A 1964 Gibson Firebird III used by Motown artist Eddie Willis
Serial number 154487, sunburst, reverse body Firebird with added third center pickup and two mini-toggle switches. Original hard case is present but guitar is now kept in a new Gibson hard case. The guitar was used by Eddie Willis, guitarist for Motown's legendary studio band, The Funk Brothers. Accompanied by a typed letter signed by Willis dated October 4, 1954 and a photograph of Willis holding the guitar.
Saleroom notices
- The letter of provenance accompanying this lot is dated 1994, not 1954. Some of the songs the guitar was used on include the following:
Reach Out (I'll Be There)
I Was Made to Love Her
Jimmy Mack
My Cherie Amour
Your Precious Love
Hitch Hike
Don't Mess With Bill
I'll Be Doggone