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Up for sale, a 1972 Gibson Firebird V Medallion Limited Edition model in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. The first iteration of the Firebird V platform produced after the original early '60s run, the Medallion model is easily one of the rarest and shortest-lived Firebird models, with a total of only 336 Firebirds produced in this run. Made with a small gold medallion subtly inset into the mahogany on the upper bout (with a matching medallion on the case), this model commemorated the 1972 Olympic Games.
Very faithful to the specifications of the original reverse body Firebird design, the Medallion model is loaded with the original pair of Gibson-embossed nickel-plated Firebird pickups as well as a long frame Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. The pickups are true to early '60s spec, measuring in the high 6k ohm range. The tone is rich and full, with the foundational warmth and ample sustain of the neck through mahogany construction. The pickups are particularly detailed and clear-sounding, with a chiming top end, smooth midrange, and focused, sinewy bass response that pairs well with drive pedals and vintage tube amps. This Gibson weighs 8lbs 9oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with low action, accurate intonation, and 10-46 strings.
The mahogany neck has an extremely slender and effortless C-shaped profile carve at the nut with appreciable heft up the fingerboard, measuring .775” deep at the 1st fret and .965" at the 12th. The slab rosewood fretboard features pearloid trapezoid inlay and the original medium jumbo fretwire which has Gibson's wide/flat fret dress. The frets show moderate wear on the crowns of frets 1-3, with fainter wear beneath the plain strings extending to fret 8, playing cleanly up the 24 3/4" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures a full 1 11/16“ in width, and the headstock sports the original set of nickel-plated banjo tuners.
On the body, the original pair of Firebird pickups with Gibson-embossed nickel covers are intact, measuring 6.9k ohms in the bridge position and 7k at the neck. These pickups feature patent number decals on the baseplates and have untouched solder joints on the covers, wired to the original CTS pots which date to the 11th week of '72. Hardware includes an era-correct patent # ABR-1 bridge which works in concert with the long frame nickel-plated Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. This very elegant and responsive vibrato has the same excellent spring tension and quick feel of the '60s Vibrolas, complete with the original arm. The guitar at one time was converted to a stoptail, and the tailpiece inserts are still present below the Vibrola. Plastics include the original pickguard (notable for not having a Firebird graphic) and the original quartet of gold reflector cap knobs with clean text on the caps. The thin metal medallion sits flush with the top, slightly inset with an embossed serial number from this exceedingly short Firebird run.
The Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, soulfully worn and exhibiting finish loss on the treble side of the pick path as well as a sliver of similar finish wear to the bare mahogany in a few isolated spots along the lower bout edge. There are various minor dings and finish scratches from use, and light texturing in the clear coat in a rectangular area central to the back from a previously removed sticker. There is natural palm wear through much of the gloss on the neck profile.
The original black tolex hardshell case with silver "Gibson" silkscreen on the exterior is included. The case has a plush form-fit purple interior, original latches and handle, and small Gibson medallion. An artist's name has been silkscreened on the lid.
Very faithful to the specifications of the original reverse body Firebird design, the Medallion model is loaded with the original pair of Gibson-embossed nickel-plated Firebird pickups as well as a long frame Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. The pickups are true to early '60s spec, measuring in the high 6k ohm range. The tone is rich and full, with the foundational warmth and ample sustain of the neck through mahogany construction. The pickups are particularly detailed and clear-sounding, with a chiming top end, smooth midrange, and focused, sinewy bass response that pairs well with drive pedals and vintage tube amps. This Gibson weighs 8lbs 9oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with low action, accurate intonation, and 10-46 strings.
The mahogany neck has an extremely slender and effortless C-shaped profile carve at the nut with appreciable heft up the fingerboard, measuring .775” deep at the 1st fret and .965" at the 12th. The slab rosewood fretboard features pearloid trapezoid inlay and the original medium jumbo fretwire which has Gibson's wide/flat fret dress. The frets show moderate wear on the crowns of frets 1-3, with fainter wear beneath the plain strings extending to fret 8, playing cleanly up the 24 3/4" scale with a straight neck and responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures a full 1 11/16“ in width, and the headstock sports the original set of nickel-plated banjo tuners.
On the body, the original pair of Firebird pickups with Gibson-embossed nickel covers are intact, measuring 6.9k ohms in the bridge position and 7k at the neck. These pickups feature patent number decals on the baseplates and have untouched solder joints on the covers, wired to the original CTS pots which date to the 11th week of '72. Hardware includes an era-correct patent # ABR-1 bridge which works in concert with the long frame nickel-plated Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. This very elegant and responsive vibrato has the same excellent spring tension and quick feel of the '60s Vibrolas, complete with the original arm. The guitar at one time was converted to a stoptail, and the tailpiece inserts are still present below the Vibrola. Plastics include the original pickguard (notable for not having a Firebird graphic) and the original quartet of gold reflector cap knobs with clean text on the caps. The thin metal medallion sits flush with the top, slightly inset with an embossed serial number from this exceedingly short Firebird run.
The Sunburst gloss nitro lacquer finish is 100% original with no touch-up or overspray, soulfully worn and exhibiting finish loss on the treble side of the pick path as well as a sliver of similar finish wear to the bare mahogany in a few isolated spots along the lower bout edge. There are various minor dings and finish scratches from use, and light texturing in the clear coat in a rectangular area central to the back from a previously removed sticker. There is natural palm wear through much of the gloss on the neck profile.
The original black tolex hardshell case with silver "Gibson" silkscreen on the exterior is included. The case has a plush form-fit purple interior, original latches and handle, and small Gibson medallion. An artist's name has been silkscreened on the lid.
