Gibson Firebird Studio 2017 T Pelham Blue

The Gibson Firebird Studio 2017 T is a new version of the ‘reverse’ body Firebird, using set neck construction and standard humbucking pickups. Available in Pelham Blue and Vintage Burst, this is a great alternative to an SG.

The first Firebirds appeared in 1963 in the ‘Reverse’ body shape – referring to the lower, treble cutaway ‘horn’ being longer than the usual bass side, and with neck-through construction. Legal issues with Fender quickly forced Gibson to flip them over, and at the same time shifted to a traditional set neck joint.

I like this guitar a lot, and find it resonant and responsive, comfortable and visually appealing. As a Studio model, Gibson has left off some cosmetics such as binding, and there’s an excellent price to value relationship here.

The Firebird Studio 2017 T is built with Mahogany for the body and neck, and Rosewood for the fingerboard. For hardware, a standard Tune-O-Matic and Stop Tailpiece are used, with mini Grover Roto-Matics at the head. Pickups are a 496R and 496T pair, with nickel plated covers to match the nickel on the other hardware.

Gibson has been producing Firebirds in Studio versions for few years – the 2018 model is similar but with torrefied Granadillo fingerboard and P-90 pickups.

A Gibson Gig Bag is included.