Gibson Firebird V Vintage Sunburst 2001
Gibson Firebird V, vintage sunburst, made in USA 2001. What a glorious creature. The Firebird launched in 1963 and was partially designed by automotive industry legend Ray Dietrich. You can see the Cadillac-esque curves and lines in the shape, it has that certain midcentury futurist swagger about it. FBV models made from 1990-02 were made more or less totally by hand, at a time when Gibson's quality control and wood selection were enjoying an extended purple patch pf excellent output. There's a lot of finesse in the build: that nine ply, neck-through middle section is really quite something. I was very pleased to score this particular example owing to it's excellent condition: there's a few little marks here and there, but by and large, it's in extremely tidy condition for a guitar that's perfect for playing punk songs on. The tone is awesome, with a warm, throaty midrange complemented by a woody low end and a brisque, grainy treble. Into a dirty amp, life is so good: all the notes in big thick chords come out in singing clarity, and the punch and snap on offer is exemplary. These tend not to last too long around here, and given the brand new options are limited to Gibson Custom stuff, I reckon it's a clever buy.
Model: Gibson Firebird V
Made: USA, 2001
Serial: 02031370
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: 3.565kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Firebird Mini-Humbucker x2
Accessories: Gibson deluxe pink-lined hard case, no docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of small dents on the end and some dimples on the bottom edge. The is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has minor dimples on both horns, surface scratches along the bottom edge in the waist area, scuffs along the back edge and some dimples and scuffs in the elbow area. The sides have minor dimples on the top horn and elbow area and minor scuffs near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has dimples around the knobs and tailpiece, scuffs in the elbow area and minor play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
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 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only