For sale is one of the rarest and cleanest 1965 Gibson Firebirds on the planet: a genuine non-reverse Firebird VII in factory Polaris White, in absolute collector condition.

•  Model: 1965 Gibson Firebird VII (non-reverse body, introduced mid-1965)

•  Finish: Polaris White (ultra-rare factory custom color – one of the scarcest Duco/poly finishes from the era)

•  Hardware: 100% original gold-plated throughout – three gold mini-humbuckers, gold Tune-O-Matic bridge, gold Maestro Deluxe Vibrola with engraved Lyre tailpiece cover, gold control knobs, gold truss-rod cover

•  Pickguard: White with red Firebird logo

•  Neck: Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays

•  Serial: 501512 (back of headstock – confirmed 1965 production)

•  Case: Original 1965 black hardshell case

Condition is nothing short of breathtaking. This guitar has been babied its entire life. The Polaris White finish is glass-smooth with deep gloss, The gold hardware is bright and untarnished, frets are pristine, and everything functions perfectly. It is completely all-original – no refinish, no mods, no replaced parts.

Only a handful of non-reverse Firebird VIIs were ever made in Polaris White, and examples this clean almost never surface. This is the “Loch Ness Monster” of 1960s Gibsons – a true trophy piece for the serious collector.

Serious inquiries only. Price is firm and reflects current market comps for mint custom-color non-reverse VIIs (recent dealer examples have ranged $42k–$48k+ and not near this good of condition!

DM or email for more photos, video, or to schedule a viewing. No trades.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a perfect piece of Gibson history.

Looking forward to placing it with someone who will appreciate it as much as I have.


This is a truly beautiful 'bird overall, in nearly pristine condition for its age showing hardly any play wear and no notable finish loss, damage or repair. There are NO headstock or control cavity cracks, which unfortunately are very common with these instruments. There is virtually no checking to the Polaris White finish, with only a few tiny dings, chips and rubs. The white has yellowed just a bit over 55+ years but remains truer to the original hue than many with a sort of vanilla ice cream look but no smoky patina; as these Custom color Gibsons go this is an exceptionally well-preserved instrument.

The gold plating is also in far better condition than most!!

All hardware remains original, unaltered and in really excellent condition. The only oddity we note is one of the knobs has a silver colored insert while the others are gold; they are otherwise a perfect match and appear to have been fitted that way at the factory. 

The original pickguard is the only component really showing its age with some lifting at the edges the typical shrinkage cracks by the screws, with several spots completely popped through. The painted bird emblem remains nicely intact. The original frets show hardly any wear and the guitar plays very well. Overall this is simply a GREAT looking and sounding Firebird VII, comes with its original red-lined second-generation HSC, a fairly rare find in itself. Excellent + Condition.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listed9 months ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Firebird VII Non-Reverse
Finish
  • Polaris white
Categories
Year
  • 1965
Made In
  • United States
Fretboard Material
  • Rosewood
Body Material
  • Mahogany
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Model Sub-Family
Color Family
  • White
Body Shape
  • Double Cutaway
Pickup Configuration
  • HHH
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Model Family
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Offset Body
  • Offset Body
Scale Length
  • 24.75"
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Tremolo Tailpiece
Number of Frets
  • 22

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Moonray’s Collection

Dripping springs, TX, United States
Joined Reverb:2016

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