I grew up wanting a Gibson Firebird. Imo they’re the coolest-looking guitars out there. It’s hard to find Firebirds at a reasonable price, though… I wish I pulled the trigger on one of those Joe Bonamassa Epiphones a few years ago.
@@collisw8302 just got a $350 Gretsch with wrap tail. On the 9’s it came with it was perfectly intonated from the factory, I switched to 11-49’s and was expecting the worst. 0 adjustment, still intonated almost perfectly.
Having gone through a number of wrap tail brands due to intonation issues and sitar-ing, Pigtail Music is the beset wraparound bridge that I've found. Intonates perfectly, and no issues with sitar-ing.
@@palexallen Good to know, you might have saved me the hassle and cost of trying a few of them out. I do remember the original vintage wraptails designed for a wound 3rd (G) string.
You are correct Pat. I've had that happen 4 or 5 times over the years. Obsessed with one and then all-in for 5 to 8 years, then something else catches my eye and I'm all in on another. Kind of a Blessing and a Curse, but I'm not complaining. Firebirds are pretty awesome.
Pat Jarrell... Cool! So what do you like better about the Fire bird over the Strat? Just curious. I have a 2014 Firebird V in classic white and really love it along with some SGs. I think the Firebird is the closest you can get to a Fender from a Gibson in some regards. I wouldnt mind checking out one of the cheaper Squier classic vibe Strats. Had a Lone Star Strat years and years ago, (single single and a S.D. humbucker in the bridge position) but eventually sold it
@@jonathanhudak2059 for starters, Firebird screams “look at me,” which I don’t mind. The shape took me a minute to appreciate but once I saw a few in person, I loved it Tonally, yep, it’s got some Fender-ish vibes and can get some strat/tele tones but then it does it’s own thing as well, which is just awesome. I’ve got a little bit of everything in my collection, Les Pauls, 335, teles, several strats ranging from MIM to custom shop, a PRS and a few other oddities, but my Firebird has become my go to. It’s a 2006 model but now I’m on the vintage hunt. Looking for a good Firebird I and and Firebird VII now
Its always nice to see quirky guitars show up. Firebirds aren't my favorite players, but definitely some of my favorites to look at! Greetings and well wishes from Utah man!
Never polish/buff a pre 2010 Gibson with an electric polisher. The heat from the high speed friction instantly checks/cracks the clear coat because the wood underneath stays at a cooler temperature. Always use alcohol free polish - that’s why your logo dye lifted off the pickguard and will continue to do so now. You may want to consider misting the pickguard with a water based poly to prevent the logo from further deteriorating. MORE IMPORTANTLY!!!! - Never ever play an expensive vintage guitar after whacking down a few 6 packs of ice cold beer and Jäegermeister shots with your pants around your ankles standing at the top of a flight of stairs. I learned that the hard way with 7 guitars now - and it still keeps happening. I play drunken stairtop concerts for my 19 cats and 4 hamsters. Happy to help. So… Who’s thirsty!?!??!!!!!!
Every time I see you demo one of these it makes me think the firebird might just be the Gibson for me. I absolutely love how they sound. I personally think neck thru guitars are far superior to set or bolt on variants. What a great episode
Got a 2015 Firebird V about a month ago… you’re right it’s so lightweight compared to my SG. It has the Steinberger tuners instead of the banjos, but that does drop weight off the headstock. Does have some quirky specs, titanium bridge saddles, and a metal nut (it’s supposed to be cryo-treated brass, but someone switched that out for the titanium one from the HP model (the original is in the case, I’m not sure which one is better.) But yeah, Fender’s ads that came out after the first Firebirds were introduced were spot on…. Had it next to my Squire Bass VI and it was almost a mirror image body shape 😂)
I recently got this model too joe. I love it. I’d be interested to know what you thought of the neck width. That 3mm extra width (compared to the regular width) is noticeable. I wasn’t sure at first but it didn’t take long to get used to. Love the steinbergers too. Mine has the brass nut. Some people complained of wear and string shift given the softer metal hence the titanium one was offered. Sounds like splitting hairs to me though.
@@joermnyc yeah i agree. The shallow profile of it is nice. as for the nut, no complaints so far. i dont think ill be wearing it down any time soon. Ive read some fairly polarised opinions on the 2015 firebird. Gibson had a bad year that year what with the robot tuners debacle etc so i think much of it got wrapped up in that bad blood.
I bought an Epiphone Slash Firebird with Seymour Duncan pickups that plays beautifully but they sure are a handful size wise. The neck dive is pretty severe with the banjo tuners.
I actually prefer old time sunburst. This looks so clean. It gives me an aesthetic of that old kitchen table Aunt Mable had. Uncle built her a new one and chopped the old one up to build shelves. Had a chunk left over so he cut this off set. Plunked a neck in the middle. Cobbed a pick up and other bits from other guitars and put this thing together. Replaced the counter top with the latest newest. Used the old white laminate for a pick guard he cut himself. Went on to record a hit record with it. Ended up touring back water juke joints. Kept the dining room table strummer in good condition though. Thats what this mass produced guitar makes me think of. Id own one in a heartbeat
@@majunior1944 totally made up to explain the aesthetic the guitar makes me feel. There is no record. But if you want to continue my story.... Uncle Jack wrote "I can see your love in their eyes"
100% agreed When I saw the tobacco sunburst of this firebird I immediately thought of pan fried sausage that was just browning and ready to drain! Jimmy Dean NASCAR, breakfast herbs and spices with a hint of Sunoco Green E15.................. Fill her up quick, I'm in a hurry
For a period of time, from the late 1980s to early 1990s (when firebirds were 'reintroduced' during the Henry J. era...) until recently, non-custom shop versions all came with really hot pickups; wound somewhere between 12 and 22K!
