At the end of the day, guitars are made to be played not sit behind a glass case or on a wall and never be touched. I think converting your Dark Fire was the right decision, it has a lot of sentimental value and now you have your guitar back.
Nice finish...great looks and sound...had a robot tuner years ago and wasn't a fan...still not sold on them...maybe one day. Love the enthusiasm Benny! You remind me of our new puppy...full of energy!!!
Working robot tuners would be great - not sure who will be brave enough to invest tons of $$ into them after this faux pas. Great video as always - YOU ROCK!!
I'm a glutton for pain, I think I'm gonna track down the third one my buddy has and see if I can bring it back to life! Thanks Mark, hope you're well brother
I always loved the idea. I saw an aftermarket option that I saw good things with. I hope it catches on with someone more qualified than gibson behind it
I didn't have the fancy knob thing but I had the robot tuner with pad thing on the back. It did eventually get really weird, so I took it off and added locking hipshots. I added some lace firespitters and it's still one of my favorite guitars.
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I want to say it was called the GForce or something like that? I still have it somewhere I'll have to dig it out and take a look.
it was dialed in about 80% volume. when you turn the preamp above that it gets almost harsh the attack is so wild, but could be super rad for extra delicate finger picking.
your guy really is a genius, that piezo fix is something very few people have the tolls and "know how" to do. You are a lucky guy and actually can allow yourself to be neurotic :D
Great transformation ! ...at first I thought you were going to say you bought a ' Firebird-X ' to go with the malfunctioning Dark Fire ! Gag ! Thanks Benny !
I like the Robot guitars, but I'm not a pro who would need rock-solid dependability on stage. As you stated, what a lot of people hated was not having the option for regular tuners in 2015. Josh did an excellent job of resurrecting that guitar! Judging by the amount of Gibsons in those String Swing multi-stands, they're safe for a nitro finish, eh? I have a couple of those racks, but am reluctant to put the Gibby's on them. Love the new space!.
They certainly are! Thanks for watching and josh def outdid himself on this one. He's helped mod a few guitars to a wild level, so I think I'm gonna have to do more stuff with him on the channel
When I was looking to get back into playing guitar after not touching one for 20+ years, I did a LOT of research. I spent a solid year just looking at different guitars in my price range. That guitar was extremely intriguing to me. I loved the advertised feature set. It seemed like the Swiss Army knife of guitars. I had heard a bit of the "horror stories" associated with the guitar. And I ultimately decided that as a "new player", it probably wasn't the best option for me at the time. I still think it was a great concert, and I applaud Gibson for going for it and trying something new. I don't have anything bad to say about the guitar because I don't have any actual experience with it. But after not playing for 20+ years, I bought a new Gibson SG Standard in 2013. Nothing says that you have to relearn how to play on a cheap guitar, right? 6 months later, I bought my first Gibson Les Paul. I actually wish Gibson would go back and refine the Robot guitars. I think they would sell, and be good for the evolution of the instrument. Thank you for the video. Loved it.
Thanks for sharing, brother and good luck with your entire guitar journey! Please subscribe and join the madness, I appreciate you being a part of what I do. 🙏🙏🙏
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist already subscribed my friend. We are in a few Facebook groups together and I always look forward to seeing what you are doing. Keep up the amazing work. Nothing but love and respect for you, bro.
I do have a lefty semi hollow Tele in the studio that's really badass. I've been messing around on it. Thanks for watching and for your support man, I appreciate u
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist sweet! had a G&L ASAT Classic tele the mfd bridge pickup was amazing. Wish i still had it. but you know thieves they need your stuff more than you do. lol.
Wiring, using high quality electronic parts makes a HUGE difference, I just finished rewiring my Revstar, it already had 2 Seymour Duncan’s in it, metal braid wire CTS, Switchcraft, copper shielding tape result? At least 3db louder, AND way better as well as quieter
BENNY ! ! ! It's like having a phone that's smarter than the operator, it does whatever it wants weather it's in your hands or not. Then, 1 day, it just doesn't work at all. AAAAHHHH ! ! ! It's the most advanced piece of technology & it's useless. Give Charlie & Wolfie some reeeely good ear rubs for me ! KEEP TOKIN BRO !
I would absolutely love that axe! Day 1 I would have ripped out the robot tunes lol, never liked them , nice set of Ratio locking tuners or Schaller locking tuners, have both and they are definitely one less thing to worry about on a guitar !
So I have to ask after all this how many les Paul did you end buying in the end of you added all the repair costs and basically build a new guitar just Curious.
the first darkfire was given to me for free as a gift. sent it back and got another free gibson in its place. then my friend, 16 years later, gave me the second one. I spent about 150 with tronical and about 350 on other parts. My buddy Josh frankensteined it together because he's my buddy and wanted to help me for this video. so 500 for three les Paul's. #winning
oh, I know, I have other videos about it, I've purchased parts from them. Thank you so much for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
LMFAOO a new video about the darkfire. God bless you Benny, I knew this was your favorite and it was a tragedy to see the robot shit tear itself, even if it wasn't the best imho.
