The Slash Gibson Firebird is a rare twist on a classic Gibson design, blending the unmistakable style of the Firebird with Slash’s signature tone and attitude.
Featuring premium craftsmanship, custom pickups, and bold vintage-inspired aesthetics, this limited-edition model delivers powerful rock tones with standout visual appeal.
Read On…
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The Limited Edition Slash Gibson Firebird
The Slash Gibson Firebird is a bold reinterpretation of one of Gibson’s most distinctive body styles, infused with the tone, feel, and attitude that define Slash’s legendary sound.
Known primarily for his Les Paul work, Slash brings a different edge to the Firebird platform here — combining vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern performance upgrades and his signature Seymour Duncan pickups.
The result is a limited-edition instrument that blends classic rock heritage with unmistakable Slash DNA, built for players who want standout looks and serious tonal authority.
Read on.
The Gibson Guitar Company
Company Brand Logo
Gibson Brands Inc, based in Nashville, Tennessee, was founded by Orville Gibson, who began crafting instruments in 1894 and formally established the company in 1902 as the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd.
The company pioneered carved arched-top guitar designs inspired by violins and by the 1930’s was producing flattop acoustics and was among the first to offer commercially available hollow-body electrics.
Les Pauls
Gibson is probably best known for its widely popular Les Paul, introduced as its first solid-body electric in 1952 and still the company’s most popular guitar to date. (See image)
Image of a Gibson Les Paul Custom (1954-1957)
Loss of Market Share
Despite the success of the Les Paul, the company lost market share in the 60’s to the Fender Guitar Company.
Fender’s guitar designs, colours, shapes, and multiple pickup configurations were more popular and endorsed by some of the era’s top players.
Artists included The Beatles (George Harrison/John Lennon), The Ventures and perhaps one of the most iconic Fender Players to bring the Stratocaster to the forefront of rock in the late 60’s, Jimi Hendrix.
Gibson’s guitars, most of which were hollow or semi-hollow, seemed old-fashioned and were priced higher, contributing to a decline in sales.
The company went on with their attempt to capture more of the guitar market by creating instruments sporting more radical body shapes (ie the “Flying V and the Explorer), but they still struggled to succeed.
Looking for Inspiration
At a time when Gibson was looking to compete more aggressively with Fender’s futuristic solid-body designs, then-president Ted McCarty made a bold move.
He hired renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich to bring an entirely new visual identity to the company’s electric lineup — something modern, sleek, and unmistakably different.
Dietrich approached the project with a car designer’s eye, drawing inspiration from mid-century automotive tailfins and streamlined body contours.
The goal wasn’t just aesthetics; it was to create a guitar that looked fast, progressive, and forward-thinking.
🎸 TL;DR – Slash Gibson Firebird w/Video
A limited-edition Firebird built with Slash’s tone in mind — blending classic styling with Les Paul-style wiring and signature Seymour Duncan pickups.
- Seymour Duncan Slash APH humbuckers
- Les Paul-style electronics
- Figured maple top
- Custom Slash neck profile
- Ultra-limited production
Premium, collectible, and built for serious players.
Introduction Of The “Reverse” Firebird Guitar
From this collaboration emerged the original 1963 “Reverse-body” Firebird — a radical departure from traditional Gibson shapes.
It combined the Explorer’s sharp, aggressive stance with smoother, automotive-inspired lines and a longer scale length for added snap, clarity, and sustain.
The result was one of the most distinctive solid-body designs Gibson had ever produced — and one that still stands apart today. (See Image)
Gibson “Reverse body” Firebird Guitar with Stetsbar.
Neck-Through Construction
It became Gibson’s first solid-body guitar to feature neck-through construction, where the neck runs the full length of the body for increased stability and sustain.
The lineup included four models — I, III, V, and VII — differentiated by their pickup and tailpiece configurations.
Key Features
Firebirds featured a reverse headstock with tuners on the treble side and distinctive “banjo”-style tuning keys. (See Image)
“Banjo” style tuning keys on a Firebird
Mini Humbuckers
Pickup options included single, dual, or triple original Firebird mini-humbuckers (smaller than standard pickups).
