A rare beast! 1965 Firebird III with the coolest of transitional features, just the right amount of wear, no breaks or repairs and a few changes to keep the price keen.

This rare configuration represents a very short-lived moment in production while Gibson transitioned to the non-reverse design introduced later this year. The headstock was flipped but it retains the two-tiered pedhead and banjo style tuners. These transitional examples are nicknamed Platypus Firebirds and are extremely scarce and highly collectible.

Originally fitted with a Maestro trem and with a Lyre tailpiece added at some point in its life (holes visible), these have now been removed in place of a MojoAxe wraparound tailpiece and studs offering excellent tuning stability and resonance.

It's a fantastic playing example having had a refret and changed nut, and the neck profile is a very comfortable medium D carve with the all important/desirable  1,11/16th nut width. Elsewhere, the original electronics remain largely intact, with the exception of the bridge pickup, which has been replaced with a late-'70s Firebird pickup, and the two volume pots dating to 1982. The remaining pots date to week 14 of 1965.

Cosmetically, it’s got just the right kind of wear with no breaks or repairs that are all so common on this model. There are some touchups to the finish in various places visible under blacklight, and the body shows signs of regular use with visible forearm and pick wear to the front.  The pickguard is crack-free and bears its red Firebird logo with pride, and the plastics and remaining hardware are correct for the period.

Tonally, Firebirds live in a world of their own—combining the output and fullness of humbuckers but with slightly more bite and chime. It’s a sound that cuts beautifully in a mix and stays articulate under gain. Overall the balance and feel of the guitar is excellent.

Transitional Firebird III's with this rare headstock/tuner combo rarely surface in the vintage market, and given the minor changes this is an excellent opportunity to acquire one at close to Custom Shop money!

Comes housed in a later purple-lined fitted ’70s hard case.