Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
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
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1964 Gibson Firebird V played by Julian Lage
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
Mods and upgrades
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Lollar Firebird pickups are a popular replacement choice for those seeking improved tone from original stock pickups.
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Setup and maintenance
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The massive original hard case is essential for secure transport and storage due to the guitar's unique shape and size.
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User experience
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The paint on the pickguard's emblem may bleed, causing a faded appearance over time, despite the guitar remaining structurally sound.
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Some players find the necks on non-custom shop reverse models too thin, similar to Jackson necks.
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Firebirds can feel awkward when sitting, requiring players to adjust hand positions toward the bridge for comfort.
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Playing Firebirds standing up is reportedly more comfortable than sitting, due to the guitar's unique shape and reach.
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Build quality
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1998-2000 custom shop reissues feature a distinct fat neck carve that differentiates them from other models.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 51 Ratings
319
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.
629
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.
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 :)
41010
good year, cool color!
2423
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".
521
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.
41010
I am envious, I want a white firebird for the guitarsenal this year
272
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
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He uses it in his featuring with Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead on "I Ain't No Nice Guy"
James Hetfield can be seen using a Gibson Firebird (white with black down the center of the guitar) in photos.
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.
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."
Billy Corgan can be seen playing a Gibson Firebird V in this picture. He can also be seen playing one in this photo.
Eric Johnson is seen using a Gibson Firebird V in a promotional photo, as captured by Dallasnews.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
Album Usage
The Gibson Firebird V has been featured on the following albums:
Live In Denver
Panic! at the Disco (2025)
My God-Given Right
Helloween (2015)
Better Nature
Silversun Pickups (2015)
One-X
Three Days Grace (2006)
A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
Panic! at the Disco (2005)
Move Along
The All-American Rejects & The All‐American Rejects (2005)
One By One (Expanded Edition)
Foo Fighters (2002)
From the Cradle
Eric Clapton (1994)
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.
Community setups
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