Well, it was a fun thread about a cool guitar. I learned quite a bit.
Didn't Gatemouth Brown play a Firebird?
Great-looking guitar. And these kids were quite fond of the sound.
Seeing Brian is always upsetting to me, ever since I read that book about his death. Someone here more RS knowledgeable than myself said it was bunk about his being murdered. I dunno, he just seems so pitiful.
I know the senior tech (Luthier ) that used to do Mandolin Bros. Work.He has his own business now. He's done work for my brother and my son. I think he still does some contract work for MB. I also know he has a backlog. While I don't profess to be an expert I know a few and this guy is highly regarded. I realize the OP seems to have disappeared. If someone needs a good luthier in the Jersey area pm me and I'll get you contact info.
This was my old Custom Shop non-reverse. I hated th neck joint but I loved how it sounded. Neck felt way too long compared to my Les Paul's and Explorer's so I sold it. I had a '76 "medallion" reverse also, wish I had kept that one though, it had that growl... if you play/own Firebird's you will know what I mean by the Firebird growl
I really like that '81 Lester in Burgandy. I have had, and still have, a few good Norlin era Gibsons: '67 Flying V (Burst), '92 Lester Deluxe (Goldtop), '81 Lester Heritage (mild flame), and '81 Lester Heritage Elite (wild flame). I swapped out the mini HB PUPs @ the Deluxe for a pair of circa '62 P90s, but I've kept the original mini HDs. Hold the boat: Johnny Smith model (Burgundy) is also Norlin (1970).
PS: had Norlin era Heritage Reissue Flying V (Korina Natural) and Explorer (Korina Natural). The V didn't float my boat, but I wish I'd kept the Explorer. @ least I got a nice Fender in straight-up trade for the Explorer: '68 Telecaster (Blond), no issues, wonderfully checked finish, and no Bigsby.
Seeing them all together, it just reminds you of Gibson's hierarchy of the time...Firebird eye candy while we await the return of the OP. Big pic, you might need to scroll right to see model VII. Note that the 'guards @ models I, III, and VII are missing the "Firebird" logo.