Gibson Firebird V '63 Custom Shop Murphy Lab Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (2024), made in Nashville, TN, serial # 402953, Frost Blue Lacquer finish, laminated mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a superb example of one of Gibson's best recent Custom Shop re-issues, a 1963 model Firebird V with the Murphy Lab relic treatment. These were produced in a fairly limited run and this one is resplendent in one of the rarest of the original Custom Color finishes Gibson offered on the line in 1963-4, Frost Blue. There would only have been a handful at best of this model finished in this color in 1963-5; this one is just over a year old, hardly used but looking well traveled thanks to the Murphy magic.
The original "reverse" body Gibson Firebird in general had a sadly short-lived run, introduced in mid/late 1963 and discontinued after the mid-1965 NAMM show. By 1972 they were already sought-after pieces so were the subject of a limited edition "Medallion" reissue; starting with the 1976 Bicentennial Firebirds the model returned in various guises to Gibson's line but rarely as close to the originals as this one comes.
The Firebird V was the most desired of the original 'birds, with a full set of professional features but rarely seen in a Custom Color then or now. The distinctive features including through-body neck with "wings" glued to the sides and fluid body shape with a longer lower cutaway horn are accurately reproduced. The neck is also a near-perfect replica of the original, bigger than contemporary SGs with a comfortable semi-round-backed profile and faired-in heel; this one is a dead ringer for '63-4 versions we have played. All original fittings were reproduced including the special Firebird mini-humbucking pickups, long Lyre-cover Vibrola tailpiece, Tune-O-Matic bridge and the unique "backwards" headstock with individual Kluson banjo tuners. all accurately nickel plated.
Like their original ancestors some of these limited edition 'birds are a great all-around guitar with a unique and powerful sound, landing between the standard Gibson warmth and fender jangle. This Frost Blue 'Bird is a superb re-creation that 60 years after the design was originally retired STILL makes a really futuristic visual and musical statement.
Overall 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.).
This guitar appears hardly used, still in the original HSC with a full set of the original Gibson Custom Shop paperwork including the Murphy Lab COA. Of course it looks like it's been rode hard for 60+ years, but then that's the idea. The frets show some no wear and the guitar performs exactly as it should, a timelessly unique and stylishly beautiful playable liquid sculpture. Overall Excellent + Condition.
