1965 Gibson Firebird III - Silver Mist Poly - RARE! Wide Nut, Non-Reverse Headstock - Original Vintage Custom Color Electric Guitar - 1 of 1? WOW!

1965 Gibson Firebird III
Original Vintage Electric Guitar
RARE! Custom Color Silver Mist Poly! – 1 of 1?
Reverse Body with Non-Reverse Headstock!
Transitional Features with Wide Nut, Nickel/Chrome Hardware
Used! Just in on consignment This Gibson Firebird III was made in the USA in 1965. It’s listed in the shipping records for that year (see photo) and has some extremely rare and sought after vintage features only seen during this transitional era. First off, it sports an unbelievably cool, ORIGINAL Silver Poly Mist finish and very well may be the only Firebird III in this color and configuration produced by Gibson at this time. Other transitional features include the desirable Wide Nut width, Reverse body with Non-Reverse headstock, and a mix of Nickel and Chrome Hardware (all Nickel except bridge and top portion of trem).
It’s on consignment from a local client who purchased this guitar at another local shop way back in 1978 and has owned it ever since! For years it was his main gigging instrument, but it is a remarkably well-preserved survivor that has been stored for the last decade at least. Some dings, dents, and wear are visible from use, but the headstock is fully intact with no breaks there, or anywhere else. It has been re-fretted and sports a new nut from the time of that work. We did do a fresh and complete, professional level setup and fret dress when it came in, so it’s ready to deliver another 60 years of diligent service.
Both pickups are original, but a different neck pickup was installed at some point. The one and only regrettable side effect of this is that the neck pickup cavity has been slightly deepened to accommodate whatever was in there at the time. It was not routed larger, only the center of the bottom of the cavity was deepened a bit, and this could likely be addressed and visibly restored by a professional. However, in the interest of keeping things as original as possible here, we chose to leave it as it came. The pots date to July of 1965 (137652X). The knobs are likely more recent. The wiring was a bit sloppy, and the neck pickup lead had been cut shorter, so we touched up the solder joints and re-leaded the pickup with vintage correct 2 strand braided shielding wire. This is the authentic vintage-style wire – not the modern 3 strand version, so it’s a prefect match. Steinberger tuners were on the guitar at one point too, but the original Banjo tuners are back on now (no extra holes or modifications – they were a direct swap). I actually prefer the Steinberger tuners for performance and functionality. They are lighter and help with the balance of the guitar. I will include them, as well as the originals, but the guitar will likely ship without any tuners in order to help protect the headstock during transit.
The condition is what you see. It’s not a case queen, but it is very good overall without any serious issues, damage, repairs, or modifications other than what has already been mentioned and described. It’s ready to play and enjoy, and because it isn’t a museum piece, you can feel free to play it without worry! This had been very well loved and we are looking forward to finding a good home with a new owner who will continue to use, enjoy, and create music on this truly special and inspiring vintage guitar. Like all our used/vintage gear, it has been tested for functionality and priced to move. Sold as-is. What you see is what you get.
Here is some additional information from Gibson: "Conceived amid the chrome and tailfins of the Motor City, forged on the workbenches of Kalamazoo, proven on rock and blues stages around the globe, the Gibson Firebird was one of the most radical instruments the world had ever experience when it hit the scene in 1963, and it's still a guaranteed head-turner today. The Firebird was the brainchild of legendary automotive designer and visionary Ray Dietrich (designer of classic Lincoln and Packard cars), enlisted by Gibson to bolster the guitar lines of the early '60s and help solidify the company's eminent rank among solid body electric guitar manufacturers.
Dietrich's unconventional design was based loosely on both the legendary automobile tailfins of the 1950s, with a touch of the radical look of the Gibson Explorer, introduced five years earlier. Built precisely in the image of this icon, the Gibson Firebird, with its classic "reverse-body" styling and reverse six-in-line "hawk's head" headstock, strikes a pose that remains truly unique.
This original vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III is an iconic American instrument. It is extremely rare and collectible, likely the only one of its type in this color, and would be an excellent addition to any collection. Avoid disappointment and future regret! Don’t let it get away!!!
*** Depending on where you are viewing this listing, photo limit may prevent all photos from being displayed. Feel free to get in touch at Make'n Music - Northfield, IL USA for additional photos or special requests.
