Gibson Firebird V, vintage sunburst, made in USA 1995. This radiates swagger, no doubt about it. The Firebird launched in 1963 and was designed by Ray Dietrich, who had previously worked for Cadillac designing cars. It's certainly got that 60s-futuristic aesthetic, with bold curves and lines. Gibson was in a good spot in the mid 90s, as they were well into the 'post Norlin era' and were producing consistently good guitars. These FBV models from this era are apparently made almost entirely by hand, owing to their unusual seven-ply neck-through construction. The neck is straight and stable, slim and comfy and well weighted against the body, it feels really good. The very tip of the headstock has had a minor repair, so there's some extra pics and info below on that. Tonally, this really has it's own thing going on. There's immediacy and punch akin to a good SG, but with a sparkling clarity and snap through the top end that these mini-humbuckers are famous for. It's a little bit jaunty for clean tones, but with a dose of distortion, it's a revelatory rock rhythm tone with heaps of weight and growl. The original case is laughably huge and blessed with the mental lurid pink lining... yep, onya Gibson! Go buy yourself a dope new leather jacket to match, you deserve it.

Model: Gibson Firebird V
Made: 1995, USA (serial 910655706)
Finish: vintage sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany, 3-piece
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, slim taper profile, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight: 3.690kg
Mods: end of headstock repaired as detailed below, strap pins moved
Pickups: Gibson Mini Humbucker x2
Case: original brown/pink hardcase

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a repaired crack in the top inch or so around the 1st string tuner, so that's been glued and cleaned up with some nitro clearcoat. Aside from that, there's some minor scuffs on the front of the headstock and some dimples on the back. Note that the repair isn't in the typical 'Gibson smile' location and ispretty hard to see unless you'te up close, see the extra pics. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, although there's a few dimpels and scuffs on the back. The back has widespread checking and light scuffs, as well as some dents and marks around the edges of most of the body. The sides have filled-in extra holes from since removed strap pins on the top horn, some finish rub wear along the edges all the way along the top side, dents and more notable rub wear int eh elbow area, as well another filled hole from a previous strap pin on the back side, more balding near the jack, and dimples and scuffs all the way along the bottom. The front has widespread dimples and scuffs and checking around the whole body, as well as some run wear on the edge in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.  Overall: good condition (6.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 7/10 for fret life left. No neck breaks, but note the top inch of the headstock has been repaired as above. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.