Gibson Firebird Platypus

The Firebird takes flight once again, this time on the path of a forgotten iteration

- BY DARYL ROBERTSON

IF THERE'S ONE Gibson model that often gets overshadowed and underappreciated, it's got to be the Firebird. The model has been absent from Gibson's lineup for a few years - until now. Yes inded, the Gibson USA Firebird is back. Emerging gloriously from the ashes, Gibson has resurrected this elegant offset - and this time, it's donning its transitional-year getup.

Developed by car icon Ray Dietrich in 1963, the original iteration was a symphony of flowing lines and chrome, with a unique construction that set it apart from everything in the Gibson catalog at the time. By 1965, Gibson would start to introduce the new Non-Reverse model, which flipped the body so that the longer horn was now on top, ditched the neck-through design and - most importantly for this review - transitioned to the simplified headstock style. However, before the transition was fully underway, a few rare gems left the factory, sporting a delightful mix of features from both versions. These unique hybrids became known as “Platypus” models.

Fast forward to 2025, and Gibson's new Firebird Platypus is here, tipping its hat to those elusive transitional six-strings. This version boasts a mahogany body that, while featuring the characteristic center ridge of the original, actually sports a glued-in neck. Let's not forget its Platypusstyle headstock, which has been modified for better tuning stability, offering a straight string pull.