I purchased this guitars years ago. When I bought it I thought I was buying a 100% original guitar from 1963. I have researched the instrument by going backward to the people who were before me. I was amazed at the story that had unfolded to me. When Gibson closed down the factory in Kalamazoo they had a huge auction that was to eliminate moving a very large amount of parts and gear that was almost finished or in pieces. I spoke to the person who bought this guitar from the auction. He told me he bought enough parts and gear to fill his truck,a 10 footer, 6 times. He bought this guitar that had been serial numbered and had almost all of the parts for it. The guitar came to him in 3 pieces and he had all of the gold parts (gears,tremelo system,screws,nuts,bolts ). He did not have the pots for the guitar which makes perfect since to why the pots are not from the same week and would have been matching. The pickguard is original but I cracked it turning the screw to tighten it. The guitar was sent to Chris Mirabella who I spoke with and he had access to an original Firebird 7 to make sure everything was done properly. He put the guitar together and he painted the guitar as well. You have to see the beauty of this as the guitar got to a certain point of being finished and then some time later one of the best luthiers in the world did just that to make this the 21st guitar made from 1963. Gibsons shipping totals for this guitar was 20 shipped in 1963. I am not sure if this guitar was in that number because it was serial numbered but either way this is an original finish b ecause it was never painted till Chris got it. The guitar plays and sounds amazing. I have posted some nice pics of the guitar but if you are serious and would like something that is not posted just let me know and I will try to accomodate you. please check my other auctions as I am going to be listing more vintage items before this auction ends. The guitar also comes with an original case that is also in excellent condition.
On Jun-28-08 at 15:06:16 PDT, seller added the following information:
I purchased this guitars years ago. When I bought it I thought I was buying a 100% original guitar from 1963. I have researched the instrument by going backward to the people who were before me. I was amazed at the story that had unfolded to me. When Gibson closed down the factory in Kalamazoo they had a huge auction that was to eliminate moving a very large amount of parts and gear that was almost finished or in pieces. I spoke to the person who bought this guitar from the auction. He told me he bought enough parts and gear to fill his truck,a 10 footer, 6 times. He bought this guitar that had been serial numbered and had almost all of the parts for it. The guitar came to him in 3 pieces and he had all of the gold parts (gears,tremelo system,screws,nuts,bolts ). He did not have the pots for the guitar which makes perfect since to why the pots are not from the same week and would have been matching. The pickguard is original but I cracked it turning the screw to tighten it. The guitar was sent to Chris Mirabella who I spoke with and he had access to an original Firebird 7 to make sure everything was done properly. He put the guitar together and he painted the guitar as well. You have to see the beauty of this as the guitar got to a certain point of being finished and then some time later one of the best luthiers in the world did just that to make this the 21st guitar made from 1963. Gibsons shipping totals for this guitar was 20 shipped in 1963. I am not sure if this guitar was in that number because it was serial numbered but either way this is an original finish b ecause it was never painted till Chris got it. The guitar plays and sounds amazing. I have posted some nice pics of the guitar but if you are serious and would like something that is not posted just let me know and I will try to accomodate you. please check my other auctions as I am going to be listing more vintage items before this auction ends. The guitar also comes with an original case that is also in excellent condition.
I have recieved a few emails asking if I would sell the parts on the guitar. I will not take it apart. I know that a no bird pickguard from 63 is worth quite a bit. All of the gold is original and there is no wear on the gold. It is like brand new and never been messed with. The case is from 1963 as well and near mint. The pickups are mini PAF's and sound great. I look at the price on a Gibson Firebird 7 historic at 3800.00 and it can't compare to this old wood and all original parts from 1963 !!!