1965 Gibson Firebird III, Serial Number 506980
Introduced in 1965, the non-reverse Firebird™ represented the reimagining of the Firebird platform, replacing the neck-through construction and reverse body shape of earlier models with a lighter, more streamlined mahogany design. This exceptionally clean Firebird III is a wonderful example of the model, showing only light wear consistent with careful ownership. Finished in Tobacco Sunburst, it is an attractive and exceptionally playable example of one of our most distinctive mid-1960s designs.
The finish exhibits light, even lacquer checking throughout along with a handful of small dings concentrated around the headstock corners and body edges. The original chrome hardware shows only very light tarnishing and remains in excellent condition throughout. As is common on non-reverse Firebirds, the original pickguard has experienced noticeable shrinkage over time. The shrinkage has resulted in cracks at four mounting screws and the loss of a small section of material near the treble-side corner adjacent to the pickup selector switch. Light wear is also present around the selector switch area. Despite these issues, the Firebird hot stamp remains crisp and retains strong color, while the original hot-stamped truss rod cover remains very clean. The guitar presents remarkably well overall and remains exceptionally clean throughout.
The original chrome hardware remains in very good condition. The original lightning bar wraparound tailpiece remains fully functional and is included in the case, while a Gibson Custom lightning bar tailpiece is currently installed for improved intonation with modern string sets. To further optimize performance, the bridge and middle pickups have been non-invasively shimmed to improve balance across all three pickup positions. A rosewood shim has also been installed beneath the short Maestro™ Vibrola™ to increase break angle across the bridge. Like the pickup shims, this modification is entirely reversible and requires no alteration to the instrument. The original Kluson® double-line tuners function smoothly, while the gold reflector knobs retain clean and clearly legible lettering throughout.
While the Medium C-shaped neck profile features the later 1 9/16" nut width found on most Gibson instruments post-1965, the profile fills out the hand nicely and provides a full, comfortable feel. The lightly polished original frets remain in very good condition, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the fretboard with excellent action and a smooth, effortless feel that makes it a joy to play.
The electronics remain fully original throughout with clean, untouched solder joints. The three P-90 pickups measure approximately 8.23k ohms in the neck position, 8.70k ohms in the middle position, and 8.32k ohms in the bridge position. Original CTS® potentiometers, Sprague ceramic disc capacitors, and Switchcraft® components remain in place. Tonally, the guitar delivers everything that makes the three-pickup Firebird III such a compelling instrument, offering warm neck tones, articulate middle-position sounds, and cutting bridge pickup response. The result is an exceptionally versatile guitar with outstanding clarity, responsiveness, and character.
The guitar ships in a new Gibson Custom non-reverse Firebird hardshell case and includes its original black and goldenrod Firebird hardshell case, which remains in exceptionally clean condition. It is accompanied by the original Gibson warranty card hang tag stamped "FB #3" along with the original purchase receipt documenting its sale in July 1967. Together, these original documents provide a wonderful connection to the guitar's earliest history and ownership.
An exceptionally clean player with outstanding originality, this 1965 Firebird III combines the visual appeal of the non-reverse Firebird design, the versatility of three original P-90 pickups, thoughtful reversible playability enhancements, and desirable original documentation.
This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, new Limited Lifetime Warranty, and exclusive Gibson Certified Vintage accessories including a black leather guitar strap, matching black leather luggage tag, and vintage-style Gibson pick container.
Weight: 7.58 lb.
Neck Depth: 1st Fret: .83", 12th Fret: .98"
Guitar Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Body Finish Nitrocellulose lacquer
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Non-reverse Firebird
Body Styles Solidbody
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Indian rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium/vintage
Inlays Dot, celluloid
Joint Glued-in, set neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 40.7mm / 1.6in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.32k)
Controls 2 volume, 2 tone CTS potentiometers with Sprague ceramic disc capacitors
Middle Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.70k)
Neck Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.23k)
Output Jack Switchcraft 1/4" mono output jack
Pickup Selector Switchcraft slide selector switch
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Custom Shop Lightning Bar wraparound tailpiece, original Lightning Bar wraparound bridge included in case
Control Knobs Gold Top Hat knobs with gold inserts (tall wall)
finish Chrome
Pickguard 3-Ply white/black pickguard with Firebird hotstamp
Pickup Covers Black soapbar pickup covers
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Zamak
Strap Buttons Aluminum strap buttons
Switch Tip Black plastic switch tip
Tailpiece Maestro vibrola, short
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover Gibson hot-stamped Firebird truss rod cover
Tuner Plating Nickel
Tuning Machines Kluson Deluxe double line 6-on-a-plate tuners with white buttons
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories COA, LOA, Limited Lifetime Warranty, GCV leather guitar strap, GCV leather luggage tag, original Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
Model: GCVP0182
Case New Gibson Custom non-reverse Firebird hardshell case and original black and goldenrod Firebird hardshell case
Headstock Non-reverse Firebird
Strings Gauge 10-46
Gibson Certified Vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III, Tobacco Sunburst
Gibson Certified Vintage 1965 Gibson Firebird III, Tobacco Sunburst
Free & Fast Shipping
Free & Fast Shipping
Orders placed by noon CST Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) will ship the same day. Orders placed after this cutoff will ship the next business day. All orders over $100 receive free ground shipping within the United States.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shop and play with confidence knowing that your instrument is protected by our limited lifetime warranty. Learn more about warranties and exclusions here .
Case Included
Case Included
Your instrument ships with a factory-supplied hard- or soft-shell case for safe storage and transportation. Please refer to the product specifications for details.
