Gibson Firebird “Reverse” 1963-1965: The Short-Lived Vintage Originals

BTR#58 - A special double-length episode dedicated to one of the most iconic guitar models ever. “Weird body shape, wrong balance, heavy-weight, unusable tuners and unstable intonation, poor sounding pickups with horrible rings, bizarre construction, goofy vibrato tailpiece, uncomfortable position of switch and knobs”: that’s how a Gibson Firebird is described by its detractors. But, let’s grant these guitars the benefit of doubt, so we can make our own judgement. I recently had the chance to test in my studio, an original vintage Gibson Firebird III from 1964 and a similar model from 1965. It’s the perfect occasion to talk about the short-lived original Firebird guitars and Thunderbird basses, produced by Gibson, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, between October 1963 and May 1965: the so-called “Reverse” models. We are delving into their captivating story and examining their unique features. What is the final verdict? #vintageuitars #vintagegibson #gibsonfirebird Scroll down for chapters list. -English subtitles available in the options of the player -Sottotitoli in Italiano attivabili dalle opzioni del player Subscribe the BTR channel and Click the bell to keep an eye! #guitartoneexcellence Bob’s Tone Review on the web: bit.ly/m/bobstonereview Start your Thomann Orders from here: bit.ly/m/bobstonereview Please help me to dedicate time and efforts to the BTR channel, any amount is welcome! https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bobst... Contacts: bobcilloonguitar_at_gmail_dot_com Bob's Music: Youtube Playlist: https://bit.ly/bobcillomusic Behind Bars Collective: https://linktr.ee/behindbarscollective Dirty Trainload Discography: https://dirtytrainload.bandcamp.com Bob Cillo & Mafia Trunk: https://bobcillomafiatrunk.bandcamp.com/ Reference Links: t.bone Studio Microphones: bit.ly/thomann-btr - https://www.tbone.audio/microphones/ Surfybear Pedals: bit.ly/thomann-btr - https://www.surfyindustries.com Pedalroom Italy: https://www.pedalroomitaly.it - Use discount code #bob2024 00:00 - Introducing the Gibson Firebird "Reverse" 02:20 - 1962: Gibson needs a new line of instruments #guitarhistory 03:53 - The Korina Trio experience 05:26 - Ray Dietrich, from cars to guitars 07:35 - Birth of the Firebird Guitars and Thunderbird Basses 09:21 - The Choice of the "Firebird" and "Thunderbird" names 10:40 - The Firebird and Thunderbird models #vintageguitars 14:15 - Firebird Sounds 15:25 - Custom Colors 15:55 - The "Fishbone" 1964 Firebird III 18:35 - Features of the "Reverse" Firebird Guitars #technicaldetails 23:13 - 3 more particular details 23:59 - Approaching a Firebird 24:42 - About tone #guitartone 25:27 - 1965: The "Non-Reverse" Firebrds and Thunderbirds 29:10 - The "Grey zone": Transitional models with overlap of features 29:48 - 1965 Transitional Firebird III, features and tone 31:52 - The neck fragility issue 32:45 - Testimonials of the original "Reverse" Firebirds #rockculture 36:30 - My first Gibson #guitardiary 37:58 - General considerations #bottomline FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: This video may contain short excerpts of copyrighted material that are used in a transformative manner, intended solely for informational, educational, research, commentary, and criticism purposes. Such use is covered under the provisions of fair use as defined by the United States Copyright Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94-553, Oct. 19, 1976).