Until the story is over. If you Google darkfire I'm literally the number one resource on it, so I consider it part of the value I add to the internet. it's also a rad story I'm passionate about 🙌
I seen metallica in 2017 st louis james was picking fade to black on a acoustic kirk came in on lead beginning of the song all out of tune james stopped tech walked up on stage looked like he pressed something on back of headstock they started song again still out of tune I believe james kicked it off back of stage and started song on his electric on clean channel
@@MikeCrook-yw2fkyou can put them on acoustics as long as the tuner pattern matches what Tronical Tune currently offers. They have 3x3 and 6 in a line robo tuners for sale.
So here’s the big question and you certainly don’t have to disclose it. What was the final price of the conversion? I’d never thought about all the special wiring and stuff that would need to be replaced or removed. I’ve been hoping that those robot guitars would drop in price on the used market someday because of all the issues with them. I thought that ya could just pull the tuning robot off the headstock and replace them. But apparently there’s a lot more to it.
not including Josh's work, the hipshot tuners were like 120ish, the ghost piezo preamp was 100ish, all the wires and other stuff probably like 150ish, so around 375 give or take
It’s doesn’t sound bad for a Washburn…. Whoops wrong video 🤣🤣🤣. You should’ve done another rant yelling “You don’t need all this stuff!” When you ripped out all the old electronics. That guitar sounds great. Does the figure on the maple top look similar to your original Dark Fire?
im sad you killed the robot, but is okay , i like them stupid,not reliable, and wired, maybe not many robot out there, i think they need to protected , for real ,i hope gibson try it again, like firebird x, just make it simple , just make few good sound pedal in guitar is enough, i know lot of people hate it , i truly believe the idea is good, they should try again, as long keep making those reissue and traditions les paul model , those "purist" gibson fans 100% still buying $25000 gibson les paul, so no worry fck it up again! gibson, be brave gibson ! lets go, next new model firebird 3000 superbot guitar, only one thing, make it not too expensive ,as long as not $25000 ,everything will be fine. joke a side, they should really try again, probably try it on Epiphone. not necessary robot tuner,maybe use evertune idea make some clever stuffs.
trust me, I know where the third one is and it hasn't been fired up since 2008 either, so I may convince my buddy to trade it to me or let me fix it for him
At the end of the day, guitars are made to be played not sit behind a glass case or on a wall and never be touched. I think converting your Dark Fire was the right decision, it has a lot of sentimental value and now you have your guitar back.
I do and I love it. Rock on! 🤘 thank you for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness. 🙌
That man who ripped all the dark fire stuff out and fixed it is a genius WOW
he really is. he's the one that helped me restore les Paul's 54 Roadshow professional prototype. he's genuinely one of the best out there
This is now my favorite of your LPs. Love it. Unique look and sounds. And reliability. Fantastic!
it's to die for
Man, just seeing you play the guitar makes me happy. I can feel through the screen how much you love this piece. Awesome video!
Thank you so much for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
It's a good thing you have a friend that knows electronics! I would have pulled those robot's off a long time ago. Outstanding tee shirt Benny.
Thanks so much Lin! Josh I'd a godsend!
Nice finish...great looks and sound...had a robot tuner years ago and wasn't a fan...still not sold on them...maybe one day. Love the enthusiasm Benny! You remind me of our new puppy...full of energy!!!
haha whats the puppy's name?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist Her name is Mele...Hawaiian for 'song'!
Working robot tuners would be great - not sure who will be brave enough to invest tons of $$ into them after this faux pas. Great video as always - YOU ROCK!!
I'm a glutton for pain, I think I'm gonna track down the third one my buddy has and see if I can bring it back to life! Thanks Mark, hope you're well brother
I love you man, you were my first inspiration to pick up guitar! Keep rocking man, you're awesome!
That means the world to me, rock on brother and thank you for your support 🤘
I always loved the idea. I saw an aftermarket option that I saw good things with. I hope it catches on with someone more qualified than gibson behind it
Thank you so much for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
I didn't have the fancy knob thing but I had the robot tuner with pad thing on the back. It did eventually get really weird, so I took it off and added locking hipshots. I added some lace firespitters and it's still one of my favorite guitars.
which robot did you have?