Setup Included
Setup Included
Our craftory-trained technicians perform a final thorough inspection and detailed setup moments before your instrument is packed and shipped to you.
Three Free Months of the Gibson App
Three Free Months of the Gibson App
For a limited time only, receive a three-month subscription to the Gibson App for free with the purchase of this product. Click here to learn more about the Gibson App.
1965 Gibson Firebird III, Serial Number 506980
Introduced in 1965, the non-reverse Firebird™ represented the reimagining of the Firebird platform, replacing the neck-through construction and reverse body shape of earlier models with a lighter, more streamlined mahogany design. This exceptionally clean Firebird III is a wonderful example of the model, showing only light wear consistent with careful ownership. Finished in Tobacco Sunburst, it is an attractive and exceptionally playable example of one of our most distinctive mid-1960s designs.
The finish exhibits light, even lacquer checking throughout along with a handful of small dings concentrated around the headstock corners and body edges. The original chrome hardware shows only very light tarnishing and remains in excellent condition throughout. As is common on non-reverse Firebirds, the original pickguard has experienced noticeable shrinkage over time. The shrinkage has resulted in cracks at four mounting screws and the loss of a small section of material near the treble-side corner adjacent to the pickup selector switch. Light wear is also present around the selector switch area. Despite these issues, the Firebird hot stamp remains crisp and retains strong color, while the original hot-stamped truss rod cover remains very clean. The guitar presents remarkably well overall and remains exceptionally clean throughout.
The original chrome hardware remains in very good condition. The original lightning bar wraparound tailpiece remains fully functional and is included in the case, while a Gibson Custom lightning bar tailpiece is currently installed for improved intonation with modern string sets. To further optimize performance, the bridge and middle pickups have been non-invasively shimmed to improve balance across all three pickup positions. A rosewood shim has also been installed beneath the short Maestro™ Vibrola™ to increase break angle across the bridge. Like the pickup shims, this modification is entirely reversible and requires no alteration to the instrument. The original Kluson® double-line tuners function smoothly, while the gold reflector knobs retain clean and clearly legible lettering throughout.
While the Medium C-shaped neck profile features the later 1 9/16" nut width found on most Gibson instruments post-1965, the profile fills out the hand nicely and provides a full, comfortable feel. The lightly polished original frets remain in very good condition, and the guitar plays cleanly up and down the fretboard with excellent action and a smooth, effortless feel that makes it a joy to play.
The electronics remain fully original throughout with clean, untouched solder joints. The three P-90 pickups measure approximately 8.23k ohms in the neck position, 8.70k ohms in the middle position, and 8.32k ohms in the bridge position. Original CTS® potentiometers, Sprague ceramic disc capacitors, and Switchcraft® components remain in place. Tonally, the guitar delivers everything that makes the three-pickup Firebird III such a compelling instrument, offering warm neck tones, articulate middle-position sounds, and cutting bridge pickup response. The result is an exceptionally versatile guitar with outstanding clarity, responsiveness, and character.
The guitar ships in a new Gibson Custom non-reverse Firebird hardshell case and includes its original black and goldenrod Firebird hardshell case, which remains in exceptionally clean condition. It is accompanied by the original Gibson warranty card hang tag stamped "FB #3" along with the original purchase receipt documenting its sale in July 1967. Together, these original documents provide a wonderful connection to the guitar's earliest history and ownership.
An exceptionally clean player with outstanding originality, this 1965 Firebird III combines the visual appeal of the non-reverse Firebird design, the versatility of three original P-90 pickups, thoughtful reversible playability enhancements, and desirable original documentation.
This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, new Limited Lifetime Warranty, and exclusive Gibson Certified Vintage accessories including a black leather guitar strap, matching black leather luggage tag, and vintage-style Gibson pick container.
Weight: 7.58 lb.
Neck Depth: 1st Fret: .83", 12th Fret: .98"
Guitar Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Body Finish Nitrocellulose lacquer
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Non-reverse Firebird
Body Styles Solidbody
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Indian rosewood
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 22
Frets Medium/vintage
Inlays Dot, celluloid
Joint Glued-in, set neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Nut Material Plastic
Nut Width 40.7mm / 1.6in
Profile Medium C
Scale Length 628.65mm / 24.75in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.32k)
Controls 2 volume, 2 tone CTS potentiometers with Sprague ceramic disc capacitors
Middle Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.70k)
Neck Pickup P-90 pickup, soapbar, black coil (8.23k)
Output Jack Switchcraft 1/4" mono output jack
Pickup Selector Switchcraft slide selector switch
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Custom Shop Lightning Bar wraparound tailpiece, original Lightning Bar wraparound bridge included in case
Control Knobs Gold Top Hat knobs with gold inserts (tall wall)
finish Chrome
Pickguard 3-Ply white/black pickguard with Firebird hotstamp
Pickup Covers Black soapbar pickup covers
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Zamak
Strap Buttons Aluminum strap buttons
Switch Tip Black plastic switch tip
Tailpiece Maestro vibrola, short
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover Gibson hot-stamped Firebird truss rod cover
Tuner Plating Nickel
Tuning Machines Kluson Deluxe double line 6-on-a-plate tuners with white buttons
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories COA, LOA, Limited Lifetime Warranty, GCV leather guitar strap, GCV leather luggage tag, original Lightning Bar wraparound bridge
Model: GCVP0182
Case New Gibson Custom non-reverse Firebird hardshell case and original black and goldenrod Firebird hardshell case
Headstock Non-reverse Firebird
Strings Gauge 10-46
Overall rating: 0.0 / 5 from 0 reviews.
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