Gibson Guitar and Bass 1964 Guitar and Bass catalog. Page 9. The first page of two on the new Gibson Firebird series. It comprised four guitar models, the Gibson Firebird VII and Firebird V on this page, and the Firebirds III and I on page 10. Two bass guitars in the same series, the Thunderbird basses, are shown on page 13.
This was, of course, the first catalog appearance of the Firebird series, and in fact the only appearance of these early 'reverse body' models; by the time of the next catalog in 1966, the entire series had been redesigned with a flipped body - the 'non reverse' Firebirds, as they are usually known.
The Firebird V and particularly the Firebird VII were the most deluxe of the series, and priced accordingly. In fact the Firebird VII was the most expensive solid body guitar produced by Gibson at this time, even out-pricing the SG Custom by $20. The September 1964 US price list (zone 1) suggests prices of $500 and $360 for the Firebird VII and V respectively.
Here is the ultimate in a solid body guitar by Gibson. A completely new and exciting instrument that offers all the sound, response, fast action and wide range that could be desired
$3499
$6500
$8808
$349
$599
$949
$5500
$7600
$9500
$399
$1480
$8249
$27900
$12000
$5939
£397
£450
€499