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1965 Gibson Firebird III Non-Reverse – Cardinal Red 

We are proud to present an all original 1965 Gibson Firebird III Non-Reverse in the extremely rare Cardinal Red custom color, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Being from the first year of Non-Reverse production, this guitar is highly collectible and exceptionally significant for vintage enthusiasts.

History

The Gibson Firebird series was introduced in 1963, developed by Gibson in collaboration with automotive designer Ray Dietrich. In 1965, Gibson launched the Non-Reverse Firebird line, marking a new chapter in the Firebird series.

Production of Non-Reverse Firebirds was limited and short-lived, ending around 1969/1970. As a result, first-year 1965 examples are particularly desirable among collectors.

This guitar is finished in Cardinal Red, a factory custom color produced in extremely small numbers. Non-Reverse Firebirds in this finish are exceptionally rare, making this guitar highly sought after by both collectors and players.

The Firebird III features a mahogany body with through-neck construction and three original P‑90 pickups, delivering the classic punchy, articulate Firebird tone. Its distinctive body and headstock design, paired with the rare Cardinal Red finish, make it a unique and historically significant instrument.

Condition

This 1965 Gibson Firebird III Non-Reverse is in excellent condition, showing only light play wear with nicks and dings. The Cardinal Red finish is vibrant and intact, with beautiful patina and checking.

The mahogany through-neck is straight and comfortable. The rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays is clean and well preserved. Original frets are in excellent condition with plenty of life left.

The three P‑90 pickups are strong, clear, and well balanced, delivering the signature Firebird bite and articulation. The guitar is fitted with its original Short Maestro Vibrola, functioning perfectly. The original tuners are in great shape, and the original strap buttons remain intact.

This Firebird plays and sounds fantastic, with excellent action and a perfect neck angle, offering the unmistakable tone of a first-year 1965 Non-Reverse Firebird.

Originality

This 1965 Firebird III Non-Reverse is 100% original throughout. All hardware, electronics, pickups, and finish remain exactly as they left the Kalamazoo factory. The guitar retains its original bridge, Short Maestro Vibrola, knobs, P‑90 pickups, Double-Line Kluson tuners, and strap buttons.

The pickups and electronics/wiring remain untouched and fully intact, with no broken solder joints and no rewound pickups. All original and 100% correct.

Includes its rare original Gibson “picnic” case, a highly desirable detail for collectors. The case is in excellent condition and fully functional.

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• Pots Dated: 1965
• Neck Material: Mahogany
• Fretboard Material: Rosewood
• Body Material: Mahogany
• Neck Pickup Resistance: 7.84 kOhm.
• Middle Pickup Resistance: 7.88 kOhm.
• Bridge Pickup Resistance: 7.91 kOhm.
• Nut Width: 1-9/16"
• Neck Measurement 1th Fret: 0.83"
• Neck Measurement 12th Fret: 0.96"
• Weight: 3.160 Kilograms / 6.964 Ibs - Including Tremolo Arm
• Serial Number: 507088

We are more than happy to provide further photos upon request. Simply contact us for details, including close-up and internal photos of the instrument.

Photo Documentation of Originality

Each of our vintage instruments comes with a professionally prepared documentation package stored on a USB drive. This includes high-resolution internal and external photos, showcasing every detail of the instrument. The serial number is also noted on the USB drive. This serves as your proof of originality and offers transparent, reliable verification of authenticity — providing peace of mind when investing in a piece of guitar history.

Please note: The photos document exactly how the instrument looked — inside and out — on the day of purchase. Any modifications made after the sale will void both the warranty and the originality verification.