I have this same guitar. I changed the pick guard to a black pick guard, and it looks sweet. I love the tone of the guitar, it has a uniqueness to it. I've played the Gibson version, and this guitar is just as good, if not better. Great video.
I just bought mine last night, and the black pickguard is exactly what I have planned when it gets' here. Did you use a Gibson pickguard, or is the Epi different?? Thank's can't wait.
@ibberman the pick guard I got was for the Gibson version, one of the screw holes was off just a little, but I made it work. It's a great guitar, I love it.
I love these things theyre so 60s looking. These are probably the best value eps bc of the construction.. you have to make them the same way as the usa guitars bc of the neck thru body and you cant just make a guitar body out if 5 pieces of wood like their other offerings. All thats missing is rosewood w the proper inlays and lacquer.
Just got me one, love it!! You are spot on about the Firebird, you either get it or you don’t. To me it feels different than most guitars and sounds so good.
Same story here, and it played MILEs better than the Gibson one I tried many years ago. Sounded unreal, and felt just as good as my Koa LP Custom. Modern epiphone is just so wonderful.
Absolutely loved your assessment and breakdown of the EPIPHONE Firebird. There was a very pleasant and noticeable difference between the pickups and that fuzz tone was amazing. I ve seen Johnny Winter like 4 times ( RIP ) , so this guitar has always been attractive to me. But your breakdown of it truly gave me a greater understanding and appreciation of what a Firebird is. Thank you.
The advantage of the original Gibson Firebird is that the tuners are STRAIGHT in line with the strings. Epiphone should put modern "banjo style" tuners like on the original Gibson and have straight string pull from the stop bar to the tuners' posts, that would greatly improve tuning stability.
@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84 Meh ! It's really nothing to do in a production line and apart from being an issue IT JUST LOOKS BAD. Epiphone has firebird models with straight string pull.
While I agree it's optimal to have perfectly straight strings, I have played shows with a few epiphone sg's and they do hold tune fairly well. The grovers aren't bad, not the best but decent. My peavey superstrat with a floyd and a locking trem was obviously the most reliable instrument I had, but for the price the epiphones did very well.
Ordered mine today! Found one in olive drab. I am still recovering from neck surgery, and my les paul is heavy. Damn... I would have the link. But usually, when i click a link, it just takes me to a description link. I like supporting these channels. It's the closest i can get to supporting "small" business. I don't even have a local hardware store anymore! Anyway, next time. I have an epiphone problem! I keep buying them. I was going to get an Ibanez aze, but i can't stop thinking about this guitar! I don't want to spend 1,600 on the 2024.
I have one and absolutely love it. The craftsmanship is incredible. It’s lightweight, and has a bright funky, soulful sound. The only thing I changed was to replace the volume pots with black ones.
Thanks for the review, got mine a month ago. So glad I did I hesitated a little then pulled the trigger. To me one of the best Epiphone has ever built, if nothing else the neck is one of their best ever!
Just arrived today. Like gold dust here in the EU. Bought one of a consignment of only 6 that arrived in one of the big two online retailers on this side of the pond. Everything you said an more. Fret ends perfec. Maybe the frets could have been a bit more polished😂.but that's all. Really like the little grovers
I have one and love it, just for anyone toying with the idea. As always, a little set up will help, but it plays wonderfully straight off. Recommended.
Pro tip that I wish I knew sooner: get a Mono M80 Vertigo Bass gig bag. It fits the ‘bird (the BASS version of the gig bag) and it’s small, top-loading, light, and not the size of a small coffin 😂 It’s allowed me to gig with my ‘bird because previously I refused to haul that case around along with my other guitars, amps, etc
@adamproctor483 hey thanks Adam... I looked on Sweetwater and Zzsounds and I can find the hybrid which looks exactly the same ... I just bought a Firebird and didn't want the big Hard case either. I measured the upper and lower bout sizes and they seem bigger than what they state on those sites just want to make sure b4 I buy thatcit will fit this hybrid version
Is Johnny Winter living under that bridge pickup??? Sounds awesome and love your guitars playing style. That backing bass track was perfect for the jamming session. One thing that I hear with this guitar is that the pickup s from bridge to middle to neck are much more distinct in contrast compared to the subtle Ness of some other guitars.
