Gibson Johnny Winter Firebird Electric Guitar (with Case)

No longer available at zZounds
This guitar is an exact recreation of blues legend Johnny Winter's classic 1963 Firebird V -- even down to the aged vintage sunburst finish.

Rounding off the edges of the Explorer's aggressive body shape, the Firebird was a design departure for Gibson in the early '60s -- and the instrument of choice for a young blues guitarist named Johnny Winter. It's Winter's own 1963 Firebird V that the Gibson Custom Shop has meticulously recreated in the limited-edition Johnny Winter Firebird -- right down to a tiny chip in the pickguard and a cigarette burn or two. This beloved guitar accompanied Winter through his formative years as he drew influence from greats like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, and defined Winter's bluesy slide-guitar sound through the late '60s, '70s, and '80s.

Design Details to Recreate the 1963 Firebird V

Like the first Firebirds, this Custom Shop recreation employs Gibson's unusual "reverse" body design so prized by collectors. The "reverse" body features a longer right-hand horn and reversed headstock with tuners on the treble side -- details that defied Gibson's seemingly "old-fashioned" image in the late '60s, and made other guitar makers sit up and take notice. While the 1963 Firebird was released in several pickup and tailpiece combinations, the "V" model included two mini-humbucker pickups, trapezoid pearl inlays, cream neck binding, and Gibson's classic "banjo" tuning keys -- all of which are faithfully recreated in the Johnny Winter Firebird. The original utilized a Tune-O-Matic bridge; this Custom Shop reissue features an ABR-1 bridge with heavy stop-bar tailpiece.

Aged Body, Worn Fretboard -- Just Like Johnny's

read more When you pick up the Johnny Winter Firebird, it's hard to believe you're holding an instrument with no miles on it. With gentle wear around the edges of the walnut/mahogany body and comfortable, worn-in 22-fret rosewood fretboard, the Johnny Winter Firebird feels familiar from the moment you take it out of the included case. Gibson's Custom Shop craftsmen have neglected no detail in paying tribute to Johnny Winter's piece of blues history -- from the classic Firebird rounded neck with neck-through construction, down to the almost-completely-faded red Firebird logo on the pickguard. With a certificate of authenticity signed by Johnny included, you can be sure that the latest addition to your guitar collection has been approved by the man himself.

Features:

- Walnut/mahogany body with solid mahogany wings
- Vintage sunburst finish with gentle wear
- Aged pickguard with faded Firebird logo
- Classic "banjo" tuning pegs
- Pearl trapezoid neck inlays and single-ply cream binding
- Firebird rounded neck profile and neck-through construction

The result of the Gibson Custom Shop's painstaking work is an instrument worthy of a serious collector. The Johnny Winter Firebird is a beauty to behold, a joy to play, and a sound investment for any Winter devotee.
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Body & Hardware:
- Solid Mahogany wings
- Vintage Sunburst finish
- Nickel hardware
- ABR-1 Bridge, heavy stop-bar tailpiece

Neck & Headstock:
- Nine-ply mahogany / walnut neck through-body
- 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Pearloid trapezoid inlays
- Single-ply cream binding
- Firebird rounded neck profile
- 24 3/4 inch scale length, 1 11/16 inch nut width
- Banjo tuners

Electronics & Strings:
- Mini-humbucker pickups
- 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch
- Vintage Reissue .010 strings

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Gibson Johnny Winter Firebird Guitar

The Gibson Custom Shop Johnny Winter Firebird V is a recreation of his iconic instrument down to every last detail and is a tribute to a true blues master, and his most beloved guitar. Since the 1960s, Johnny Winter has been cranking out some of the meanest & most spellbinding slide guitar ever recorded. For decades he has relied on one guitar - a 1963 Gibson Firebird V.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (12 ratings)
Submitted November 9, 2009 by a customer from hughes.net

"Get a piece of rock and roll history before they are all gone."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I just like looking at it.
Sound
Not played, just hung on the wall
Features
This guitar is a masterpiece. It looks just like the one Johnny plays. They are not going to make any more of these. Not more than 125 made. This is an amazing piece of art. For me I'll play my other Firebird this one is for hanging on the wall and looking at. Watch him play the inspired version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsB6lbFvhuo
Ease of Use
It is just beautiful!
Quality
Everything it is billed to be and more. Johnny has signed the certificate of authenticity. It is really a wonderful piece.
Value
Bought an MSRP 12k guitar for 5k, sounds like a value to me. I have not got a Gibson or Fender that has not held it's value or most often gone up in value. Elated with my purchase. Probably a better investment than gold.
Manufacturer Support
Gibson is great. I have several Gibson guitars and I have been to the repair shop in Nashville. The guys are great and do great work. Stop in and talk with the guys working on the bench and if you are lucky they will take you to the jam room and crank out some tunes. They will do all they can to help you. ZZound is great a their support too. Your "Johnny" will cam expertly set up from ZZ.
The Wow Factor
Amazing distressing...

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues, Contemporary Christian
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