Gibson Firebird Platypus: A Rare Bird Returns
Set Neck Firebird Design Relaunched
4,6 / 5,0 | 
A blend of classic and contemporary, the Gibson Firebird Platypus is a unique instrument that returns now.
Gibson Firebird Platypus
The Gibson Firebird Platypus is back, and this model is a reissue of the mid-60s rare version of the Firebird with some modern twists.
Set-Neck Construction
It starts with a mahogany body, shaped in the iconic reverse Firebird style, but deviates from tradition with a set-neck construction reminiscent of non-reverse models. A SlimTaper neck and a distinctive platypus-shaped headstock create a striking visual and tonal identity.
The bound rosewood fretboard, adorned with classic trapezoid inlays, plus 22 frets with cryogenic fret treatment, finally, the eye-catching Firebird graphic pickguard completes the package.
A regular Firebird typically has a through-neck design so that this Platypus will have a different feel and tone.
Mini-Humbuckers
The Platypus delivers the classic Firebird sound courtesy of Alnico V-loaded mini-humbuckers, each equipped with individual Volume and Tone controls. All the vintage Firebird Platypus models I have played have had P-90 pickups, so again, this is a slight variation on the traditional mid-60s formula.
Modern appointments, such as a Graph Tech nut, an aluminum Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge, and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, ensure playability and durability.
Again, you would usually see banjo tuners on a Firebird, so this modified platypus-shaped headstock with 6-in-line Grover Mini Rotomatics is another distinct difference.
Price and Availability
This new Gibson Firebird Platypus is available in Ebony, Tobacco Sunburst, and Vintage Cherry nitrocellulose finishes. The price includes a Gibson hard case, which you need with a Firebird, as they have a specific body shape. Get it here at Thomann* for $2,188.00 / £2,099.00 / 2,499.00€.
More Information
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2 responses to “Gibson Firebird Platypus: A Rare Bird Returns”
How about a completely new guitar design? Is it illegal for Gibson to do that?
Isn’t that the regular Firebird headstock, but without the bevels and it being non-reverse?