Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Electric, Guitars, SOLD, Solidbody
The Gibson Firebird appeared in 1963 and while it wasn’t as popular as other models, it did take a prominent place in recording studios, especially Motown. In popular images, the Firebird might be most associated with Johhny Winter, Eric Clapton and Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynrd. But off camera, the Firebird appeared on many sessions and hit records with Dennis Coffey and Eddie Willis, key parts of the Funk Brothers supporting cast for Motown records. It turns out that the Firebird’s brightness makes it a great funk instrument.
This is a 1976 Gibson Firebird Bicentennial Limited Edition model. It was refretted last year in our shop, and plays pretty well. Some of the gold-plated components are not original, though the original parts are included in the original hardshell case. The pickups are by Seymour Duncan, the wider-range bridge is by Schaller, as is the fine-tuning tailpiece. The engraved gold ‘pancake’ style banjo tuners, likely by Schaller, are original. Banjo tuners tend to have relatively low-ratio gear sets, so the fine-tuning tailpiece can be a real practical upgrade. The pots date to 1976. There is a finish ding on the back of the head near the high E tuner, probably from a hangar, but there are no breaks.
Visit the Gibson Guitars website to view current Firebird models!
- Model: Firebird Bicentennial
- Year: Current
- Finish Sunburst
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 00233677, built during 1976 at the Gibson plant in Nashville, Tennessee
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 10/10/2017
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Scale Length: 24.75in
