1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird, Serial Number 00248012

A clean and original example from our Bicentennial Firebird run, this 1976 model celebrates the return of the reverse-body Firebird design—following its brief reappearance with the Medallion Firebirds released in 1972 and early 1973. Finished in a warm honey-brown natural mahogany, this guitar remains beautifully preserved with minimal wear, light, even patina to the gold hardware, and virtually no checking. The body blacklights perfectly with no signs of overspray or touch-up and retains its three-ply Firebird pickguard with the distinct red-and-blue hot-stamped “Firebird ’76” emblem.

Produced between 1976 and 1979, the Bicentennial Firebirds marked our reintroduction of the classic 1960s-style reverse body on a broader scale, with roughly 259 examples finished in Natural during the first year of production. While inspired by the original Firebird design, this version features several modern updates, including a two-piece mahogany neck-through construction (in place of the earlier nine-ply laminate), an unbound rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, and—for the first time on a Firebird—a stopbar tailpiece. The Kluson banjo tuners remain true to the original specs and complete the model’s unmistakable look.

The original pickups deliver a broad tonal range—bright and snappy when pushed, yet full and clear when played clean. Bicentennial models featured a standard Alnico Firebird pickup in the neck position (6.085k) and a sidewinder-style ceramic pickup in the bridge position (6.055k). This unique combination provides a range of tones—from single-coil-like clarity in the neck to focused punch and drive in the bridge. The wiring harness is all original and untouched, with CTS potentiometers (137764 visible date code) and ERO .022 μF capacitors.

The guitar remains all original except for a vintage-correct set of strap buttons, which were installed by our team using aged Gibson Custom Shop screws to return the guitar to factory spec. The gold hardware shows light, even tarnish consistent with age and mild playwear. The original frets are fairly low but play cleanly across the board with plenty of life remaining.

This Bicentennial Firebird is light, resonant, and ready to play—an exceptionally well-preserved first-year example that highlights our continued dedication to craftsmanship and innovation during the 1970s.

Includes the original black-and-purple Gibson hardshell case in very good condition.

This guitar has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Weight: 7.93 lb
Depth at 1st Fret: .80”
Depth at 12th Fret: .98”

Gibson Firebird Electric Guitars

Gibson Certified Vintage 1976 Gibson Bicentennial Firebird, Natural