Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$6,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$6,499.00
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$1,954.81 19 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (5)
$6,499.00
Thomann
4.0 (1)
$5,666.00 $5,599.00 $67.00 · All time low

Average Price: $5,410

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Firebird V". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Gibson Firebird V, a masterful blend of timeless design and legendary sound. Channeling the innovative spirit of 1963, this guitar features an aggressively modern look, conceived by renowned automotive designer, Ray Dietrich. The Firebird V's unique offset body and reversed headstock not only made history but also captured the hearts of countless rock and roll enthusiasts.

The Gibson Firebird V isn't just about looks; it's a powerhouse of sound. The guitar’s custom-wound AlNiCo V mini-humbuckers deliver scorching tones that truly set the Firebird apart, making it a go-to for fans of classic rock and blues. The multi-piece, mahogany-and-walnut neck-through design guarantees long-lasting resonance and a warm, rich tone.

This is not just a guitar; it's a statement. From its deluxe banjo tuners to the hot-stamped 3-ply pickguard, the Gibson Firebird V is a clear nod to classic design, exuding an unmatched vibe that’s hard to resist.

Key Features:

  • Authentically designed by renowned automotive designer, Ray Dietrich
  • Unique offset body and reversed headstock
  • Multi-piece, mahogany-and-walnut neck-through design
  • Custom-wound AlNiCo V mini-humbuckers
  • Deluxe banjo tuners and hot-stamped 3-ply pickguard
  • Mahogany construction with detailed tone and long sustain
  • "Authentic '63 Medium C" neck shape for that vintage feel
  • Includes deluxe hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity
  • Made in the USA
Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Gibson Firebird V played by Julian Lage

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Firebird V played by Julian Lage by Carter Vintage Guitars

1964 Gibson Firebird V played by Julian Lage

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird V, Studio Non-Reverse & Studio '70s Tribute by MusicRadar

Gibson Firebird V, Studio Non-Reverse & Studio '70s Tribute

MusicRadar

MusicRadar

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Firebird V Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1964 Gibson Firebird V Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Joe Bonamassa on the 1964 Gibson Firebird V by Guitar World

Joe Bonamassa on the 1964 Gibson Firebird V

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for 2012 Gibson Firebird V Part1 by GregsGuitars

2012 Gibson Firebird V Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Firebird V | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1964 Gibson Firebird V | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for Gibson Firebird V 120th Anniversary presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Firebird V 120th Anniversary presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for GIBSON 2013 FIREBIRD V CLASSIC WHITE USA by Bastian Guitars

GIBSON 2013 FIREBIRD V CLASSIC WHITE USA

Bastian Guitars

Bastian Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2007 Gibson Firebird Zebrawood by TheDWCoverProject

2007 Gibson Firebird Zebrawood

TheDWCoverProject

TheDWCoverProject

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Firebird V models with Grover tuners have a slightly different headstock shape and may not be labeled as "Firebird V."

    Source
  • The Firebird's design encourages players to rest their picking hand closer to the bridge compared to Les Pauls.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Lollar Firebird pickups are a popular replacement choice for those seeking improved tone from original stock pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The massive original hard case is essential for secure transport and storage due to the guitar's unique shape and size.

    Source

User experience

  • The paint on the pickguard's emblem may bleed, causing a faded appearance over time, despite the guitar remaining structurally sound.

    Source
  • Some players find the necks on non-custom shop reverse models too thin, similar to Jackson necks.

    Source
  • Firebirds can feel awkward when sitting, requiring players to adjust hand positions toward the bridge for comfort.

    Source
  • Playing Firebirds standing up is reportedly more comfortable than sitting, due to the guitar's unique shape and reach.

    Source

Build quality

  • 1998-2000 custom shop reissues feature a distinct fat neck carve that differentiates them from other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare Firebird necks to Jackson guitars, noting their thinness as a similar feature.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Firebird V 2010 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Firebird V is a striking, lightweight electric guitar that's as much about aesthetics as it is about sound. Praised for its gorgeous looks and resonant tone, it appeals to a wide range of players from blues hounds to rockers. The Firebird V's mini humbuckers offer a bright, versatile sound that Fender fans might appreciate. However, the guitar isn't without its flaws, such as minor binding shrinkage and imperfect finishing. Despite these minor issues, it remains a desirable instrument, noted for its playability and unique charm, making it a worthwhile investment.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 51 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
andris_gabor

One of the best Gibson has ever made

One of my favourite axes. Sounds somewhere in between an SG and a tele. Took my a while to get a second hand one in nice condition as thee babies are pretty rare in Europe. My has the Kluson tuners (instead of the modern Steinbergs) so it is pretty heavy on the head, prone to dive. The Firebird is like a wild horse, you have to learn how to ride it.

daryl_skinner

Best and most versatile guitar ever made by Gibson, period.

