Gibson Custom Shop Firebird

5.0 (1)

$6,499.00

5.0 (1)

$4,430.66 8 available Used

$6,499.00

4.0 (1)

$5,666.00 $5,599.00 $67.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,905

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop Firebird". 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

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The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird is a masterclass in vintage inspiration, reimagining a 1965 classic with a modern twist. Crafted for the discerning musician, this electric guitar stands out with its distinctive reverse body shape and neck-through construction, delivering an unmistakable blend of aesthetics and functionality. Housing two mini-humbucker pickups, the Firebird offers a sonic palette that is both versatile and dynamic, perfect for those who crave clarity and punch in their sound.

The meticulously crafted mahogany body, paired with a rosewood fretboard, ensures a warm resonance and smooth playability. The addition of the Maestro Vibrola tailpiece not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides expressive vibrato effects, making it an essential tool for performers who want to push their musical boundaries. Whether you're channeling the spirit of classic rock or exploring new musical territories, the Firebird is designed to inspire and elevate your playing experience.

Key Features:

Mahogany body with neck-through construction
Rosewood fretboard
Two mini-humbucker pickups for versatile sound
Maestro Vibrola tailpiece for enhanced expression
Reverse body shape for iconic style

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Custom Shop '65 Firebird V Reissue
Finish	Cardinal Red, Ebony, Ember Red, Faded Cherry, Frost Blue, Golden Mist Poly, Heather Poly, Inverness Green, Kerry Green, Pelham Blue, Polaris White, Silver Mist Poly, TV Yellow, Vintage Sunburst
Year	1998 - 2016
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Purple, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson Firebird
Model Sub-Family	Gibson Firebird V Reverse
Neck Construction	Neck-Through
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird use?: The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird is equipped with dual mini-humbucker pickups, which offer a bright, punchy tone ideal for rock and blues genres.
Is the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird is designed with professional musicians in mind, offering high-quality craftsmanship and versatile sound suitable for advanced players.
How does the neck-through construction of the Gibson Firebird affect its playability?: The neck-through construction of the Firebird enhances sustain and provides a smooth playing experience across the entire fretboard.
What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird?: The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird features a slim taper neck profile, offering comfortable playability and fast action for various playing styles.
Does the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird come with a tremolo tailpiece?: Yes, the Firebird is equipped with a tremolo tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.
What finish options are available for the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird?: The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird is available in a variety of finishes, including Cardinal Red, Ebony, Faded Cherry, Frost Blue, and more, catering to different aesthetic preferences.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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The 1990s Gibson Firebirds are noted for their excellent sound quality, reportedly outperforming newer models and other brands like Heritage.
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Owners of this series appreciate the neck shape, indicating a consistent quality across different color variants like Phthalo Blue.
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Features and functionality

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The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird has the fattest neck profile ever used on a Firebird model, making it unique among Gibson guitars.
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Firebird's mini-humbuckers offer a smoother tone compared to P90s, lacking sharp tones but performing well with a touch of fuzz.
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The 02 Custom Shop NR Firebird is praised for its natural mahogany finish, creating a visually striking appearance that appeals to collectors and players alike.
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Burstbucker pickups are noted for their performance with a JCM800 amp, suggesting a synergy for those seeking classic rock tones.
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Comparisons

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Epiphone's "inspired by Gibson" range includes neck-through Firebirds that closely mimic Gibson's design, even including banjo tuners, at a fraction of the cost.
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Firebird pickups do not handle high-gain applications well, contrasting with traditional minis or P90s which excel in sharper tones.
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User experience

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One owner noted their Firebird was well-maintained over decades, showing no fret wear, suggesting durability when properly cared for.
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Firebirds are large guitars that can feel awkward when sitting, especially for average-sized individuals; weight is low, easing standing play.
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Owners with large wingspans (around 200cm) find the Firebird comfortable, reinforcing its suitability for larger players.
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Value and pricing

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Gibson's Firebird models are typically expensive due to the neck-through construction, with few mid-range price options available between Epiphone and Gibson models.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners note that Firebirds can require professional setup for optimal playability, highlighting potential issues with newer models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Restoring original top hat knobs is a common mod for maintaining the guitar's authentic look, reflecting a preference for vintage aesthetics among owners.
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Critic Reviews

The Big Review: Gibson Custom ’63 Firebird V & ’65 Non-Reverse Firebird V

guitar.com

Gibson's Custom Shop Firebird models shine with stunning aesthetics and rich tonal possibilities, making them highly desirable for collectors and players alike. While the guitars deliver impressive sustain and a range of sounds—from rock to funk—some ergonomic quirks, like neck dive and an unconventional playing position, may deter less experienced players. The Non-Reverse model's more balanced feel offers a practical alternative, but it lacks the sonic brilliance found in the reverse-body version. Both instruments are undoubtedly beautiful, yet minor finish imperfections raise questions about their premium price tags. Ultimately, these Firebirds are a fantastic fusion of style and sound, deserving to be played rather than merely displayed.

positive

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Artist usage

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Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

Verified via Gibson

"Everybody loves the Firebirds," says Slash about his two new signature Gibson Custom models, the prototypes of which he used on tour for the last year. They are a radical departure from the Les Pauls he is known for, yet Slash wanted many Les Paul elements included on this model including humbuckers, historic Les Paul wiring and pickup spacing, and a solid figured maple cap. Per Slash's request, the Custom Shop hand-aged these with vintage-accurate checking and wear to the thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Each features Slash's custom specs throughout as well as exclusive hot-stamped Slash pickguard artwork. With only 25 of each being made, these Slash Firebirds are instantly some of the most collectible artist models Gibson Custom has ever created.

Tak Matsumoto

Guitarist

B'z

Verified via Rakuten

Tak Matsumoto is associated with the Gibson Custom Shop Firebird, a limited edition guitar available in Tobacco and Charcoal finishes, as noted by Guitar Planet on Rakuten. There is also mention of a rare Aquamarine Burst version, though its existence is uncertain.

Matt Webb

Singer, Guitarist

Marianas Trench

Verified via YouTube

Gear Masters (revisited) episode 38, at 0:16, Matt says he plays a limited edition Gibson Custom Shop Firebird, saying "I tune this guy up a whole tone" for songs like Astoria and End of an Era.

Album Usage

The Gibson Custom Shop Firebird has been featured on the following albums:

Astoria

Marianas Trench (2015)

End of An Era (Clean)

Marianas Trench (2015)

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 Custom Shop Firebird, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Empress Compressor Compressor Effects Pedals

Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals

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