Gibson 1963 Firebird V Reissue PB ULA

Gibson 1963 Firebird V Reissue PB ULA review

The Gibson 1963 Firebird V Reissue PB ULA makes its case first with its looks. Pelham Blue, the Firebird outline and the Murphy Lab's ultra-light aging give this guitar the worn-in appearance of a vintage instrument without changing its core 1963 design. The finish includes lacquer checking, a detail that contributes to the aged look. In person, the combination is striking. That visual appeal was the first thing I noticed, and it remains a major part of the guitar's identity.

There is a substantial price attached to that presentation. Listed at $6,333, this is a premium, U.S.-made Gibson with a solid mahogany body, a nine-ply mahogany and walnut neck that runs through the body, and two Firebird Alnico V humbuckers. It has been available since September 2023. The price makes it a considered purchase, and its appeal will depend partly on how much value a player places on the particular finish, construction and historical design.

Construction and playing feel

The neck-through-body construction is central to the instrument's design. Its nine-ply neck combines mahogany and walnut, while the body is solid mahogany. The rosewood fingerboard has 22 frets, a 12-inch radius and pearloid trapezoid inlays. Gibson specifies a 42 mm nut width and a 628 mm scale. Together, those details give a clear picture of the neck's dimensions without requiring players to guess from the vintage styling.

The neck profile is described as an authentic 1963 Medium C. In my experience with this instrument, playability is a strong point. The profile feels like a key part of the appeal, rather than a purely cosmetic nod to the period. The provided specifications do not identify fret wire dimensions or other setup measurements, so players with specific preferences should check those details with the retailer before buying.

Gibson includes a case and certificate of authenticity. There is no gig bag listed. The case is a practical inclusion at this price, especially for an instrument with a distinctive finish and hardware. The guitar is sold as a single piece and is not listed as a limited run, despite its Murphy Lab treatment.

Pickups, controls and hardware

Two Firebird Alnico V humbuckers provide the pickup system. The control layout is conventional and straightforward: two volume controls, two tone controls and a three-way toggle switch. That setup gives the player separate volume and tone adjustment for each pickup, with the toggle selecting between the neck pickup, bridge pickup or both. No coil-splitting or other switching options are listed.

The bridge is an ABR-1 paired with a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. The Vibrola is an important part of the Firebird V's look and offers vibrato control, though players who prefer a fixed bridge should consider whether it suits their technique. Deluxe banjo tuners and nickel hardware complete the period-focused specification. These are distinctive design choices, not generic appointments, and they contribute to the model's specific character.

Verdict

The Firebird V Reissue PB ULA is a compelling choice for a player drawn to the Firebird shape and the Pelham Blue Murphy Lab finish. Its neck-through mahogany and walnut construction, rosewood fingerboard, pair of Firebird humbuckers and Maestro Vibrola form a coherent package around the 1963 design. The instrument also makes a strong visual impression, with the light aging giving the lacquer a checked appearance.

My strongest recommendation comes down to the combination of looks and feel. The guitar is exceptionally attractive, and my playing experience with it was very positive. At $6,333, however, the cost deserves careful consideration. Buyers are paying for a specific Gibson reissue with detailed vintage styling and Murphy Lab aging, rather than a low-cost route to a Firebird-shaped guitar. For someone who has long wanted this exact kind of Pelham Blue Firebird, the expense may make sense. Anyone comparing mainly on basic specifications should weigh those priorities before committing.

Key specifications

• Body: Solid mahogany
• Neck: Nine-ply mahogany and walnut, through-body construction
• Fingerboard: Rosewood, 12-inch radius, 22 frets
• Scale length: 628 mm
• Pickups: Two Firebird Alnico V humbuckers
• Bridge and vibrato: ABR-1 bridge and Maestro Vibrola
• Finish: Pelham Blue, ultra-light aging with lacquer checking
• Included: Case and certificate of authenticity