In early 1965, the original Firebird design transitioned through several different iterations. One of the significant transitions that occurred flipped the headstock to the Non-Reverse shape. Unlike the original Reverse Firebird headstock design, which featured a two-layer headstock with holly veneer, the new headstock was flat, like the bill of a platypus.
The Platypus-style Firebird featured six-in-line tuners rather than the banjo-style tuners that were used on previous Firebird models. The Firebird Platypus pays tribute to those rare transitional models.
It features a mahogany body with a glued-in, set neck and the appearance of a traditional neck-through Reverse Firebird body. The mahogany neck has a fast-playing SlimTaper profile and a rosewood fretboard with a 12” radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, and acrylic trapezoid inlays and sports the Platypus-style headstock with a Graph Tech nut and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners.
The Platypus-style headstock features the flat, traditional style “platypus” headstock has been slightly modified to provide straight string pull for less friction and improved tuning stability. The other ends of the strings are routed over a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge for precise intonation and solidly anchored with an aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece for outstation sustain.
The Firebird is one of the most distinctive-looking guitar designs ever, and the Firebird Platypus takes this legendary guitar a step further with its unique appearance. It’s tone is just as unique due to its two articulate, historically accurate Firebird mini humbucker pickups.
They are equipped with Alinco 5 magnets and can deliver tones with a nearly bell-like chime when played clean and great rock and blues tones that easily cut through the mix when pushed. Individual volume and tone controls allow you to tailor the sound even further, and of course, the pickguard features the legendary hot-stamped Firebird graphic. A Gibson hardshell case is also included.
Key Features
Mahogany Body with the Appearance of a Traditional Neck-Through Firebird Body
Glued In Mahogany Neck with a SlimTape Profile
Rosewood Fretboard with 12” Radius, 22 Medium Jumbo Frets, and Acrylic Trapezoid Inlays
Platypus-style Headstock with Six Grover Mini Rotomatic Tuners
Two Firebird Humbucker Pickups
A Gibson Hardshell Case is Included