Gibson / Firebird III - Bernie Marsden Collection / 1964 / Tobacco Sunburst / Guitar
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From the Bernie Marsden collection, this 1964 reverse body Gibson Firebird III represents a lifelong obsession with these offset beasts. From a chance encounter with The Mersey Beats at Selmers on Charing Cross Road as a 12 year old, through auditions for UFO and buying and selling many over the years, the Firebird has been a constant in the congregation.
This guitar is featured on page 207 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.
Not many have survived the decades without some kind of issue, the dreaded headstock break due to bad case design being the biggest. This one has thankfully survived and not only that, it has survived in amazing condition and without any kind of modifications or ‘upgrades’ at all. It is as some people like to call it, a true survivor.
All totally correct or original, even the original pickguard is crack free which is a pleasant surprise. Original frets and fingerboard have very little wear but it has been played a bit as evidenced by the small, minor marks on the back and a few dings around the edges.
Neck on this one is quite chunky but is very comfortable to play. Fretboard is in great shape with plenty of life left in the frets.
Electrically everything looks untouched
The hardware and plastics look good too. Minimal tarnishing on the hardware and the pickguard, though it has shrunk a little and has a piece missing, is in great condition.
The guitar comes with its correct hardshell case resplendent with evidence of its former owners.
Nothing plays and sounds like a Firebird. With one strapped on, no one will fail to notice you either. There is undoubtedly space for one in your collection…
ATB Guitars, UK 
Hello we’re ATB Guitars.
We are one of Europes leading sellers of vintage and rare guitars. We only sell vintage Gibson and Fender electric guitars from 1950 until 1975 and have an extensive inventory to browse in our bricks and mortar store in Cheltenham, UK or in our online web store.
Payment and p/x:
All prices are in UK GBP £ Sterling. Payment can be made by Paypal, bank transfer, cash, or money order cashiers cheque etc.
Should you not be absolutely delighted with your purchase you may return it to Cheltenham, at your own expense, within 7 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. The item must not have been altered or tampered with in any way, and it must arrive in the same condition as it left us.
Postage and shipping:
We ship within the UK by Royal Mail Recorded (small items under 2Kg), TNT or UPS and Worldwide by Royal Mail Airmail Signed For (small under 2Kg) Parcelforce, UPS or FedEx. All shipping prices include expert packing, cartons and packing materials but not insurance which is typically around 2% of items value. Currently approx shipping rates for a single guitar are as follows:
UK excluding Northern Ireland and Highlands £29
Most of mainland Europe £49
U.S.A. £129
Asia £149 - £190
Rest of World including S. America £149 - £275
