Pre-Owned Gibson Johnny Winter Firebird V '64 Relic Murphy Lab Electric Guitar

The Gibson Johnny Winter Firebird V '64 Relic Murphy Lab is a meticulously crafted tribute to one of rock's most legendary guitarists. This model, crafted by Gibson's Murphy Lab, captures the essence of Johnny Winter’s iconic instrument while offering modern playability and aesthetic appeal.

American singer and guitarist Johnny Winter was celebrated worldwide for his electrifying blues rock albums and live performances. Known for his dynamic presence, Winter graced the stage at Woodstock and shared jams with legends like Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, among others. As an influential figure in blues, Winter not only carried the torch for the genre but also played a crucial role in revitalizing the careers of his idols Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker.

He created and produced several GRAMMY Award-winning blues albums, including Waters’ acclaimed records Hard Again (1977), I'm Ready (1978), and Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live (1979). Winter’s own works were also recognized with GRAMMY nominations, such as for Guitar Slinger (1984), Serious Business (1985), Let Me In (1991), and I'm a Bluesman (2004). His final studio album, Step Back (2014), featured collaborations with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Leslie West, Dr. John, Brian Setzer, and more. Posthumously, Winter won the GRAMMY Award for “Best Blues Album” for Step Back and was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1988.

◄Specifications

• Body Style: Firebird
• Body Material: Layered Mahogony
• Side: Solid Mahogony Wings
• Binding: Fingerboard 1-Ply Cream
• Body Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Weight Relief: None
• Neck Profile: Medium C
• Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
• Frets: Reissue
• Inlays: Aged Celluloid Trapezoids
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
• Neck Material: 5-piece Mahogany/Walnut Neck-Through
• Nut Material: Corian
• Joint: Neck-Through Construction
• Fingerboard Material: Indian Rosewood
• Fret Count: 22
• Nut Width: 42.86 mm / 1.687 in
• Hardware Finish: Nickel and Chrome
• Bridge: No-Wire ABR-1
• Tailpiece: Chrome Plated Aluminum Stop Bar
• Tuning Machines: Deluxe Banjo Tuners
• Pickguard: 3-Ply White/Black/White
• Truss Rod: Standard
• Truss Rod Cover: Black, No Stamp
• Control Knobs: True Historic Black Top Hats with Silver Inserts
• Switch Tip: Chrome
• Control Covers: Black
• Strap Buttons: 3 - Upper Bout, Heel, and Bottom
• Mounting Rings: Firebird Nickel
• Neck & Bridge Pickups: Firebird Alnico 5
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 500K CTS Potentiometers, Hand-Wired Harness
• Pickup Selector: 3-way Switchcraft
• Output Jack: 1/4" Switchcraft

◄Read More

• Design & Aesthetics

  The Firebird V '64 Relic is a visual stunner, reflecting the distinctive style of Johnny Winter's original instrument. The guitar’s body is fashioned from solid mahogany with a classic Firebird shape, renowned for its unique, offset silhouette and striking visual impact. The vintage-inspired "Relic" finish, achieved through Gibson's Murphy Lab, gives the guitar an authentically worn appearance, with carefully applied aging that mimics the natural wear of a guitar played over decades. The finish is complemented by aged hardware and a distinctive, aged white pickguard, enhancing the guitar’s vintage vibe.

• Sound & Performance

  The Johnny Winter Firebird V '64 Relic is equipped with Firebird mini-humbucker pickups, renowned for their bright, cutting tones and impressive clarity. These pickups deliver a powerful, articulate sound with pronounced high end and a tight, focused low end. The guitar's tone is characterized by a rich, midrange growl, ideal for both gritty rock solos and clear, cutting rhythm parts. The overall sound is both dynamic and versatile, making it suitable for a variety of genres, from blues and rock to more contemporary styles.

• Playabilty

  The Firebird V '64 Relic excels in playability, thanks to its ergonomic design and high-quality construction. The Slim Taper neck profile provides a comfortable grip and smooth action, facilitating quick transitions and effortless play. The guitar’s balanced weight and well-placed controls make it easy to handle on stage, while the 22 frets offer ample range for solos and complex chords.