Gibson Firebird V - Vintage Sunburst user reviews ( 9/10) - 6 user reviews

• 12/28/11

  James...'s review "Could use some work on pickups"

  Characteristics

  USA made. Mahagony body and rosewood fingerboard. Crazy tuners. 4 control setup. Typical firebird pickups. It's a fairly stripped down guitar. The scale I believe is Fender instead of the shorter length you usually see on gibsons. For such a pricey guitar it's not a massive feature set but on the other hand these are not the most popular guitars. Seems like they don't make very many.

  Utilization

  Some people say these are awkward to play. I can see how some would say that and I think it's because the longer scale length kind of throws some guys. Personally I'm used to the length so I'm right at home playing this guitar. The body shape is pretty comfortable and kind of reminds me of an SG in a lot of ways. All things considered it's an ergonomic design despite what the wacky lack might make you think. Fret access is great. Knobs feel pretty solid. These are definitely well made unlike a few models that Gibson makes which are know to have QC issues. Maybe I just got a good one.

  Sounds

  Here's my gripe with these. The pickups on them sound nothing like actual vintage Firebird pickups. I have played a couple original Firebirds and the pickups they put on this reissue model are way too hot and not EQ'd right. They're very muddy and don't have that high treble the old ones do. I realize it's hard to recreate a pickup perfectly, but saying that the reissue doesn't get close is putting it nicely. The new ones sound more like P90 single coils than anything. The original sounded more like a ticked off telecaster. That said, they aren't bad pickups. But if you want the original sound you'll have to shell out the extra $200 or so for a repro set. A guitar that costs this much should not need an upgrade like that however.

  Overall Opinion

  I'm impressed with everything but the pickups. Actually this is a really nice reissue despite being a bit hard to find sometimes. Like I said before, I have seen and played a few original ones and this remake does do the design justice. If you are more concerned with getting the look down, this will be a satisfying axe, but if you want accurate sound and looks, expect a pickup switch.
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• 09/04/11

  King Loudness's review "Really cool Gibson"

  Characteristics

  The Gibson Firebird was a guitar that was designed by the company in the early sixties to compete with the flashier Fenders of the time. Gibson was losing sales with the Les Paul, and the Flying V and Explorer of the late fifties didn't fair so well, so Gibson opted to bring in famed auto designer Ray Dietrich to design a line of guitars to be named the Firebird. This particular guitar was in the top part of the line and this reissue features the following specs. It has a mahogany neckthrough design that goes through the whole guitar. There are mahogany wings on either side of the center block to give the guitar its really unique swerving contours. The fretboard is rosewood and has 22 frets and trapazoid inlays. The tuners are the same models that are used on Steinberger guitars, which is a cool and unique touch. It features a typical tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece and the pickups are a pair of Gibson mini humbuckers wired to a typical Les Paul/SG style control layout. Like all Gibson guitars it's built proudly in the USA.

  Utilization

  The Firebird V is definitely one of Gibson's more ergonomic guitars overall. Though it's a little bit on the bigger side size wise, it definitely sits on the body well and the weight is lighter than say, a Les Paul. It's definitely got a cool feel to it that reminds me of a shrunken Explorer meets SG. The upper fret access is excellent overall too.
  
  
  
  Getting a good tone out of this guitar is pretty simple. It's laid out like a Gibson and the tones are that familiar mahogany sensation but with a certain spunkiness that reminds me of a Fender type instrument too. Very cool.

  Sounds

  The Firebird has a really cool and diverse set of tones that are a great blend of classic thick Gibson textures mixed with the bright and jangly Fender textures. The mini humbuckers have a really cool and unique set of tones that don't have the low end heft of humbuckers. The cleaner tones are great for funk and country type textures (IE: more of a Fender territory) but with that classic Gibson low end lurking in the background. The drive tones are pretty cool as well. The pickups have an open and airy quality with overdrive that works perfectly for classic rock rhythms or some sustained lead tones. It doesn't quite have the tightness factor for things like modern metal, but for a more vintage looser voice it's definitely got that vibe down pat.

  Overall Opinion

  All in all I think the Gibson Firebird V is a really interesting and cool option for someone who wants a Gibson that has a unique and cool look to it and does a bit more of the jangly thing that Fenders specialize in. At about $1,475 new they are decently priced for what you get, and they're available in a few different colours too, which is nice.
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• 10/08/10

  Vrouam's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Subtle, dynamic, unique"

  Characteristics

  Everything has been very well explained in the previous opinions.
  
  
  
  What I like most is the neck through which gives the large sustain.
  
  With these mini humbuckers the mixture is explosive.
  
  
  
  But you need a good approach "pure" with this guitar: the fingers, the guitar and amp. That's all that matters. (I think)
  
  
  
  Only the keys are tightened every week, it's just a screw to tighten the Phillips but it sucks for a guitar of this price.
  
