Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Firebird Education


NHTom

Recommended Posts

Ok, dreaming of a firebird, but don't understand the numbers associated with the models..............

 

As far as I can tell, Firebird I = single pickup and firebird VII = three pickup

 

What does the III and the V mean and was there a 2,4,and 6?

 

 

NHTom

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What does the III and the V mean and was there a 2,4,and 6?

 

NO!

 

The original 60's Firebirds were ALL odd numbers designated by the Roman numerals I, III, V, VII. This applied to both the reverse body models of 63-65, and the non-reverse models of 66-68.

 

The reissues, in many cases, are missing a couple of original traits, and I even think at some point they used an even number. I have made no attempt to keep up with Gibson reissues of ANYTHING past the 70's, so this info only applies to the "originals".

 

1963-1965: The Reverse Body Firebirds

I - Single mini-humbucker in bridge position (chrome), dot neck, wrap-around bridge, chrome hardware

 

III - Dual mini-hums (chrome), dot neck, chrome hdwr, bridge on "large" posts (stoptail/wrap-around style), short Maestro (usually with "flat-bar" handle).

 

V - Dual mini-hums (chrome), trapezoid fingerboard inlays, chrome hdwr, long maestro with engraved cover and round plastic tipped handle, and an ABR-1 bridge.

 

VII - Three mini-hums (gold), block inlays, gold plated hdwr, long maestro as above but gold plated.

 

 

1966-1968: The Non-Reverse Firebirds

I - Two black plastic covered P-90's, dot neck, chrome hardware, short maestro, large post wrap-around type bridge.

 

III - Three P-90's, all else same as above.

 

V - Two chrome covered mini-humbuckers, dot neck, long maestro with engraved cover and ABR-1 bridge.

 

VII - Three gold plated mini-hums, all else same as above except gold plated hardware.

 

 

If you're "dreaming of a Firebird", the "industry standard" is the V (original OR reissue). Most of the Gibson "reissues" have a stop-bar/ABR-1 setup which is completely historically INACCURATE, as well as the VII's not having gold hardware.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...