Some guitars entice musicians with their tone, whether it’s strong and focused or rich and creamy. Other instruments pull players in with visual appeal through radical shapes, dazzling embellishments, or pinpoint-precise details.

The Gibson Firebird electric guitar manages to do both.

An instant classic upon release into the guitar world, the Firebird™—both the standard (Reverse) and Non-Reverse model—is as alluring visually as it is sonically. With a body shape reminiscent of a rounded Explorer™, this solidbody electric guitar is a stunner. Every detail, from the reversed headstock down past the fret inlays to the humbucker™ bridge pickup, is picture-perfect. Even the logo, which proudly graces all Firebird guitars, is a joy to behold.

That said, guitars are made to be played, not just looked at. The Firebird electric guitar, with models such as the famous Gibson Firebird V in Vintage Sunburst, stands out from the crowd of solidbody electric guitars in that department, too. Thanks to its sturdy, solidbody and mini-humbucker™ pickups, the Firebird delivers a well-rounded tone that makes it an excellent addition to any song, live or recorded.

If you’re lucky enough to own a Firebird, you can bring it with you to any gig or recording session—it’ll easily handle any task. Rock ’n’ roll and blues are no problem. Pop, jazz, and alternative are just as doable. Dial in the right settings on your amp and pedalboard, and the potential opens up even further. The Firebird will carry you through meandering shoegaze songs, experimental noisecore, and so much more.

Perhaps the hardest part of choosing a Firebird is deciding on a style. The standard Reverse-body version is a longstanding classic, but the Non-Reverse model is exciting for different reasons. The body shape is unlike anything else in the Gibson collection pantheon, so playing one will always help you stand out from the pack.

Then there are the color choices. Firebird guitars are available in a mind-boggling array of finishes, from Vintage Sunburst to vibrant reds and blues. Finding your preferred style will take time, but it’s time well spent: Once you have a Gibson Firebird in your hands, you’ll never want to put it down.