I already got one of these and I love it. I wish I had $2500 for a Gibson but I don’t so this has scratched that itch. Hell I’d love to get a white one or some other color. I also think their value goes up when the stores sell out. And I’m not a huge Epiphone fan. I got a Les Paul and I don’t really like it but this guitar feels nice, looks nice, sounds great. No rosewood neck is my only complaint. Get one and enjoy. The neck through construction for $650 is a bargain.
I've always wanted a firebird. I'll definitely be checking inton this!! You did a great demo with some sweet playing!!! How's the neck on that though? Is there much in the way of neck/headstock dive? I had a gibson sg and I fought that thing so much when playing it standing up. The quality control guys were asleep at the wheel when that one came through. It was just the neck dive I fought. Anywho, have a great one!!!
Great presentation! So are they really difficult or different to play being that the neck is very shifted over as compared with most guitars? Would it affect playability for sitting vs standing? I’d love to see a comparison between a Firebird and Explorer. Thanks, as always!
I find the Firebird and Explorer to be well balanced. I might even go as far to say the Explorer has a slightly better balance, but neither has a problem imo with balance. Great guitars, you know we love Firebirds!
Definitely a CONTENDER! You get so much FIREBIRD for what I consider a Bargain! This one holds its own against its Gibson Brother! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I bought it for mainly aesthetic reasons because it is absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, despite being very well made and well finished, it has "design" defects that have haunted this model since its first creation: The guitar is unbalanced towards the headstock, meaning that while playing (standing) you also have to hold it. Unless you use the very short strap, the guitar also unbalances forward, preventing you from seeing the fretboard, this is due to the absurd position in which they put the strap attachment. the fretboard is well made but for my personal taste, 09 strings are too loose. You have to choose some heavier gauge (010 or 011). It's the second guitar I have with mini humbuckers and they are decent in clean up to crunch but not beyond or they get muddy. Aesthetically I really like it but I'm considering selling it.
I know I've said this here before. I disliked Firebirds my whole life until I saw the green one you gave away back in 2020. Now I love them. I think this Epiphone is great. A person could always replace the mini humbuckers with Firebird pickups, if you can find them, and for the price I could live without banjo style tuners. I really wish Gibson and Epiphone would stick with the banjo style tuners. Something about the look just makes a Firebird.
Does this have correct Firebird pickups with bar magnets or just lookalike mini humbuckers like most of the reissues ? Thats the most important point on a Firebird, i don't hear you talk about it. If you have to upgrade to correct pickups its not really a bargain.
Are they gonna make any in left-handed? 699 will be roughly around 11 to 1200 AUD by the time they get here so it would be great if Epiphone could look after us lefties and send some Firebirds our way.
The winner will be randomly picked by the Gleam entry platform and notified by us directly. Gleam posts the winner's name as well. Thanks for watching!
His understanding of FIrebird pickups is backwards. The pickups on the new epiphones are much more traditional than the ceramic magnet firebird p'ups Gibson used in recent decades. Up until fairly recently the Gibson p'ups were wound super hot with ceramic magnets. The bridge would read like 24k and the neck like 17k or something crazy. This is not at all what a vintage firebird pickup is like. The specs on these new pickups are much more traditional. I'm not sure why and when Gibson started using the crazy hot ceramic p'ups, but they definitely aren't "traditional."
I have 2 now with the ruby red one on backorder. My favorite is the drab olive-green version, it will be all red or green, with custom red Spurzel tuners, in honor of my short USMC career.
Man I rented this guitar and it was love my gf bought it for me for Xmas I made her return it we couldn't afford it.. such it's own vibe .man almost at the 50k subs wow so how will the draw take place me being Canadian do I qualify or am I all pumped for nothing lol.
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I have this same guitar. I changed the pick guard to a black pick guard, and it looks sweet. I love the tone of the guitar, it has a uniqueness to it. I've played the Gibson version, and this guitar is just as good, if not better. Great video.
you convinced me to buy the firebird just from how confident of you to say it could be better than the gibson version
@Revelation it is a pretty sweet guitar.
@@Grebigthe selling point is not just the value and design but the mini humbucker. It's really hard to find in that price point
I just bought mine last night, and the black pickguard is exactly what I have planned when it gets' here. Did you use a Gibson pickguard, or is the Epi different?? Thank's can't wait.
@ibberman the pick guard I got was for the Gibson version, one of the screw holes was off just a little, but I made it work. It's a great guitar, I love it.
