Gibson Firebird 1981 (’76 Spec) Bicentennial – All Original, Rare Cherry Finish

If Gibson were a bar, the Firebird would definitely be the “off-menu special.”

Only 2,847 Bicentennial Firebirds were ever made, and they came in just three standard colors: Ebony, Sunburst, and Natural.

This all-original Cherry example was built shortly after the Bicentennial run ended in 1979, using leftover body wood from that series. It was released as a Custom Color—not officially one-off, but examples like this are extremely scarce today.

According to the serial number (80711019), this guitar was originally sold in Nashville, USA, in 1981, later made its way to Europe (sold through Guitar Point about a decade ago), and eventually returned to Atlanta, USA—with a good chance it might one day travel to more places.

As one of the most fragile Gibson models of its era, known for its “headstock tragedies,” the fact that this Firebird has crossed half the globe without a single break feels like a true rebirth.

The Bicentennial Firebird design blends elements from multiple Firebird generations and features the unique Sidewinder design on the bridge, delivering a tone as explosive as its look.

This guitar weighs approximately 8.5 lbs and comes with its original Gibson hardshell case.

Because it features the Nashville bridge system, I also purchased a Royal Mounts ABR-1 conversion kit along with a genuine 1965 Patent Number gold ABR-1 bridge (together worth around $1,000). Both will be included in the sale, though they have not yet been installed.

The original Guitar Point demo video from when this instrument was previously sold is also included below.

Message me with questions, and thanks for looking!