Gibson Custom Firebird III Vintage Sunburst 1964 Reissue 2003

This Gibson Custom Firebird III is a Custom Shop take on the iconic 1964 model: built in 2003, finished in a classic vintage sunburst and fitted with the unmistakable reverse body, through-neck and two Firebird mini-humbuckers. It brings that wonderfully headstrong character the Firebird is known for — and it's in excellent condition.

When Gibson introduced the Firebird in 1963, it was a radical move. Designed by automobile stylist Ray Dietrich, it became the first Gibson solidbody with neck-through construction, paired with a reverse body and reversed headstock. Within the line, the Firebird III was the model with two mini-humbuckers and dot inlays. 1964 is widely regarded as the most refined year of the original reverse Firebird, just before Gibson significantly changed the model in 1965. This reissue faithfully returns to those classic specifications.

Characteristic of this model is the mahogany-and-walnut through-neck, which runs the full length of the guitar as a raised center section, with mahogany 'wings' glued on either side to complete the body. The rosewood fingerboard carries cream binding and mother-of-pearl dot inlays, while the white pickguard and sunburst nitrocellulose finish complete the vintage-correct picture. The guitar is in excellent condition: only very light play wear can be found on the body and neck, and it has otherwise been kept remarkably clean and tidy. What stands out is the defective volume knob of the bridge pickup; one of the potentiometer shafts has broken off, rendering the original knob non-functional.

That combination of neck-through construction and mini-humbuckers gives the Firebird III its recognizable voice: bright and tight, with a cutting upper-midrange that slices effortlessly through a band, and more sustain than you might expect at first glance. The comfortable C-shaped neck profile plays easily, whether you're laying down solid chords or soloing higher up the neck.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note. It ships in its original Gibson hardshell case, including the TFOA Passport. Questions about this Firebird, or would you like to try it yourself? Feel free to get in touch or book a test session — we'd love to tell you more.