I love these things theyre so 60s looking. These are probably the best value eps bc of the construction.. you have to make them the same way as the usa guitars bc of the neck thru body and you cant just make a guitar body out if 5 pieces of wood like their other offerings. All thats missing is rosewood w the proper inlays and lacquer.
Just got me one, love it!! You are spot on about the Firebird, you either get it or you don’t. To me it feels different than most guitars and sounds so good.
I played one of these a few weeks ago at Guitar Center and fell in love!!! I will be buying one.
Beautiful axe! I have a Gibson satin slab-top Firebird, but that Epiphone with the gloss finish and proper 9-piece construction is VERY tempting.
Played this guy at guitar center for the first time... This thing is high output and articulate. Incredible tone. Going to need one soon.
Same story here, and it played MILEs better than the Gibson one I tried many years ago. Sounded unreal, and felt just as good as my Koa LP Custom. Modern epiphone is just so wonderful.
I had a 1976 Bicentennial Firebird. It was the best sounding guitar I ever played. Neck heavy.
Absolutely loved your assessment and breakdown of the EPIPHONE Firebird. There was a very pleasant and noticeable difference between the pickups and that fuzz tone was amazing. I ve seen Johnny Winter like 4 times ( RIP ) , so this guitar has always been attractive to me. But your breakdown of it truly gave me a greater understanding and appreciation of what a Firebird is. Thank you.
The advantage of the original Gibson Firebird is that the tuners are STRAIGHT in line with the strings.
Epiphone should put modern "banjo style" tuners like on the original Gibson and have straight string pull from the stop bar to the tuners' posts, that would greatly improve tuning stability.
the Epiphone holds tune just fine. considering the price difference, it really isn't an issue.
Straight string pull is overrated
@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84
Meh !
It's really nothing to do in a production line and apart from being an issue IT JUST LOOKS BAD. Epiphone has firebird models with straight string pull.
While I agree it's optimal to have perfectly straight strings, I have played shows with a few epiphone sg's and they do hold tune fairly well. The grovers aren't bad, not the best but decent. My peavey superstrat with a floyd and a locking trem was obviously the most reliable instrument I had, but for the price the epiphones did very well.
Ordered mine today! Found one in olive drab. I am still recovering from neck surgery, and my les paul is heavy. Damn... I would have the link. But usually, when i click a link, it just takes me to a description link. I like supporting these channels. It's the closest i can get to supporting "small" business.
I don't even have a local hardware store anymore! Anyway, next time. I have an epiphone problem! I keep buying them. I was going to get an Ibanez aze, but i can't stop thinking about this guitar! I don't want to spend 1,600 on the 2024.
I have one and absolutely love it. The craftsmanship is incredible. It’s lightweight, and has a bright funky, soulful sound. The only thing I changed was to replace the volume pots with black ones.
Nice playing! I love how it sounds with some dirt.
Thanks for the review, got mine a month ago. So glad I did I hesitated a little then pulled the trigger. To me one of the best Epiphone has ever built, if nothing else the neck is one of their best ever!
just bought one for $480!! so excited to check it out
That middle pickup has got some spank one of your best playing demos for sure 👌
Just arrived today. Like gold dust here in the EU. Bought one of a consignment of only 6 that arrived in one of the big two online retailers on this side of the pond. Everything you said an more. Fret ends perfec. Maybe the frets could have been a bit more polished😂.but that's all. Really like the little grovers
Btw just about 500 more subs until the giveaway! 😱🥳🎸
We know, we know. 😂 Not surprised to see you here stalking the giveaways. Ha ha ha ha ha!
Do you just have to subscribe
Perhaps the best online look at this guitar. Incredible sound sampling. Nice work. Quite the guitar for certain.
I have one and love it, just for anyone toying with the idea. As always, a little set up will help, but it plays wonderfully straight off. Recommended.
Pro tip that I wish I knew sooner: get a Mono M80 Vertigo Bass gig bag. It fits the ‘bird (the BASS version of the gig bag) and it’s small, top-loading, light, and not the size of a small coffin 😂
It’s allowed me to gig with my ‘bird because previously I refused to haul that case around along with my other guitars, amps, etc
Is that the mono vertigo hybrid mono bass bag??.
@@catdaddy57 mine is the m80 but I think they work the same?