SKU: | 314790 |
Serial Number: | 314790 |
MPN: | 314790 |
Product ID: | 9012223443202 |
Variant ID: | 46135922819330 |
1965 Gibson Firebird III
Original Vintage Electric Guitar
RARE! Custom Color Silver Mist Poly! – 1 of 1?
Reverse Body with Non-Reverse Headstock!
Transitional Features with Wide Nut, Nickel/Chrome Hardware
Used! Just in on consignment This Gibson Firebird III was made in the USA in 1965. It’s listed in the shipping records for that year (see photo) and has some extremely rare and sought after vintage features only seen during this transitional era. First off, it sports an unbelievably cool, ORIGINAL Silver Poly Mist finish and very well may be the only Firebird III in this color and configuration produced by Gibson at this time. Other transitional features include the desirable Wide Nut width, Reverse body with Non-Reverse headstock, and a mix of Nickel and Chrome Hardware (all Nickel except bridge and top portion of trem).
It’s on consignment from a local client who purchased this guitar at another local shop way back in 1978 and has owned it ever since! For years it was his main gigging instrument, but it is a remarkably well-preserved survivor that has been stored for the last decade at least. Some dings, dents, and wear are visible from use, but the headstock is fully intact with no breaks there, or anywhere else. It has been re-fretted and sports a new nut from the time of that work. We did do a fresh and complete, professional level setup and fret dress when it came in, so it’s ready to deliver another 60 years of diligent service.
Both pickups are original, but a different neck pickup was installed at some point. The one and only regrettable side effect of this is that the neck pickup cavity has been slightly deepened to accommodate whatever was in there at the time. It was not routed larger, only the center of the bottom of the cavity was deepened a bit, and this could likely be addressed and visibly restored by a professional. However, in the interest of keeping things as original as possible here, we chose to leave it as it came. The pots date to July of 1965 (137652X). The knobs are likely more recent. The wiring was a bit sloppy, and the neck pickup lead had been cut shorter, so we touched up the solder joints and re-leaded the pickup with vintage correct 2 strand braided shielding wire. This is the authentic vintage-style wire – not the modern 3 strand version, so it’s a prefect match. Steinberger tuners were on the guitar at one point too, but the original Banjo tuners are back on now (no extra holes or modifications – they were a direct swap). I actually prefer the Steinberger tuners for performance and functionality. They are lighter and help with the balance of the guitar. I will include them, as well as the originals, but the guitar will likely ship without any tuners in order to help protect the headstock during transit.
The condition is what you see. It’s not a case queen, but it is very good overall without any serious issues, damage, repairs, or modifications other than what has already been mentioned and described. It’s ready to play and enjoy, and because it isn’t a museum piece, you can feel free to play it without worry! This had been very well loved and we are looking forward to finding a good home with a new owner who will continue to use, enjoy, and create music on this truly special and inspiring vintage guitar. Like all our used/vintage gear, it has been tested for functionality and priced to move. Sold as-is. What you see is what you get.
Here is some additional information from Gibson: "Conceived amid the chrome and tailfins of the Motor City, forged on the workbenches of Kalamazoo, proven on rock and blues stages around the globe, the Gibson Firebird was one of the most radical instruments the world had ever experience when it hit the scene in 1963, and it's still a guaranteed head-turner today. The Firebird was the brainchild of legendary automotive designer and visionary Ray Dietrich (designer of classic Lincoln and Packard cars), enlisted by Gibson to bolster the guitar lines of the early '60s and help solidify the company's eminent rank among solid body electric guitar manufacturers.
Dietrich's unconventional design was based loosely on both the legendary automobile tailfins of the 1950s, with a touch of the radical look of the Gibson Explorer, introduced five years earlier. Built precisely in the image of this icon, the Gibson Firebird, with its classic "reverse-body" styling and reverse six-in-line "hawk's head" headstock, strikes a pose that remains truly unique.
This original vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III is an iconic American instrument. It is extremely rare and collectible, likely the only one of its type in this color, and would be an excellent addition to any collection. Avoid disappointment and future regret! Don’t let it get away!!!
*** Depending on where you are viewing this listing, photo limit may prevent all photos from being displayed. Feel free to get in touch at Make'n Music - Northfield, IL USA for additional photos or special requests.
