It had always amazed me that the Gibson Firebird had not gained the notoriety that other radical Gibson body styles, such as the V and Explorer had. This is most likely the result of no “Rock Star” affiliation and maybe also in part, due to the stigma that the mini humbucking pickups were weaker than the more powerful full sized humbucking pickups. While the Firebird was occasionally used by guitarists such as Eric Clapton, and Stephen Stills, this particular model was never the main guitar of any rock player. The closest “star” association would be with blues player Johnny Winter who played a Gibson Firebird for a large portion of his career. This however changed during the 80’s metal scene when Robbin Crosby of RATT favored a Jackson guitar with the famous Firebird shape. His Jackson versions were based on Gibson’s original design but were “modernized” with powerful humbucking pickups, locking tremolo, reverse headstock and cool inlays.

Two unique features to the Firebird are the straight-through banjo tuners and the neck through body construction. All other Gibson guitars have the necks glued to the body unlike the Firebird where the neck and center piece of the body are constructed from a single unit. The remainder of the model is made by attaching two side pieces (wings) to the center piece. If you look at the profile of the Firebirds body you will see that the center portion (neck through) is thicker than the attached pieces giving the body a unique and instantly recognizable shape.

Being a routine visitor to my local Gibson dealer and a full blown Gibson addict back in my college years, I was treated very well and this guitar is probably my best example of being in the right place at the right time. I purchased this guitar from my good friend Bob, the owner of Davis Music at the same time I purchased my Godin Acousticaster. Ironically, I was in a rush because my girlfriend was cooking dinner, so I ran into the store just to grab the Godin. I instantly knew I was in trouble when I saw this gorgeous Firebird hanging behind the counter. Bob joked and said “This one needs a home”. I laughed and told him that I would have enough trouble explaining my new Godin guitar when I got home tonight, let alone if I showed up for dinner with two guitars. He always joked with me and I knew that another customer had specifically ordered this guitar. It turned out the other customer flaked and Bob said he would give me a great deal. Hell, what was I to do, so I laid down the plastic and hence my dilemma. If I showed up with both guitars I would have been killed, so I dropped off the Firebird at my friend’s house, then stopped and bought flowers and as I was already late for dinner I raced home. Of course, she knew instantly something was up (flowers are always a give away!) and in typical “man” fashion, I confessed within an hour, lol. Needless to say I slept with just my guitars that night!!

I really enjoy the look of this guitar and the vintage sunburst finish really makes her stand out.  My only complaint about this guitar is that she is neck heavy and as a result when you play her standing up the neck tends to want to point toward the floor. After spending a little time playing her, you adjust your stance to compensate for this and now that I am used to playing her, I hardly ever notice.

The Gibson Firebird is a great guitar and will always remind me to buy flowers on a more regular basis, because you never know when a nice bouquet of roses can save your butt when yet another “I just can’t live without it” guitar follows you home. I know I say that a lot, I am probably the poster child for Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (GAS), it never goes away, you just have to learn to live with it.