All user reviews for the Epiphone 1963 Firebird-VII

Mine dates from 2005 made in Korea, sunburst color (very successful elsewhere). For those who have this guitar made in USA, I have my doubts ....
For specs, see the opinion of "Guiktare" which has been well described.
Good finish for violin and maybe even better than series at Gibson ...

UTILIZATION

It was on this guitar a typical Gibson or Epiphone handle namely round and wide enough, but tends to flatten out towards the heel so Slim Tapper 60 (as my SG SUPREME).
The shape is unique to itself: we like it or not ... I personally think it is stylish without being flashy especially sunburst like mine (though I'm not a fan of this color, but, I confess I do not get enough). Not too heavy, well balanced, a small adjustment in relation to the horn back where we put the forearm but otherwise very enjoyable to play sitting as standing time.
Use of Vibrola not tune the guitar (on mine in any case, are surely Grover to something).
The only downside is the case: although it is robust and well finished, molded to the shape of the guitar, he weighs his weight and takes a lot of room ... Anyway, so that the beauty is well protected This is a detail that ultimately is not such a big failure.

SOUNDS

In sound, there are a lot of opportunities because of three mini-humbuckers.
It ranges from light very sharp (but not acid) to a typical round and full Gibson. All played on the fact whether or not to couple the microphone middle with one or other of the two mics, so a large hard to explain without hearing sound palette. The key for me is not very progressive because beyond 4.5 we move very quickly in a sound very "bright", we must find the right balance ....
Played on an Egnater Rebel 30 212, this amp suits him very well I think, over my pedalboard (wah Ernie Ball, Wampler '57 Tweed, Boss OD-1 1980 Boss DC-2 in 1986, TC Flasback, BBE Sonic Stomp ), guitar completely gives me satisfaction.

OVERALL OPINION

This is not the only guitar I use (Gibson SG Standard 1996 Gibson SG Supreme P90 1999 (my favorite), Epiphone Riviera P-93 PW Fender Stratocaster Plus), it depends on the songs, mood ... but when I play, I love !!!
No longer in production, the only way to find one is the used market, I have seen little in terms of price (600 euros to 1000 euros for almost a guitar in the same condition as mine I got mine in an almost new condition for not say nine for 700 euros from USA port charges and customs including so a good deal I think). Even if it does not not take an extraordinary value over compared to its big sister at Gibson time, it remains a relatively sought after and quite hard to find guitar. His atypical side there's probably something. A great choice for me and I think when we are lucky to have this guitar (if you love the look, sound and everything else), it's hard to part with. Choice again without hesitation.

Bought a gold VII around 1999 from Musician's Friend as a close out. At the time I was not playing out and just wanted a different instrument. In the last year I have begun to take this out on gigs quite a bit. I am primarily a Les Paul player and usually took a Tele or Strat for alternate tones. I have been playing for about 30 years and have a room full of instruments. Our band plays primarily blues based southern rock and classic rock although we do not hesitate to step out to new horizons. Allman Brothers rule.

Musician's Friend as a close out in the late 90's. I beleive I paid about $400 w/case. Bought it because when I was young and dumb I had a 60's Gibson Firebird V I let go of. Could not afford to replace the original so I sought to find a suitable sub. Really not disappointed as the whole snob appeal aspect means nothing when you are talking about a tool.

<a href="Probably http//:www.musiciansfriend.com I believe">Probably http//:www.musiciansfriend.com I believe</a>

Like the feel after I did my own setup although the instrument was pretty good out of the box. Tone is nice and best of all more versatile than most would suspect. Of course there is the look. A Heritage Cherry Les Paul is my primary instrument so obviously asthetics are of some importance. A Firebird is a head turner. I get more comments about it than I do my LP.

I have had problems leveling the neck pickup. It's natural position is tilted toward the bridge. Unlike a Fender where one can remove pickguards and adapt, I was forced to insert shims on the bridge side of the pickup. Hey it works and if anyone gets that close they are a true fan.

