First introduced in 1963, the Gibson Firebird was a guitar many years ahead of its time. Its futuristic reverse body and neck through body construction made it a unique guitar for the period. Although the Firebird has been reissued many times since it was discontinued in 1969, the limited edition Medallion models, of which 366 were made in 1972, were the first time those original pre-1965 reverse body models were reproduced by Gibson, and are thought by many to be every bit as good as their '60s counterparts, designed to replicate the first production year 1963 Firebird guitars. This 1972 Gibson Firebird V Medallion is and exceptionally rare guitar, with a tone and style that is up there with the best Firebirds we have played.
This 1972 Gibson Firebird V Medallion is in great condition, and features the reverse mahogany body and neck through construction associated with the Firebird between 1963 and 1965. As a 1972 model, and like all other Gibson guitars from this year, this Firebird features a set of Gibson logo embossed Firebird pickups, an incredibly rare feature only ever available on these Medallion models. The pickups themselves pack a real punch, with the clarity and definition you would expect along with a slightly hotter than usual tone. As with all Firebird V models, this guitar features a tune-o-matic bridge and Maestro vibrato tailpiece with engraved Lyre motif on the cover. Other features include nickel banjo tuners, multi ply white guard with no embossed red Firebird logo as featured on the '63 models, and pearl trapezoid inlays. This guitar also features the gold Medallion play inlaid on the upper horn, marking this as number 153 in the production run.
This guitar is in very good, all original condition with only minimal signs of play wear to the dark burst finish. The back of the headstock and rear of the neck have been over sprayed with a darker lacquer up to about the 5th fret, and there are signs of what may be a minor crack repair to the bottom of the headstock, but no evidence of a full break or split. The guitar is internally and externally original, with the original Patent sticker pickups present and correct, and the pots dating to the 7th week of 1971. The only change appears to be a replacement jack ground wire. This guitar also includes its original Gibson case.
As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by the luthier at the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 3 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty.
