BTR#58 1963-1965 Gibson Firebird: The Short-Lived “Reverse” Models
A special double-length episode dedicated to one of the most iconic guitar models ever.
“Weird body shape, wrong balance, heavy-weight, unusable tuners and unstable intonation, poor sounding pickups with horrible rings, bizarre construction, goofy vibrato tailpiece, uncomfortable position of switch and knobs”: that’s how a Gibson Firebird is described by its detractors.
But, let’s grant these guitars the benefit of doubt, so we can make our own judgement.
I recently had the chance to test in my studio, an original vintage Gibson Firebird III from 1964 and a similar model from 1965. It’s the perfect occasion to talk about the short-lived original Firebird guitars and Thunderbird basses, produced by Gibson, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, between October 1963 and May 1965: the so-called “Reverse” models. We are delving into their captivating story and examining their unique features. What is the final verdict?
#vintageuitars #vintagegibson #gibsonfirebird
Scroll down for chapters list.
-English subtitles available in the options of the player
-Sottotitoli in Italiano attivabili dalle opzioni del player
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00:00 – Introducing the Gibson Firebird “Reverse”
02:20 – 1962: Gibson needs a new line of instruments #guitarhistory
03:53 – The Korina Trio experience
05:26 – Ray Dietrich, from cars to guitars
07:35 – Birth of the Firebird Guitars and Thunderbird Basses
09:21 – The Choice of the “Firebird” and “Thunderbird” names
10:40 – The Firebird and Thunderbird models #vintageguitars
14:15 – Firebird Sounds
15:25 – Custom Colors
15:55 – The “Fishbone” 1964 Firebird III
18:35 – Features of the “Reverse” Firebird Guitars #technicaldetails
23:13 – 3 more particular details
23:59 – Approaching a Firebird
24:42 – About tone #guitartone
25:27 – 1965: The “Non-Reverse” Firebrds and Thunderbirds
29:10 – The “Grey zone”: Transitional models with overlap of features
29:48 – 1965 Transitional Firebird III, features and tone
31:52 – The neck fragility issue
32:45 – Testimonials of the original “Reverse” Firebirds #rockculture
36:30 – My first Gibson #guitardiary
37:58 – General considerations #bottomline
FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: This video may contain short excerpts of copyrighted material that are used in a transformative manner, intended solely for informational, educational, research, commentary, and criticism purposes. Such use is covered under the provisions of fair use as defined by the United States Copyright Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94-553, Oct. 19, 1976).
#BTR58 #Gibson #Firebird #ShortLived #Reverse #Models
Originally posted by UC6BuxfpJj88eQTRJCPsjuPw at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMb2SPnUUWE
best firebird video on youtube thank you Bob
We can see Brian Jones also playing with a Non-Reverse Firebird III during live shows (Royal Albert Hall) and TV live shows (Ed Sullivan Show) through 1966.
As well as his bittersweet slide solo on 'No Expectations' in the Rock And Roll Circus movie.
An incredible and unique insight into the Firebird guitar world ???? Keep it up, Bob !
Bravo Bob! Really enjoyable watch. I never knew the explorer shape was originally created so early on. Keep on educating us! Big Hug. Jonny X
Ted must have disclosed the constructional concept of Les Paul's The Log to Ray, as this is the closest thing to (Polfus') original idea.
By a fortunate mistake, I obtained an ebony Historic (reverse) Firebird V in Oct 2006 for $1270 (hardcase included) as the salesman mislabeled the tag as a Studio model.
I have had several people mention that it has that authentic sound like the older ones, even though the pickups test out much at higher readings.
2what a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend also I have subscribed to the channel ❤????
GREAT video of my all time favorite guitar, the Gibson Firebird. I longed for a Firebird ever since 1963, when I saw a whole flock of them in the shop window of the local music store, suspended in mid air like a fleet of custom-colored spaceships. Ten years later, I lucked onto an original ‘64 Firebird III (or ‘third’ as Bob calls it ????) and now play a ‘72 Firebird V Medallion. Produced by Gibson in commemoration of the ‘72 Olympics in a limited numbered run of 366 (1972 was a leap year), the Medallion was the very first reissue of the original ‘63 Firebird V and shares its two-piece center block (nine-ply center blocks came later) and logo-less pickguard. It sounds every bit as good as the original thanks to the left-over 60’s alnico pickups Gibson still had lying on the shelf. Subsequent reissues employed newer ceramic pickups and lacked the magic of the originals. Believe me, absolutely NOTHING sounds like the neck pickup of an original Firebird. The Firebird’s bridge pickup is often criticized as sounding too shrill, but easing up on its tone control actually dials in mids and takes you from Tele to Les Paul territory with the flick of the wrist, making the Firebird the perfect studio guitar. I’ve done countless sessions in my time and the first thing producers would tell me was “bring your Firebird!” as it covers all grounds and is a time saver. On top of its sonic magic, the Firebird, to me, represents the epitome in design, together with the Studebaker Avanti, another goodie from 1963.
Thank you for this very comprehensive and entretaining video.
Johnny Winters played a 64 and made it sing. One of the few who could. Miss you brother! Beautiful guitar though.
not just informative, but truly entertaining!! I certainly loved its sound, I wonder why all that criticism… I guess there is always a degree of fear about 'change'… thank you Bob!!
A very comprehensive appraisal and the guitars are in great hands.
Great to have a new upload Bob! Missed your content. You might just be due for a new amp focused one…
Really nice video! One of the best on YT but…
it is not a different scale, wich is 24 3/4", but a longer body and a different position where the fingerbord meets the body. That's why it feels like a longer scale guitar. ????
Grande Bob. Video sempre super dettagliati e accattivanti! Avanti con il prossimo! Can't wait.
Always loved the Firebird, it's a beautiful guitar. Was cool to hear the story of your first Firebird AND see that you have old video of you playing it!
Great job! Certainly on the same level as 5 Watt World's guitar histories!
Grande chitarra e grande video come sempre !
Years ago I saw Johnny Winter play both a regular Firebird and a reverse Firebird, and Sonny Landreth played one on the original "Slow Turning" tour with John Hiatt (it was the reverse model if I remember correctly). Sonny frequently plays his instrumental tribute to Johnny Winter, "Firebird Blues", in concert nowadays, except he plays it on a Strat! In the mid 1980s, Johnny himself switched to a lightweight, headstock-less Dan Erlewine "Lazer" as his main guitar and only rarely played the Firebird, darn it….. I seem to remember seeing pictures of Billy Gibbons playing a Firebird with ZZ Top as well.
E in più,che dire dei loghi Firebird e Thunderbird?!?
Sono opere d'arte,come le chitarre!
Bellissimo video Bob,come sempre!!!!
Stupende chitarre e bassi,sempre sottovalutate,come una marea di altre ahimè!
Sei stato fortunato a poterne usare di vintage!
Bellissimo il video di te da giovane!!!!
❤
Wow! Well done
GRANDE BOB!
Wow! Thank you!