I’d love to see a 2015 model review as there were are a few differences that year. Wider neck (by 3mm) brass zero fret nut and steinberger tuners. Thanks for your reviews glad you’re doing more firebirds.
I wish they’d do a “true” non-reverse firebird. I’d like a non-reverse, but I don’t care for the change to the shape of the non-reverse ones. I also really dig the raised section even if it were only cosmetic & wasn’t actually neck-through.
Yes!! Austin has done another Firebird review! So cool! I really dig Firebirds and it's nice to see you giving them some more attention lately. This is an unusual model (Firebird I yes) with just the single pickup in the bridge position but classic Firebird through and through with the classic tobacco Sunburst finish and the banjo tuners on the back of the headstock, love it! The only thing I would change on this guitar is having another pick up. I have a Firebird V in classic white and really love it! Awesome underrated guitars!
Hey Austin, it sold last night at like 1am but check out the Reverb sold listing for my ThunderBeast. It was an Epiphone Thunderbird bass converted to baritone guitar. Didn’t want to let her go but times are tough…
Was that yours at Axe to Grind? What an awesome conversion, wow Next time just recreate the regular Firebird headstock overlay to cover the old tuner holes. What a freaking cool idea, if you had one you can again have another, we do what we have to do.
@@hkguitar1984 yes. The store was called Guitarded Guitars with the same avatar as here. But I was given 24 hours to change the name of the store would be suspended. Some people just want to be in a huff and will lower the threshold until someone falls victim to their complaining.
@@hkguitar1984 yeah I just did it on a whim. Wasn’t going to sell but I’m in need of cash. I knew that someone would want it. Maybe the new owner will touch up the old tuner holes more “professionally” but I didn’t have the time and decided short notice to sell it
@@hkguitar1984 if I do another it’ll be a real neck through. But I was inspired by one of Trogleys episodes a guy did a similar conversion to a LP double cut bass. I had just traded an acoustic for the bass and held a 6 string nut up to the neck and was like “yup o got all the parts to make this happen tonight.” By midnight I was realizing the GFS pickups and EMGs have the lead and ground wires in reverse position-not the paddle flipped, the left and middle swap. But I had active leads with individual sockets on hand and that thing was not easy to play for a guy who’s 5’8 and has bad carpal tunnel. It was fun though. A doom metal guitar for sure.
DUDE! you should really concider doing a live stream actually hunting for guitars on reverb/ebay, live with us, that'll be actually a great afteroon for all of us
Hey Austin ! A While ago There was a Non Reverse F Bird Custom in New Kings Road Guitars. Couldn’t another one anywhere online: Stunning. Sunburst, all gold hardware, triple mini buckers, ebony board with blocks. It was £7K. I can send you pics of it.
Finally, something I have! Original owner of a 1990 Firebird V sunburst, bridge pickup 21.9K ohm, neck 14.4 k ohm, both in parallel 8.7k . The only thing that I don't like about it is the extra length compared to a Les Paul , too much inertia when on a strap.
Firebird/Thunderbird is my favourite shape ever! Shame they didn't put a P90 in this one, could of had best of both using one of those soapbar to minihum rings?! Pro tip: my Thunderbird doesn't neck dive using a wide strap ✌️
Paul Stanley of Kiss helped make the single-pickup Firebird popular, due to his use of them around the Kiss ALIVE era. In fact, he’s playing one in the album cover.
I do so love the Gibson Firebird! My favorite guitar! It feels like the whole scale is moved a few inches to the left. Plus, that built-in arm rest! Such a great and cool guitar! Thanks for showing it
I used to own a 1991 SG Junior in black that I kind of wish I didn’t get rid of, but it just wasn’t the right one for me. That one had an ABR-1 bridge instead of the wrap tailpiece, which made it look so quirky. That thing resonated like CRAZY, and had a P100 instead of a P90. It was beat up with a lot of finish chipped off the neck, the headstock veneer had the nitro bubbling off, and there was a crack in the lower horn. So not the best example, but it was a great beater. Haha
My dream guitar has been a Firebird V for a long time, but the more I see the Firebird I , and especially listen to them, I just might settle for it instead.
Trogly's the only person I've heard that's complained about a truss rod thread or two showing beyond the top of the nut. I mean it's pretty normal, not any issue at all. What does he call this one here..."near limited adjustability"?? WTF?? LOL
Yeah, I'd much rather have a truss rod under tension than not. My buddy had a custom shop p90 Les Paul signed edition that developed a back bow. The was no way to relieve tension and get some relief in the neck as there was no tension on the rod.
He is simply saying this one does not allow for much more tightening if needed. Once a truss rod is maxed out you are just stuck with the neck as is or have to pay a lot for a reset
@@jeffleecust Yes, but the amount of threads showing varies guitar to guitar and in my experience as little as a quarter turn is usually all that is needed. I don't know where he picked up this thinking.
Modern wrap around bridge has intonation adjustment, I bought the Jon Bonnamassa epi version, for you stock is all, but being tall the stud tailpiece is my favorite set up, Tone Pros perfect for hi gain muting,, I replaced every metal part on the guitar including frets, added a bone nut, but key? Those absurdly heavy tuning pegs are now hi end banjo, no more neck dive I spent as much as a brand new Gibson FB 3, but more than worth it, 2 SD pick ups, 1 TV Jones at the neck, lastly why would you want a white pick guard? On a black burst guitar? I changed it to black!, a Firebird like nothing ever made, 4 sounds per PU, (SD makes these pick up rings with switching) stacked volume and Tone for each, 3 discrete switches. The neck profile on the 1964 copy Bonanassa commissioned has shoulders, not a straight C shape, but yes narrow neck at the body joint, wonderful shape even if you have big hands, great for chording, but the sustain and drive on notes above the 12 fret is just outstanding, neck through, notes simply won’t stop unless you mute, especially the low E. Endless sustain. Stock the Bonnamassa guitar arrived unplayable, bridge and PU were misaligned, made it that much easier to transform it in every way, I love it now, what a sound(s). 😳Blending pick ups has never been so rewarding, I play hard rock and fusion with PU’s in series, but this guitar has more sounds than you could ever discover, split parallel any thing you want the tone is here Most important change I made? The bone nut, only when I added that did my hopes become fully realized!