Because of their size, they offer a different tonal flavour — typically brighter and more focused — while still providing hum-reducing performance.
Between 1965 and 1969, the I and III models saw changes to the pickup configuration and the vibrato systems.
Despite its innovation, the bold Reverse-body design struggled commercially, leading Gibson to introduce the “Non-Reverse” Firebirds during the same period.
“Non-Reverse” Firebirds
These guitars featured a more conventional double-cutaway body design, with a longer bass horn and a shorter treble horn. (See Image)
Gibson Firebird III Non-reverse w/stopbar bridge & short Vibrola
Unlike the original neck-through Reverse models, these guitars used a traditional glued-in set neck construction, and the headstock tuners were positioned on the bass side.
Pickup configurations remained similar to earlier Reverse models, but despite the design changes, sales continued to struggle.
After only a few years, the Non-Reverse Firebird line was also discontinued.
Reissued Firebirds
Reverse-body Firebirds returned in 1972, available in finishes such as black, vintage white, natural and sunburst.
In 1976, Gibson introduced a special “Bicentennial” model featuring gold hardware and a red, white, and blue Firebird logo on the pickguard.
The non-reverse version resurfaced in 2002 through Gibson’s Custom Shop, the division responsible for limited-run, high-end instruments and design innovation.
The Gibson Custom Shop is the division of Gibson where artisans and expert luthiers craft limited-edition, high-end instruments — including artist signature models and vintage-inspired reissues — by hand in Nashville and Bozeman. (Source Gibson Custom Guitars)
Firebird Evolution
In 2010, the guitar continued to evolve. The Company discontinued the original banjo tuners and moved away from the 1963 pickup configuration.
Modern Firebird pickups were redesigned for higher output, fuller mids, and a smoother top end compared to the brighter vintage versions.
Through every era of refinement, the Firebird remained a bold, rebellious design — the kind of guitar that naturally attracts larger-than-life players, and when it comes to Gibson’s most iconic modern ambassadors, one name rises above the rest…
Slash
Slash (born Saul Hudson) is a British-American guitarist, songwriter, and producer widely regarded as one of the most influential rock guitarists of his generation.
Slash performing in 2017
He rose to global fame as the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, whose explosive blend of hard rock and attitude dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s with multi-platinum releases and iconic guitar work.
In 1993, the artist launched the side project Slash’s Snakepit, and after departing Guns N’ Roses in 1996, he co-founded the supergroup Velvet Revolver in 2002, achieving commercial and critical success through the 2000s.
As a solo artist, Slash released:
These recordings prominently feature Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, establishing a consistent touring and recording unit.
In 2016, Slash rejoined Guns N’ Roses for the massively successful “Not in This Lifetime” reunion tour, one of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time.
He has continued recording and touring with both Guns N’ Roses and Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators into the 2020s, further cementing his legacy as a modern rock icon.
Slash Awards & Achievements
Over the course of his career, Slash has received numerous accolades recognizing his influence, technical skill, and iconic guitar work.
To Get A Copy Of Slash’s Step-by-Step Breakdown of His Guitar Styles & Techniques, Tap On the Image Here
Major Rankings & Honours
2004 – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” Named #1 Greatest Riff
Total Guitar ranked the song’s opening riff as #1 on its “100 Greatest Riffs” list, cementing Slash’s status as one of rock’s most recognizable riff writers.
2008 – “November Rain” Solo Ranked Among the Greatest Ever
Guitar World placed Slash’s solo at #6 on its “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” list, highlighting one of the most celebrated lead performances in rock history.
2009 – Named Among the Best Electric Guitarists
Time magazine listed Slash as runner-up in its “10 Best Electric Guitar Players” ranking, recognizing his global impact and signature sound.
Slash live in London 2022.
2010 – Ranked by Gibson Among the Greatest Guitarists of All Time
Gibson ranked Slash #34 on its “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time” list, while readers voted him #9 on Gibson’s “Top 25 Guitarists of All Time.”
2011 – Included in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists
Rolling Stone placed Slash at #65 on its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, further solidifying his legacy.
2012 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Slash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Guns N’ Roses’ classic lineup, recognizing the band’s enduring influence on rock music.
