangy brightness and deep, expressive tones
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Neck pickup provides full, resonant sound with dynamic touch response
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Versatile tonal range with out-of-phase capabilities when adjusting volume knobs
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Exceptional depth and complexity in sound, captivating even to non-musicians
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Strong sentimental and historical value for long-time owners
CONS
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Weight imbalance requires adjustment for comfortable play
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Arm stretch may be uncomfortable for some players
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video Gary posted to Instagram, he can be seen playing a non-reverse Firebird from Gibson.
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.
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.
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."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Gibson 1965 Firebird III Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,935.00 - $2,499.00
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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