Description
What makes this guitar special: Production numbers on these early Firebirds are pretty low & they're becoming increasingly harder to find in all original condition, which this one is. Only two issues - it's missing its trem arm & the hardshell case is not original. Good news is these items can be found to complete the package. As for the guitar itself, it's quite amazing! Recently acquired from a family who had it in their possession since 1970 when Dad found it in a pawn shop for about $100. Killer vibe with superb playability & tone - a real vintage beauty! Professionally inspected & set up by the experts at Cream City Music!
Cosmetic Condition: This is exactly how we like them - with good, honest play wear, where you see signs of typical use over the years, but not abused. Various nicks, chips, dents & dings; surface scratches, weather checking & some finish wear. No cracks, breaks or repairs. Overall the guitar has a marvelous, true vintage look to it with a gorgeous patina.
Neck: Tapered, 5-piece mahogany/walnut neck with nicely aged cream binding & tortoise side-dots. Beautiful Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl dot inlays. Original frets are in great shape with hardly any wear & tons of life in them. Reverse headstock with nickel "banjo" tuners in perfect working condition. 1 11/16" nut width; 24 3/4" scale length. Neck is straight & truss rod is functioning.
Body: Neck-thru design with solid mahogany wings in sunburst finish. Tremolo tailpiece with compensated bridge & nickel hardware. The 3-ply white pickguard has aged into more of an off-white color & the bottom corner is curling up, but there are no broken pieces & the red Firebird logo is still quite clear with only minimal fading. Guitar weighs 8 lbs 2.5 oz.
Pickups: Original mini humbuckers with nickel covers & bezels. Bridge - 6.90K ohms; Neck - 6.87K ohms. Dual volume & tone controls with gold "top hat" knobs; 3-way toggle switch. Pots date to '63 & all electronics are in perfect working condition.
Case: Unoriginal, later-period Gibson hardshell case included. The far right clasp is missing, but the case is good condition overall & serves its purpose well.
