Gibson Firebird Platypus: A Tribute to the Rare 1965 Transitional Models

If you’re interested in Firebird history, the new Gibson Firebird Platypus is worth a closer look. This model revisits a unique transitional period from 1965, blending elements of both Reverse and Non-Reverse Firebirds. While it may look like a classic Reverse Firebird at first, some key design differences set it apart.

One of the biggest changes is the construction. Instead of the traditional neck-through design, the Firebird Platypus uses a glued-in, set neck, similar to a Les Paul™ or SG™. The headstock also reflects this transitional period, featuring a rare “platypus” shape that briefly appeared in 1965 before Gibson moved to the later Non-Reverse Firebird design. With a pair of Firebird Alnico 5 humbuckers, this guitar offers a distinct tone that balances clarity and bite, making it a solid choice for a variety of playing styles.

Key Features:

• Mahogany Body and Glued-In Mahogany Neck
  The mahogany body provides warmth and resonance, while the set-neck construction enhances sustain. This design choice gives the guitar a feel more akin to a Les Paul™ or SG™ rather than the original neck-through Firebird.
• Rosewood Fretboard
  The 12” radius fretboard is designed for comfort, making it easy to chord and bend notes without fretting out. The medium jumbo frets and acrylic trapezoid inlays add to the playability.
• Platypus Transitional Headstock Design
  This headstock shape is a nod to the rare transitional Firebirds from 1965. Unlike the earlier Reverse Firebird headstocks with banjo tuners, this design features six-in-line tuners and has been slightly modified for improved tuning stability.
• Firebird Alnico 5 Humbucker Pickups
  These pickups offer a unique balance of clarity and punch. They provide a bright, chimey clean tone but also hold up well when driven into overdrive.
• Available in Three Classic Finishes
  Tobacco Sunburst, Ebony, and Vintage Cherry.

A Closer Look at the Design Choices

During 1965, Gibson made several changes to the Firebird lineup, including flipping the headstock design to what would later become the Non-Reverse Firebird. The flat, bill-like “platypus” shape was a brief but notable part of this transition. The Firebird Platypus honors that era, keeping the Reverse Firebird body shape while adopting a glued-in neck and the transitional headstock design.

The neck has a SlimTaper™ profile, a Graph Tech® nut, and Grover® Mini Rotomatic® tuners for better tuning stability. A Nashville Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece provide solid intonation and sustain. The Firebird Alnico 5 humbuckers contribute to the guitar’s distinct sound, with crisp highs and well-defined mids. Individual volume and tone controls allow for tonal flexibility.

So, who is this for? If you’re a firebird aficionado this will add a little something extra with a interesting historic story to your collection. Otherwise, player who like the look and tone of the Firebird but want a more traditional headstock and tuner setup will also find the Platypus of interest.

Availability

The Gibson Firebird Platypus will be available in Australia starting April 2025. For more details, check Gibson’s official website.