This 1963 Gibson Firebird I is from the Bernie Marsden Collection and is another recent addition. This guitar is featured on page 115 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.

Not many survive the decades without some kind of issue, usually the dreaded headstock break due to bad case design or some sort of modification. This one luckily has survived without breaks and only a few minor modifications.

The holes for the original wraptail have been filled but otherwise it has escaped any further modification. The finish is otherwise in great condition showing no real signs of wear aside from the expected bumps and knocks.

The neck too is in great condition. The fretboard is smooth with plenty of life left in the frets. As Archimedes would tell you, big headstocks and chunky banjo tuners lead to a visit to the luthier. Thankfully in this case there arent any signs of a repair of any sort.    

The remaining hardware and plastics are correct. The pickguard shows signs of shrinking and there is small piece missing.  

Electrically there has been some wirng changed in the cavity and a treble bleed capacitor added. Pickup is correct.

The guitar comes with its correct hardshell case.

Nothing really sounds like a firebird. The single pickup, as with any similar guitar, gives the instrument such a unique voice. The combined humbucker-like output and single coil clarity yields a sparkle and bite that just cuts through. The guitar balances surprisingly well and after a few minutes you’ll wonder why you hadn’t played one before.  

There has to be a firebird shaped hole in your collection? Grab this one before it gets away…