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Gibson Introduces the Firebird Platypus

Gibson Introduces the Firebird Platypus

Introducing the new Firebird Platypus, a tribute to the rare transitional models of 1965.


In early 1965, the original Firebird design transitioned through several different iterations. One of the significant transitions that occurred flipped the headstock to the Non-Reverse shape. Unlike the original Reverse Firebird headstock design, which featured a two-layered headstock with a holly veneer, the new headstock was flat, like the bill of a platypus.

Mahogany body and glued-in mahogany neck

The Firebird Platypus has a mahogany body with the appearance of a traditional neck-through Reverse Firebird body for that classic Reverse Firebird appearance, while the neck of the Firebird Platypus uses glued-in, set neck construction like the Les Paul and SG and delivers outstanding sustain and resonance.

Platypus transitional headstock design

The headstock features the flat, transitional style ā€œplatypusā€ design that was found only on rare models from the 1965 transitional period when the Firebird was gradually switching over from the features found on the original models that were released in 1963 to the features that were used for the later Non-Reverse Firebird models.

Firebird humbucker pickups

It’s outfitted with two Firebird humbucker pickups. These pickups are equipped with Alnico 5 magnets and have a unique sound that is not quite like any other humbucking pickup, with unmatched clarity, chime, and bite. They sound great for both clean and overdriven tones.

Exclusive Cherry Sunburst finish

This exclusive Cherry Sunburst finish is available only on Gibson.com and at the Gibson Garage.

For more information, please visit gibson.com.

A live editor and browser for customizing Tone Models and presets.

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6V6 and EL84 power sections deliver a one-two punch in a super-versatile, top-quality, low-wattage combo.

Extremely dynamic. Sounds fantastic in both EL84 and 6V6 settings. Excellent build quality.

Heavy for a 9-to-15-watt combo. Expensive.

$3,549

Divided by 13 CCC 9/15

dividedby13.com

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The announcement in January 2024 that Two-Rock had acquired Divided by 13 Amplifiers (D13) was big news in the amp world. It was also good news for anyone who’d enjoyed rocking D13’s original, hand-made creations and hoped to see the brand live on. From the start of D13’s operations in the early ’90s, founder and main-man Fred Taccone did things a little differently. He eschewed existing designs, made his amps simple and tone-centric, and kept the company itself simple and small. And if that approach didn’t necessarily make him rich, it did earn him a stellar reputation for top-flight tube amps and boatloads of star endorsements.

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MT 15 and Archon 50 Classic amplifiers offer fresh tones in release alongside a doubled-in-size Archon cabinet

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