I am offering here a Gibson Firebird V Bicentennial Limited Edition Ebony from 1976, a still manufactured in Kalamazoo, Michigan (USA), Gibson Firebird model as part of a limited run of 222 units to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, featuring a solid mahogany body (with total weight of only 3.82kg), two-piece mahogany neck in neck-through construction with chunky C-shaped neck profile and 43mm nut, premium Indian rosewood fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays, two tonally versatile Gibson USA Firebird Patent No. Mini Humbucker pickups, high-quality Gibson Tune-o-Matic bridge with Stopbar and Gibson banjo-style tuners in a classic high-gloss ebony nitrocellulose finish with shiny gold hardware and a white pickguard including red/blue ’76 Bicentennial Firebird logo in very well maintained condition, including the original Gibson ‘76 vintage hardshell case and professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings.

The Firebird V Bicentennial is one of the most iconic special-edition models in Gibson’s history from the 1970s. To mark the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1976, Gibson reissued the Reverse Firebird—originally designed in the early 1960s by automotive designer Ray Dietrich—in a special Bicentennial edition. Its unmistakable distinguishing feature is the Firebird on the pickguard, whose plumage is rendered in the American national colors of red, white, and blue, accented with stars. Combined with the striking reverse body shape and reverse headstock, the rare high-gloss Ebony Nitro finish—including shiny gold hardware—and the unusual banjo-style tuners, this resulted in one of the most distinctive Gibson designs of its time.

In terms of construction, the Firebird differs significantly from classic Gibson models such as the Les Paul or SG. The two-piece mahogany neck in a neck-through design forms the tonal and structural backbone of the instrument and flows seamlessly into the mahogany body. This elaborate construction gives the Firebird an immediate response, pronounced sustain, and an open, resonant fundamental character. Weighing in at 3.82kg, this particular example has an exceptionally comfortable weight for a full-sized vintage Firebird.

The guitar literally sings even when played acoustically, and once it’s plugged into an amp, it takes a moment to recover from the sheer onslaught of vintage Firebird tones. This is thanks to the two original Gibson Patent No. mini humbuckers, which provide the right tones for nearly every musical genre between blues and rock: Powerful double-coil tones in the finest PAF tradition, delivering a lively response with a brilliant high-frequency range. Thanks to their nuanced dynamic response, the mini humbuckers also react perfectly to your playing style, ensuring that every riff and lick is brought to life with expressive clarity.

A sound sample of this model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

The mahogany neck features a more substantial C-profile (comparable to the current Rounded C neck profile), which, together with the 12" radius and 22 frets, ensures comfortable playability. The characteristic Gibson banjo-style tuners mounted on the back are among the most striking design details of the historic Firebird and preserve the unmistakable silhouette of the reverse headstock.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Kalamazoo, MI, USA
• Year of manufacture: 1976
• Series: Bicentennial Edition
• Body: Solid mahogany
• Neck: 2-piece mahogany neck, neck-through
• Neck profile: C
• Neck thickness: 21.11mm (1st fret) / 25.21mm (12th fret)
• Fingerboard: Indian rosewood with acrylic dot inlays
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Nut width: 43mm
• Frets: 22
• Headstock: Reverse
• Pickups: 2x Gibson USA Patent No. Mini Firebird Humbuckers (Neck: 6.02 kΩ, Bridge: 6.04 kΩ)
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 2x volume and 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Gibson “Banjo-Style” tuners
• Bridge: Gibson Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar
• Hardware: Gold
• Pickguard: White with red/blue ‘76 Bicentennial Firebird logo, 3-ply
• Finish: High-gloss Ebony, nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 628.6mm
• Weight: 3.82kg
• Serial No.: 00247269
• Includes original black Gibson ’76 vintage hardshell case, Guitar Point certificate

As a limited-edition model—of which only 222 ebony examples were produced in 1976—this Gibson Firebird V Bicentennial is extremely rare.

Apart from a small touch-up to the finish on the headstock, this guitar is in completely unmodified, well preserved original condition and in perfect working order. Visually, there is some superficial age-related wear, which blends seamlessly into the instrument’s vintage patina (see photos). The frets are still in top condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL (incl. oversized package surcharge) for €79.99 within Germany or €149.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.