Let’s take a trip back to the early 60’s, a time in which many musicians of the day were beginning to explore new styles and sounds, and a little company in Fullerton, CA called Fender would find itself dominating the guitar market and winning public appeal with their unique solid body designs. Gibson on the other hand needed to offer something fresh to the public to keep their foot in the door and kick off the 60’s with a bang. So in 1963, they introduced the Firebird, an innovative response to the rapidly changing musical landscape that has since become an iconic instrument cherished by guitarists across several genres. With its distinctive reverse body shape, fiery tone, and renowned Gibson playability, the Firebird has continued to captivate musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike for the last six decades.

The Firebird’s unconventional design sets it apart from other guitars on the market. While many electric guitars of the era featured a simplistic single or double cutaway body shape, the Firebird takes a bold departure with its asymmetrical, “reverse” body design. The shorter upper horn and elongated lower horn create a visually striking silhouette that instantly grabs your attention. The guitar’s unique body shape also allows for easy access to the higher frets, making extended lead playing a breeze. Several years later, Gibson would even take things a step further by offering an inverted version of the original body shape, known as “non-reverse” models. 

One of the standout features of the Firebird is its neck-through construction. This means that the neck extends through the entire length of the body, providing exceptional sustain and resonance. The neck is typically made of mahogany, a staple of Gibson manufacturing known for its warm tone. The guitar’s body is often constructed from either mahogany or maple, offering a solid foundation for the instrument’s sonic character.

The Firebird has become well known for its unique sound. Equipped with a pair of mini-humbucking pickups, Firebirds offer a wide range of tones. From thin and honky midrange to creamy thick low end, a Firebird can cover almost anything from pop, blues and rock to even heavier styles of music. Its unique pickup placement, closer to the bridge, also contributes to its distinct tonal characteristics, resulting in a vibrant and biting sound that can cut through any mix.

In terms of controls, the Firebird typically features a straightforward setup with two volume and two tone knobs, along with a three-way pickup selector switch. This minimalist configuration allows for quick and intuitive adjustments, making it easy for guitarists to dial in their desired tone on the fly. The Firebird’s playability is another factor that has contributed to its lasting popularity. With a 12” radius and 1 11/16” nut width, the Firebird shares the same renowned playability as its peer Les Paul, SG, and ES models. The fretboard is typically made of rosewood or ebony, providing a smooth surface for effortless fretting and bending.

Since its introduction, the Firebird has been seen in the hands of numerous influential guitarists, one of the most notable players being Johnny Winter, whose scorching blues licks and energetic performances showcased the guitar’s versatility and power. At one time or another, the Firebird has also been the instrument of choice for such players as Eric Clapton, Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, Derek Trucks and many more.

Over the years, Gibson has offered different variations of the Firebird to cater to various player preferences. These include the Firebird I, II, III, V, and VII models, each with its own unique features and appointments. Gibson has also released several limited-edition runs and signature models in more recent times, allowing new generations of players to enjoy and appreciate the model.

The Firebird stands as a testament to Gibson’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design. Its iconic reverse body shape, powerful sound, and exceptional playability have made it a favorite among guitarists for over half a century, and for good reason. Whether you’re drawn to its striking looks, fiery tone, or legendary history, the Firebird remains a true classic that continues to inspire musicians and ignite the stage with its unique presence.

Got a Firebird you’d like to sell? We’re interested! You can give us a call at any one of our 4 shops across Southern California, or send us an email directly at 

ImperialVintageGuitars@gmail.com

We Hope To Hear From You Soon! 

-IVG