The original Firebird pickup is a unique device that evolved from theKalamazoo-era Epiphone mini-humbucker - itself derived from the Seth Lover-designed PAF humbucker.ĭistinguished by its solid metal cover, it was constructed using blade magnets (as opposed to passive screws and slugs) along with inductance-enhancing ferrous reflector plates. These models are sometimes confused with the equally twin mini-humbucker-loaded Firebird V but can be easily differentiated by their dot fretboard markers, compensated bar bridge and short flat-arm Vibrola (Firebird Vs have trapezoid inlays, a Tune-o-matic bridge and Deluxe Vibrolas as standard).Īll instruments in the reverse line-up feature bespoke Firebird pickups, whereas the later non-reverse Firebird I and III models came with two and three black ‘soapbar’ P-90 pickups respectively. In the same vein as the Les Paul/SG Special, the $249.50 reverse Firebird III features dual pickups with individual tone and volume controls and a single-bound rosewood fretboard with dot inlays. This particular model was also the least expensive instrument in the range with a list price of $189.50.Ī Sunburst finish was standard across the board, but in order to help Gibson shake off its staid, old-fashioned image and appeal to the more forward-thinking younger generation, all Firebirds were offered in a choice of 10 custom colors for an extra $15.Īlong with FrostBlue,Ember Red, Cardinal Red, Kerry Green and Polaris White, these included five metallic (“Poly”) shades called Golden Mist, Silver Mist, Pelham Blue, Heather and Inverness Green. Some finishes, such as Golden Mist poly, Heather poly, and Silver Mist poly are exceptionally rare, if existing at all.Much like Gibson’s Junior/TV, Special, Standard and Custom models represented different price points within the original Les Paul and SG solidbody lines, the Firebird range comprised four instruments at various levels of spec and ornamentation.Īnd as per the style of Junior and TV models, the reverse Firebird I features an unbound dot inlay rosewood fingerboard and a single pickup with volume and tone controls. Some Gibson Thunderbird and Firebird custom finishes do come up, but of the 1700 or so total Thunderbird production (1963-69), the vast majority were the standard sunburst. Unfortunately, no shipping information by color is available, and these custom color basses are very rare. These colors were not advertised for other Gibson bass guitars, (though Pelham blue and Polaris White EB basses certainly exist). The brochure below, from 1963, details the original custom Thunderbird finish options for the reverse body basses. These Duco colours were available throughout their years of manufacture until 1969. Golden Mist poly, Cardinal Red, Heather poly, Inverness Green poly, Silver Mist poly, Ember Red, Kerry Green, Polaris White, Frost Blue and Pelham Blue poly. When the Gibson Thunderbird and Gibson Firebird were introduced in late 1963, they were offered with a Sunburst finish as standard, and in 10 new colors for an extra $15. 1981 Victory Standard (Candy Apple Red).
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