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I want to say it was called the GForce or something like that? I still have it somewhere I'll have to dig it out and take a look.
the pick attack on that piezo is very responsive and aggressive, very cool
it was dialed in about 80% volume. when you turn the preamp above that it gets almost harsh the attack is so wild, but could be super rad for extra delicate finger picking.
your guy really is a genius, that piezo fix is something very few people have the tolls and "know how" to do. You are a lucky guy and actually can allow yourself to be neurotic :D
It is nice to be able to say "my guy knows more than your guy," but in this case, it's probably true. Josh is ridiculous
@@TheNeuroticGuitaristyeah... You built youself a nice oasis when it comes to guitars and studio. Some white envy from me, my man. Love your vids!
Always loved the look of this LP, super cool. Hey dude , would love a review from you of the new Gibson Victory, any thoughts about it?
I'm trying to get gibson to send me stuff, stay tuned!
That is a Rad looking Axe! I love the back of it too!
I think I'm gonna go play it now
Great transformation ! ...at first I thought you were going to say you bought a ' Firebird-X ' to go with the malfunctioning Dark Fire ! Gag ! Thanks Benny !
The firebird x is truly the most hated gibson guitar. only correct rebutall to my proposition
I like the Robot guitars, but I'm not a pro who would need rock-solid dependability on stage. As you stated, what a lot of people hated was not having the option for regular tuners in 2015. Josh did an excellent job of resurrecting that guitar! Judging by the amount of Gibsons in those String Swing multi-stands, they're safe for a nitro finish, eh? I have a couple of those racks, but am reluctant to put the Gibby's on them. Love the new space!.
They certainly are! Thanks for watching and josh def outdid himself on this one. He's helped mod a few guitars to a wild level, so I think I'm gonna have to do more stuff with him on the channel
When I was looking to get back into playing guitar after not touching one for 20+ years, I did a LOT of research. I spent a solid year just looking at different guitars in my price range. That guitar was extremely intriguing to me. I loved the advertised feature set. It seemed like the Swiss Army knife of guitars. I had heard a bit of the "horror stories" associated with the guitar. And I ultimately decided that as a "new player", it probably wasn't the best option for me at the time. I still think it was a great concert, and I applaud Gibson for going for it and trying something new. I don't have anything bad to say about the guitar because I don't have any actual experience with it. But after not playing for 20+ years, I bought a new Gibson SG Standard in 2013. Nothing says that you have to relearn how to play on a cheap guitar, right? 6 months later, I bought my first Gibson Les Paul.
I actually wish Gibson would go back and refine the Robot guitars. I think they would sell, and be good for the evolution of the instrument.
Thank you for the video. Loved it.
Thanks for sharing, brother and good luck with your entire guitar journey! Please subscribe and join the madness, I appreciate you being a part of what I do. 🙏🙏🙏
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist already subscribed my friend. We are in a few Facebook groups together and I always look forward to seeing what you are doing. Keep up the amazing work.
Nothing but love and respect for you, bro.
I want to do this to a firebird X
I just wish those weren't so hideous anyways
I will say this again. I love your videos. I will also say this again. I WISH I WAS RIGHT HANDED!!!!!!!!! 😮💨
I do have a lefty semi hollow Tele in the studio that's really badass. I've been messing around on it. Thanks for watching and for your support man, I appreciate u
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist sweet! had a G&L ASAT Classic tele the mfd bridge pickup was amazing. Wish i still had it. but you know thieves they need your stuff more than you do. lol.
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist I appreciate u too.
Wiring, using high quality electronic parts makes a HUGE difference, I just finished rewiring my Revstar, it already had 2 Seymour Duncan’s in it, metal braid wire CTS, Switchcraft, copper shielding tape
result? At least 3db louder, AND way better as well as quieter
Dude, pulling out all the shit w the 10 band eq brought those pickups to life. Night and day. I think the demo speaks for itself.
BENNY ! ! ! It's like having a phone that's smarter than the operator, it does whatever it wants weather it's in your hands or not. Then, 1 day, it just doesn't work at all. AAAAHHHH ! ! ! It's the most advanced piece of technology & it's useless. Give Charlie & Wolfie some reeeely good ear rubs for me !
KEEP TOKIN BRO !
always tokin...and I will!!! thanks brother
Benny, you polished a turd, my friend! And that was the meanest Frère Jacques I've ever heard.
it was never a turd, it was always a swan w a turd attached to its foot
That Piezo sounds sparkly and amazing
I plugged it into my 50 watt vht classic and it was even more next level than the clean on this video. You gotta keep it at like 80% or it gets harsh
Excellent Axe, glad you got it working again.
you and me both dude
Man, I'm waiting to see a video on upgrading a vintage Esteban.
lol I certainly won't be making one. f those things!
I would absolutely love that axe!
Day 1 I would have ripped out the robot tunes lol, never liked them , nice set of Ratio locking tuners or Schaller locking tuners, have both and they are definitely one less thing to worry about on a guitar !