Great revieuw man! The different sounds that it’s plays. All the info about the guitar set-up. Thanks for sharing your info. I’ve an F1 VSB JB, and I love it.
@@MethaneSeas I know, I was trying to get across "I wonder what it would look like if it actually existed" That being said I wish Gibson would reissue the II. I love one pickup basses.
Pro tip. The ohms has nothing to do with how hot a pickup is. However it can be used between same pickups (same brand/type) to COMPARE which is hotter. You need to read the millivolt output of the pickup to actually see how hot it is. The ohms are affected by the gauge of wire/how many windings are on the pickup. Because like in the case of these firebird humbuckers they can read high ohm but not actually have a dirty sound. And some high distortion pickups (like the dimarzio de activator can have lower ohms (11k) but it’s a high output pickup, And other dimarzios can be lower output with higher ohms than the d activator.
Ditto I know with a Les Paul the wrap-tail just seems to have a little bit more of everything as far as punch and maybe mids, I would imagine it's the same with a Firebird. Such a cool guitar. For some reason when a Firebird is customized even a little it transforms and sends it to a whole other level (IMHO).
@@hkguitar1984 I installed a Gotoh wrap tail on my guitar. It turn the guitar into a way different animal. It sounds great when you just play it acoustically. LOL. But a definite upgrade compared to the lightning bar model.
@@Nothing-gv8mv Yeah, I would expect that type of difference/change. Upgrading any bridge can make a huge improvement with any guitar. I prefer the wraptail just because it seems more of the acoustic vibrations do make it into the body.
This firebird is just gorgeous... personally i prefer the firebird III with the vibrato. I would to buy one but i don't know how to do it as i don't want an original 64 (too expansive). Could you help me ? Where did you get yours ? Thanks
Good to see that Trogly has at last discovered Firebird magic ... Whilst I was listening, I was wondering what this FB would sound like played together with an SG ... I am liking that thought of the combination !
I saw Volbeat play last night and Michael Poulsen has stowed his beautiful SG GT's that he's known for and was playing what looked like all custom Firebirds. They were gorgeous and unlike anything currently available, but looked brand spanking new.
When Gibson brought reverse Firebirds back early 90s, they made the pickups slightly wider from short side to short side, supposedly to correct a flaw on the original pickups. If you replace them with vintage or pickups based on the early 60s, this will be apparent.
@@hkguitar1984 it’s really awkward, but it was one of dads, so my brother and I keep it. It sounds & looks fantastic, but a little too much for me to play a show with. ☮️
@@hailmaryrecordings8255 Understood. A cherished heirloom for sure. Even better that both you and your brother can both enjoy and appreciate that very special instrument. I am leaving all of my guitars and equipment to my Son as he also plays guitar. I must admit I've been doing something a bit underhanded. For the last 5 years I've been on an equipment buying spree. The way I've justified it to my Wife is that I've been using the excuse that I'm really buying it for our Son, to leave it to him when I'm gone. I'm only 60 years old, I've got a decade or two left of healthy playing. Point being, the excuse works every time but I kind of feel guilty................ The upside is I've purchased a vintage Marshall Plexi and a solid rosewood Telecaster!
@@hkguitar1984 My dad passed at 60. Long may you run. Your son will cherish all of it. I brought a Telecaster he gifted me one Christmas along to L.A. with me and it’s performing really well. It’s my #1 & dad was very proud to find-it. It’s natural … you don’t see many around.
What did Allen Collins use for Free Bird ? A III i think. Johnny Winter, Captured Live....White V. had one here. an 80's cardinal red example. Wish i could have loved it (Peavey Mace, IBZ RRsr). It wasn't mine to love. Now, want the Epi Firebird ri. well, did.
Cool guitar! 😍👍 I just would've expected the A-string to be correctly aligned after everything was reassembled and not to still be off like at the beginning of the video! 🤔
Strange, it does look ever so slightly closer to the"D" string, but only in some views, when viewed from the treble side. Other times it looks pretty OK. Maybe just a shallow saddle notch or something. I didn't notice it until I read your comment and went back and looked. And yes, in some views it does look off. You obviously have "Draftsman's Eyes", something my Architectural Instructor used to say about individuals who could easily identify geometric shapes and lines that were less than perfect!
@@hkguitar1984 - Yeah, I do have a good eye for detail because of having been a Printer by trade for 25 years 😁 When I first noticed it, I was thinking, "Good thing he's about to take it to bits anyway!", expecting it to be fine afterwards 😆 Unless of course he'd recorded the playing demo first! 😉
@@mightyV444 Yeah, as a Printer you would have a very good eye for detail, especially when it is how a Man makes his living. Ya know, I believe he does record the playing demo first (sometimes anyway). Austin's setup skills are limited and often it plays better before he has pulled it apart. It happens, not everyone knows how to setup instruments.
@@mightyV444 I was a printer for 25 years. I saw the string spacing and it bothered me. Printers can see spelling mistakes, missing commas, etc., and the small things others miss. I was checking the comments to see if anyone else noticed the spacing. So cool. Had my own printing business for 20 years. Retired now, all I do is frig with my 20 guitars. I've been playing for over 50 years. Love them all.
