Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

E

Emopunk

New member
I lately happen to be looking at this guitar with a lot of interest. I already have a '95 Les Paul Standard and a '91 American Strat. I am making my mind this one would be my perfect 3rd.
What do you think? Talk me in favour or against this GAS action I could eventually do. :deal: Thanks!
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

They're cool, particularly with the Steinberger tuners, which help reduce neck dive because of their lighter weight.

However, the pups are different to vintage ones - ceramic, wound quite hot. Original style pups are lower output, with A2 bars around which the coils are wrapped (not underneath like a traditional bucker).

So, depends on your budget and what you want out of the guitar.
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

Ashurbanipal said:
They're cool, particularly with the Steinberger tuners, which help reduce neck dive because of their lighter weight.

However, the pups are different to vintage ones - ceramic, wound quite hot. Original style pups are lower output, with A2 bars around which the coils are wrapped (not underneath like a traditional bucker).

So, depends on your budget and what you want out of the guitar.
Click to expand...

I mainly play alternative rock, punk and some hard rock music. If I am buying a 3rd guitar, I would like to stay under 1600€.
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

thats a cool guitar for sure and ive always liked firebirds, especially the V. i dont care for the modern pups but they can always be swapped for something else easily. you might like them for the styles you play
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

They jacked the prices and the specs on the 2015. Big mistakes from Henry J for this year and he's been forced by terrible sales to remove a lot of the changes.....tuners, nut, neck profile, and drop the prices back down.

The biggest issue 99% of people had/have with the 2015 was the revolting neck profile. If you're one who likes wide and thin with an odd c-shape then maybe you can score a deal.
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

AlexR said:
They jacked the prices and the specs on the 2015. Big mistakes from Henry J for this year and he's been forced by terrible sales to remove a lot of the changes.....tuners, nut, neck profile, and drop the prices back down.

The biggest issue 99% of people had/have with the 2015 was the revolting neck profile. If you're one who likes wide and thin with an odd c-shape then maybe you can score a deal.
Click to expand...
I understand.. But when will the 2016 models be readily available in the shops? I can't even find it on Gibson main site!
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

2016s are just starting to hit store shelves. I wouldn't expect to find a ton of them in stores until, yknow... 2016 or so.
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

Empty Pockets said:
2016s are just starting to hit store shelves. I wouldn't expect to find a ton of them in stores until, yknow... 2016 or so.
Click to expand...
Well, if the guitar is actually better, I could wait some time without problems! Do you have official specs to see the changes?
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

I know with the LP's they reverted back to 2013 specs for many of them. That seems like the unofficial 'last regular good year' for most people. I'd start the search there.......you might find some details on the social media bits of Gibson rather than the website
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

2016 hit my local guiat center, they a meh. Better specs but still not worth the prices they are asking new. Played a standard, studio, and a SG, so no word on the firebird.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

TRex said:
2016 hit my local guiat center, they a meh. Better specs but still not worth the prices they are asking new. Played a standard, studio, and a SG, so no word on the firebird.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
May I ask what did you find disappointing still in the new 2016 models?
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

There are pros and cons to both the 15s and 16s. Cons for the 15 (imo) are the wider neck and brass nut/zero fret, also it is more expensive. The 16 does away with these features and returns to the pre-15 neck width and standard nut, it is also around $1000 cheaper (I've seen some 2015s cheaper than $2099 and I've also seen some places selling them as high as $2999, 16s are listed at $1099). The biggest pro for the 15 and con 16 is the case. The 2015 has a pretty nice hardshell case compared to most gibsons had, the 2016 only comes with a gig bag. Both are neck through, and the pickups are the same both years.
This is the case for the 15
DSF15VSCH1_ACCESSORIES_CASE.jpg

Ps I realize prices I quoted are in USD, I'm not sure what prices in Italy in Euros plus any additional shipping and tariffs might add to the price
 
Last edited:
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

Emopunk said:
May I ask what did you find disappointing still in the new 2016 models?
Click to expand...
Out of all of them, absolutely none of them where very resonate. The fretwork was decent at best

It really felt like an Epi with a prettier finish to be honest

This opinion is based on the 3 I plaued, I'm sure they are not all bad guitars. None of which where firebirds.

I personally liked the CMG I played right after much better, but they arnt everyone's cup of tea.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

allbutromeo said:
There are pros and cons to both the 15s and 16s. Cons for the 15 (imo) are the wider neck and brass nut/zero fret, also it is more expensive. The 16 does away with these features and returns to the pre-15 neck width and standard nut, it is also around $1000 cheaper (I've seen some 2015s cheaper than $2099 and I've also seen some places selling them as high as $2999, 16s are listed at $1099). The biggest pro for the 15 and con 16 is the case. The 2015 has a pretty nice hardshell case compared to most gibsons had, the 2016 only comes with a gig bag. Both are neck through, and the pickups are the same both years.
This is the case for the 15
View attachment 67862

Ps I realize prices I quoted are in USD, I'm not sure what prices in Italy in Euros plus any additional shipping and tariffs might add to the price
Click to expand...

Well, the case is actually nice.. But if the guitar is better itself (nut and neck seem to be two crucial points) I don't think it's worth 1000 dollars more. Altough we still have to see how will the new prices translate in euros.. They really try to cheat in every way in these days.. :rocket:

TRex said:
Out of all of them, absolutely none of them where very resonate. The fretwork was decent at best

It really felt like an Epi with a prettier finish to be honest

This opinion is based on the 3 I plaued, I'm sure they are not all bad guitars. None of which where firebirds.

I personally liked the CMG I played right after much better, but they arnt everyone's cup of tea.

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback.. I have to admite, in my humble ignorance, I don't know what a CMG is, actually :onder:
 
Re: Gibson Firebird V 2015 - yay or nay?

Emopunk said:
Well, the case is actually nice.. But if the guitar is better itself (nut and neck seem to be two crucial points) I don't think it's worth 1000 dollars more. Altough we still have to see how will the new prices translate in euros.. They really try to cheat in every way in these days.. :rocket:



Thanks for the feedback.. I have to admite, in my humble ignorance, I don't know what a CMG is, actually :onder:
Click to expand...
They are a local brand mostly, great guitars for the money. Every guitar passes through the owners hands to be played, so QC seems to be great

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top