{"product_id":"gibson-firebird-iii-solid-body-electric-guitar-1964-14315","title":"Gibson Firebird III Solid Body Electric Guitar (1964)","description":"Gibson Firebird III Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1964), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 199122, Inverness Green re- finish, laminated mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, period black hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOk, yes, this IS a refinish, BUT a really nice one, quite accurately done well over 30 years ago (we know where this guitar has been since the early '90s) and by now authentically aged in. IF this 1964 reverse Firebird III carried an original Inverness Green finish the current asking price would be between $50k and 100K, depending on the seller's level of ambition. And, we note the knobs on this guitar are the correct black version used only on Custom Color Firebirds; either this guitar WAS originally finished in something other than sunburst, or the refinisher had a better than average level of attention to detail in the 1980s. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn any hue this Firebird III was the most popular original \"reverse\" model, a Gibson classic with its futuristic sweeping lines and innovative through-body neck construction. Unfortunately this entire line was originally short-lived, introduced in late 1963 and discontinued after the mid-1965 NAMM show. This limited production time meant they barely had a chance to get established before being replaced by the more conventional (and much cheaper to build) \"non-reverse\" version. The originals have been sought after ever since, re-issued, revamped but never really quite equaled in the Gibson pantheon. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Firebird III was the mid-line model in the original line, offering professional features at the fairly reasonable price of $280 plus $46 for the \"Faultless\" case. Originally a Custom-Color finish added all of $15 to the bill, but often a considerable wait for the guitar to be delivered! The bound, dot inlaid fingerboard is the defining element as much of the hardware and layout is shared with the next model up, the Firebird V. Fittings include two special mini-humbucking pickups, a short Vibrola tailpiece with the \"spoon\" trem arm and solid stud bridge and the unique \"backwards\" headstock with individual Kluson banjo tuners. All hardware on this guitar is nickel plated except the vibrato handle, which is likely a replacement. The pickguard covers the lower body horn and carries the selector switch; it is also decorated with a nifty red Firebird emblem. The neck is somewhat bigger than the contemporary SG series with a relatively chunky feel but comfortable round-backed profile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePractically everything about the original Firebirds was unique; the long laminated neck-through-body centerpiece with \"wings\" glued to the sides, the fluid body shape with the longer lower cutaway horn and that headstock with the tuner buttons hidden from the front and the low E farthest from the nut. They hardly had a chance to establish themselves before being drastically revamped. A threatened lawsuit from Fender is often cited as the reason, but more likely the complex design simply proved uneconomical to produce. The elaborate sculpting of the body and headstock and the eccentric neck-through construction make for a beautiful instrument, but one that was difficult for Gibson to build on a cost-effective basis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a nod to being as hot-rod flashy as Fender, a full slate of custom color finishes were advertised for the Firebird line. In practice these were seldom ordered; Gibson lore holds dealers mostly ignored the special Firebird color chart brochure the company helpfully provided, more interested in selling stock models off the wall. \"If you've got a red one, they want a blue one\" was the complaint, and whatever the truth, the solid color guitars are exponentially rarer than the standard sunburst models. \"Inverness Green\" was one of the rarer options; whatever color this 'bird originally was it now wears a very accurate rendition of this shade, certainly more dramatic looking than the typical dark sunburst.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite being spotted with a number of major bands of the day (including the Rolling Stones, Four Seasons, Merseybeats and briefly the Lovin' Spoonful) these beautiful birds flew off into oblivion way too quickly. It's estimated that only about 2000 original \"Reverse\" Firebird III were produced between late '63 and mid '65; many have suffered cracks in the headstock area and\/or been played heavily or modified. This spectacular looking metallic green 'bird may have been reworked but is a splendid survivor nonetheless as well as a great all-around guitar with a stunning look and unique and powerful sound.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 45 in. (114.3 cm.), 13 1\/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1\/8 in. (2.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3\/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11\/16 in. (43 mm.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis guitar shows some light general wear since being reworked some decades back but no major damage, repairs, or alterations besides the later finish. The superbly well done Inverness Green lacquer re-finish has some small chips and dings, mostly on the edges. The neck does not appear to have ever been cracked or broken, nor has the control cavity. With an opaque refinish it is not possible to be absolutely sure, but there are no sinkage lines or marks indicating any repairs, nor evidence of sanding down to the throat of the neck. There is a small area on the lower back of the headstock where it looks like something reacted to the lacquer and caused slight crazing. This is just below the serial number which is very well preserved, not an easy trick when refinishing these. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough it is reputed to have fooled some folks \"back in the day\" this guitar has a few \"tells\" that the finish was re-done. Most Custom Color Firebirds have the neck binding sprayed over; on this one it was scraped. There are a few small dings and chips visible *under* the finish on close inspection, and most crucially there is no shielding paint over the finish in the electronics cavity, but a few spots can be seen UNDER the green where there are small chips. Overall the color is quite accurate and there is even some authentic checking showing genuine age to the lacquer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe hardware is all original and complete except for the oft-missing \"spoon\" vibrato arm, which is an authentic part but chrome plated so likely slightly later vintage. The original mounting nickel screw and nylon bushings are still intact. The nickel plating on the hardware shows typical wear but nothing excessive. There is some very little pickguard shrinkage, it is way better preserved than many with no stress splits at the screws. The engraved and painted bird emblem on the pickguard has been worn away a bit in the center. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pickups and wiring are original with a visible pot date of the 41st week of 1964; some solder joints were obviously re-done for the finish work. The frets have been crowned down a bit some time back with little subsequent wear and the bone nut is a replacement. This is an excellent player, with the typical snarly Firebird sound. It includes a period black rectangular Gibson hard case original to a 1965 non-reverse Thunderbird bass; this is a functional if inexact fit and looks like it has been with the guitar since it was first sold; there are no marks on the interior from it housing anything else. This is relatively clean as well but with all the latches and handle intact. Although obviously not 100% original to 1964 this is one of the coolest Reverse Firebirds we have seen, a fabulous and flashy gigging example of a Custom Color 'bird (leave the all-original one at home) a fine sounding and playing example of this super stylish Gibson classic. Restored to Excellent Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63702748201100,"sku":"14315","price":14000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_26cd1ee5-c70b-40bf-bff0-aaa0b633f8f7.jpg?v=1794085181","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-firebird-iii-solid-body-electric-guitar-1964-14315","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}