SeriesGibson Firebird

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.

I've been playing guitar and other stinged instruments for well over 40 years. I got 'em all fenders, gibsons, rickys, marshall and on and on., As well as effects up the yin yang. Been in bands and performed as a solo performing artist for all my years. Musical Tastes, all vintage rock and roll. After a lot of hours thinking and planning i gave in and ordered a FirebirdV Was hoping gibson could match their longstanding reputation for quality and tone. Paid $1685 and was not let down. After about a week on a ups delivery plan (5 day ground) in February suspicions rose about cold weather effects for that kind of time enroute and shipping to Maine but arrived and without waiting it was opened and the played. For a couple of minutes there was a little sting buzz but shortly dissapeared. I'll tell ya, what a piece of art and craftsmanship. Perfect tone and construction and looks. What a guitar. A good choice, Absoustely perfect! Was counting on a tan /purple/shroud gibson case. instead got a black/no shroud/lizard case, WTF!!! oh well its just a case. Had to return the first case because it didn't fit thed bird as expected, but MF made good and replaced it no problem. Of the highest quality.. Impressive stock from a mail order catolog. X-treme!! Nice!! If you want a guitar with a special sound, look, feel and simply a dynamic instrument. BUY A GIBSON FIREBIRD V You wno't be dissapointed!! I wasn't!! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

(Originally written by mr fernandes/translated from Audiofanzine FR) UTILIZATION Pleasant but very thick neck ideal for lumberjacks. People swearing by cigarette-paper slim necks such as Ibanez or Vigier won't like it... Personally, I find it very pleasant. Very easy upper frets access. Typical Gibson playing comfort... It's heavy but you'll quickly get used to it. I recommend using a big padded guitar strap so you can play standing for hours without any concerns. You'll easily get a good sound if you can play guitar (but I guess you're already a good guitarist if you buy such a guitar, unless you are filthy rich). Only the finish could be better: for example the neck/body junction isn't nice at all. SOUNDS When you buy a guitar, the most important thing is the tone not the looks (unless it's a hello kitty model...) And when it comes to the sound, this guitar is terrific. First and foremost it has a very particular sound. The bridge pickup provides a warm and twangy sound with lots of overtones, while the neck pickup offers a warmer and rounder tone. The center position is perfect for blues. The Firebird sounds like no other Gibson guitar, it has its own tone but it's still quite versatile. You can play jazz, pop, blues and even heavy metal (if you have the right amp). I play in a cool pop band and in a heavy metal band and the guitar is great for both music styles. I use it with a Tonelab (Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier model)... The sound is terrific (I use a drop C tuning and the firebird is amazing for Deftones, Limp Bizkit and the like). OVERALL OPINION As a summary, this guitar is amazing considering its price. I only take a point off because of the finish and weight.