2017 – Announcing his appointment as the Gibson Guitar Company’s Global Brand Ambassador
This was the company’s first-ever appointment. With the role of making the Artist directly responsible for developing new products.
“It’s an honour to be Gibson’s first Global Brand Ambassador. I’ve been working with Gibson since the early days of my professional career, and playing Gibson guitars since before that. I’m proud of the creative relationship we’ve developed over the years.”
Slash
Why Slash Matters to Gibson
Few modern artists are as closely identified with Gibson as Slash.
Image courtesy of Slash Vector
While he is most famously associated with the Les Paul, his tone, image, and stage presence helped reignite global demand for classic Gibson designs during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
At a time when super-strats dominated the market, Slash’s use of traditional Gibson models brought vintage humbucker tone back to the forefront of hard rock.
His long-standing relationship with Gibson has resulted in multiple signature models through the Gibson USA and Custom Shop divisions, each built around his exact specifications.
These collaborations are not merely cosmetic endorsements—they reflect his deep involvement in pickup selection, wiring layouts, neck feel, appointments and overall tonal character.
Slash’s Custom Shop Firebird
A Les Paul Soul in a Rebel Body
For his second collaboration with Gibson, Slash reimagined the Firebird with the tone, feel, and performance features he relies on in his Les Pauls.
The result is a striking blend of classic Firebird attitude and Slash’s signature tonal preferences, delivering both visual impact and stage-ready versatility.
Firebirds on Display
Slash decided to add his two new signature Gibson Custom Model prototypes to his guitar arsenal for his Guns N’ Roses “Not in This Lifetime” tour dates in 2016.
Why?
According to the famed guitarist, “Everybody loves the Firebirds.”
Image courtesy of gnrcentral.com
Signature Guitar – Overview
The guitar blends classic Les Paul DNA with Firebird attitude, featuring dual Seymour Duncan Slash APH humbuckers, a versatile range of tones with strong output and a rock‑ready voice, Les Paul-style pickup spacing and wiring, a solid figured maple cap, and more.
At Slash’s request, the Gibson Custom Shop gave the guitar a vintage, hand-aged aesthetic with a thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish and a vintage-inspired hand-aged treatment. (See Image)
The New Gibson Slash Firebird – Image courtesy of musiciansfriend.com
It also includes exclusive hot-stamped Slash pickguard artwork for added collector appeal. (See image)
Rare Birds
Released in September 2017, these limited-edition models were offered in Trans Black and White with an MSRP of $6,199 to $7,699.
With only 25 of each finish produced, it ranks among the rarest artist Firebirds issued by Gibson Custom.
Tech Specs
Body
- Wood – 3-Piece Solid Mahogany.
- Top wood – Solid Figured Maple Cap, added to brighten the warmer tones of the Mahogany body. (See image)
Similar to Les Paul, a Solid Maple Cap is added-Image courtesy of legacy.gibson.com
- Shape – Single cutaway
- Finish – Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck
- Wood – Solid Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material – Solid Rosewood
- Neck Profile – Custom Slash-spec Medium “C“-Shape
- Scale Length – 24.75″ (62.865cm)
- Fingerboard Radius – 12″
- Joint Construction – Neck-through
The Slash Firebird w/Neck Through Construction, Traditional headstock and “Banjo-Style” Tuners-Image courtesy of legacy.gibson.com
- Number of Frets – 22
- Frets Size – Jumbo .100″ x 0.45″
- Fret Material – Nickel-Silver
- Nut Material – Nylon
- Nut Width – 1.687″ (42.85mm)
- End of Board Width – 2.240″ (56.89mm)
- Fretboard Inlays – Cellulose Trapezoid
- Finish – Gloss
Hardware
- Finish – Nickel
- Bridge Design – ABR-1
- Bridge Type – Fixed
- Tailpiece – Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
- Tuning Machines – Traditional Firebird Banjo Tuners
- Pick Guard – Multi-ply White
- Control Knobs – Black reflector top hat knobs with silver inserts
- Switch Tip – Black
- Jack Plate Cover – Black Multi-ply
Powerstation
The regular Firebirds came with mini-humbuckers, but Seymour Duncan is going full metal using Slash’s signature humbuckers with this bird. (See image)
Slash Signature Seymour Duncan Humbuckers – Image courtesy of reverb.com
- Configuration – HH
- Neck Pickup – Seymour Duncan Slash Signature APH-1 (Passive)
- Bridge Pickup – Seymour Duncan Slash Signature APH-2 (Passive)
- Series or parallel – Series
- Piezo – No
- Active EQ – No
Signature Pickups
To Get Your Seymour Duncan APH-2s Alnico II Pro Slash Set Humbucker Pickups, Tap On The Image
Controls & Electronics
The Slash Firebird has the same pickup wiring as a Les Paul, with Master Volume and Tone controls.