So I have to ask after all this how many les Paul did you end buying in the end of you added all the repair costs and basically build a new guitar just Curious.
the first darkfire was given to me for free as a gift. sent it back and got another free gibson in its place. then my friend, 16 years later, gave me the second one. I spent about 150 with tronical and about 350 on other parts. My buddy Josh frankensteined it together because he's my buddy and wanted to help me for this video. so 500 for three les Paul's. #winning
A suggestion . A black tail piece and stop bar . Might be the icing .
I made this comment before I got to the piezo section .
I was just about to respond!!! But I'm w you, aesthetically it would be amazing
Hilariously, Tronical Tune, who makes those tuners, is still in business and still sells robot tuners for 3x3 and 6 in a line headstocks
oh, I know, I have other videos about it, I've purchased parts from them. Thank you so much for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
LMFAOO a new video about the darkfire. God bless you Benny, I knew this was your favorite and it was a tragedy to see the robot shit tear itself, even if it wasn't the best imho.
I wish it was better, but it's not. now it is
Benny…I think you made the right decision 👍
I do, too. I couldn't keep living that way!
Watching twice just to make the Al Gore Rhythms work for you 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
🤘🤘
al gore rhythms 😂
Im gonna need that guys number some day, mine is still alive last time I checked.
nice man!!!
Such a beautiful guitar, much better without the robo tuners.
I'm with u on that one. Thank you so much for watching. Please subscribe and join the madness if you haven't already 🤘😜🤘
How many dark fire videos are you going to make
Until the story is over. If you Google darkfire I'm literally the number one resource on it, so I consider it part of the value I add to the internet. it's also a rad story I'm passionate about 🙌
Were ther acoustics with these bot tuners do you know?
not for gibson but I'm sure they're out there w tronical
I seen metallica in 2017 st louis james was picking fade to black on a acoustic kirk came in on lead beginning of the song all out of tune james stopped tech walked up on stage looked like he pressed something on back of headstock they started song again still out of tune I believe james kicked it off back of stage and started song on his electric on clean channel
@@MikeCrook-yw2fkyou can put them on acoustics as long as the tuner pattern matches what Tronical Tune currently offers. They have 3x3 and 6 in a line robo tuners for sale.
sweet...
So here’s the big question and you certainly don’t have to disclose it. What was the final price of the conversion? I’d never thought about all the special wiring and stuff that would need to be replaced or removed. I’ve been hoping that those robot guitars would drop in price on the used market someday because of all the issues with them. I thought that ya could just pull the tuning robot off the headstock and replace them. But apparently there’s a lot more to it.
not including Josh's work, the hipshot tuners were like 120ish, the ghost piezo preamp was 100ish, all the wires and other stuff probably like 150ish, so around 375 give or take
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist wow that’s reasonable to say the least. Thanks
“Daaa dadada Da dada”🎉🎉🎉🎉
🤪
Nice 😊
🤘🤘
spent your whole life collecting and when you die you don't get to take em with you.
...and?
Now it's finally DEPENDABLE 😅
It rules so hard! Now I wanna go get the third dark fire and get that one to work to compare it!
It’s doesn’t sound bad for a Washburn…. Whoops wrong video 🤣🤣🤣. You should’ve done another rant yelling “You don’t need all this stuff!” When you ripped out all the old electronics. That guitar sounds great. Does the figure on the maple top look similar to your original Dark Fire?
that's a great question, I wanna say it's better on this one
@@TheNeuroticGuitarist are there any pictures of the original one?
You've successfully delayed Skynet coming online by a few years!!!!!!!!
I certainly hope so!
Hello Benny
Whats going on Michael, hope you dig the video, my friend. LMK what you think!
Awesome video!
Thanks so much brother
Put a Floyd Rose on it!
that would be crazy but badass
@@TheNeuroticGuitaristand a kill switch 🤘
👍🏼🤣
🤘🤪🤘
im sad you killed the robot, but is okay , i like them stupid,not reliable, and wired, maybe not many robot out there, i think they need to protected , for real ,i hope gibson try it again, like firebird x, just make it simple , just make few good sound pedal in guitar is enough, i know lot of people hate it , i truly believe the idea is good, they should try again, as long keep making those reissue and traditions les paul model , those "purist" gibson fans 100% still buying $25000 gibson les paul, so no worry fck it up again! gibson, be brave gibson ! lets go, next new model firebird 3000 superbot guitar, only one thing, make it not too expensive ,as long as not $25000 ,everything will be fine.
joke a side, they should really try again, probably try it on Epiphone. not necessary robot tuner,maybe use evertune idea make some clever stuffs.
trust me, I know where the third one is and it hasn't been fired up since 2008 either, so I may convince my buddy to trade it to me or let me fix it for him