@@86Sporty86 - Oh wow! Your own business even! My position as Offset Printer in the company I had worked 11 years for was made redundant at the end of 2014, as the result of a printroom restructure, and as I was strongly feeling the negative physical side effects by then, I decided to go for different kinds of jobs from thereon, preferably music-related, because Music and the making of it has *always* been what I truly love 😊
Oh man, that guitar sounds really good. Trogly sounds above and beyond better than usual. Perhaps reconsider how much stock you put into neck comfort Mr. TROGLY, because you sound tough with that bird of the fire. It just seems like it wanted to jump out at you with some new tones and subtle nuances for you to explore. when I have that experience with a guitar I consider it, "why we do it, why we love it. And why we want to keep doing it". I'm babbling. Squawking. Getting into it. Great program, thanks.
I’ve always loved the firebird! A 77 formula 350 with the shaker hood. Also the guitar! This one is really nice. Something about all that wood with the one pickup. Too cool!!
@@alexjake9223 yeah definitely! Roll off that volume and tone. Just a little bit and it changes the entire thing. Or take it full bore with a ton of gain and it’s a flame thrower. I’ve got a SG junior with a humbucker in the bridge and a bigsby. The volume and tone work as they should. It’s a killer! I love the little yellow beast.
@HK Guitar Gibson just put a washer or two under the trussrod nut, gives you back the amount of thead needed for any adjustment, sometimes the wood compresses even on a new guitar, so quite a common fix at Gibson, think I've seen Dan Erlewine of StewMac do the same adjustment.
@@guitartech-uk Agreed, there are a few simple fix solutions as long as the problem isn't major and there are no broken truss rods. +1 to Mr. Erlewine, I've learned so much from that Man.
I used to have a Thunderbird Bass. It looked cool but didn’t give me the tone I wanted. Traded it for a stingray but seeing these firebird’s I kinda wish I just kept it.
What I'm taking away from today show is watching you clean the fret board and seeing it go from gross to gloss (maybe not gloss but you know what I was trying) in a sped-up way.
I grew up wanting a Gibson Firebird. Imo they’re the coolest-looking guitars out there. It’s hard to find Firebirds at a reasonable price, though… I wish I pulled the trigger on one of those Joe Bonamassa Epiphones a few years ago.
Same, I want one quite badly but it's hard to justify $1200 for an Epiphone but it's the cheapest option for a correct style firebird 1
In my opinion the wrap tail makes all the difference.
Modern wraptail/stopbars intonate almost perfectly.
I've always been hesitant to get one, worried it wouldn't intonate well. This is good to know!
@@collisw8302 just got a $350 Gretsch with wrap tail. On the 9’s it came with it was perfectly intonated from the factory, I switched to 11-49’s and was expecting the worst. 0 adjustment, still intonated almost perfectly.
Having gone through a number of wrap tail brands due to intonation issues and sitar-ing, Pigtail Music is the beset wraparound bridge that I've found. Intonates perfectly, and no issues with sitar-ing.
@@palexallen Good to know, you might have saved me the hassle and cost of trying a few of them out. I do remember the original vintage wraptails designed for a wound 3rd (G) string.
Once you get obsessed with firebirds, it’s hard to go back. I used to be a total strat guy until I got my first Firebird. Now it’s all about the birds
You are correct Pat. I've had that happen 4 or 5 times over the years.
Obsessed with one and then all-in for 5 to 8 years, then something else catches my eye and I'm all in on another.
Kind of a Blessing and a Curse, but I'm not complaining.
Firebirds are pretty awesome.
Johnny Winters caught that bug too, early on he’s seen with the mini-humbucker Epiphone Wilshire, but then it’s just Birds all the way down.
Pat Jarrell... Cool! So what do you like better about the Fire bird over the Strat? Just curious. I have a 2014 Firebird V in classic white and really love it along with some SGs. I think the Firebird is the closest you can get to a Fender from a Gibson in some regards. I wouldnt mind checking out one of the cheaper Squier classic vibe Strats. Had a Lone Star Strat years and years ago, (single single and a S.D. humbucker in the bridge position) but eventually sold it
@@jonathanhudak2059 for starters, Firebird screams “look at me,” which I don’t mind. The shape took me a minute to appreciate but once I saw a few in person, I loved it
Tonally, yep, it’s got some Fender-ish vibes and can get some strat/tele tones but then it does it’s own thing as well, which is just awesome. I’ve got a little bit of everything in my collection, Les Pauls, 335, teles, several strats ranging from MIM to custom shop, a PRS and a few other oddities, but my Firebird has become my go to. It’s a 2006 model but now I’m on the vintage hunt. Looking for a good Firebird I and and Firebird VII now
@@jonathanhudak2059 and also the neck on mine is amazing. It feels a tiny bit wide and flat, but plays so well
Its always nice to see quirky guitars show up. Firebirds aren't my favorite players, but definitely some of my favorites to look at!
Greetings and well wishes from Utah man!
Greetings and Well Wishes from Northern Michigan
Western Colorado here
Cheers from Western South Dakota
Below 0 New Hampshire. Howdy.
Raleigh north Carolina
Never polish/buff a pre 2010 Gibson with an electric polisher. The heat from the high speed friction instantly checks/cracks the clear coat because the wood underneath stays at a cooler temperature. Always use alcohol free polish - that’s why your logo dye lifted off the pickguard and will continue to do so now. You may want to consider misting the pickguard with a water based poly to prevent the logo from further deteriorating.
