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Description
The Gibson Firebird Vintage is not just an electric guitar; it's a sonic statement piece. Born from the fusion of classic car aesthetics and groundbreaking musical innovation, this guitar has been a staple in iconic performances since its inception. Celebrated for its neck-through-body construction, the Firebird delivers unparalleled sustain and resonance, ensuring every note you play is a testament to tonal excellence.
The Firebird's design is a nod to its 1960s roots, featuring the unmistakable reverse styling that captivates both players and audiences alike. The dual mini humbuckers are the heart of this beast, delivering a punchy and dynamic range of tones that span from bright, bell-like highs to a complex midrange humbucker growl. And with the SlimTaper neck, you’ll find your fingers flying across the fretboard with ease, making those extended jam sessions feel effortless.
Crafted with a mahogany body and a 9-piece mahogany/walnut neck, the Firebird is as robust as it is beautiful. The Steinberger gearless tuners add a modern twist, offering stable tuning no matter how hard you rock out. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gibson Firebird Vintage is your ticket to a new level of musical expression.
Key Features:
- Classic reverse Firebird design
- Neck-through-body construction for remarkable sustain
- 9-piece mahogany/walnut neck with a SlimTaper profile
- Dual mini humbuckers for versatile tonal range
- Steinberger gearless tuners for precise tuning stability
- Bound rosewood fretboard with detailed craftsmanship
Videos
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson USA Firebird • Wildwood Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Firebird Vintage.
Value and pricing
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The 2015 Gibson Firebird V with non-original bridge routing is considered a good deal at $1,300, especially given the current scarcity of new models.
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Features and functionality
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The 2015 Firebird has a wider 1.795” nut width, which some players find less comfortable compared to standard Gibson necks.
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The Firebird VII uses three mini-humbuckers, identical to those on later Les Paul Deluxe models, lacking individual controls for the middle pickup.
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Firebirds are available with mini-humbuckers, full-size humbuckers, or P90s, each offering distinct tonal characteristics.
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Mods and upgrades
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Adding a treble bleed circuit to the neck pot can enhance tonal versatility, making it sound like a "Tele on steroids."
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Comparisons
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The 2015 Firebird's Steinberger tuners are preferred by some over traditional banjo tuners for better tuning stability.
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A modern SG's neck profile closely resembles the comfortable feel of the '64 Firebird VII's neck.
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Firebird's mini-humbuckers provide a brighter, cleaner tone compared to full-size humbuckers, making them suitable for funk and rhythm parts in mixes.
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User experience
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The slim neck profile of the 2015 Firebird is contrasted with the thicker 50s style necks, catering to different playing preferences.
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Despite its aged appearance, the electronics remain original and functional, offering a unique tonal blend when using the middle pickup.
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Some players find the Firebird's body shape uncomfortable and experience neck-dive issues, particularly with non-reverse models.
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The Firebird's large size might not be ideal for players under 5'8", as it can feel awkward to handle.
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Build quality
Setup and maintenance
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The original frets exhibit minimal wear, mostly on the first four frets, suggesting limited full-neck use.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 21 Ratings
222
Good for a classic rock tone.
Alone, this guitar provides a nice, clean, vintage sound, due to the "firebird" pickups. Add a overdrive pedal or a tubescreamer, then you're talking a rock tone that'll blow your mind!
153
Love this thing. It's a rock n roll monster. Plays great and cuts through like a mutha.
Got this as my main piece for live performance and couldn't be happier. Plays great, hangs well, sounds unlike anything else. All around great guitar
162
Rock, Blues
Rock, blues is not excessively powerful like the Les Paul, nor as shrill as the SG, it's a good middle ground.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See original71
Gibson Firebird - Vintage Sunburst
Her name is Chloe. She is a dirty little #$%# and is used in most of my hard rock , grungy tunes!
Artist usage
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Chris Shiflett is associated with a Gibson Firebird Vintage, as detailed on Reverb.com. Originally, the guitar was white, and his guitar tech installed a humbucker in the bridge. This modified version is visible in the "Stacked Actors" live performance at Wembley. Eventually, Shiflett restored the original Firebird pickup, repainted it Pelham Blue, similar to Dave Grohl's Trini Lopez and DG-335 models, and later sold it on Reverb.
in the germs performances in decline of western civilization, pat is playing a gibson firebird.
In this backstage interview with Ronnie Wood during the Rolling Stones' 2003 Licks tour, he mentions at 1:00 his "good old-fashioned Firebird." His is a classic sunburst model with a white pick-guard.
At 0:05, Derek Trucks of The Allman Brothers, The Derek Trucks Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Frogwings is seen playing a Gibson Firebird Vintage Electric Guitar for the Tedeschi Trucks Band song 'Come see about me' live.
'64 Firebird VII. Campbell specifies in his memoir Heartbreaker that it is, in fact, a VII. This is what he uses for 'Running Down a Dream.'" says Mike Campbell's guitar tech about the Gibson Firebird Vintage Electric Guitar. Pictured here is a sort of reissue Firebird V.
He occasionally used his black and white gibson firebird from 1994 to 1996. During the pre and early Frogstomp era whilst he didn't use it very commonly. There are old photos with it and it does feature heavily in the music video for Israel’s Son https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k2d6iwOSAfQ&feature=youtu.be
Can be seen throughout the video. Also mentioned in the following article as being this guitar http://pancakesandwhiskey.com/2020/05/02/reignwolf-cabinfever/
At 1:21 of this live performance of "Freebird", you can see Allen playing a Gibson Firebird. Allen used this guitar as his primary model for most of Skynyrd's Ronnie-era, and at one point owned up to 4 different Firebirds.
Als this badass guitar was used in the early eighties by Roland (see it in action staring at 31:31)
Album Usage
The Gibson Firebird Vintage has been featured on the following albums:
Cabin Fever (Garage Recording)
Reignwolf (2020)
After You've Gone
John Jorgenson (1988)
One More From The Road (Live / Deluxe Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)
Gimme Back My Bullets (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1976)
Nuthin' Fancy (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1975)
Second Helping (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd (Expanded Edition)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (1973)
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 Vintage, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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