Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,231
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Firebird Platypus Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson Firebird Platypus is a captivating blend of classic design and modern innovation, crafted for musicians who value both style and substance. This electric guitar draws inspiration from the rare transitional models of the mid-'60s, featuring a unique Platypus headstock that not only stands out visually but also enhances tuning stability with its straight string pull. Combining the best of reverse and non-reverse Firebird elements, its mahogany body and glued-in set neck deliver a resonant tone and lasting sustain, while the SlimTaper neck profile offers a fast, comfortable playing experience.
Equipped with two historically accurate Firebird mini humbuckers, the Firebird Platypus produces the signature mid-'60s sound with remarkable versatility. These Alnico V-loaded pickups can deliver everything from clean, bell-like tones to gritty, powerful riffs that cut through the mix with ease. Each pickup is controlled by individual volume and tone knobs, providing a wide spectrum of sonic possibilities.
Beyond its sound, the Firebird Platypus boasts a rosewood fingerboard adorned with elegant Trapezoid inlays and a pickguard featuring the iconic Firebird graphic. Modern appointments such as Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, a Graph Tech nut, and an aluminum Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge ensure that this guitar is as reliable as it is distinctive. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the Gibson Firebird Platypus is a must-have for those who appreciate a unique twist on a legendary design.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body and set neck for warm tones and sustain
- SlimTaper neck profile for comfortable playability
- Unique Platypus headstock with Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners
- Rosewood fingerboard with Trapezoid inlays
- Dual Firebird mini humbuckers with Alnico V magnets
- Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup
- Aluminum Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and Graph Tech nut
- Includes a hardshell case
Product specs
| Model | Firebird Platypus |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Firebird |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | SlimTaper |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Trapezoid |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.695" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic, Aluminum StopBar |
| Tuners | Grover Mini Rotomatics, 18:1 |
| Neck Pickup | Gibson Alnico V Mini-humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Gibson Alnico V Mini-humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 2 x tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Firebird Platypus?
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The Gibson Firebird Platypus features a slim taper neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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What type of pickups does the Gibson Firebird Platypus have?
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The Gibson Firebird Platypus is equipped with mini humbucker pickups, which deliver a bright and punchy tone suitable for a wide range of music genres.
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Is the Gibson Firebird Platypus suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson Firebird Platypus is a high-quality instrument, its unique design and features may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Firebird Platypus for rock music?
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The Gibson Firebird Platypus offers a powerful and cutting tone with excellent sustain, making it well-suited for rock music, especially for lead guitar parts and solos.
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Does the Gibson Firebird Platypus come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson Firebird Platypus Tobacco Sunburst comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
Videos
Guitar Center
Gibson Firebird 2018 Electric Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Firebird Platypus Electric Guitar.
Build quality
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The Firebird Platypus features a set neck instead of the traditional neck-through design, impacting its structural integrity and resonance.
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The Platypus features a glued-in neck construction, which affects the overall resonance and structural integrity compared to the traditional neck-through design.
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Steinberger tuners are preferred over banjo tuners, as they avoid neck-dive issues and offer a better tuning ratio.
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Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The Platypus comes with a non-reversed headstock and mini Grover tuners, differing from the traditional Firebird setup.
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The guitar lacks the raised middle section at the back of the body, distinguishing it from classic Firebird models.
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The non-reverse headstock is a point of contention, with some owners expressing a preference for the traditional Firebird design.
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The Platypus features historical reproduction pickups, positioned correctly for a two-pickup Firebird, contributing to a vintage tone.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
855
A modern Firebird with amazing tone, playability, and looks.
The Platypus is a special incarnation of the Firebird, combining some aspects from the classic "reverse" model (body shape, and pickups) and other aspects from the later "non-reverse" model ( set-neck construction, flat six-on-top headstock design, and lack of banjo tuners).
The result is a modernized version of the Firebird that keeps the great classic looks and sound, while improving some aspects contributing to the neck playability, avoiding neck-dive, keep pickups parallel to strings, and improving tunning stability. I'd have appreciated the new model to still be nechk-through, but it was not a deal breaker for me since this has not much practical impact.
The pickups are true Alnico 5 Firebird pickups, and they sound great. Dynamic and great note clarity. The volume and tone knobs allow to get a wide range of usable tones, which makes the guitar really versatile.
Versatility was important in my case, since I want to keep my guitar collection quite minimal with just two guitars: an affordable Gretsch electrònic double jet (my first guitar, which being affordable I've been comfortable taking anywhere) and, the Firebird Platypus (to play at home).
I play mainly seated, and found the Firebird quite comfortable. The ergonomics of Firebirds have always been a mystery to me. The Firebird horn on the treble side helps to keep the neck higher (less horizontal to the floor) which makes it comfortable and facilitates fret access when playing seated. On more conventional guitars you may need to shift to "classic" position to achieve this. However, comments and reviews often describe Firebirds, as huge and "shifted to the left".
Interestingly, when I was finally able to try a Firebird in a store, it didn't feel that different from my Gretsch G5222 (for which you won't read such comments). So I guess it depends on which types of guitars you are used to play, in which position, and how it fits your body.
Being a less common model, it is priced a bit high. However, with some research you may find good opportunities for a discount (I got mine at a 24% discount of the official price).
Genre Usage
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Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Firebird Platypus Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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