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Value of a vintage ´64 Firebird, modded and "heavy relic"

neuroy

Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2008
Messages
253
Hello,

I look for some opinion of a Firebird 1 converted to FB 3 in heavy players grade condition.
Second PU added, fretboard markers installed for a special look by former Texan owner.
No repairs, breaks.

This Bird has been around many blocks many times...
I like it very much, and would be willing to offer a fair price.
What do think it could be worth ?

https://www.ebay.de/itm/324355621484

Thank you all.
Cheers
 

VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
First, I would want to see better and more photos of the guitar (close ups, the back, bottom of the pickups, inside the back cavity, under the pick guard, etc). Second, the changes make it is impossible to put it back to being a FB I. Lastly, this guitar because of the changes will always be a "hard sell". I think you would be better off to wait and find a good condition, all original FB III and get that.
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
It certainly isn’t worth what they’re asking. I like the finish and don’t mind the extra pick up but the price needs to be adjusted downwards by a good proportion as it is no longer a FB1...offer him half their price and work up to slightly higher.
 

VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
When I looked at the Ebay ad earlier today, only the first three photos showed up. Now seeing the additional photos I've got a couple more thoughts. It is an early model with the two piece neck. It maybe possible that this is a FB III that didn't get a vibrato. I would want to check the rout for the neck p/u. All the FBs I've seen have a third strap button where they are near the neck like on on a Les Paul. With that much wear, you should play the guitar as the neck may feel like non-skid (don't know what the European word is for non-skid). Check that neck p/u to ensure it is a Gibson. Still think you would be better off with a nicer condition FB III.
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
I have a '64 FB III, 190352, and it's like a massive vibrating monster. I purchased it routed for humbuckers, fixed it for mini's, then went back to humbuckers. It sounds so good it's ridiculous. It has the slimmer neck and I like the contrast from what I'd normally play.

Best wishes. Make sure those p/ups are original. You'll never be able to buy a second hand pair of originals.
 

edwina

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2015
Messages
96
Hello,

I look for some opinion of a Firebird 1 converted to FB 3 in heavy players grade condition.
Second PU added, fretboard markers installed for a special look by former Texan owner.
No repairs, breaks.

This Bird has been around many blocks many times...
I like it very much, and would be willing to offer a fair price.
What do think it could be worth ?

https://www.ebay.de/itm/324355621484

Thank you all.
Cheers


In my opinion, 3000 usd is the right price to pay for that guitar.
 

fakejake

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
1,274
I think the inlays are awful, they'd pretty much ruin it for me. Otherwise, cool guitar!
In the EU market, 4000 euro is probably a realistic price.
 

neuroy

Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2008
Messages
253
There's one more picture added to the ad.
Shows the added neck PU.

What do you think about its age and so on...?

Please note the electrics cavity - do we see both PU wire being plastic coated ( the grey ones ) ?
Is that fine for ´64 ? No braided wires in this period ?
The covers of both PU´s look like chrome, rather than nickel.

I want to make sure both PU´s are vintage original.

The neck PU cave is a real hack job, so no chance it was aFB 3 ever .
Thanks
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
There's one more picture added to the ad.
Shows the added neck PU.

What do you think about its age and so on...?

Please note the electrics cavity - do we see both PU wire being plastic coated ( the grey ones ) ?
Is that fine for ´64 ? No braided wires in this period ?
The covers of both PU´s look like chrome, rather than nickel.

I want to make sure both PU´s are vintage original.

The neck PU cave is a real hack job, so no chance it was aFB 3 ever .
Thanks
Start at 15 and go no higher than 25
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
There's one more picture added to the ad.
Shows the added neck PU.

What do you think about its age and so on...?

Please note the electrics cavity - do we see both PU wire being plastic coated ( the grey ones ) ?
Is that fine for ´64 ? No braided wires in this period ?
The covers of both PU´s look like chrome, rather than nickel.

I want to make sure both PU´s are vintage original.

The neck PU cave is a real hack job, so no chance it was aFB 3 ever .
Thanks

hard to tell of any of the pots are original. The plastic wire is a concern. I’ve not seen any pups from this era with plastic coated wire? Anyone else?

those finger board markers could be removed and a new insert of well matched RW could be glued in.
 

VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
No repairs, that big washer on the output jack says something is going on there.
 
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