  
  
  9 for its unique design, materials and prestige of the brand but -1 for the keys.
  
  
  
  -1 If you have a model of the 2000s: the standards have changed in terms of implementation of toxicant today varnishes are polyhurétane, leaving less wood to breathe so the wave transmission and aging will be less good.

  Utilization

  The shape of the handle is specific to Firebird. It is thinner than the thinnest neck of a Les Paul (60's I think) at Gibson of course. I find it very playable but the strings are a bit away from the button. access to the top is acute.
  
  
  
  The beast is much lighter than my Ampeg "See through" Dan Armstrong, then compared it day and night.
  
  
  
  For this story head leaning, I do not agree: I have a suede strap Tobago wide, padded, it keeps the head and look into it more comfortable.
  
  
  
  Go 8 for strings and the head looks a lil bit.

  Sounds

  Happiness j'vous says my good lady.
  
  
  
  It's dynamic, bluesy, singing, moving. That is velvet.
  
  
  
  I had the chance to try a model 76's Bicentanial limited edition of 300 copies: while the difference in sound is there, but not blatant substantially present (ha vintage when we take you).
  
  This model was drawing very hard and it can beat up the strings to death and get huge dynamic, you get more mini humbucker.
  
  
  
  Very rich lower midrange, treble, it found even more value. I played with a Kustom Coupe 36, a U.S. all-tube amp, and a Sovtek Big Muff in the loop, it's great living and is ruining the potential that I have rhythm in my group.
  
  
  
  In short those who love extreme metal, and are a fan of Ibanez rise in EMG active or you convert it or you hate it.
  
  
  
  It's the sound I wanted. 10

  Overall Opinion

  good it's been 4 months that I have and I broke my piggy bank but if you start to want an instrument that opens up another dimension to his game is a sacrifice to . With this budget, we pass a course.
  
  
  
  I could look with a vintage model and apart from the patina of the guitar, the side having a guitar that has lived, it's not worth seeing twice more than triple the price!
  
  
  
  I had a lot of dog to get one and especially trying. I hesitated a LP Goldtop and budget are not the same pictures.
  
  
  
  Brief rare, historic, exceptionally, it is worth a 10?!
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• 10/05/06

  hildgen's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Violin?
  
  - Channel 9 conductors of layers mahogany / walnut - 60's slim profile, the thin profile of Gibson, as the SG.
  
  - Body made up of two wings reports Mahogany
  
  
  
  Electronics?
  
  - 2 mini humbucker pickups, magnets and split Cramique not (I look: the windings are caught in a rsine which makes impossible the small craft that would have been Sunday to find the small wire ... blablabla. ..) and it's a shame ... So if you want splitter, change the pickups (Di Marzio: DP198 / DP168 and Seymour: SM-1 / SM-2 / SM-3 or other ... STUDY according gots and colors)
  
  - CONTRL standard Gibson (1 vol + 1 tone for each pickup and slecteur 3 pos.)
  
  
  
  Mcaniques?
  
  - Bridge and tailpiece standard Gibson (the good old TuneOmatic + Stop Bar)
  
  - Keys Banjo ... Well, l. .. I think the report is not rduction trs adapted tuning prcis! I turn to a degree and ... pof over 3 tons! So I mount a TP6 tailpiece (as in Lucille BB King), which allows tuning prcis (and Aesthetics altre a little, but the comfort outweighs obtained).
  
  
  
  The look? This is a guitar that leaves no indiffrent. What varies between jentends But cest ignnnoble! and a Whaouuuu, cest class! . The design was done by a guy t industrys Detroit auto hired by Gibson in 1963 and I think it has shows! Look at these curves creamy marry perfectly with this manly prdateur So cest not like a car of 1963,?

  Utilization

  The slecteur idalie is placed just cot the trajectory of the right hand.
  
  Access in acute: See photo, no problem
  
  Channel: That's great, it's enjoyable, has held well in hand.
  
  The game is ais comfortable but it takes place. The space is more important quune more conventional guitar so beware if you run into your apartment by playing (the base is not made for but has not every day sc do!) has a little rubbing in the turns. The head is oversized and lengthens the neck, in short, get used a little jig, it's like everything. The balance is not perfect: I lche all, the head dips ... What to do? Counterweight? Nah, it's dangerous ... Playing topless with a canvas strap Emery? Bad for your skin! A balloon hlium hooked the head? Ridiculous! But it paaas serious! It's a Firebird, it's like a, we accept ... and who cares, the main thing is to have a Firebird like Johnny Winter!

  Sounds

  The Firebird is 80% and 20% datomes Gibson Fender datomes. It's more Arian quune Les Paul while maintaining the dune land cot Gibson. The ring takes a little more nerves and a shot in the hsitation mdiator IMMEDIATE feel (but not as much quune Start). The grain is tighter than its full size humbucker sure but did not enlve versatility. Any fawn, a good guitar is always versatile. Mini HB are less powerful than the PAF but not panic, the grain is then you push the volume Lampl and bathes.
  
