Detroitblues
New member
Thinking about a new/used guitar...
Debating Firebird or Explorer.
Thoughts?
Debating Firebird or Explorer.
Thoughts?
Firebird or Explorer?
- Thread starter Detroitblues
- Start date
Re: Firebird or Explorer?
Totally different puppies! Both great- What are your goals? What styles of music do you play?
Assuming we are talking about average, classic configurations- Both are great for rock and blues:
An explorer is rather conventional HH in sound. In my experience, on average it falls between an SG a les paul-
A firebird is a completely different animal- The thru neck gives it tons of sustain and the pups are brighter than mini-hums- This gives it a brighter, punchier sound, but with lots of sustain- a bit like a telecaster moving into 24.75 territory. The 3 pup versions can get a bit quacky when set up for combinations with center pup.
I love them both- On the classic side, check out Johnny Winters for the firebird classic sounds- And one of my favorite explorer parts is the walk down rhythm part to hold on loosely by 38 special.
Unfortunately, I'm stuck with 25.5 scale, but otherwise, I would love to have one of each.
Totally different puppies! Both great- What are your goals? What styles of music do you play?
Assuming we are talking about average, classic configurations- Both are great for rock and blues:
An explorer is rather conventional HH in sound. In my experience, on average it falls between an SG a les paul-
A firebird is a completely different animal- The thru neck gives it tons of sustain and the pups are brighter than mini-hums- This gives it a brighter, punchier sound, but with lots of sustain- a bit like a telecaster moving into 24.75 territory. The 3 pup versions can get a bit quacky when set up for combinations with center pup.
I love them both- On the classic side, check out Johnny Winters for the firebird classic sounds- And one of my favorite explorer parts is the walk down rhythm part to hold on loosely by 38 special.
Unfortunately, I'm stuck with 25.5 scale, but otherwise, I would love to have one of each.
chadd
Well-known member
Re: Firebird or Explorer?
For me, it's the firebird (kauer banshee). My explorer is headed out the door because it doesn't give me a sound that I can't otherwise get with one of my other guitars. My bird, on the other hand, is incredibly versatile and can cover single coil and humbucker tones
For me, it's the firebird (kauer banshee). My explorer is headed out the door because it doesn't give me a sound that I can't otherwise get with one of my other guitars. My bird, on the other hand, is incredibly versatile and can cover single coil and humbucker tones
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Firebird or Explorer?
Take a look at the new Gibson Firebirds. They have a good variety, and seem to be focusing on pelham blue.
As for Explorers. IMO, they pigeon hole you in a butt rock sorta way, whether you like it or not. Sure, some good classic rock was played on them, but the minute you strap one on, you become 'that 80's guy.'
Take a look at the new Gibson Firebirds. They have a good variety, and seem to be focusing on pelham blue.
As for Explorers. IMO, they pigeon hole you in a butt rock sorta way, whether you like it or not. Sure, some good classic rock was played on them, but the minute you strap one on, you become 'that 80's guy.'
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: Firebird or Explorer?
I really dig the Firebird shape and tone. Explorers are cool in their own way too.
What style of music do you play? What are you running your guitars through?
I really dig the Firebird shape and tone. Explorers are cool in their own way too.
What style of music do you play? What are you running your guitars through?
BTMN
LifeIsGoodologist
Re: Firebird or Explorer?
Always wanted a FB but love the Explorer shape so much more since maybe 1974. That said I finally got one a couple of years ago. A Hamer FB that is basically a FB on steroids. While not a Gibber, and a lil thicker perhaps, it is real close in shape. Great guitar and I would have blocked that Floyd, had I kept it. As BadAss as it was I hated the size of that upper bout. It is more pronounced than an Explorers and poked my old man belly. After having it on a strap I did not like it.
This thread needs guitar pron. How about some Red guitar pron?
Redbird 1986 Hamer FBVI
Gotta have an "Explorer" Right? TR28 Shishkov Ultimate #28/48
Always wanted a FB but love the Explorer shape so much more since maybe 1974. That said I finally got one a couple of years ago. A Hamer FB that is basically a FB on steroids. While not a Gibber, and a lil thicker perhaps, it is real close in shape. Great guitar and I would have blocked that Floyd, had I kept it. As BadAss as it was I hated the size of that upper bout. It is more pronounced than an Explorers and poked my old man belly. After having it on a strap I did not like it.
This thread needs guitar pron. How about some Red guitar pron?
Redbird 1986 Hamer FBVI
Gotta have an "Explorer" Right? TR28 Shishkov Ultimate #28/48
