Dallas

U=Unsung factory in Korea 6= 1986, 1996, 2006, 2016 12=December 0413=Instrument Number I have the exact same guitar, the case looks identical too. The neck is bolted in. The case is the tan Gibson "Made in Canada" model. My serial number is U6121239. I bought it used in October of 2016, so it has to be a 1986, 1996, or a 2006 model. I believe it is a 1986, but not positive. Does anyone know what is the differences between the years? Did the 86, 96, and 06 all use bolt in necks? Did the 86, 96, and 06 all use the covered pickups on both necks? Which years used the "GIBSON" name on the truss covers? Thanks in advance for any and all help. Max

I live in a suburb of Chicago. There are a few local websites that are neighborhood sites that are within 15 to 30 minutes from me. It is nice because those that are looking at the sites are local and are able to travel to check out the items for sale. Try googling “Bookoo” and see if there is a site local to your area. Also, they are community sites so you can sniff out the scammers (usually scumbags from outside your area) because nobody near your area is going to pay with a cashier check or want to do shipping. I have used the bookoo site for both buying and selling with good results. Just a thought for other options. Good luck and be safe

Hi all, sorry for the late update. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for the valuable input. Steve Ford gave me a few suggestions and was very helpful in narrowing down which year might be best for what I was looking for without having to take out a second mortgage. I ended up with a 2016 Firebird tribute. It is used, has a nick on the headstock, and a few scratches, but it is overall a beautiful guitar. I am attaching a few pics. The po had swapped out the pick guard for a black one (white pick guard was included as well) but left the toggle switch cap white. I have ordered the black cap as I think the guitar looks better with all black. Anyways thanks again guys, I truly appreciate all the advice, I am glad I waited for the mini humbuckers.

Thank you, so do I👍

Great! Thank you, the search is on 👍

Ok, after a LOT of research, I am determined to find a Firebird V with mini hum buckers. I just want to find that sound that is a Firebird. So, any special year that I should be looking for? Any that I should stay away from? I have been looking at reviews from model years from the 90's up to the present. Thanks for all the advice 🙂

What is everyone's thought on the 2019 Firebird Tribute? It has the reverse headstock, mini hum buckers, and mini grovers. Thanks

Thank you all for your opinions. The mini humbuckers were also another choice. I was looking at the 2017, 2018, and 2019 firebird studio guitars, with the 496’s, P-90’s, and the mini humbuckers respectfully. The local guitar shops (Guitar Center and other local music stores) do not carry the Gibson Firebirds, so I will be trying the different pickups in different Gibson guitars.

Hello, looking to purchase my first Gibson Firebird. What are your opinions on the 2018 Gibson Firebird studio w/P-90 pickups, or the 2017 Gibson Firebird Studio T w/496 Humbuckers? Trying to make an educated choice but both seem to have their pros and cons.... Thanks