MORE IMPORTANTLY!!!! - Never ever play an expensive vintage guitar after whacking down a few 6 packs of ice cold beer and Jäegermeister shots with your pants around your ankles standing at the top of a flight of stairs. I learned that the hard way with 7 guitars now - and it still keeps happening.
I play drunken stairtop concerts for my 19 cats and 4 hamsters.
Happy to help.
So…
Who’s thirsty!?!??!!!!!!
This comment was a trip and a half!
That polishing segment really went simewhere
Move to a house without stairs 😉! Problem solved!
Pants around your ankles??? Huh what was you getting ready to piss down your stairs??? LMFAO 😂😆😂😂
Every time I see you demo one of these it makes me think the firebird might just be the Gibson for me.
I absolutely love how they sound. I personally think neck thru guitars are far superior to set or bolt on variants.
What a great episode
I've got a FBl and I love it!!! Wrap tail, screaming FB pick up and banjo tuners on a giant guitar. Nothing like it!!!!🎸🤘
I have a new love for the Firebird I because of your abbreviation - FBI
I just noticed your abbreviation for your Firebird..............clever indeed, I Like
I have a sister of this very guitar: mine was built on Dec 6th 1991 in the Nashville plant according to the S/N. And boy, it plays like a dream!
Trogly's guitar show woot woot 🙌
Got a 2015 Firebird V about a month ago… you’re right it’s so lightweight compared to my SG. It has the Steinberger tuners instead of the banjos, but that does drop weight off the headstock. Does have some quirky specs, titanium bridge saddles, and a metal nut (it’s supposed to be cryo-treated brass, but someone switched that out for the titanium one from the HP model (the original is in the case, I’m not sure which one is better.) But yeah, Fender’s ads that came out after the first Firebirds were introduced were spot on…. Had it next to my Squire Bass VI and it was almost a mirror image body shape 😂)
I recently got this model too joe. I love it. I’d be interested to know what you thought of the neck width. That 3mm extra width (compared to the regular width) is noticeable. I wasn’t sure at first but it didn’t take long to get used to. Love the steinbergers too. Mine has the brass nut. Some people complained of wear and string shift given the softer metal hence the titanium one was offered. Sounds like splitting hairs to me though.
@@roteleks7918 I think the neck is comfortable, I know they cryo treated the brass to harden it, guess that wasn’t enough?
@@joermnyc yeah i agree. The shallow profile of it is nice. as for the nut, no complaints so far. i dont think ill be wearing it down any time soon. Ive read some fairly polarised opinions on the 2015 firebird. Gibson had a bad year that year what with the robot tuners debacle etc so i think much of it got wrapped up in that bad blood.
They are just cool looking guitars. Always loved them.
I bought an Epiphone Slash Firebird with Seymour Duncan pickups that plays beautifully but they sure are a handful size wise. The neck dive is pretty severe with the banjo tuners.
Love it that you are into the Firebirds...I need more!
Yay!
I actually prefer old time sunburst. This looks so clean. It gives me an aesthetic of that old kitchen table Aunt Mable had. Uncle built her a new one and chopped the old one up to build shelves. Had a chunk left over so he cut this off set. Plunked a neck in the middle. Cobbed a pick up and other bits from other guitars and put this thing together. Replaced the counter top with the latest newest. Used the old white laminate for a pick guard he cut himself. Went on to record a hit record with it. Ended up touring back water juke joints. Kept the dining room table strummer in good condition though.
Thats what this mass produced guitar makes me think of. Id own one in a heartbeat
What’s the record?
@@majunior1944 totally made up to explain the aesthetic the guitar makes me feel. There is no record. But if you want to continue my story....
Uncle Jack wrote "I can see your love in their eyes"
If only it was a Jimmy Dean NASCAR Car Firebird
100% agreed
When I saw the tobacco sunburst of this firebird I immediately thought of pan fried sausage that was just browning and ready to drain!
Jimmy Dean NASCAR, breakfast herbs and spices with a hint of Sunoco Green E15..................
Fill her up quick, I'm in a hurry
Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!
Greg's in the House
Greg in the house
For a period of time, from the late 1980s to early 1990s (when firebirds were 'reintroduced' during the Henry J. era...) until recently, non-custom shop versions all came with really hot pickups; wound somewhere between 12 and 22K!
I’d love to see a 2015 model review as there were are a few differences that year. Wider neck (by 3mm) brass zero fret nut and steinberger tuners. Thanks for your reviews glad you’re doing more firebirds.
I wish they’d do a “true” non-reverse firebird. I’d like a non-reverse, but I don’t care for the change to the shape of the non-reverse ones. I also really dig the raised section even if it were only cosmetic & wasn’t actually neck-through.
Have you considered a Firebird Zero?
You know they make those. They are called left hand guitars.
@@dirtydanthesecretsauceman8519 Yeah, and I have considered that. Maybe I’ll end up getting one. But I’d prefer a proper right handed version.
@@_Arkenzie No…I wasn’t aware of those. Thanks!
Sounds great.i dig it! Cool headstock
I think firebirds are the best sounding solid body guitars Gibson makes . I love those mini buckers
The pickups in a firebird are not mini humbuckers, they are more like rail pickups. So they might look like mini buckers but they are their own thing
They look and play great but I'm gonna really disagree with you on how great they sound.
Yes!! Austin has done another Firebird review! So cool! I really dig Firebirds and it's nice to see you giving them some more attention lately. This is an unusual model (Firebird I yes) with just the single pickup in the bridge position but classic Firebird through and through with the classic tobacco Sunburst finish and the banjo tuners on the back of the headstock, love it! The only thing I would change on this guitar is having another pick up. I have a Firebird V in classic white and really love it!
Awesome underrated guitars!
