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Average Price: $1,800

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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar stands as a testament to innovative design and powerful sound, embodying the spirit of rock and roll with its unmistakable reverse body shape. Crafted with a mahogany body and a 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck, this guitar not only looks striking but offers a balanced and resonant tone that guitarists crave. The bound rosewood fretboard provides smooth playability, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead players.

Equipped with Firebird Mini-Humbuckers, this guitar delivers a unique tonal palette that blends the warmth and richness of humbuckers with the clarity and brightness typically found in single-coils. Whether you're looking to channel the raw power of your favorite rock anthem or explore more nuanced bluesy tones, the Firebird responds with precision and flair.

Additionally, the Gibson Firebird incorporates subtle yet impactful updates, including a refined nut and a selection of fresh finishes, keeping its classic appeal while offering modern reliability. This combination of vintage inspiration and contemporary enhancements ensures that the Firebird remains a top choice for musicians seeking an instrument that can handle anything from the studio to the stage.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck
  • Bound rosewood fretboard
  • Firebird Mini-Humbuckers for versatile sound
  • Updated nut and new finish options
  • Iconic reverse body shape for a standout look

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Firebird
Finish Cardinal Red, Cherry, Tobacco Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2019 - 2020
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 Brown, Red
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
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar have?

The Gibson Firebird is equipped with mini-humbucker pickups, known for their bright and cutting tone, which is ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Gibson Firebird suitable for beginner guitarists?

The Gibson Firebird, with its unique neck-through construction and distinct sound, is typically better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can appreciate its tonal versatility and design.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Firebird?

The Gibson Firebird features a slim taper neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.

How does the Gibson Firebird's neck-through construction affect its sound?

The neck-through construction of the Gibson Firebird enhances sustain and resonance, offering a more consistent tone across the fretboard compared to bolt-on or set neck designs.

What finishes are available for the Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar?

The Gibson Firebird is available in several finishes, including Cardinal Red, Cherry, Tobacco Burst, and Vintage Sunburst, allowing players to choose a look that suits their style.

Rhett Shull

Rhett Shull

Gibson's Weirdest Guitar | What Is The Firebird Sound?

Video thumbnail for Gibson's Weirdest Guitar | What Is The Firebird Sound? by Rhett Shull

Gibson's Weirdest Guitar | What Is The Firebird Sound?

Rhett Shull

Rhett Shull

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for New Gibson Firebirds - US-Made, Automobile Inspired Rock 'n' Roll Machines! by Andertons Music Co

New Gibson Firebirds - US-Made, Automobile Inspired Rock 'n' Roll Machines!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson USA Firebird  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson USA Firebird • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird 2019 Review with James - Rimmers Music by Rimmers Music

Gibson Firebird 2019 Review with James - Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Firebird pickups provide a distinct twang, ideal for capturing a Phil Manzanera sound, differing from the Les Paul’s mini-humbuckers.

    Source
  • The unique tuners on the Firebird are praised for their design, with some users wondering why they aren't standard on all guitars.

    Source
  • The Firebird's larger size necessitates a longer or specific case, as it may not fit standard guitar stands or cases.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners with smaller hands find muting challenging, particularly on models with an adjustable brass nut.

    Source
  • A few players find the glossy neck finish uncomfortable, affecting playability due to awkward arm positioning.

    Source
  • Owners report significant neck dive, often mitigated by using a super wide suede strap or relocating the strap button for better balance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Firebird's construction includes a neck-through design, offering excellent upper fret access and noticeable vibration transmission through the body when playing chords.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Fret buzz on the low E string is a common issue, with some owners spending around £100 to partially resolve it.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have considered replacing the stock ceramic pickups due to their high output (neck at 14k ohm, bridge at 22k ohm), seeking a more 'airy', less compressed sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Firebird is often compared to its sibling, the Thunderbird, with both sharing a reputation for neck dive, though the Firebird provides better high fret access.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Firebird V 2010 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Firebird V 2010 is a captivating electric guitar, lauded for its stunning Classic White finish and versatile sound. This model impresses with its lightweight build and resonant tone, making it a joy to play for slide enthusiasts and more. The Firebird's 495R and 495T mini humbuckers deliver a bright, twangy sound palette that can rival Fender tones while retaining Gibson's warmth. However, minor issues like sharp fret ends and binding shrinkage are noted, albeit not deal-breakers. Overall, it's a visually and sonically appealing guitar that stands out in Gibson’s lineup.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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a_ada

FIREBIRD what a sound!!!

I didn't like this guitar form as I saw it the first time but then I took the FB in my arms and it was more confortable than Fender stratos..And the soft rock sound...oooohh I loved and bought it. Colour "vine red".

Roles:
Genres:
From Gear Setup
sandy_ridge

Love my firebird!!

Can't go worng, though they can be a lottle awkward, kind of like playing a coffee table. Also the cases are friggin' huge!

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

Billy played this Gibson on the song Silverfuck.

See how Robert Smith uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo you can see Robert Smith playing a Gibson Firebird. This is one of the oldest photo's known of the cure and isn't seenplaying it elsewhere as far as I know

See how Jamie Cook uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

Jamie Cook can be seen playing a Gibson Firebird during the music video for Arctic Monkeys single “Body Paint” off of their 7th Studio LP The Car. This is the first time Jamie has been seen playing this guitar, though not used live for the song, it fits in well with the type of guitars he typically uses as he favors Gibsons the most.

It can’t be determined if this is a modern reissue of the Firebird or if it is a vintage model. Jamie uses more modern gear than Alex Turner and Nick O’Malley, leading it it being more likely a modern model of the Gibson. The Firebird features three Humbuckers leading to more tonality than other Gibsons, the guitar could have been used to record the track.

See how Paul Gilbert uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Photo

In this image you can see Paul Gilbert holding a gibson firebird.

See how Frank Zappa uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, you can see Frank Zappa playing Gibson Firebird.

See how Kim Thayil uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Kim Thayil

Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Photo

The Premier Guitar Rig Rundown of Soundgarden states of Kim's Firebird, "Kim's Gibson Firebird is a current production model and has doubled strings in EEBBBE tuning ("My Wave," "Been Away Too Long")."

See how Ace Frehley uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Ace Frehley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

Three “reverse” Firebirds are visible in this June 1978 photo of Frehley in his home studio (as annotated in the May 1996 issue of Guitar), in addition to this companion photo.

See how Toru Kitajima uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Toru Kitajima

Singer, Guitarist

Ling Tosite Sigure

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post by TK you can see the firebird guitar in it's case, and Gibson headstock which confirms it's a Gibson guitar.

See how Lzzy Hale uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Lzzy Hale

Keyboardist, Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Lzzy Hale can be seen playing her Gibson Firebird.

See how Eddie Hazel uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Eddie Hazel

Guitarist, Singer

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Guvna Guitars

Besides his Strat and Les Paul, Eddie Hazel also played a Gibson Firebird with Parliament-Funkadelic.

See how Matthias Jabs uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Matthias Jabs

Guitarist

Scorpions

...
Verified via YouTube

Matthias Jabs is seen using a Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar in the Scorpions' official music video for "Passion Rules the Game," as provided by the Scorpions on YouTube.

See how Matt Talbott uses Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar

Matt Talbott

Singer, Guitarist

HUM

...
Verified via Amateurchemist

In this blog a photo is shown where Matt is playing a red Gibson Firebird

Used With

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

Gibson SG
Gibson SG Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson Les Paul Special
Gibson Les Paul Special Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
TEN Effects Barracuda
TEN Effects Barracuda Flanger Effects Pedals
1
MXR Phase 95
MXR Phase 95 Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Analog Man Boss GE-7/Pro
Analog Man Boss GE-7/Pro Equalizer Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
paralelojuan

paralelojuan

Gear IQ 351

G

g211_masonian

Gear IQ 90

a_ada

a_ada

Gear IQ 142

sandy_ridge

sandy_ridge

Gear IQ 922

ricardo_jorge_rocha

ricardo_jorge_rocha

Gear IQ 558

thatoneguitarbro

thatoneguitarbro

Gear IQ 181

eternalis_quentin

eternalis_quentin

Gear IQ 155

a_ada

a_ada

Gear IQ 142

thatoneguitarbro

thatoneguitarbro

Gear IQ 181

2 alternative and related items for Gibson Firebird Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Telecaster

 

similar sound

I generally describe the esound like a tele on roids so this seems a fair comparison.

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