1964 Gibson Firebird V
Maker
Gibson
(American, founded 1902)
Date1964
ClassificationsMusic
Description1964 Gibson Firebird V Reverse, serial number 179291, in vintage sunburst finish. The pot dates to the 4th week of 1963, and the name "Jimmy C. Aragon" has been engraved onto the lyre tailpiece, in original case.Gibson introduced the Firebird line of guitars in 1963, and like the Flying V and Explorer models (introduced in 1958), the company designed the Firebird to compete with Fender’s more modern looks and components. Gibson ended its first production of Firebirds in 1968, but they have since been reissued.
Gibson hired automobile designer Ray Dietrich to produce a futuristic-looking guitar. Dietrich took Gibson’s existing Explorer body style and rounded its hard angles to resemble a 1950s automobile fender. The initial run of Firebirds had bodies that were described as “reverse” designs, referring to the longer right-hand horn (near the cutaway) compared to the traditional design of the longer left-hand horn. The Firebird was also the first solid-body, neck-through construction guitar sold by Gibson.
Firebird models were denoted using Roman numerals, with the “V” model featuring two pickups, a Tune-o-Matic bridge, and a Maestro "Lyre" Vibrola. Notable Firebird players include Stephen Stills, Johnny Winter, and Tom Petty.
