Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (1)
$5,799.00
Guitar Center
$5,799.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$4,741.53 New
$3,499.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$5,799.00
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$4,666.00 $4,555.00 $111.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,032

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Firebird Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson Firebird Custom is a striking homage to one of the most iconic guitar designs of the '60s, blending bold aesthetics with powerful sound. Crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop, this limited edition model captures the spirit of its legendary predecessors while boasting modern enhancements that make it a must-have for serious guitarists. Its reverse body style, a hallmark of the original Firebird, ensures a stage presence that's hard to match. The Firebird Custom is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups — the 490R at the neck and the 498T at the bridge — delivering that unmistakable, robust Gibson tone that has defined rock music for decades.

Beyond its sonic capabilities, the Firebird Custom stands out visually with its sleek black finish, adorned with elegant gold hardware and custom block pearl inlays. The long tenon neck joint enhances sustain, making it ideal for both searing solos and rich, full-bodied chords. Whether you're channeling the energy of classic rock legends or carving your own path in modern music, the Gibson Firebird Custom is designed to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Eye-catching reverse body styling
  • Mahogany body with quarter-sawn maple neck
  • Bound rosewood fingerboard with custom block pearl inlays
  • 490R neck and 498T bridge humbucking pickups
  • Long tenon neck joint for superior sustain
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish with gold hardware
  • Hand-wired harness with Switchcraft toggle switch
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Firebird Custom
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Medium C
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.69"
Nut Material Corian
Bridge/Tailpiece Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar
Tuners Grover Kidney
Neck Pickup 490R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup 498T Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Firebird Custom?

The Gibson Firebird Custom features a medium C neck profile, which offers a comfortable and versatile feel suitable for various playing styles.

What types of pickups are installed in the Gibson Firebird Custom?

The Gibson Firebird Custom is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position, providing a range of classic rock and blues tones.

Is the Gibson Firebird Custom suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Firebird Custom is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking a professional-grade instrument.

How does the mahogany body of the Gibson Firebird Custom affect its sound?

The mahogany body of the Gibson Firebird Custom contributes to a warm and resonant tone with rich sustain, ideal for rock and blues genres.

Does the Gibson Firebird Custom come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Firebird Custom comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

session

session

Gibson Firebird Custom Ebony

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird Custom Ebony by session

Gibson Firebird Custom Ebony

session

session

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird Custom W/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss |  Playing + Specs by GAK

Gibson Firebird Custom W/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss | Playing + Specs

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for 2017 Gibson Firebird Custom for sale. Quick review and tones by Ministry of Guitar

2017 Gibson Firebird Custom for sale. Quick review and tones

Ministry of Guitar

Ministry of Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird Custom played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Gibson Firebird Custom played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Playing a Gibson Firebird Custom Ebony at Sam Ash Musical Instruments in Richmond, Virginia by Christian Phifer

Playing a Gibson Firebird Custom Ebony at Sam Ash Musical Instruments in Richmond, Virginia

Christian Phifer

Christian Phifer

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sustain that rivals guitars with sustain-enhancing tech

  • Rich, impressive tones that stand out

  • High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail

  • Fair pricing for the level of quality

  • Arrives well set up and ready to play

CONS

  • No setup out of the box, may require professional setup upon arrival

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Full-sized humbuckers replaced mini-humbuckers; check pickup routing quality, as it affects resale value.

    Source
  • Owners suggest updating Epiphone Firebird pickups with Gibson models to enhance sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Without a certificate of authenticity, value decreases significantly; some suggest not paying more than $2500 USD.

    Source
  • A 1998 Gibson Custom Firebird V was acquired for $4500, considered a good deal compared to typical prices exceeding $6k.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Nashville bridge is consistent with late 90s models, indicating the guitar may be from 1999.

    Source
  • The neck profile on these Custom Shop Firebirds is noted to be the thickest Gibson has ever produced for a Firebird model.

    Source
  • The Firebird V in Cardinal Red is highlighted for its impressive pickup performance, bridging Les Paul warmth and Strat clarity.

    Source

User experience

  • A previous player noted excellent playability and sound, but was concerned by the lack of a COA when considering purchase.

    Source
  • The Firebird logo is highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal, often compared to iconic brand logos in other industries.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its use by Mike Campbell in the Dirty Knobs, indicating versatility in rock genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1998 Gibson Firebird Custom features a neck-through design, unique among Gibson models, which significantly increases production complexity and cost.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that Firebird pickups are less common and are praised for their quality over those found in bolt-on neck Epiphone models.

    Source
  • Epiphone's "Inspired by Gibson" series offers a neck-through Firebird model, considered by some as nearly indistinguishable from the Gibson counterpart except for branding.

    Source
  • The Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" Firebirds offer Gibson pickups, providing a sound profile between a Les Paul and a Strat, with notable clarity.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nikki Sixx uses Gibson Firebird Custom

Nikki Sixx

Singer, Bassist

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Photo

This picture shows Nikki with his Gibson 2017 Firebird Custom.

See how Michael Poulsen uses Gibson Firebird Custom

Michael Poulsen

Singer, Guitarist

Volbeat

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Michael can be seen using a Gibson firebird custom

See how Dante DeCaro uses Gibson Firebird Custom

Dante DeCaro

Singer, Guitarist

Wolf Parade

...
Verified

In this photo Dante DeCaro is playing a gibson semi-hollow firebird likely to be a custom shop or custom built.

See how Towa Bird uses Gibson Firebird Custom

Towa Bird

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Towa Bird can be seen using the Gibson Firebird Custom in the linked Instagram post. She can be seen in other photos and online videos playing the Guitar, also.

See how Wooseok uses Gibson Firebird Custom

Wooseok

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Wooseok can be seen playing the Gibson Firebird Custom in this reel on KIK’s official Instagram.

This reel specifically was filmed at Club FF in Hongdae during the “Modern Love” live bands event.

This guitar has been used at Wooseok’s solo shows; such as Rolling Hall’s 30th anniversary concert & performances with his band, KIK, as seen in this video and clips of the band’s debut showcase at the EDLS venue.

Genre Usage

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

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides