Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $8,475
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Gibson Firebird I". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the realm of rock legends with the Gibson Firebird I, a guitar that melds vintage charm with modern playability. This model stands out with its "reversed" body shape and single Firebird pickup, offering a unique aesthetic and sound that cuts through the mix. Perfect for the guitarist seeking to carve their own path, the Firebird I combines simplicity with a bold statement, making it as visually striking as it is sonically captivating. Whether you're riffing in the garage or lighting up the stage, this guitar brings a piece of rock history into your hands without compromising on the demands of contemporary music-making.
Key Features:
- Unique "reversed" body shape for standout stage presence
- Single Firebird pickup in the bridge position for distinct, cutting tone
- Chrome hardware and unbound neck with dot inlays for a sleek, minimalist look
- Wraparound bridge with optional factory vibrato (offered in 1964) for added expressiveness
- Transitioned to a "non-reversed" body shape by mid-1965, adding a twist to its collectibility
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Firebird I |
| Finish | 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 | Wrap-Around |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Firebird |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Firebird I Reverse |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Through |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Firebird I have?
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The Gibson Firebird I features a single mini-humbucker pickup, known for its clear, bright, and defined tone with excellent string separation and dynamic response.
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Is the Gibson Firebird I suitable for playing rock music?
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Yes, the Gibson Firebird I is well-suited for rock music due to its bright, punchy tone and excellent response to overdrive, making it ideal for dynamic rock performances.
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Firebird I?
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The Gibson Firebird I has a neck-through construction with a slim taper neck profile, offering a smooth playing experience and easy access to higher frets.
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How does the Gibson Firebird I handle distortion?
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The Gibson Firebird I handles distortion well, maintaining clarity and note definition, which allows for nuanced playing even with aggressive picking techniques.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson Firebird I?
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The Gibson Firebird I has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is standard for many Gibson guitars, providing a comfortable feel and easier string bending.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
Carter Vintage - J.D. Simo - Gibson Firebird I
Carter Vintage - J.D. Simo - Gibson Firebird I
Carter Vintage Guitars
The Brand New Gibson Custom Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I
Peach Guitars
"Pick of the day" - 1964 Gibson Firebird I and Two-Rock Classic Reverb Signature
Emerald City Guitars
One of Eric Clapton's all time favorite guitars, the Gibson Firebird I - Original 1964 example
Walt Grace Vintage
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Firebird I.
User experience
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Owners highlight significant neck dive, often requiring a wide suede strap or repositioning the strap button to counterbalance the weight effectively.
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The Firebird's glossy neck can feel awkward for some, affecting how the right arm rests on the body during play.
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The neck joins further from the player than usual, causing potential fret misplacement for those accustomed to Les Pauls.
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The slim taper neck is perceived as chunky by some, likely due to the wider "D" shape of standard shop Firebirds.
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Firebirds can feel awkward sitting down due to the thin body and balance issues, prompting players to adjust their playing position.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Some users replace stock ceramic pickups, which are very hot (neck: 14k ohm, bridge: 22k ohm), for a less compressed sound suitable for classic rock and blues.
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Setup and maintenance
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Reports of fret buzz on the low E string are common, costing around £100 to partially resolve, suggesting potential issues in fretboard quality or setup.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Firebird’s neck-through design allows for excellent upper fret access, though it requires adjusting hand position for standard chord playing.
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The adjustable brass nut on newer models can pose challenges for players with smaller hands, especially when muting strings.
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The Firebird's 25.5-inch scale length and unique pickups provide a twangy sound, reminiscent of Phil Manzanera's style, distinct from mini-humbuckers in other Gibson models.
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Some players find the Firebird's tuners exceptionally comfortable and efficient, questioning why they aren't standard on all guitars.
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The small plastic truss rod cover and flat veneered headstock deviate from traditional Firebird aesthetics, resembling non-reverse models.
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Build quality
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Recent models may feature lightweight gearless Steinberger tuners, preferred for their precise tuning capabilities compared to traditional banjo tuners.
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The 3-ply all mahogany neck lacks the traditional mahogany and walnut sandwich, raising durability concerns for purists.
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Some models show lacquer damage near the nut or flaws lacquered over, suggesting inconsistent finishing quality.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton played a Gibson Firebird I during Cream's Farewell Tour, as seen in footage from their performance at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
At 2:43 of the "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Mike Hickey shows off the rare single pickup Firebird 1 without the tremolo just like Eric Clapton played.
Paul used a Gibson Firebird I live during 1974 up until 1976. His first Firebird I was a second hand Sunburst model which was later painted black. It was produced between 1963-65 and was broken during the Destroyer Studio sessions in 1976. Gibson handmade him a replacement with a Dimarzio Super Distortion full sized humbucker instead of the usual Firebird mini humbucker. via axeology.com
In this photo, taken at a CSNY concert in Wembley, 1974. Stills is visible playing Gibson Firebird I.
In this photo, one can see Arson playing a Gibson Firebird I.
In a user-uploaded photo from an unidentified live performance, Tony Hicks is seen playing a Gibson Firebird I, notable for its single bridge pickup. It is believed that he acquired this guitar in the mid to late 1970s and used it occasionally on stage. Although it doesn't frequently appear in his later performances, it is thought to remain part of his collection. Hicks later favored a PRS guitar extensively from the 1990s onward.
Nick Wheeler owns a custom-made blue sparkle Gibson Firebird I, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Flickr.
In an episode of "That Pedal Show" titled "Let’s Talk About Gibson Firebirds… With Dave Gregory!", guitarist Dave Gregory demonstrates his use of the Gibson Firebird I. During this episode, which provides visual confirmation, Gregory showcases his collection of Gibson Firebird guitars, including the Firebird I, and discusses the history, tones, and unique attributes of these guitars. The source is "That Pedal Show" on YouTube, where Dave Gregory shares insights and experiences with this specific model.
"I wish I could take credit for this head-slapping idea, but I got it from an early promo video on YouTube for Mott the Hoople’s “All The Young Dudes.” It opens with Mick Ralphs playing a white Firebird I with a dog-eared P-90, and I thought it was the coolest looking guitar ever. I had to have one, so the Gibson Custom Shop built a beauty for me. This guitar totally rocks."
Mentioned in 2023 Vintage Guitar rundown.
By ’79, his collection included ’58 and ’59 Les Paul Standards, a ’58 Flying V, blond ’59 ES-335, a Firebird I, and a humbucker-equipped L-5S.
In the YouTube video titled "Whiskey Myers Rig Rundown with John Jeffers & Cody Tate", John Jeffers is seen showcasing a Gibson Firebird I guitar at the 15:25 mark.
Album Usage
The Gibson Firebird I has been featured on the following albums:
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 Firebird I, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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