1964 Gibson Firebird
The 1964 Firebird represents the model at its commercial peak before Fender competition forced changes. Mini-humbuckers deliver a distinctive bright, clear tone unlike any other Gibson pickup.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (through-neck construction) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany (through-body) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic, reverse body banjo tuners |
| Tuners | Banjo-style tuners |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cardinal Red, Pelham Blue, Polaris White, Golden Mist, Ember Red |
| Est. Production | 1,100 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two mini-humbucker pickups. The Firebird V adds a Vibrola tailpiece.
What Changed in 1964
Production increased but the model was already facing commercial challenges against Fender's designs. The Firebird V became the most popular model. Multiple colors remain available.
Collector's Notes
Firebird V (Vibrola model) and Firebird VII (three pickups, gold hardware) command premiums. The 'reverse body' (1963-1965) is the most collected configuration — verify this vs. the 'non-reverse' body introduced in 1965.
How to Authenticate a 1964 Gibson Firebird
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1964. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1964 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Check for original mini-humbuckers — these distinctive narrow pickups should have correct chrome covers and mounting. Reverse body — through-body neck construction (neck runs full length with glued-on wings). Banjo-style tuners on headstock back. Check for headstock repairs. Original Banjo-style tuners should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.