Description
Description & Specifications
1965 Gibson Firebird III – Sunburst – Non-Reverse Headstock
We present an all original 1965 Gibson Firebird III in Sunburst finish with a Non-Reverse headstock. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This historical and incredibly rare Gibson Firebird is definitely not something you see every day. 1965 was the transition year when Gibson replaced the Reverse Firebird with the Non-Reverse Firebird. This guitar is an early ’65 Reverse Firebird with a Non-Reverse headstock, still featuring the famous banjo tuners and a bound neck. Another cool detail of this amazing Firebird is that it still features nickel hardware, as 1965 was also the transition year when Gibson moved from nickel to chrome hardware.
Otherwise, the guitar has all the standard features of the Firebird III — laminated neck-through-body construction, a comfortable neck feel, and two mini-humbucking pickups with the typical snarly and powerful Firebird tone.
Condition
Cosmetically, this guitar is in overall excellent condition, with beautiful finish checking throughout the body and neck. It shows signs of nicks, dings, and other cosmetic wear—typical for a nearly 60-year-old guitar—but no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The original pickguard is fully intact and clean with no cracks or breaks, although the white finish has slightly faded over time.
Originality
This historical 1965 Firebird is 100% original throughout and completely untouched. Everything remains exactly as it left the Kalamazoo factory in 1965. The two original Gibson mini-humbuckers sound fantastic and are well-balanced.
Pickups and electronics/wiring remain untouched and intact, with no broken solder joints and no re-wound pickups. All original and correct.
Comes complete with the original hardshell case. Two out of four latches are broken, but the handle is in perfect working order.
–
We are more than happy to provide further photos upon request. Simply contact us by email or phone for details, including close-up and internal photos of the instrument.
Pots Date
Neck Material
Fretboard Material
Body Material
Neck Pickup Resistance
Bridge Pickup Resistance
Nut Width
Neck Measurement 1st Fret
Neck Measurement 12th Fret
Weight
Serial Number
Photo Documentation of Originality
Each of our vintage instruments comes with a professionally prepared documentation package stored on a USB drive. This includes high-resolution internal and external photos, showcasing every detail of the instrument. The serial number is also noted on the USB drive. This serves as your proof of originality and offers transparent, reliable verification of authenticity—providing peace of mind when investing in a piece of guitar history.
Please note: The photos document exactly how the instrument looked—inside and out—on the day of purchase. Any modifications made after the sale will void both the warranty and the originality verification.
