My father has a w/ reverse headstock, Ember red, w/original hardshell case exc.-condition (serial # 234870) 65 Firebird. Where is the best place to get a good idea of what this would sell for?

George Gruhn, who is a well known seller of vintage guitars, does appraisals. While it would be best to have the guitar examined in person, George does do authentications and appraisals via an online service. He requires very good quality, detailed photos of the guitar, along with information like the serial number, pictures of important details like PAF stickers if applicable, etc. Here's a link to his website:

http://www.gruhn.com

The online appraisals are $50, and I've used them when insuring some of my guitars.

If you're just looking for an estimate of the value of the guitar, the 2008 Vintage Guitar Price Guide lists a price of $25,000.

FVB

25K????

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1805562

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1755654

quote:

Originally posted by Shamus:
25K????

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1805562

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1755654

Those are both non-reverse models. Non-reverse models aren't worth anywhere near as much as the reverse models.

Good call, but even the reverse seem cheaper..

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1789020

I like the non-reverse firebirds. I remember Chrissy had a custom shop blonde non-reverse that looked absolutely killer.

quote:

Originally posted by Shamus:
Good call, but even the reverse seem cheaper..

http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1789020

I like the non-reverse firebirds. I remember Chrissy had a custom shop blonde non-reverse that looked absolutely killer.

That's not a custom color model.

Gibson's custom color guitars fetch TONS of cash.

quote:

Originally posted by Shamus:

I like the non-reverse firebirds. I remember Chrissy had a custom shop blonde non-reverse that looked absolutely killer.

You mean this one, right? Not blonde, but cool as hell!

OK thi sis what i have found so far...
Ember Red IS a custom color and since it is a model V it can go from 30-50+ K in the condition. In one instance this color went for around 65k last year from an auction site. Whoa!

Ohhhhh, the GAS buildup... Chrissy, you don't still have that do ya? Sweet axe.

Golden Apple, interesting stuff. That's huge money!

It is worth a lot and should be auctioned by Sotherby's.
I'm not kidding, it's worth a small fortune. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

quote:

Originally posted by Shamus:


Ohhhhh, the GAS buildup... Chrissy, you don't still have that do ya? Sweet axe.

Golden Apple, interesting stuff. That's huge money!

That's a reissue non-reverse or a modded vintage non-reverse.

Sounds killer either way!

For anyone interested this guitar and a Shoreline Gold (custom color) 1965 P bass will go to the Dallas guitar show with Karzy Kat guitars (from SA) in April and maybe some of it's equally intersting but not as pricey comrades. My father is wants to buy a house and here in Austin the property in NOT going down so this should help him with a good down payment, something for a great musician. Feel free to shoot me an email if you really want to know more. Thanks for your help!

To give you a ballpark idea. I do not know which model you have as you didn't provide photos or a description, however I will give you an idea on what the guitar is worth.
Firebird I- $11,500
Firebird III- $17,500
Firebird V- $21,500
Firebird VII- $23,500
All the above estimates assume excellent condition. In general a custom color will fetch anywhere from 30-50% more than its normal counterpart. This has been factored into the estimates. If you send me pics I can go more in depth with an appraisal.