Hey Austin, it sold last night at like 1am but check out the Reverb sold listing for my ThunderBeast. It was an Epiphone Thunderbird bass converted to baritone guitar. Didn’t want to let her go but times are tough…
Was that yours at Axe to Grind?
What an awesome conversion, wow
Next time just recreate the regular Firebird headstock overlay to cover the old tuner holes.
What a freaking cool idea, if you had one you can again have another, we do what we have to do.
@@hkguitar1984 yes. The store was called Guitarded Guitars with the same avatar as here. But I was given 24 hours to change the name of the store would be suspended. Some people just want to be in a huff and will lower the threshold until someone falls victim to their complaining.
@@hkguitar1984 yeah I just did it on a whim. Wasn’t going to sell but I’m in need of cash. I knew that someone would want it. Maybe the new owner will touch up the old tuner holes more “professionally” but I didn’t have the time and decided short notice to sell it
@@presmasterflash7555 Very cool
Your work kind of inspires me with a similar idea.
@@hkguitar1984 if I do another it’ll be a real neck through. But I was inspired by one of Trogleys episodes a guy did a similar conversion to a LP double cut bass. I had just traded an acoustic for the bass and held a 6 string nut up to the neck and was like “yup o got all the parts to make this happen tonight.” By midnight I was realizing the GFS pickups and EMGs have the lead and ground wires in reverse position-not the paddle flipped, the left and middle swap. But I had active leads with individual sockets on hand and that thing was not easy to play for a guy who’s 5’8 and has bad carpal tunnel. It was fun though. A doom metal guitar for sure.
Firebirds are my favorites. Cool to see more of them. Thanks
Sounds great and that rosewood fretboard with dot inlays looks amazing
DUDE! you should really concider doing a live stream actually hunting for guitars on reverb/ebay, live with us, that'll be actually a great afteroon for all of us
PLEASEEEEE 🔥
That would be cool, I gotta say
Yeah Saturdaynightguitarhunts
Someone would probably try and buy something out from under him. I would definitely watch though
Hey Austin ! A While ago There was a Non Reverse F Bird Custom in New Kings Road Guitars. Couldn’t another one anywhere online: Stunning. Sunburst, all gold hardware, triple mini buckers, ebony board with blocks. It was £7K. I can send you pics of it.
Finally, something I have! Original owner of a 1990 Firebird V sunburst, bridge pickup 21.9K ohm, neck 14.4 k ohm, both in parallel 8.7k .
The only thing that I don't like about it is the extra length compared to a Les Paul , too much inertia when on a strap.
My friend. a les Paul Jr, an SG junior and this Firebird. Amazing
Looks cool
Firebird/Thunderbird is my favourite shape ever! Shame they didn't put a P90 in this one, could of had best of both using one of those soapbar to minihum rings?! Pro tip: my Thunderbird doesn't neck dive using a wide strap ✌️
"Shaloosh" is now going to be a part of my everyday vocabulary. Even if there's absolutely no reason, I'll squeeze it in somehow!
Paul Stanley of Kiss helped make the single-pickup Firebird popular, due to his use of them around the Kiss ALIVE era. In fact, he’s playing one in the album cover.
Firebirds are incredible instruments. Beautiful wood grain and color.
I do so love the Gibson Firebird! My favorite guitar! It feels like the whole scale is moved a few inches to the left. Plus, that built-in arm rest! Such a great and cool guitar! Thanks for showing it
I used to own a 1991 SG Junior in black that I kind of wish I didn’t get rid of, but it just wasn’t the right one for me. That one had an ABR-1 bridge instead of the wrap tailpiece, which made it look so quirky. That thing resonated like CRAZY, and had a P100 instead of a P90. It was beat up with a lot of finish chipped off the neck, the headstock veneer had the nitro bubbling off, and there was a crack in the lower horn. So not the best example, but it was a great beater. Haha
That truss rod can be put back to factory position by using a heat press method but it's not for the faint of heart.
I've seen that procedure a few times on a couple of guitar repair channels I follow, and it sometimes takes more than just one try, too!
Hey Trogly! The A string wasn't in the bridge slot through the entire video! Love the videos!
My dream guitar has been a Firebird V for a long time, but the more I see the Firebird I , and especially listen to them, I just might settle for it instead.
Trust me you want the neck pickup. They are really nice.
Firebird bridge pickups SCREAM!
Basically, with some possible variations like this one:
I= Junior
III=Special
V=Standard
VII=Custom (that one is mentioned in the video)
Trogly's the only person I've heard that's complained about a truss rod thread or two showing beyond the top of the nut. I mean it's pretty normal, not any issue at all. What does he call this one here..."near limited adjustability"?? WTF?? LOL
Yeah, I'd much rather have a truss rod under tension than not. My buddy had a custom shop p90 Les Paul signed edition that developed a back bow. The was no way to relieve tension and get some relief in the neck as there was no tension on the rod.
He is simply saying this one does not allow for much more tightening if needed. Once a truss rod is maxed out you are just stuck with the neck as is or have to pay a lot for a reset
@jeffleecust don't have to pay for a reset, Gibson just put another washer or two under the trussrod nut.
@@jeffleecust Yes, but the amount of threads showing varies guitar to guitar and in my experience as little as a quarter turn is usually all that is needed. I don't know where he picked up this thinking.
Modern wrap around bridge has intonation adjustment, I bought the Jon Bonnamassa epi version,
for you stock is all, but being tall the stud tailpiece is my favorite set up, Tone Pros perfect for hi gain muting,, I replaced every metal part on the guitar including frets, added a bone nut, but key? Those absurdly heavy tuning pegs are now hi end banjo, no more neck dive I spent as much as a brand new Gibson FB 3, but more than worth it, 2 SD pick ups, 1 TV Jones at the neck, lastly why would you want a white pick guard? On a black burst guitar? I changed it to black!, a Firebird like nothing ever made, 4 sounds per PU, (SD makes these pick up rings with switching) stacked volume and
Tone for each, 3 discrete switches.