The neck on mine is 50's large profile. Don't know about newer models. I have small hands including 1/3 of my fretting hand index finger missing. This neck is not too big though. I have always enjoyed the mass of a Gibson style neck. I did have to remove all covers and blow the dust out of the instrument to get rid of crackles. The neck inlays are as cloudy as my grandmother's cataracts but that is purely cosmetic and does not effect sound or playability. Honestly, my Tele gets pissed when I grab the Firebird.

While not a custom shop instrument and definitely not for fans of convention, the EPI Firebird VII is a very nice instrument. It offers anyone on a budget the opportunity to experience the eperimental side of Gibsonesque insturments beyond body shapes. The three mini humbuckers open a new world of sound. Mine is going with me tomorrow night w/ the Les Paul. I know I can rely on it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This was purchased off of Musician's Friend for $499.99 I think.

This is a nice guitar for rock, blues, and jazz. Its three mini humbuckers deliver excellent tone. The action on the Firebird VII is absolutely incredible! It's very fast and smooth. The guitar has four good knobs for getting lots of nice sound. It has a set neck, its very solid. Very interesting look, too.

This is a very akward feeling guitar. For like four years I had played on Strat-type guitars, and when I got this is was tought to adjust to. It feels like, honestly, a surfboard. It is large, long, and very heavy. For someone that isn't used to a reverse headstock, this can be a bit strange for a while. No other complaints.

Everything is great. Its a set neck, and every piece seems solid and sturdy.

If you're willing to get used to an oddly built and shaped guitar, than this can deliver some of the best sounding blues, jazz, or rock that you've ever heard. If you have had experience with a Firebird V, this is pretty different. You'd be surprised.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

- Made in America
- 22 frets
- Rosewood Handle
- 3 Pickups: Mini-humbuckers
- Switch [treble - treble / bass - bass] + 3 Buttons + microphones indpendants Button Tone
- Body 1 pice (handle Intgr

UTILIZATION

The Epiphone Firebird for a while of great. Impressive in form and stature somewhat conventional, it could Drout more than one at beginners. Indeed, the handle is longer than a Fender or Les Paul MODEL and the wings opposite the guitar may be surprising to beginners. Its weight is balanced on the handle massive than the body and tends dsquilibrer guitar (I recommend a leather strap to fix the problem) but the mass of the whole is less than that a Les Paul and that's good. The MODEL can also claim to have t Designed to allow all the eccentricity Contents of play, the last freight CHAC is a rare and ease Vibrolance conf re an instrument prsence absolute.

SOUNDS

Sound, THE FIRST approach is direct and strong as for most solid body MODELS. It is once again focusing on tweaking the volume buttons indpendants microphones found alchemy appropriate. The vritable advantage of this model compared to previous ones Firebird (V, studio, ..) and Gibson Epiphone troisime humbucker is combined makes its appearance. The possibility to plug or not using the volume knob to switch between electric and loud sound (treble) a richer sound (bass - middle - treble), INTERESTED in jazz, or square ment, leaving more blues than bass filter (bass - middle). Of course, everything is a matter of good mix but I think sincrement in the versatility of the instrument on the ground DIFFERENT. I add a Boss DS-2 pedals (Turbo Distortion) to release a solo its powerful, ideal for the collection of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

OVERALL OPINION

The Firebird is really a pice unique, timeless in its pntrant. The models and among Submitted passs and (I hear the Firebirds), the numro VII is probably the most versatile. His setup of microphones coupled Vibrolance his sleeve and make it open a vritable guitar of choice. I would also prciser the quality of the finish MODEL Epiphone surpasses almost that of Gibson's older sister, a rare thing.

But as it is all about got, I suggest you make your own opinion on the pice by trying it with you even. Each guitar has its own history and each guitarist language.

Mine was manufactured in the States, 22 frets, 3 single coil Micos (single corner). It has a beautiful lyre Vibrolance epiphone made in which shines feux.Je makes the switch to have a serious and well rounded and nuanced, but like any Gibson or Epiphone's basic settings and set the switch to treble. The handle is round to ensure on rhythm.

UTILIZATION

The handle is round and very pleasant to play, access to treble is a bit difficult but with a little practice you get there. This guitar has a great look at the beginning but it is not easy to practice to their large size, the handle does not sting too much when they play up. This gives a good sound easy but it must have a good Vox amp to get the best!!

