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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
Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Gibson USA Firebird • Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson USA Firebird  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson USA Firebird • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • The 1964 Firebird VII features a neck-through construction with V-shaped joints, making it a solid yet lightweight guitar at 8 lbs.

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  • Original gold hardware on the '64 Firebird VII has tarnished to silver, indicating typical aging issues with vintage gear.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The original frets exhibit minimal wear, mostly on the first four frets, suggesting limited full-neck use.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite being associated with rock, Firebirds have been effectively used in funk, as evidenced by their use in Motown recordings.

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Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mercutiotwitch86

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!

steve_snider

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

manolarra

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 original
andrewshier

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

Add artist
See how Francisco Durán uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco usó esta guitarra únicamente en sus presentaciones en el auditorio nacional en junio del 2023 y en el palacio de los deportes en julio de 2024 en México

See how Miki Berenyi uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Miki Berenyi

Singer, Guitarist

Lush

...
Verified via Pinterest

Miki can be seen playing a Firebird of some sort in these images.

See how Glenn Frey uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Glenn Frey

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Audiofanzine

also playing a red Gibson Firebird

See how Rickey Medlocke uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Rickey Medlocke

Singer, Guitarist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via Google

In this 1980s photo, Rickey Medlocke is pictured with a Gibson Firebird Vintage guitar.

See how Steve Cradock uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Steve Cradock

Singer, Guitarist

Ocean Colour Scene

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Travellers Tune music video around 2.06 you can see Cradock using a Gibson Firebird

See how Glen Matlock uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Glen Matlock

Bassist

Sex Pistols

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:11 Glen Matlock is playing a Gibson Firebird.

See how Pat McCrory uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Pat McCrory

Guitarist

Turnstile

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video, Pat can be seeing using a Gibson Firebird. His doesn't have that classic bridge and tremolo.

See how Adam Smith uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Adam Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Temples

...
Verified via QRO Magazine

Adam Smith using a Firebird guitar multiple times throughout this performance starting at 5:38...

https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/076800-010-A/temples-a-la-route-du-rock

See how Takashi Mizutani uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Takashi Mizutani

Singer, Guitarist

Les Rallizes Dénudés

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Video of Mizutani playing with Japanese Psychedelic band Shizuka, Mizutani is using a Gibson Firebird.

See how Mat Welsh uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Mat Welsh

Guitarist

While She Sleeps

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Mat Welsh, he is seen using a Gibson Firebird Vintage guitar during a 2014 show at the Manchester Ritz. The caption, accompanied by a photo taken by Noelia Amieva, highlights his performance in the UK. Additionally, it's noted that Sean also played a Gibson Les Paul during this period, suggesting a collaboration with Gibson, although they continued to primarily use Ibanez guitars.

See how Jimmy McCulloch uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

Jimmy McCulloch

Singer, Guitarist

Wings

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Jimmy McCulloch: Niagara Guitar Solo," Jimmy McCulloch showcases his melodic and bluesy tone using a Gibson Firebird Vintage when he was just nineteen years old.

See how もっさ (Moussa) uses Gibson Firebird Vintage

もっさ (Moussa)

Singer, Guitarist

ネクライトーキー (Necry Talkie)

...
Verified via Photo

This photo shows the bands gear before they got on stage. in mossa's spot on the stage is the gibson firebird v in frost blue.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Firebird Vintage, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Firebird V
Gibson Firebird V Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Gibson SG Standard
Gibson SG Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler
Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler Multi Effects Pedals
1
Boss RC-20XL Loop Station
Boss RC-20XL Loop Station Looper Effects Pedals
1
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
DigiTech Whammy II
DigiTech Whammy II Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
alexjb

alexjb

Gear IQ 352

bryankielty

bryankielty

Gear IQ 86

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