The neck profile on the 1964 copy Bonanassa commissioned has shoulders, not a straight C
shape, but yes narrow neck at the
body joint, wonderful shape even if you have big hands, great for chording,
but the sustain and drive on notes above the 12 fret is just outstanding, neck through, notes simply won’t stop unless you mute, especially the low E. Endless sustain.
Stock the Bonnamassa guitar arrived unplayable, bridge and PU were misaligned, made it that much easier to transform it in every way, I love it now, what a sound(s). 😳Blending pick ups has never been so rewarding, I play hard rock and fusion with PU’s in series, but this guitar has more sounds than you could ever discover, split parallel
any thing you want the tone is here
Most important change I made?
The bone nut, only when I added that did my hopes become fully realized!
Love your show, keep doing what your doing. Wish I could find photos on the internet of half the guitars you showcase. Great job!!!
That’s it. I’m addicted to troglys
Great revieuw man! The different sounds that it’s plays. All the info about the guitar set-up. Thanks for sharing your info.
I’ve an F1 VSB JB, and I love it.
It's worth noting, the II and IV actually for the Thunderbird basses. Makes me wonder what a thunderbird vi would be.
I was just reading Tony Bacon's book about Vs, Explorers, and Firebirds - there was no VI. For some reason, they just skipped it!
@@MethaneSeas I know, I was trying to get across "I wonder what it would look like if it actually existed"
That being said I wish Gibson would reissue the II. I love one pickup basses.
You need the 1's wraparound tailpiece... your A-string wasn't in the saddle's slot in the playing demo/B-roll! 😁
Pro tip.
The ohms has nothing to do with how hot a pickup is.
However it can be used between same pickups (same brand/type) to COMPARE which is hotter.
You need to read the millivolt output of the pickup to actually see how hot it is.
The ohms are affected by the gauge of wire/how many windings are on the pickup. Because like in the case of these firebird humbuckers they can read high ohm but not actually have a dirty sound.
And some high distortion pickups (like the dimarzio de activator can have lower ohms (11k) but it’s a high output pickup,
And other dimarzios can be lower output with higher ohms than the d activator.
How's the tuning stability vs a typical Les Paul? That straight string pull is tempting.
I have a '64 Firebird I. If you or Robert ever head to South Florida, and you want to play it, let me know! She ain't for sale, though.
Always happy to see Firebirds on this show!
Wrap tail Bridges do sound different to me as well. But I definitely wouldn't kick that guitar out of my Corral
Ditto
I know with a Les Paul the wrap-tail just seems to have a little bit more of everything as far as punch and maybe mids, I would imagine it's the same with a Firebird. Such a cool guitar.
For some reason when a Firebird is customized even a little it transforms and sends it to a whole other level (IMHO).
@@hkguitar1984 I installed a Gotoh wrap tail on my guitar. It turn the guitar into a way different animal. It sounds great when you just play it acoustically. LOL. But a definite upgrade compared to the lightning bar model.
@@Nothing-gv8mv Yeah, I would expect that type of difference/change. Upgrading any bridge can make a huge improvement with any guitar. I prefer the wraptail just because it seems more of the acoustic vibrations do make it into the body.
Freaky yes but with these specs it is a damn beast
The epiphone slash firebird is set neck but has the authentic bird sound
This firebird is just gorgeous... personally i prefer the firebird III with the vibrato. I would to buy one but i don't know how to do it as i don't want an original 64 (too expansive). Could you help me ? Where did you get yours ? Thanks
The 1976 Bicentennial Firebird I had is the best sounding guitar I ever had. Neck heavy though. Yours is Clapton approved!
Good to see that Trogly has at last discovered Firebird magic ...
Whilst I was listening, I was wondering what this FB would sound like played together with an SG ... I am liking that thought of the combination !
lovely guitar, thanx
I saw Volbeat play last night and Michael Poulsen has stowed his beautiful SG GT's that he's known for and was playing what looked like all custom Firebirds. They were gorgeous and unlike anything currently available, but looked brand spanking new.
Congratulations Austin she's a beauty
I recommend trying to find a non-reverse firebird sometime. They are wacky looking but still extremely nice guitars. Can confirm, I own one :)
When Gibson brought reverse Firebirds back early 90s, they made the pickups slightly wider from short side to short side, supposedly to correct a flaw on the original pickups. If you replace them with vintage or pickups based on the early 60s, this will be apparent.
Sounds great too.
I have a ‘91 sunburst Firebird V back home in Illinois. It’s enormous.
NICE, they are indeed huge, like wearing a ladder!
@@hkguitar1984 it’s really awkward, but it was one of dads, so my brother and I keep it. It sounds & looks fantastic, but a little too much for me to play a show with. ☮️
@@hailmaryrecordings8255 Understood.
A cherished heirloom for sure.
Even better that both you and your brother can both enjoy and appreciate that very special instrument.
I am leaving all of my guitars and equipment to my Son as he also plays guitar.
I must admit I've been doing something a bit underhanded. For the last 5 years I've been on an equipment buying spree. The way I've justified it to my Wife is that I've been using the excuse that I'm really buying it for our Son, to leave it to him when I'm gone. I'm only 60 years old, I've got a decade or two left of healthy playing.
Point being, the excuse works every time but I kind of feel guilty................
The upside is I've purchased a vintage Marshall Plexi and a solid rosewood Telecaster!
@@hkguitar1984 My dad passed at 60. Long may you run.