@adamproctor483 hey thanks Adam... I looked on Sweetwater and Zzsounds and I can find the hybrid which looks exactly the same ... I just bought a Firebird and didn't want the big Hard case either. I measured the upper and lower bout sizes and they seem bigger than what they state on those sites just want to make sure b4 I buy thatcit will fit this hybrid version
Yep, I have Gibson SG's, V's and LP's. Recently I wanted to add a Firebird to my stable and I went straight for this Epi model.
Is Johnny Winter living under that bridge pickup??? Sounds awesome and love your guitars playing style. That backing bass track was perfect for the jamming session. One thing that I hear with this guitar is that the pickup s from bridge to middle to neck are much more distinct in contrast compared to the subtle Ness of some other guitars.
I already got one of these and I love it. I wish I had $2500 for a Gibson but I don’t so this has scratched that itch. Hell I’d love to get a white one or some other color. I also think their value goes up when the stores sell out. And I’m not a huge Epiphone fan. I got a Les Paul and I don’t really like it but this guitar feels nice, looks nice, sounds great. No rosewood neck is my only complaint. Get one and enjoy. The neck through construction for $650 is a bargain.
I buying the drab green Tuesday..this will be the first Gibson/Epiphone guitar I've owned...I have 3 stratocasters, at the moment...can't wait
I've always wanted a firebird. I'll definitely be checking inton this!! You did a great demo with some sweet playing!!! How's the neck on that though? Is there much in the way of neck/headstock dive? I had a gibson sg and I fought that thing so much when playing it standing up. The quality control guys were asleep at the wheel when that one came through. It was just the neck dive I fought. Anywho, have a great one!!!
I’m in the midst of buying one right now, 2 more payments and it’s comin home with me. Countdown to Sept 1st 👍😎🎸
Great presentation! So are they really difficult or different to play being that the neck is very shifted over as compared with most guitars? Would it affect playability for sitting vs standing?
I’d love to see a comparison between a Firebird and Explorer.
Thanks, as always!
I’ve had mine about a month, it feels natural and pretty well balanced to me. I love this Firebird!
They play like buttah
I find the Firebird and Explorer to be well balanced. I might even go as far to say the Explorer has a slightly better balance, but neither has a problem imo with balance. Great guitars, you know we love Firebirds!
@@johndaugherty4127 i sure hope not..Have u ever played buttah....😂😂😂😂
@@stevelankford7087I agree me too very comfortable to play 👍
gotta love firebirds. Will Epiphone ever make a Non-reverse as well?
Exactly what year model was this guitar from and what's it's serial number? How do quote for a guitar exactly like this?
I bought one three months ago and fucking love it!!
I wonder if the Gibson Firebird pickups will fit this and is it worthwhile ?
Definitely a CONTENDER!
You get so much FIREBIRD for what I consider a Bargain!
This one holds its own against its Gibson Brother!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A friend of mine always loved my Gibson Bird. I got her one of these, and she absolutely loves it.
Simp
Nice gesture brother !
I bought it for mainly aesthetic reasons because it is absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, despite being very well made and well finished, it has "design" defects that have haunted this model since its first creation: The guitar is unbalanced towards the headstock, meaning that while playing (standing) you also have to hold it. Unless you use the very short strap, the guitar also unbalances forward, preventing you from seeing the fretboard, this is due to the absurd position in which they put the strap attachment. the fretboard is well made but for my personal taste, 09 strings are too loose. You have to choose some heavier gauge (010 or 011). It's the second guitar I have with mini humbuckers and they are decent in clean up to crunch but not beyond or they get muddy. Aesthetically I really like it but I'm considering selling it.
I know I've said this here before. I disliked Firebirds my whole life until I saw the green one you gave away back in 2020. Now I love them. I think this Epiphone is great. A person could always replace the mini humbuckers with Firebird pickups, if you can find them, and for the price I could live without banjo style tuners. I really wish Gibson and Epiphone would stick with the banjo style tuners. Something about the look just makes a Firebird.
These are real firebird pickups. Better than Gibson actually
@@greaper012yes and great sounding 👍👍🙂
Are firebirds neck heavy like a SG or balance out well?
Mine is not, I think maybe because the body is so long. It’s a fantastic playing guitar!
Just got one the last week and it's absolutely love
Do these come with the 63' issued tremolo? That's only thing missing.
Great playing !
Gibson finally ditched those overwound ceramic pickups. Real deal 60’s FB pickups are 7-8k Alnico5s.
I would get this in a second if it came from other colours. A metallic red or maybe a translucent green.