SKU: | 314790 |
Serial Number: | 314790 |
MPN: | 314790 |
Product ID: | 9012223443202 |
Variant ID: | 46135922819330 |
1965 Gibson Firebird III
Original Vintage Electric Guitar
RARE! Custom Color Silver Mist Poly! – 1 of 1?
Reverse Body with Non-Reverse Headstock!
Transitional Features with Wide Nut, Nickel/Chrome Hardware
Used! Just in on consignment This Gibson Firebird III was made in the USA in 1965. It’s listed in the shipping records for that year (see photo) and has some extremely rare and sought after vintage features only seen during this transitional era. First off, it sports an unbelievably cool, ORIGINAL Silver Poly Mist finish and very well may be the only Firebird III in this color and configuration produced by Gibson at this time. Other transitional features include the desirable Wide Nut width, Reverse body with Non-Reverse headstock, and a mix of Nickel and Chrome Hardware (all Nickel except bridge and top portion of trem).
It’s on consignment from a local client who purchased this guitar at another local shop way back in 1978 and has owned it ever since! For years it was his main gigging instrument, but it is a remarkably well-preserved survivor that has been stored for the last decade at least. Some dings, dents, and wear are visible from use, but the headstock is fully intact with no breaks there, or anywhere else. It has been re-fretted and sports a new nut from the time of that work. We did do a fresh and complete, professional level setup and fret dress when it came in, so it’s ready to deliver another 60 years of diligent service.
Both pickups are original, but a different neck pickup was installed at some point. The one and only regrettable side effect of this is that the neck pickup cavity has been slightly deepened to accommodate whatever was in there at the time. It was not routed larger, only the center of the bottom of the cavity was deepened a bit, and this could likely be addressed and visibly restored by a professional. However, in the interest of keeping things as original as possible here, we chose to leave it as it came. The pots date to July of 1965 (137652X). The knobs are likely more recent. The wiring was a bit sloppy, and the neck pickup lead had been cut shorter, so we touched up the solder joints and re-leaded the pickup with vintage correct 2 strand braided shielding wire. This is the authentic vintage-style wire – not the modern 3 strand version, so it’s a prefect match. Steinberger tuners were on the guitar at one point too, but the original Banjo tuners are back on now (no extra holes or modifications – they were a direct swap). I actually prefer the Steinberger tuners for performance and functionality. They are lighter and help with the balance of the guitar. I will include them, as well as the originals, but the guitar will likely ship without any tuners in order to help protect the headstock during transit.
The condition is what you see. It’s not a case queen, but it is very good overall without any serious issues, damage, repairs, or modifications other than what has already been mentioned and described. It’s ready to play and enjoy, and because it isn’t a museum piece, you can feel free to play it without worry! This had been very well loved and we are looking forward to finding a good home with a new owner who will continue to use, enjoy, and create music on this truly special and inspiring vintage guitar. Like all our used/vintage gear, it has been tested for functionality and priced to move. Sold as-is. What you see is what you get.
Here is some additional information from Gibson: "Conceived amid the chrome and tailfins of the Motor City, forged on the workbenches of Kalamazoo, proven on rock and blues stages around the globe, the Gibson Firebird was one of the most radical instruments the world had ever experience when it hit the scene in 1963, and it's still a guaranteed head-turner today. The Firebird was the brainchild of legendary automotive designer and visionary Ray Dietrich (designer of classic Lincoln and Packard cars), enlisted by Gibson to bolster the guitar lines of the early '60s and help solidify the company's eminent rank among solid body electric guitar manufacturers.
Dietrich's unconventional design was based loosely on both the legendary automobile tailfins of the 1950s, with a touch of the radical look of the Gibson Explorer, introduced five years earlier. Built precisely in the image of this icon, the Gibson Firebird, with its classic "reverse-body" styling and reverse six-in-line "hawk's head" headstock, strikes a pose that remains truly unique.
This original vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III is an iconic American instrument. It is extremely rare and collectible, likely the only one of its type in this color, and would be an excellent addition to any collection. Avoid disappointment and future regret! Don’t let it get away!!!
*** Depending on where you are viewing this listing, photo limit may prevent all photos from being displayed. Feel free to get in touch at Make'n Music - Northfield, IL USA for additional photos or special requests.
SKU: | 314790 |
Serial Number: | 130620530 |
MPN: | DSF10LVSCH1 |