Gibson VINTAGE Firebird III Non Reverse Version '65 Sunburst

The Firebird was released in 1963, and the familiar reverse shape that immediately comes to mind for many people underwent a model change as early as 1965, adopting the so-called non-reverse shape, where the body and neck appear to be reversed. This particular model is a 1965 non-reverse model, version 3, equipped with three P-90 pickups.

【body】
The total weight is approximately 3.65 kg. The body is made of mahogany and has a sophisticated brownish sunburst finish. Overall, there is some weather checking commensurate with its age, cracks and shrinkage on the pickguard due to age, paint peeling from a belt buckle on the back of the body, dents and scratches, and tarnishing on the metal parts, but it is in remarkably good condition. The bridge has been replaced with a Badass-style bridge, and the original TPBR-8513 is also included. Additionally, the strap pins have been replaced with Dunlop-style locking pins.

【neck】
The neck is made of set-neck mahogany, and the fingerboard is rosewood. There is some age-appropriate weather checking from the headstock to the back of the neck, paint peeling around the headstock, a dent on the back of the 12th fret and some small dents on the back of the neck, and some tarnishing on the metal parts, but it is in good condition, similar to the body. The tuners have been replaced with Grover 205C tuners, and they function perfectly with consistent tension (the original tuners are also included). The frets and nut have been replaced, resulting in excellent playability. The nut width is 39.8mm. The neck shape is relatively thick despite its narrow width.

[Electrical System]
The controls consist of a 3-way pickup selector slide switch, front position volume, front position tone, rear position volume, and rear position tone. The 3-way switch operates in the traditional Gibson style: neck (front), middle + bridge (rear), and bridge (rear). The middle + bridge position is in reverse phase (phase out). The control components, including the pickups, are in their original condition.

The 1960s Gibson P-90 pickup delivers a rich mid-low range with a clear single-coil attack and lustrous harmonics that are truly impressive. In the neck pickup position, the mahogany wood contributes to a thick, sustained tone, while the bridge position offers a crisp, articulate sound with excellent projection, maintaining a strong core and power even when driven. The middle + bridge phase-out position produces a unique, sharp, slightly nasal tone with a distinctive midrange, offering a different and more individualistic P-90 sound. Having been played for many years, the instrument itself resonates beautifully, boasting a wonderful tone that combines rawness and lustrousness.

Accessories: Gibson checker hard case

Weight: 3.65kg
Body Material: Mahogany 1 piece
Neck Material/Scale Length: Mahogany 1 piece/624mm (24-3/4inch)
Bridge/Tail: custom wrap around bridge chrome (replaced)/Gibson Short Vibrola, chrome
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Rosewood/Pearloid dot/304.8mm (12inch)
Nut Width/Fret Width: 39.8mm (replaced)/2.7mm (replaced), 22F
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 20.6mm/23.0mm/24.9mm
Capacitor: Sprague Ceramic Disc .02 50V
Pickup (Neck/Middle/Bridge): Gibson P-90 singlecoil (8.0kΩ/4.1kΩ (out of phase)/8.05kΩ)
*The DC resistance value of the pickup is measured after passing through the control section.

Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.