Your son will cherish all of it. I brought a Telecaster he gifted me one Christmas along to L.A. with me and it’s performing really well. It’s my #1 & dad was very proud to find-it. It’s natural … you don’t see many around.
@@hailmaryrecordings8255 Very nice Sir.
May we both have many, many years of playing ahead of us.
This one is beautiful too, classic looking. Your new addiction is appearing to be contagious.
I live how Trogly came right out of the gate rocking out to some AEROSMITH! What a special guitar 😃
A great tonal range for a single PU guitar. Nice guitar.
Nice one.
What did Allen Collins use for Free Bird ? A III i think.
Johnny Winter, Captured Live....White V.
had one here. an 80's cardinal red example.
Wish i could have loved it (Peavey Mace, IBZ RRsr).
It wasn't mine to love.
Now, want the Epi Firebird ri. well, did.
awesome guitar. OP have you documented a Gibson Explorer Pro yet?
Gorgeous firebird 1
Cool guitar! 😍👍 I just would've expected the A-string to be correctly aligned after everything was reassembled and not to still be off like at the beginning of the video! 🤔
Strange, it does look ever so slightly closer to the"D" string, but only in some views, when viewed from the treble side.
Other times it looks pretty OK.
Maybe just a shallow saddle notch or something. I didn't notice it until I read your comment and went back and looked.
And yes, in some views it does look off.
You obviously have "Draftsman's Eyes", something my Architectural Instructor used to say about individuals who could easily identify geometric shapes and lines that were less than perfect!
@@hkguitar1984 - Yeah, I do have a good eye for detail because of having been a Printer by trade for 25 years 😁 When I first noticed it, I was thinking, "Good thing he's about to take it to bits anyway!", expecting it to be fine afterwards 😆 Unless of course he'd recorded the playing demo first! 😉
@@mightyV444
Yeah, as a Printer you would have a very good eye for detail, especially when it is how a Man makes his living.
Ya know, I believe he does record the playing demo first (sometimes anyway). Austin's setup skills are limited and often it plays better before he has pulled it apart.
It happens, not everyone knows how to setup instruments.
@@mightyV444 I was a printer for 25 years. I saw the string spacing and it bothered me. Printers can see spelling mistakes, missing commas, etc., and the small things others miss. I was checking the comments to see if anyone else noticed the spacing. So cool. Had my own printing business for 20 years. Retired now, all I do is frig with my 20 guitars. I've been playing for over 50 years. Love them all.
@@86Sporty86 - Oh wow! Your own business even! My position as Offset Printer in the company I had worked 11 years for was made redundant at the end of 2014, as the result of a printroom restructure, and as I was strongly feeling the negative physical side effects by then, I decided to go for different kinds of jobs from thereon, preferably music-related, because Music and the making of it has *always* been what I truly love 😊
I know a firebird,I know a 59 reissue, and I believe Kluson has something to do with earwax, but all on all, we are Troglydites
Great sharloosh technique, 10/10
I love Firebirds , I want to get one someday, diggin your new obsession Trogly!
Looks so classy low key and solid
Really cool guitar
Would love to alternate between Fender Friday and Firebird Friday. More have been appearing on the market since you’ve started covering them.
Oh man, that guitar sounds really good. Trogly sounds above and beyond better than usual. Perhaps reconsider how much stock you put into neck comfort Mr. TROGLY, because you sound tough with that bird of the fire. It just seems like it wanted to jump out at you with some new tones and subtle nuances for you to explore. when I have that experience with a guitar I consider it, "why we do it, why we love it. And why we want to keep doing it".
I'm babbling. Squawking. Getting into it. Great program, thanks.
"Sha-Woosh"
😄👍
Drop dead gorgeous!
I’ve always loved the firebird! A 77 formula 350 with the shaker hood. Also the guitar! This one is really nice. Something about all that wood with the one pickup. Too cool!!
at 22.5 ohms this things a hot rod too
@@alexjake9223 yeah definitely! Roll off that volume and tone. Just a little bit and it changes the entire thing. Or take it full bore with a ton of gain and it’s a flame thrower. I’ve got a SG junior with a humbucker in the bridge and a bigsby. The volume and tone work as they should. It’s a killer! I love the little yellow beast.
LOL the truss rod has a lot of life left.
More than likely yes.
I have seen instances where there wasn't much travel left in a truss rod when brand new.
@HK Guitar Gibson just put a washer or two under the trussrod nut, gives you back the amount of thead needed for any adjustment, sometimes the wood compresses even on a new guitar, so quite a common fix at Gibson, think I've seen Dan Erlewine of StewMac do the same adjustment.
@@guitartech-uk Agreed, there are a few simple fix solutions as long as the problem isn't major and there are no broken truss rods. +1 to Mr. Erlewine, I've learned so much from that Man.
Hogly in the trouse
LOL
Luv the firebird
What cleaner and polish do you use on the bodies?
I used to have a Thunderbird Bass. It looked cool but didn’t give me the tone I wanted. Traded it for a stingray but seeing these firebird’s I kinda wish I just kept it.
The Firebird sounds great and i believe it would be really fun to play.
Wow, beautiful
What I'm taking away from today show is watching you clean the fret board and seeing it go from gross to gloss (maybe not gloss but you know what I was trying) in a sped-up way.
Love your show show!
The burger king commercials where the king would scare the crap 💩 outta people were funny
Austin man.......How are you still doing videos from the old house? Do you have 2 years worth banked or something?
Truly a handsome example of that particular model.
Trogley, what's your take on the new Mike Ness Les Paul. I am honored to say I have seen Social Distortion play live.
I love Firebirds Verry nice Take kare
What a beauty.
sweet got a angus young vibe