Middle position sounds great. I def heard some Johnny Winter tone.
Does this have correct Firebird pickups with bar magnets or just lookalike mini humbuckers like most of the reissues ? Thats the most important point on a Firebird, i don't hear you talk about it. If you have to upgrade to correct pickups its not really a bargain.
I’m definitely gassing for one of these!
Wish they offered it in Cherry, Black & White.
How is the neck dive? I know it's an issue with these guitars.
Hey man.Can you tell me something about neckdive at the firebird ? Thank you.....😊
I forgot about this one! I always thought it was so cool looking. I would love to try one.
That fretboard past the 12th fret looks wide enough to server thanksgiving dinner on. The pups are too bright. Other than that seems decent.
sweet when are they going to send me one in the mail?
That firebird is pretty clean 🤌
that green les paul is beautiful. i know i am in the minority, but i would take that over almost any of the bursts.
Are they gonna make any in left-handed? 699 will be roughly around 11 to 1200 AUD by the time they get here so it would be great if Epiphone could look after us lefties and send some Firebirds our way.
Dude! I've never seen you really rippin like that before. You looked comfortable with that birdy broham.
I own an Epiphone JB Firebird I. Great guitar. Love it.
Keep it up. Really like the channel.
Are they doing left handed???
The neck pickup is muffled & bassy. It's too high up.
That bridge pup is a killer tho.
Congratulations on 50k!!!
I’m on the fence but this review is pushing me toward purchasing. Life long Johnny Winter fan.
I love Johnny Winter, good choice! Thanks for watching
Lol it should come with a slide ....
righteous playing brother, tasty stuff there 🎸
How do we know how gets the guitar
The winner will be randomly picked by the Gleam entry platform and notified by us directly. Gleam posts the winner's name as well. Thanks for watching!
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome guitar. $1200- to $1300- Australian Dollars here makes it less attractive but still very interesting. Cheers
Another comment for the algorithms! Keep the videos coming, new info is always welcome
I can't find a new one for sale any where
Is this model available with vibrola tremolo system?
300 more subscribers until the draw! ... 🤘
I really dig your playing it’s great
His understanding of FIrebird pickups is backwards. The pickups on the new epiphones are much more traditional than the ceramic magnet firebird p'ups Gibson used in recent decades. Up until fairly recently the Gibson p'ups were wound super hot with ceramic magnets. The bridge would read like 24k and the neck like 17k or something crazy. This is not at all what a vintage firebird pickup is like. The specs on these new pickups are much more traditional. I'm not sure why and when Gibson started using the crazy hot ceramic p'ups, but they definitely aren't "traditional."
Not really high output pickups. These are only registering 7.8k to 8.0k in the bridge. The neck output isn't too far behind.
I agree, I had in mind Gibson Firebird pickups which read very high. These do not, point taken. Thanks for watching
Anyone know or can recommend the pickup height for this guitar? Epiphone Probucker pickups that is. Cant find em anywhere. Cheers!
I am getting so excited for the giveaway! I promise, I will not unsubscribe whether I win or lose!
What - no banjo tuners?
Good luck!! 🤘😎
this is on my list to get for sure
Sounds really good
Still waiting on the Gibson giveaway 😊
That happened at 50k subscribers. Went to a winner in Ohio, thanks!
beautiful guitar
What about the weight please ?
9lb
How about it weighs less than 8 lbs..?!👍🏼
Them some wild looking guitar but it sure sounds good.
oh do i want this bad boy
I was really wanting one until I heard how they sound😂😂😂
Almost at 50k pimps. I want my guitar. 😛
Jag-whar, not Jag-wire
I have 2 now with the ruby red one on backorder. My favorite is the drab olive-green version, it will be all red or green, with custom red Spurzel tuners, in honor of my short USMC career.
Nice
Man I rented this guitar and it was love my gf bought it for me for Xmas I made her return it we couldn't afford it.. such it's own vibe .man almost at the 50k subs wow so how will the draw take place me being Canadian do I qualify or am I all pumped for nothing lol.
that's not epiphone it sounds xukcin great
wow a fire bird for this cheap thanks to you imma buy, Thanks for the content
Did I miss the draw? 😂
Sounds v bassy.
never...
Rip it up!!
I'm on the fence between this or a PRS dgt se . . . . .both have a beautiful mid tone
epis no name brand average sound go china
I got mine 4 months ago.i love it.
Great playing!