  
  
  Micro bridge: It does its job as a great, the riffs do well with much lower Dfine (10-46 cords) which is far DTRE WON davance Gibson with a tuning fork. The bite is the with just enough fat so that the sound retains all the class that was born in lpaisseur Gibson. Submitted highs are pretty but in this area, cest plutt corrections Lampl who make the law! In short, a bridge pickup height has nothing to envy a 498T. We can therefore engage in Riff Raff or Highway to Hell without fear!
  
  
  
  Micro Neck: Jadore! Much less deaf quune pais quune PAF and simple, it is velvety and packed time. It may be a rhythmic lcher Keith Richardesque bending knees or approach the world with a great impression Hendrixiens dauthenticit. Cest trs enjoyable!
  
  
  
  Position intermdiaire neck + bridge: Let's go, we try The thrill is gone with a pillow under the shirt and the Firebird on the cot and yeah you can color sapprocher BB King and c is somewhat less convincing. However we can still get something even dexcellent with this position.

  Overall Opinion

  The Firebird is a guitar as much for its design characters for his grain. It is part, is original and not see much of nen scne but when you see one, she remains in the ears. It is not a Firebird nacht because she is less CHRE quune Les Paul. We chose a Firebird, we want a Firebird is the DESIRE!
  
  Before, a javais SG 61 RI (great for occasions DAC / DC !!!). At the end of THE FIRST rpt with the Firebird, the drummer told me: Yeah bin SG or Firebird even fight! sends a rocknroll in the face! . What could be better tell me?
  
  
  
  A must try. But gaffe made you fall in love quickly trs
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• 07/15/06

  leandros83's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  United States 2002
  
  22 frets with micro mini
  
  2 volumes, tonalitées 2, 3-position selector
  
  handle very pleasant

  Utilization

  The access to acute and very good as a SG.
  
  Guitar and slight RAPORT by other gibson.
  
  The sound and the one between a les paul and an sg. the regal.

  Sounds

  Is suitable for rock, blues, jazz.
  
  I play with an old head JMP 1978 and the sound and extras. I'm a fan of M and it was the sound it makes in those with ca firebird.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 4 years and is happy.
  
  value for price for a gibson HOnet
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• 08/01/03

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  It's an old rve, a Firebird, mine I purchase 'is a MODEL amricain trs trs beautiful, which never leaves anyone indifferent , although sometimes people m'aient said seeing her, "Oh, the beautiful Explorer". These are two small hills that are humbucking top, which makes it less versatile type and a Les Paul, for example. Flip-O-Matic Tuno traditional and electronic and available knobs identical to the SG and other Les Paul. The handle now: It is special because one pice of his head to the end of the body, making it quite heavy and the guitar dsquilibre (See Ergonomics). Trs is enjoyable to play, but if you want a notice of "pro", ask Gregzen a member here is a trs good guitarist with whom I played for 15 years and who knows all my guitars.

  Utilization

  As I said, the handle is enjoyable to play, getting started is easy, it is not large and trs suits me perfectly. It twirls, and we end up at 22 box without realizing it. The remarkable point of this guitar is its usability: As I said above, it is made from one pice and dsquilibre the guitar: When you play up and we lche the strap, the bte falls down in a clockwise direction (viewed from the front). And yes, do you realize, the ct round is heavier than the body ct!. However, the design of the body enables the forearm scratches arise with comfort and molleux rtable and effortlessly balance.

  Sounds

  I'm a fan of Led Zep, Alice Cooper era and the first Thin Lizzy album, for the main, so you see what kind of sounds I like: From subtle crunch, the powerful but flexible saturated, what the vintage! The trick is that the microphones and the structure of this unconventional guitar make it less versatile than another, and it takes a minimum of good quality stuff to make it sound. On my Valvestate 8040 is lightweight lightweight by pramp against a 'lights on the same amp sounds better dja. I found the sound I needed by connecting a twin via a pramp Lag Spitfire, and adcoiffe! The micro needle is ... AIG no doubt, even strident, the sibilants are easy to obtain, the bass is warmer, "fltquot, a Les Paul. In its clear this is a pure micro Fortunately, arpges are fluid and dtach.

  Overall Opinion

  I use this scratch since 2000 I think I love it all. It is a beautiful object in addition to being a fucking scratch, the handle and the head gives a long strange impression when playing standing to be very small, like when John Entwistle played with his low fMeasure (Peace's me). Sure, it's boring story of dsquilibre when stoops to rgler his pedals or even just a rglage amp, one has to keep constantly lest the head of stick beat up on the floor. Overall it gives me great satisfaction, the sound, the fact of playing with a little instrument rpandu, gnral in the mouth. No doubt I have no regrets, and if I find a Firebird White Cream with 3 microphones ...
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