For Sale: 1990 Gibson Firebird V – Cardinal Red | First-Year Reissue | All Original | Gibson HSC

Up for sale is a 1990 Gibson Firebird V in Cardinal Red, complete with a newer Gibson Firebird hard-shell case.

This is a particularly cool example from the first year of Gibson’s modern Firebird V reissue, making it an appealing guitar for players and collectors looking for an early example. The bold Cardinal Red finish is especially striking on the Firebird’s unmistakable reverse-body design and is a much less commonly encountered look than the traditional Sunburst examples.

This guitar remains all original and has been played and enjoyed over the years, developing plenty of honest vintage character while remaining structurally sound and an excellent player.

Condition

Very Good – 8/10

• Scratches throughout from normal use
• Various dings and small marks
• Finish checking in several areas
• Honest playwear consistent with age
• Great naturally aged appearance

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Despite the cosmetic wear, the guitar is all original with no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

The neck is straight and stable, and the original frets remain in excellent condition with virtually no wear. The guitar has been professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier and plays cleanly up and down the fingerboard with comfortable action and no buzzing or dead spots.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Firebird V
• Year: 1990
• Made in USA
• Serial Number: 92350779
• Finish: Cardinal Red
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Neck Profile: Slim ’60s
• Nut Width: 1.70"
• Neck Depth: .82" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .89" at the 12th Fret
• Pickups: Original Gibson Firebird Pickups
• Frets: Original
• Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
• Case: Newer Gibson Firebird Hard-Shell Case

Early 1990 Firebird V Reissue

One of the most interesting aspects of this guitar is its 1990 production date, placing it at the beginning of this era of Gibson Firebird V reissues.

For players and collectors who appreciate earlier Gibson reissues, this gives the guitar an additional layer of appeal beyond simply being a great Firebird.

Add the Cardinal Red finish, all-original condition, and more than three decades of natural aging, and this is a Firebird with plenty of personality.

Cardinal Red Finish

The Cardinal Red finish looks fantastic against the Firebird’s dramatic body shape.

After more than 35 years, the guitar has developed the kind of cosmetic character that simply can't be replicated convincingly with artificial aging. There are scratches, dings, and finish checking throughout, giving it a genuine played-in vintage appearance.

It isn't a case queen, and we wouldn't want it to be. This is an honest, original Firebird that has been played while remaining exceptionally well preserved where it matters structurally and mechanically.

Original Electronics & Hardware

The guitar remains all original, including its original Gibson pickups, electronics, hardware, and frets.

The original pickups deliver the distinctive voice that separates a Firebird from Gibson's more traditional humbucker-equipped guitars.

Firebird pickups have a unique combination of clarity, attack, upper-mid presence, and sustain, retaining excellent note definition while still providing plenty of power when pushed through an overdriven amplifier.

The result is a guitar that can move effortlessly from articulate cleans to biting blues and aggressive rock tones.

Tone & Feel

A great Firebird has a personality unlike anything else in Gibson's lineup.

The guitar has a strong, immediate attack with excellent sustain and definition. Chords remain articulate under gain, while individual notes have the cutting quality and harmonic richness that have made Firebirds favorites among generations of blues and rock players.

The Slim ’60s neck profile measures .82" at the 1st fret and .89" at the 12th fret, providing a fast, comfortable feel without becoming excessively thin.

At 8 lbs 2 oz, this example is also a very comfortable weight for a Firebird and feels nicely balanced in the hands.

Most importantly, it plays and sounds fantastic.

Newer Gibson Hard-Shell Case

The guitar comes with a newer Gibson Firebird hard-shell case.

While not original to the guitar, having a genuine Gibson Firebird case is a significant addition and provides excellent protection for the instrument during storage, transportation, and shipping.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the scratches, dings, finish checking, and other cosmetic wear.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many of our customers tell us their guitars arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we're always happy to help!

This 1990 Gibson Firebird V in Cardinal Red is a killer early reissue with all-original components, original frets, a comfortable Slim ’60s neck, and more than three decades of genuine cosmetic character. Combined with the striking Cardinal Red finish and newer Gibson hard-shell case, it's an excellent choice for the player or collector looking for an early Firebird V reissue that has been played but properly cared for.

Professionally set up and ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006