Gibson Firebird I

$1,015.00 to $17,500.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

All time low price

Find out who is using Gibson Firebird I

5 wishlisted

7 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$5,899.00

View Deal

5.0 (2)

$17,500.00 4 available Used

View Deal

2.5 (2)

$1,025.00 $1,015.00 $10.00 · All time low

View Deal

£849.00

View Deal

Average Price: $8,138

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gibson Firebird I 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 2 merchants for "Gibson Firebird I". 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

Edit 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

What type of pickups does the Gibson Firebird I have?: 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.
Is the Gibson Firebird I suitable for playing rock music?: 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.
What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Firebird I?: 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.
How does the Gibson Firebird I handle distortion?: The Gibson Firebird I handles distortion well, maintaining clarity and note definition, which allows for nuanced playing even with aggressive picking techniques.
What is the scale length of the Gibson Firebird I?: 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

Add video

Carter Vintage Guitars

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

Add review

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

0 0

Owners highlight significant neck dive, often requiring a wide suede strap or repositioning the strap button to counterbalance the weight effectively.
Source
0 0

The Firebird's glossy neck can feel awkward for some, affecting how the right arm rests on the body during play.
Source
0 0

The neck joins further from the player than usual, causing potential fret misplacement for those accustomed to Les Pauls.
Source
0 0

The slim taper neck is perceived as chunky by some, likely due to the wider "D" shape of standard shop Firebirds.
Source
0 0

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

0 0

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.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

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

0 0

The Firebird’s neck-through design allows for excellent upper fret access, though it requires adjusting hand position for standard chord playing.
Source
0 0

The adjustable brass nut on newer models can pose challenges for players with smaller hands, especially when muting strings.
Source
0 0

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.
Source
0 0

Some players find the Firebird's tuners exceptionally comfortable and efficient, questioning why they aren't standard on all guitars.
Source
0 0

The small plastic truss rod cover and flat veneered headstock deviate from traditional Firebird aesthetics, resembling non-reverse models.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Recent models may feature lightweight gearless Steinberger tuners, preferred for their precise tuning capabilities compared to traditional banjo tuners.
Source
0 0

The 3-ply all mahogany neck lacks the traditional mahogany and walnut sandwich, raising durability concerns for purists.
Source
0 0

Some models show lacquer damage near the nut or flaws lacquered over, suggesting inconsistent finishing quality.
Source