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Nearly a year after it was announced, Gibson's Firebird X will finally ship to retail this Friday September 30.

The self-styled super-guitar features an in-body effects processing system and "fourth-generation" robot tuners. Intriguingly, the Pure-Analog processing engine is also open to third-party developers.

Check out our full review of the Firebird X.

The roll-out is limited to 1800 models at $5570 rrp (or around £3300, we reckon). Check out an overview video and the official press release below...

Firebird X introduction video

Press release

Nashville, Tennessee: On Friday September 30th 2011 Gibson Guitar Corp will take guitar engineering to new heights with the introduction of the Gibson Firebird X (www.gibson.com/firebirdx). An evolution of the 1960s classic Gibson Firebird model, the Firebird X is loaded with ground-breaking technologies like fourth-generation Robot tuners for automatic tuning, onboard effects based on computer plug-in technology, and wireless Bluetooth pedals for unsurpassed usability on stage and in the studio.

In addition, the Gibson Firebird X is designed for compatibility with hardware and applications developed by third party companies-an industry first. Gibson's "Pure-Analog™" Engine makes this possible in conjunction with an authorized App store, where vendors can sell Gibson-compliant applications.

Limited to 1,800 models in two unique finishes - Redolution and Bluevolution - the Gibson Firebird X will retail for $5,570 msrp.

"Innovation has always been the driving force at Gibson, and the Firebird X is nothing short of groundbreaking," says Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO.

"The Gibson Firebird X is truly the most technologically-advanced guitar ever conceived, with multiple built-in effects that take sonic capabilities to an entirely new level-while retaining the classic appeal of a finely-crafted, supremely playable instrument."

As an added bonus, all registered owners of the Firebird X gain instant entry into the Firebird X Visionaries Club, an on-line community where members have exclusive access to software, patches, manuals and other supporting downloads.

In addition, members can create and maintain personal profile pages; post and share Firebird X preset files, audio and video content; and communicate/interact with fellow Firebird X owners, artists and Gibson staff.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

The Gibson Firebird X has a lightweight body (six pounds total) made from hand-sorted swamp ash; a thin, fast, asymmetrical rock maple neck with a smooth, non-stick satin finish; and a maple finger board. Gibson has also developed the unique ProX case to protect the instrument, with the ability to survive a fall from a sixty-foot building.

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