Gibson USA expands the X-Factor series with the Firebird Studio model, featuring the classic "reverse" body shape but with a conventional "set" neck and full-size, "Hot Ceramic" humbucking pickups.

Firebird Studio in Cherry

Firebird Studio in Ebony

Gibson's Firebird guitars of 1963 were designed by automotive designer Ray Dietrich. The originals featured a reverse-body style, with the upper treble bout that is longer than the bass bout - the opposite of conventional guitar design - along with "neck-thru-body" construction and pole-less mini-humbucking pickups. First-generation Firebirds are highly collectible, and the new Firebird Studio maintains the vintage vibe with the reverse-body design, while its conventional glued-in set neck makes it the most affordable reverse-body Firebird, and its full-size 496R and 500T humbuckers deliver a crunching tone that the originals never had. The new model sports a slim-taper neck and is available in Ebony and Cherry finishes, with a choice of chrome- or gold-plated hardware.

MSRP: $1,648.

For more information, visit their web site at www.gibson.com.