These APH-1/2 units will clean up as you roll back the volume, and they still respond as expected when you add gain.
Combined with a 3-way toggle switch, this is an excellent sound combination.
- Pots – 2 500K CTS on Volume and tone
- Control layout – Volume 1/2, Tone 1/2
- Hand-wired harness with Bumblebee capacitors
- Coil tap or split – No
- Kill switch – No
Finishes
- Trans White (Aged)
- Trans Black (Aged)
Accessories
- Black Custom Firebird Hardshell Case w/Slash Logo
- Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity
- Aged Strap Lock Set
FAQ’s
People Are Asking
What makes the Slash Gibson Firebird different from a regular Firebird?
The Slash Gibson Firebird is a limited‑edition signature model that combines the classic Firebird body with features that Slash specifically requested
Who designed the Slash Gibson Firebird?
Slash collaborated with Gibson’s Custom Shop on this model. He wanted a Firebird that incorporated the tonal and performance elements he prefers in his Les Pauls.
How many Slash Gibson Firebirds were made?
The Custom Shop run was extremely limited — only 25 Trans White and 25 Trans Black models were produced, each with a vintage hand‑aged finish and exclusive Slash artwork on the pickguard.
Is the Slash Gibson Firebird a good guitar for rock music?
Yes — it delivers rich, powerful tones suited to rock, blues, and heavier styles, while still offering clarity and character typical of a Firebird‑inspired instrument.
Is the Slash Gibson Firebird rare and collectible?
Yes — the limited production run and the fact that these were Slash’s own specs make this one of the most collectible signature models Gibson has released.
Authentic examples command high prices among collectors and fans due to their scarcity.
Video
Final Thoughts
My first real exposure to Slash was when the “Sweet Child O’ Mine” video hit.
That was peak Guitar-Centred Band era — straight out of the Los Angeles scene — when the guitarist wasn’t just in the band… he was the identity.
Even back then, it felt like Guns N’ Roses might be one of the last true stadium rock giants, and he was doing it without a superstrat, a Floyd Rose, or tapping.
The scene was shifting. Music was changing. But what I didn’t see coming was how Slash would evolve beyond that moment.
Branding
Over the years, he didn’t just remain relevant — he built a brand in partnership with Gibson, which matured into something bigger, all while he’s still out touring with Guns N’ Roses.
That’s not nostalgia. That’s longevity.
As for the guitar, it’s a stunning instrument, no question.
But with limited production numbers and a serious price tag, actually getting your hands on one isn’t going to be easy.
For most players, the Epiphone versions might be the more realistic route — if performance value and practicality for gigging are your top priorities, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
As for the “Aged” nitrocellulose lacquer finish? I’m on the fence.
For some players, that worn-in look needs to be earned — something that develops over years of gigs, travel, sweat, and real stories.
At this price point, authenticity hits differently.
Should You Add This Guitar To Your Collection?
It depends on whether you’re a collector or a working player.
If you’re a collector, the Slash Gibson Firebird makes a strong case.
With only 25 units per finish, Custom Shop craftsmanship, and direct input from Slash, it’s a rare artist model with long-term desirability potential.
If you’re primarily a player, the decision is more practical.
It delivers powerful rock tones, but at this price point, a Les Paul or even a standard Firebird may offer more everyday versatility.
Potential Neck Dive
As an added note, many Firebird owners (even outside the Slash model) mention quirks in neck balance and tuning nuances due to the headstock and bridge layout. (Sonus Gear)
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Did You Like This Article?