SOUNDS

It is ideally suited to the style of music I fai (brit pop) it is great to make nice rhythm when it comes to the solos clap ^ May your board will need to make chorus is great. I on my part pedalier deffet AX1500G then my Vox amp. Assé gras is obtained with a distortion and a well rounded with a clean sound. I love his sound its particular Assé cho in super clean and well fat (of strokes played for c impecable)

OVERALL OPINION

I already depui deu years and I love pa is the only guitar I own it May I be faithful! lol. Nah, I love it really has a retro look I find ke hell mine is vintage sunburst and the golden acastillage ca tape! What I love that is the lyre, which is very convenient! I have always been faithful to epiphone and that is good c geniale mainte true that the average g jen have a Gibson SG May good .....
Without hesitation I buy it back if I saw her I forthe first time it is captivating and vraimen beautiful and easy to play! (But next time will be ca this model but on the headstock it will read Gibson)! !!!!!!!

Mine is an Epiphone Firebird VII in 2004 made in Korea. For other opinions who write that they were made in the USA, I have a big doubt about it, check your serial number, but the sticker "100% INSPECTED and set up in the USA by Epiphone" common lots of Epiphone, does not mean that your guitar out of a U.S. plant!

To my knowledge anyway, all these guitars were made in Korea.

Vibrolance beautiful.

Sunburst rather successful for mine, quite light but very bulky, gold finish (microphones, vibrato and mechanical)

Set neck (not at home through the Gibson)

The small bump is supposed to represent the passage through the neck (for Gibson) is purely aesthetic and is actually a piece of plywood cons attached to the body (which is solid wood, it probably mahogany).

3 pickups Epiphone mini humbuckers (on mine, the micro bridge was changed to a Gibson, but I'm not sure it changes a lot of the original microphone, cf. Below)

Grover on the head reversed, but not type like on the Gibson banjo (another difference).

Quite a few differences with the original, then, is surprising from Epiphone, and others LP because I hit were very loyal. If the note 'typical' must take account of this, so it is fairly low, and it is true that between us, I would have preferred a neck-through mechanism and banjo.

UTILIZATION

The handle is fine, very nice with easy access to optimal acute due to the shape of the body.
The configuration of the microphones is quite surprising:
switch 3 positions
3 independent volume knobs
Knob a general tone

If we do not touch anything, we have:
Acute position: bridge + middle interlocked
Middle position: middle + bridge + neck snapped
Serious position: middle + neck snapped

We therefore choose the mic you want instead of knobs with the volume, not the most practical idea in my opinion. I am using the microphone rather acute only in principle, well ... finally To see (and hear).

SOUNDS

The sounds are varied. Using a single microphone at a time, one realizes that the original Epiphone pickups are not bad at all, they do not face the demerit Gibson that was added on mine, it sounds really Similarly, clear, airy, vintage and with little gain. There is no sensation of muffled sound, common to deaf Epiphone pickups that I have met so far (from Les Paul Humbuckers, P90 on the Wildkat).

I speak only of its crunch because it is the only one I use (on a Laney LC 30, the gain in half)

The acute single microphone: is frank, but less sharp than my Les Paul, a little less treble and brilliance too, but not dark.

When one adds the micro middle, the tone changes, all the while! You end up with a much more acute, leaner, and much much less gain. It looks like a single coil! My amp saturates almost in that position, but the presence is very strong, the volume does not decrease.
By lowering the volume, gradually loses its shine and gain back, and leaving the middle knob to 8 (Bridge 10) was a kind of compromise, the gain is the same as the micro bridge alone, but the brightness of the 2 combined is a little bit. Interesting.

So the addition of the microphone on the upper middle that seems to have this effect ...
But strangely, the middle one mic is not acute at all. It looks like the micro bridge, the middle position simply moves slightly towards the low tone. (Ditto for neck pickup).

Setup microphone so strange, but interesting, I found a sound I had not, vintage, and quite nice.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it only for a few days, and the look is really terrible, extraordinary, I have chosen for it. I like the sound pretty well, even if it surprised me!