I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

[astrozombie]

I've been playing an SG Standard I have on loan.







I like it, and would like to experiment with other slim Gibson solid bodies.

Do any of you own any firebird models? School me on the tone and the feel, I kind of like the look better.

 

[jeremy]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

i love old school reverse firebird V's

dont love gibsons modern minihumbuckers though. hot and kinda weird sounding. the newer non-reverse ones with two full size buckers are pretty sweet too

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

i love old school reverse firebird V's

dont love gibsons modern minihumbuckers though. hot and kinda weird sounding. the newer non-reverse ones with two full size buckers are pretty sweet too

Local store has this model:



I was hoping for something a little more old school.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I have a 70's tribute Firebird and a 2013 Firebird. Both with mini humbuckers.

I think they are both a ton of fun. Crazy upper fret access, something different tonally. Can get super raw but cleans up reasonably well. Probably best as just a different sound in your mix that is between a les paul and a strat.

For me it's heaven. I love the look and sounding a bit different but that's just me.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

All mahogany, like the SG right?

 

[blakejcan]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

Yep. Plus the neck runs all the way through the body

 

[Wattage]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

That Firebird Studio by you is pretty sweet and if it isn't a boat anchor will come off a bit like an SG.

 

[raystone]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I first bought the Tiki bird but I had real bad tuning issues with it very disappointing then i got the gold anniversary model and its great.The weight is heavier than an sg but smaller than a paul the guitar is very big compared to a sg play one before u buy

 

[blueman335]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I used to play with a guy that had a Firebird V. It had mini-HB's and the tones were excellent, very rich and full.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

This was my old Gibson Firebird:

There were things I liked and things I didn't like about it. I dug the unique sound. The minihumbuckers are brighter, tighter and clearer than traditional humbuckers. The neck was a bit too bright for me, so I decided to change it out for a Lollar 50's wind (lower output) P90 and that warmed things up nicely and actually balanced very well with the bridge mini. Tonally, it was one of my favorite instruments.

The look of a Firebird is unlike anything else out there. You either love it or hate it. I thought it was cool and always liked things that are a bit different, so it was right up my alley.

Playing it was a different story. Mine was not lightweight and because the neck would dive (even with changing the strap placement), I would have to constantly hold the neck up. That wasn't a big deal in the beginning, but I was playing with a band at the time and after a decently long gig my arms would get tired and I got sick of fighting with it. In retrospect, I should have changed out the tuners for those lightweight Steinberger ones... I'm sure that would have helped with it.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

All excellent comments so far. Just like That90'sGuy, there are things to like and dislike about a Firebird.

First of all, don't consider getting one with full-sized humbuckers. The real charm in a Firebird (besides it's very cool looks) comes from it's bright, articulate, and nasty tone which you can only get from minis. I've got a Firebird V which I love. It can get a great jangly tone which works fantastic for mimicking Keith Richard's Tele. I have not played any other guitar which sounds exactly like a Firebird (with minihums).

The only thing, and I repeat ONLY thing I don't like about it is the neck dive. That is created by it's "long neck" and heavy banjo tuners. There is a huge benefit to the "long neck", however...exceptional upper fret access. (I have "long neck" in quotes because it isn't longer than any other neck, it just feels like it is because of the body style with deep cutouts and no upper bout/horn. This also makes it hang differently with the neck extended out further to the left).

But, again, as That90'sGuy suggested, changing the tuners to lightweight Steinbergers makes a huge difference not only in weight but in tuning accuracy and stability. I haven't changed the tuners on mine yet because I way love the looks of the banjos. But a change is gonna come.

A very simple and cheap way to correct the neck dive on the Firebird is to just use an acoustic guitar strap, one that ties to the headstock. May not look as cool, but it totally solves the problem without having to do any mods or buy new tuners.


Glenn, you're in an exploratory mode lately. I would definitely recommend the Firebird V. It truly is an amazing guitar on so many levels. So much more unique than an SG.

 

[metlking]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I bought a 2013 FB in Nov during the big clearance sales! So far I love it! I haven't had a chance to play a gig with it, only one show since but thats about to change. We're hitting the studio tomorrow and I'm thinking of bringing it along for an added unique sound.....I'll let you know how that goes.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

the gearless tuners on the 2013 eliminate neck dive. Mine sits just right with a big strap

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

Yeah, they started putting the Steinbergers on them. Big improvement.

Even Gibson eventually realizes how to fix a problem. Sometimes it just takes a long time...a REALLY long time.

 

[Wattage]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

That and those banjo tuners are freaking pricey!

 

[Brow]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I have 1 of the Firebird Studios with the Steinberger tuners and really like it.

I got it relatively cheaply on sale, and after a pickup swap and some fret work it's a bit of a beast!

I have a pair of Dimarzios in mine with a Super Distortion at the bridge and a Super 2 in the neck. It's become 1 of my favourite guitars to play in my 70s style Punk band

I'm not keen on the Steinberger tuners though so am thinking of changing them.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I have 1 of the Firebird Studios with the Steinberger tuners and really like it.

I got it relatively cheaply on sale, and after a pickup swap and some fret work it's a bit of a beast!

I have a pair of Dimarzios in mine with a Super Distortion at the bridge and a Super 2 in the neck. It's become 1 of my favourite guitars to play in my 70s style Punk band

I'm not keen on the Steinberger tuners though so am thinking of changing them.

Someone is selling me this guitar for $700

Firebird 70s tribute.





what do you guys think? I played a new one today and I digged it.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

CAUTION - The guitar in your photographs has LP Deluxe style minihums. Fine pickups but not proper Firebird pickups.

That guitar with P-90s? Yes, please.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

Glenn, forgive the irony but, if you are GASsing for a slim mahogany bodied, set neck guitar with two regular humbuckers, a slanted back body style and shedloads of attitude, consider the Ibanez Iceman. Seriously.

If you want bling, seek out the old Paul Stanley model.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: I've kind of got Firebird GAS...

I'll sell you my tribute