Gibson Firebird V, vintage sunburst, made in USA 2001. Is there a cooler guitar shape out there? It's hard to think of one, surely. 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. These '90-02 FBV models were made more or less completely by hand, in an era when Gibson's craftsmanship and quality control was bang-on. This one was initially sold new in Japan too, so it had to pass an additional level of quality control from Gibson's then-Japan distributor Yamano, and includes the original Yamano docs. The nine-piece mahogany and walnut neck-through build is really quite something: it's stable and strong, smooth in the hands with great access and offers a generous serve of natural resonance. That translates convincingly plugged in, delivering a tone equal parts smooth and toothy, with an expressive snap in the attack and a wide, woody midrange. It cleans up remarkably well, with the inherent clarity also translating to clear string separation and a defined fundamental note even with plenty of gain. The vintage sunburst finish has a few signs of play, adding to the loved-look that accentuates the classic curves with class. It's been a hot minute since we landed one of these beauties: all rise for this majestic beast.

Model: Gibson Firebird V
Made: USA, 2001
Serial: 02181565
Finish: vintage sunburst, gloss nitro 
Body: mahogany
Neck: 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through construction, rosewood fretboard, slim taper profile, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.870kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Firebird Mini-Humbucker x2
Accessories: Gibson deluxe pink-lined hard case, original Yamano docs

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, bottom edge and from around some of the posts. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples in the elbow area and both horns and some light scuffs in the middle section, elbow area and back edge. The sides have scuffs on both horns and some rub wear and dimples in the elbow area, back edge and near the jack. The front has some dimples and checking around the knobs, dimples and rub wear in the elbow area , scuffs around the tailpiece and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only