USED GIBSON / 1963 Firebird III Sunburst [04]

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a 1963 Firebird III, the first year of the model.

At the time, the only solid-body guitar available was the SG, but in late 1963, a new solid-body electric guitar, the "Firebird," was finally released.
It is a well-known story that its distinctive look was designed by Raymond H. Dietrich, a car designer who had been active since the mid 1920's. In fact, in 1960, Dietrich, who had already retired, was replaced by Gibson's president at the time, Ted McMahon. In fact, Ted McCarty, the president of Gibson at the time, personally requested Dietrich, who had already retired in 1960, to design a Firebird.

The completed Firebird has an offset body shape and Gibson's first through neck.
Compared to previous models, the Firebird was considerably more elaborate, with a beautiful headstock design, banjo pegs, and original mini-humbuckers, showing Gibson's continued enthusiasm for the SG.

Ted McCarty has stated in a past interview about Leo Fender, "He (Leo Fender) seems to have criticized Gibson for being old and lacking new ideas, and that sort of thing of course gets to my ears." The Firebird's body shape and trebly sound, which is different from other Gibson products, show a strong awareness of Fender, such as the Jazzmaster released in 1958 and the Jaguar that followed.

This is one of the earliest models produced in the first year, and has a 2-piece mahogany neck instead of the 9-ply mahogany and walnut neck that was changed later.
It also features the so called "No Bird" specification without the Bird logo on the pickguard and a toggle switch plate.

The total number of Firebirds (I, III, V, and VII) shipped in 1963 was 434, of which 272 were IIIs.
This is the largest number among all Firebirds, but the one we have just received is one of the rarest, as it is one of the earliest specs.

The pickups are original patent numbered mini humbuckers.
The pots, capacitors, jacks, and wiring are also original, but grounding has been added in the cavity of the toggle switch.

The truss rod cover is clean including Gibson logo, and metal parts such as pegs, bridge, and knobs are still original.
The pickguard is cracked, which tends to happen on vintage reverse firebirds, but the missing piece is included in the pocket inside the hard case.

The nut and frets are original and in good playing condition.
The neck binding on the 6th string side at the 8th and 9th frets is cracked, but this is not a concern when playing.
There are some weather checks and minor scratches, but there are no repairs to the painted surface, and the guitar is in clean condition considering its age.

The original Lightning Bar bridge is from the era when the 3rd string was wound, and the piece is in a high position, so we recommend using a separately replaced Lightning Bar bridge for modern specifications.
The short vibrato roller can no longer be used, but it is also recommended to use a bar bridge with strings.

The Firebird was introduced to the market targeting jazz guitarists, perhaps because of its history with Fender, but it has been loved by many rock guitarists because of its cool looks and sound.
It takes some getting used to, but please experience its one and only sound with this rare first year model.

Serial Number：142531
Pot Date：1376XXX(Neck Tone), 137633X(Bridge Vol), 13763XX(Bridge Tone), Neck Vol is soldered and unreadable
Weight: 3.55kg
with Original Hard Case

* Due to the nature of this product, we will not be able to offer this product at other Ishibashi Gakki stores. Please understand this in advance.

Item Rank: B+: Some scratches, but no problem in normal use.

Serial Number: 142531
Year of manufacture: 1963
Case: Hard Case
Weight: 3.55kg

* This is a used item and may have scratches, dents, etc. that are difficult to see in the photos or scratches not shown in the description. Please note that there are scratches, dents, etc. that are difficult to see in the photos or that are not listed.

* The truss rod, remaining frets, and string height are measured by our staff at the time of setup and may change due to climate, humidity, and other environmental factors.
The values are intended to be used as a reference at the time of purchase, and we do not guarantee that they will be the same when you receive the instrument.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind item and is listed on multiple malls at the same time, including in-store displays. We try to delete product information as soon as possible, but this is not always in real time.
We apologize in advance if the item is sold out after you place your order.