Charlie Starr Finds His Soulmate—A rare 1965 Firebird Platypus (and a 1977 Dumble OD Special)

#SongbirdsFoundation #VaultSessions #Charliestarr #BlackberrySmoke

In this episode of the Vault Sessions, Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) falls in love with a 1965 Gibson Firebird V Platypus. The guitar screams with its two p-90 pickups… and, the 1977 Dumble Overdrive Special doesn’t hurt either (RIP- Howard Alexander Dumble 1/18/22). The short-run “Platypus” is the transitional model between the original Firebird reverse and the later non-reverse models.

So, we are back! We took a bit of a hiatus from the Vault Sessions while we researched, designed, and built the exhibits for the all new Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum. After closing due to the pandemic, we reopened our doors in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in September 2021 with an expanded focus on guitar and music history.

[frankenstein]

Charlie Starr knows how to rock those vintage and boutique guitars! The Smoke ain't no joke!!

[moonoggin]

This is who I wanna pay money and see. He's my Allman Bros and all my 70s wrapped up into one band. Love his music and he is a great guy.

[Nickoable]

Man...Charlie has the chops....great tone doesn't hurt either!

[donnyhall]

Charlie is the most underrated guitar player today. He should be in the hall of fame. I could listen to him play all day every day. 🤯

[Bsquared]

Having seen them 5 times live, I can definitely say he is one of the treasured gems of American Rockin' Blues. What a wonderful player and all-round great human.

[petermach]

I love watching a really, really talented player noodling and not just to see where they go next, it's a world of surprises and Mr Starr doesn't disappoint.

[fuzzybutkus]

You know Charlie loves to play. Watch him between songs. He never stops playing.

[SteelNGuitars]

Charlie is my guy! BBS is my all time favorite band. I got to see them live late last year and it was better than I had hoped. My wife even said wow! They have so much swag and their sound is incredible! Charlie is a monster! Triple threat! I can’t wait to see them again.

[fanoboss]

Starr shines like the Sun ... i want to make an homage to his black double cut

[jonkerr]

I love Charlie’s music so much. And watching his playing that close just gives me a whole other level of respect. The control of those multi string bends is just insane.

[Mr.Goldtop]

What a beautiful woody tone it has, just like a vintage guitar should. And Charlie just played the SH*T out of it!! I really like dots on a Firebird more so than block inlays.

[tfrostelkhunter]

One of the best right there! Love everything he plays!

[maxpeck]

Excellent playing! P90s are killer pickups, and Firebirds are one of my favorite guitars, but to me the Firebird pickups are what make a Firebird a Firebird. Completely unique, bright, thick single coil-esque tone with tons of low end and clarity. Nothing else sounds like a Firebird. And no, they are NOT mini humbuckers.

[loganellis]

It’s amazing he is able to play outside of keys and make them sound like they roll together marvelous.

[rickhancock]

Love Charlie Starr BBS and honkin K I L L E R sounding Firebirds. My son got his hands on one and darned near sleeps with it.

[keithmartin]

So pleased for you! Eric Clapton played a single pickup Firebird in Cream. Ray Dietrich created this marvelous guitar as a commission from Gibson! One of the greatest achievements in guitar history. The original pickups were a unique design. Steve Clarke of Def Leppard played the Firebird 7. Great sounds and playing from you! Keep rockin'!

[geraldlack]

Such a killer warm tone. Great find Charlie!

[lindathalman]

I can't play a lick or probably even strum a guitar, but this is golden. A masterclass; love of playing; virtuoso magic.

[stevekelly]

Another of my favorites plays a Firebird very well. Stephen Stills. And Allen Collins

[tomslick]

Clean sounding. They definitely have there own unique sound. Plus cuts through everything. Would be the most distinct guitar on stage. P90s brother.