If I need to describe the Firebird in one word it will be perfection. It hands down best and most versatile guitar ever made by Gibson. I use Mojotone Johnny Winter Signature Firebird pickups in my Firebird. Through my Vox AC100 CPH the Firebird can pull off anything starting from the The Beach Boys to Diamond Head.

cedric_lejeune

It's a wonderful guitar

Mine is a 90 cardinal red, I've added a Bigsby on it with a Vibramate, played with 11-48. Ringing, beautiful crunch tones with tons of harmonics, great for slide. It's a bit heavy but you get used to it, better with a large strap. Well, it's a Firebird :)

jimmarchi1

good year, cool color!

peasinafookinpod420

awesome firebird

Pat uses this as his go-to grunge guitar. his looks just like this one, but with an added in/out of phase mini toggle switch and tortishell pickguard. recommend I do if you can afford it. best heard on our cover of Nirvana's "Lithium".

nicksummers1

Love this guitar!

This is a serious block of furniture! Replaced the banjo tuners with gearless stienbergers and the Gibson stock pickups with Joe Bardens. Now it's even better. Great chunky rhythm and fat leads.

joerocco

Gibson Firebird V White

One of my best sounding guitars. Needed some work right from factory. Strings Ernie Ball 11-52 no mods

jimmarchi1

I am envious, I want a white firebird for the guitarsenal this year

chewy_studio

Awesome.

My First guitar and the best guitar in my home.It was awesome because I didn't expect it to be so good when I first bought it on Amazon this guitar is Amazing.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Gibson Firebird V

Slash

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses it in his featuring with Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead on "I Ain't No Nice Guy"

See how James Hetfield uses Gibson Firebird V

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

James Hetfield can be seen using a Gibson Firebird (white with black down the center of the guitar) in photos.

See how Eric Clapton uses Gibson Firebird V

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton said that he used this guitar on stage for a couple of numbers during the From The Cradle Tour 1994-5. Lee Dickson recalls that a fan appeared at a gig with this guitar and gave it to Eric who, to Lee's surprise, used it that night for two numbers.

See how Jim Root uses Gibson Firebird V

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via YouTube

seen at the 5:42 mark of the video, Jim Root shows an unopened box of a Gibson Silverburst Firebird V. He says that he wants to keep it in sealed/mint condition so that in a span of many years, you won't get to see a Gibson Silverburst Firebird V "still in the box."

See how Billy Corgan uses Gibson Firebird V

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

Billy Corgan can be seen playing a Gibson Firebird V in this picture. He can also be seen playing one in this photo.

See how Eric Johnson uses Gibson Firebird V

Eric Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Johnson is seen using a Gibson Firebird V in a promotional photo, as captured by Dallasnews.

See how Jason Newsted uses Gibson Firebird V

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Tumblr

In this photo Newsted can be seen holding a Black Gibson Firebird.

See how Matthew Healy uses Gibson Firebird V

Matthew Healy

Singer, Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via Photo

Matthew Healy is seen using the Gibson Firebird V in a photo shared by Instagram user textingmattysometimes, showcasing his gear during a performance with The 1975.

See how Chris Shiflett uses Gibson Firebird V

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via reverb.com

This guitar has had an interesting journey!! Started out white when I bought it around the making of “One By One.” As a matter of fact it’s the guitar I’m playing in the “All My Life” video. I hated the banjo tuners so my tech, Sean Cox, switched ‘em out for regulars tuners and put ‘em on each side of the headstock. People used to trip out on that. Somewhere along the line I had it painted Pelham Blue and put back to it’s original style. Switched the pickups out for better, hotter mini-humbuckers so this thing really wails. I’m sad to say I’m just not big enough to play a Firebird. Too neck heavy and the neck is too wide for my lil’ hands. That’s why I play non-reverse Firebirds now. Super cool guitar anyway. Channel your inner Andy McCoy!!

See how Martin L. Gore uses Gibson Firebird V

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Depeche Mode performance warming up for the Spirit Tour live in Berlin March 17, 2017, at 19:40 they play A pain that I'm used to (Lu Cont remix). Martin L. Gore can be seen playing a Gibson Firebird V in a Vintage Sunburst finish. While the body of the guitar is that of a normal Gibson Firebird V, the headstock is pointing down as it would in a Gibson Non-Reverse Firebird V model.

See how Tom Petty uses Gibson Firebird V

Tom Petty

Singer, Guitarist

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Photo

Tom Petty can be seen playing his Gibson Firebird guitar at a show at Red Rocks in October of 2014. This photo was posted to the official Tom Petty website.

See how Brendon Urie uses Gibson Firebird V

Brendon Urie

Drummer, Keyboardist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

Brendon is clearly seen here using a white Gibson Firebird V

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 V, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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thespann

thespann

Gear IQ 121

gabrielfa

gabrielfa

Gear IQ 334

1 alternative for Gibson Firebird V, curated by the Equipboard community.

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