1965 Gibson Firebird V Pelham Blue Refinish

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this 1965 Gibson Firebird V Pelham Blue Refinish

The reverse body Firebird V is one of Gibson's most distinctive designs of the 1960s, combining neck-through construction, reverse-body styling, mini humbuckers, and the unmistakable Lyre Vibrola. This example wears an older Pelham Blue refinish and presents in excellent cosmetic and structural condition for its age. The guitar has been thoroughly serviced and set up, with attention given to the neck, frets, hardware, electronics, and all of the various details that make a vintage Firebird such a unique instrument.

The guitar's mini humbuckers deliver the focused, articulate character associated with the Firebird V, with plenty of clarity and punch across both positions. The original pickups and pots remain with the guitar, with the potentiometers dating to the 44th week of 1963. The electronics have been cleaned up and serviced, while the guitar has also received attention to the switch, grounding, and controls.

This Firebird has an older refret that predates the Pelham Blue refin. The fretboard binding was removed and reglued during the refret to preserve the original fret nibs. The guitar has also received careful structural and hardware work, including repair to the peghead laminate separation, attention to the damaged high E tuner area. Additionally, the ABR-1 bridge has been straightened and fitted with a new set of nylon saddles and wire retainer, along with SAE posts and aged thumbwheels. 

Cosmetically, the guitar shows beautifully, with the expected signs of age and prior work. Structurally, it is in excellent shape, with the peghead laminate separation having been addressed and the instrument thoroughly serviced.

Please note: this is a consignment, so we cannot accept trades toward it.

Specifications

All components original unless otherwise noted

Model & Year

• Model: Gibson Firebird V
• Year of manufacture: 1965
• Serial Number: 178415
• Country of Origin: USA
• Weight: 8lbs 8oz

Body

• Material: Mahogany body wings with neck-through construction
• Finish: Pelham Blue refinish

Neck

• Material & Construction: Mahogany/walnut neck-through
• Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood
• Profile shape:
• Scale: 24.75"
• Radius: 12"
• Nut Width: 1 11/16" (1.69")
• Depth: .77" (1st), .93" (12th)
• Inlays: Pearloid trapezoids
• Frets: Refret

Hardware

• Bridge / Tailpiece: ABR-1 with Maestro Lyre Vibrola
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe banjo-style

Electronics

• Pickup: Mini humbuckers
• Potentiometers: Original, dated 44th week of 1963

Condition: Excellent

• Cosmetic: Excellent for its age; older Pelham Blue refinish
• Structural: Excellent with repaired peghead laminate separation
• Accessories: Original hardshell case