Check out my review of the Signature Zakk Wylde Les Paul
Also… Leave your comments in the section below if you want me to review a favourite guitar or artist.
As always, stay the course and keep playing. See you in 30 days
Dino Paniccia
Dino is a Guitar enthusiast and blogger at GStringuitars, specializing in Signature Guitars, Gear Reviews, and artist-inspired instruments. He’s passionate about helping players find the perfect tone and style while sharing in-depth insights on iconic Guitars.
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Attributions
Blog Banner Image of Slash courtesy of Pinterest and Polly VanHeesch. Guitar images courtesy of musiciansfriend.com and reverb.com
Image of the Gibson Guitar Company logo – Author – Gibson Guitar Corporation-Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and is in the public domain
Image of a Gibson Les Paul Custom (1954-1957) – Image courtesy of Wikimedia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Picture of a Gibson “reverse” Firebird Guitar with Stetsbar fitted – Image courtesy of Wikimedia _Authos Madisonandfifth at English Wikipedia – This work has been released into the public domain by its author
Gibson Firebird V tuners – Image courtesy of English Wikimedia – Author Chiba13, and is released into the public domain by its author.
Gibson Firebird III Non-reverse (glue-in neck, stopbar bridge/short Vibrola – This is a retouched picture, which means that it has been digitally altered from its original version. -is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Slash performing in 2017 -Image courtesy of Raph_PH and licensed under Wikimedia and Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Image of Guitar Book On Slash’s Licks & Techniques courtesy of Amazon
A cropped version of File: Slash live in London 2022.jpg – Author -Kreepin Deth – Image courtesy of Wikimedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
Vector Trace of Slash Guitarist – Image courtesy of Vector by FalseReflex and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial 3.0 License
Image of Slash Logo – Courtesy of Sweetwater
Image of Seymour Duncan APH-2s Alnico II Pro Slash Set Humbucker Pickups courtesy of Amazon
Final thoughts, Slash playing live with ovations -Image by Alejandro Alvariño from Pixabay
Image of Slash CTA courtesy of Amazon
Sources
Gibson Custom Shop – Slash Signature Models
Gibson.com. “Slash Collection and Custom Shop Models.”
https://www.gibson.com
Rolling Stone – 100 Greatest Guitarists
Rolling Stone. “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
https://www.rollingstone.com
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Guns N’ Roses Induction (2012)
RockHall.com. “Guns N’ Roses.”
https://www.rockhall.com
Seymour Duncan – Slash APH-2 Humbuckers
SeymourDuncan.com. “Slash APH-2 Signature Humbucker.”
https://www.seymourduncan.com
Gibson Press Release Archive – Slash Firebird (2017 Limited Edition)
Gibson Brands / Gibson Custom Shop product release materials (September 2017).
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Slash Firebird Signature Model
$18,625.06
Pros
- Seymour Duncan Slash APH Humbuckers
- Same Wiring As The Les Paul's
- Solid Figured Maple Cap
- Comfortable Slash “C” Neck
- Neck Through Construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited Run
- Limited Finishes
- Firebird Banjo Tuners
Starting A Journey At 7 Years Of Age, The Love For The Guitar Only Became Stronger Going Into My Teens. This Leading To An Exciting Time Of Teaching, Performing, And Recording. Join Me Now As We Can Bring The Love Of This Instrument To Other Musicians Globally.
Yes, we had known Slash for years linked to the Les Pauls. But I personally have been a fan of Gibson guitars. And when I heard that the company and Slash were working together, I got excited. My dream combo is having a Marshall JCM 2555 Slash and a Slash Gibson Firebird to plug it into it!
Hello Paolo
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts.
I also have always considered Gibson, like you, one of the kings of the business.
Growing up, we had two camps, one was Fender the other Gibson.
I was on the Fender camp but have played many Gibson throughout the years. (Mostly Les Pauls)
And with the era of most artists getting their guitars, Slash pretty much has stood by his beloved Les Paul. (albeit with changes made but a Les Paul nevertheless.)
Seeing the Joint Venture relation between the two brands is quite exciting and like you would like to plug into the firebird and Marshall JCM 2555.