1965 Gibson Firebird III Reverse Body Vintage Guitar Sunburst w/ Case

Up for sale, a 1965 Gibson Firebird III in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. A transitional model, this Firebird III has the model’s iconic “reverse” body which was the brainchild of automotive designer Rob Deitrich, with the “non-reverse” headstock seen on the last production examples.

Retaining all of the original electronics, hardware, and plastics, this Firebird III is also free of any headstock repairs. The one repair of note is a section of replaced mahogany extending from the bridge pickup route to the forward edge of the short frame Maestro Vibrola. This repair was executed long ago, blending extremely well with the otherwise original Sunburst nitro lacquer finish.

The Firebird III’s mahogany construction results in a certain midrange warmth and fullness. Notably different in construction and tonal characteristics compared to a mini humbucker, the similarly sized Firebird pickups are wound fairly conservatively, with exquisite clarity, growl and cut. The bridge pickup has a lively spank and immediacy, while the neck is smooth and broad without sacrificing punch and articulation. This Firebird III weighs 7lbs 10oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Slender C, measuring .805” 1st fret, .980” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, 12” radius, dot inlay
-Frets: Medium jumbo, level/crown, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (replacement)
-Tuners: Banjo
-Serialization: Six-digit stamp dates to ‘65

Body Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Pickups: Firebird mini humbucker x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Harness: CTS pots date to the 14th week of ‘65
-Hardware: Maestro Vibrola, compensated bridge (chrome-plated), pickup covers/surrounds (nickel-plated)
-Plastics: Gold reflector cap knobs, three-ply pickguard with (faded) Firebird graphic

The finish is 100% original save for the well-matched replaced piece of mahogany beneath the bridge pickup/bridge, exhibiting tight lacquer checking, subtle buckle scuffing and various minor dings and finish scratches consistent with careful use. The nitro gloss on the neck profile is smooth and clean.

The original black rectangular hardshell case is included; two of the latches are non-functional, and the original handle is intact.