Why not commemorate American Independence, 247 years on, with a stunning Firebird from the Bernie Marsden Collection? This guitar is featured on page 335 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.

Not many survive the decades without some kind of issue, usually the dreaded headstock break due to bad case design or some sort of modification. This one luckily has survived without breaks or modifications.

The guitar is in great condition. There is some wear but that is not extensive with the odd bump or knock as you'd expect. There are no signs of any modification. 

The neck too shows slight signs of wear. The fretboard is in great condition and there is plenty of life left in the original frets. Headstock and hardware are in great shape.

Elsewhere, hardware and plastics are in reasonable condition. There is quite a lot of corriosn on th eoriginal bridge and the stoptail is pited. The guitar comes with some replacement Schaller parts. The pickguard shows no cracks and the bridge and stop tail show only tarnishing. 

Electrically everything is correct. Solder joints  look to be untouched.

The guitar comes with its correct hardshell case.

Nothing really sounds like a firebird. The pickups have a quality that combines humbucker-like output and single coil clarity, a sparkle and bite that just cuts through. The guitar balances surprisingly well and after a few minutes you’ll wonder why you hadn’t played one before. 

Is there a firebird shaped hole in your collection? Grab this one before it gets away