Gibson Firebird V (reverse body, neck-through)
Gibson USA format = YDDDYPPP
Decodes to: 1999 production
CONSTRUCTION VERIFICATION
Clear multi-piece neck-through lamination visible
Center strip runs through body
Chrome cover, correct footprint
Correct Firebird mini-humbucker design
Likely original or correct-style replacement
Routed cavity clearly hand-chiseled
100% non-original + irreversible body modification
This is the single biggest negative factor on the guitar.
Oversized route beyond ring footprint
This is not factory, not clean, not reversible without visible repair
This moves the guitar from “player grade” → modified player / compromised originality
Electronics (control cavity)
CTS pots (appear period-correct)
Ceramic disc caps typical of late 90s Gibson
Shielding paint consistent with factory
Electronics: partially original, partially altered
Banjo tuners: correct style (look replaced or cleaned, but correct type)
Bridge/tailpiece: correct Nashville/TOM style
Knobs: correct speed knobs
Heavy fret wear (flattening + low crown)
No structural neck issues visible
Needs fretwork soon (not optional if sold as player-ready)
No visible headstock break
Structurally sound (confirmed)
CONDITION GRADE (REALISTIC)
“Player grade – modified”
Playability: Needs fretwork
Originality: Compromised (major)
Baseline (1999 Firebird V, original):
Adjustments (for this guitar)
Routed bridge cavity: –$400 to –$700
Non-original pickup: –$150 to –$300
Fret wear (refret needed): –$200 to –$400
Player wear: –$150 to –$250
Tonally still very usable
But permanently devalued by routing
eliminates collector interest
Model: Gibson Firebird V (neck-through)
Originality: Partially modified (major routing)
Condition: Player-grade modified. Does not hold tune. Old strings, neck work needed.
