Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER?

The_Sentry · 10-01-2009, 07:10 PM

What was it I was watching...I think it was the Crossroads Festival a while back...it was the first one...and I think that year one of the guitar players from Los Lobos came out with a Fibebird.

I couldn't believe how fat the tone was on that guitar. So thick you'd have to cut the tone with a knife!

I thought it was a fluke...then I heard some old Johnny Winter recordings...

I'm beginning to wonder about this...and maybe some Firebird owners can chime in...

Just...how fat is the tone on this solid body? Fatter than a Les Paul? Sicker than an SG? More vibrant than a V? More ecstatic than an Explorer?

So....what's the deal with these guitars???

ledlover01 · 10-01-2009, 07:16 PM

I like em, watch clapton with one while he was in cream, great stuff

Jupa · 10-01-2009, 10:07 PM

I played one a long time ago and I remember liking it. I played it back-to-back with an LP and I remember I liked the LP's sound better. But I think the Firebirds look like fantastic guitars and I would like to pick one up again to re-evaluate how much I like them.

AXE · 10-01-2009, 10:57 PM

My Bird IS my main stick. I love the tone and feel of the guitar.
The newer mini hums are not as "smooth" as the originals so I swapped them out. I couldn't be happier with the guitar.

It is the one within arms reach.

The_Sentry · 10-01-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AXE

My Bird IS my main stick. I love the tone and feel of the guitar.
The newer mini hums are not as "smooth" as the originals so I swapped them out. I couldn't be happier with the guitar.

It is the one within arms reach.

That guitar is badass!!!!! Damn, AXE!!

2manyGuitars · 10-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Plays like a dream, but like AXE® said, the newer pickups don't sound like the vintage FBs we all know and love. I'm currently trying to track down some appropriate replacements...

HEY!YOU! · 10-02-2009, 12:19 AM

Lollar pups in mine.

RS Super pots/caps.
Wired sixties style.

Tone monster.

AXE · 10-02-2009, 12:50 AM

A Player!

phos · 10-02-2009, 01:02 AM

I was really interested in them due to the neck through design and radical appearance. Then I tried and and noticed how neck heavy it is. Great guitar but I don't it would be comfortable standing with guitar strapped over your shoulder and letting go of the neck. No offense to any FB owners...they are still super cool.

Jura · 10-02-2009, 10:54 AM

indeed.. this is on a firebird as well I heard..

YouTube - "Smile Away" By Paul McCartney

Rikochet · 10-02-2009, 12:10 PM

never really liked firebirds until I saw 2manyguitars' Firebird, that thing looks awesome

Grand Pappy in Chandler · 10-02-2009, 01:37 PM

I've lusted after a Firebird for 30 some years after seeing Johnny Winter in concert in the late 70's.
Finally shot the wad and bought a new 2009 Gibson model "V" in May.
Light and surprisingly balanced. I changed out the stock caps and pots within a week of receiving it. Installed Steinberger gearless tuners last month. Gives her extra mojo at a young age.
I play in a 4 pc band and I have the bird in rotation w/ the rest of my stable, but everyone allways wants me to bring her instead of the rest. I may explore getting a different set of Pups in the future, but for now, I'll keep her stock and rock on! She is a real keeper!

Boleskinehouse · 10-02-2009, 01:50 PM

I want one with full sized buckers like AXE's. I fell in love with a white one at the dreaded GC not too long ago. I didn't plug it in, but it felt and played great.

JohnQ · 10-02-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Sentry

That guitar is badass!!!!! Damn, AXE!!

Badass is right. Looks like a new wallpaper for my computer. Only thing wrong with that is when I put a guitar up as wallpaper on the computer I end up with a bad case of GAS.

Grand Pappy in Chandler · 10-02-2009, 04:07 PM

Here' mine and a picture of her new guts:

The_Sentry · 10-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grand Pappy in Chandler

Here' mine and a picture of her new guts:

That's.....sweet.....yeah....

no other word to describe it.

jonesy · 10-02-2009, 04:36 PM

No disrespect to you Firebird owners , but I have owned them, played them and worked on them and I consider the Firebird to be on of the ugliest guitars Gibson ever designed. Way to Neck heavy and awkward for my tastes. I guess I can't get past the headstock shape, regular or reversed, and the odd body shape

The necks usually play sweet and they do sound good with the mini or full size humbuckers (Johnny Winter is one of my favs) but for some reason I just don't have any love for the Firebirds. Give me an SG or LP any day of the week.

Ok, give me a couple of seconds to get my flame suit on.

Boleskinehouse · 10-02-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonesy

No disrespect to you Firebird owners , but I have owned them, played them and worked on them and I consider the Firebird to be on of the ugliest guitars Gibson ever designed. Way to Neck heavy and awkward for my tastes. I guess I can't get past the headstock shape, regular or reversed, and the odd body shape

The necks are usually play sweet and they do sound good with the mini or full size humbuckers (Johnny Winter is one of my favs) but for some reason I just don't have any love for the Firebirds. Give me an SG or LP any day of the week.

Ok, give me a couple of seconds to get my flame suit on.

I feel sort of the same about Vs. I love how they look, but I pick one up and they just don't do it for me.

jonesy · 10-02-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

I feel sort of the same about Vs. I love how they look, but I pick one up and they just don't do it for me.

Yeah I think the V's look really cool. I have never owned one, but have played and worked on a few. They do balance well when you are standing up, but not that great when you are sitting down. I still like them a whole lot better than the FB's though

worn · 10-02-2009, 09:09 PM

Love my Firebird! Everytime I get that GAS thing happening, I think of selling the FB because I can probably get the most for it, but nope, just can't part with it. Its an '05 V, only change so far is a TP-6, tuners are planned. I really like the Minis, and don't find it really neck heavy though I do use a wide strap with a rough unfinished inside. I had an '02 Custom Shop non reverse FB with full size humbuckers but it really didn't do much for me, just looked different and sounded pretty much like any other solid body with humbuckers. Returned it and took home the '05 reverse FB V. And yes, the tone is great!

ledlover01 · 10-02-2009, 09:20 PM

very underappreciated guitar

dennistruckdriver · 10-02-2009, 10:21 PM

I appreciate them.

xsouldriverx · 10-02-2009, 10:23 PM

FB basses are the great.

2manyGuitars · 10-02-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xsouldriverx

FB basses are the great.

You mean the Thunderbird?

HEY!YOU! · 10-02-2009, 11:18 PM

There are no neck heavy guitars....only stupid straps.

Get a wide leather strap you boneheads. Jeeesh.

Birdy · 10-03-2009, 12:27 PM

Got Lollar pups, RS Jenson caps,50s wiring, bone nut, RS lite tail piece
on my '96 V.
Middle position thru one of my '60s Bassman heads('63 1/2, '66 and '67)
set for clean, I get tone fatter n' a deep fried Elvis sandwich

overdriver · 10-03-2009, 12:45 PM

I have owned 3 Gibson firebirds and do not consider them to be a fat sounding guitar at all. Ya can make them sound fat but never as fat as a LP. And certianly not any fatter than a SG. In fact most of them had hot ceramic pups if not all of them , I can't remember. I owned them before I gave a shit about what was what pickup wise. I thought they were Gibsons answer to a strat. Really IMO they are alot brighter sounding than most Gibsons.

MRJ5 · 10-03-2009, 05:56 PM

The Firebird was one of the first electric guitars I ever played back in the 60's.

I've had an eye for 'em ever since but never owned one.

Someday... could be on the build list.

jackbart1960 · 10-12-2009, 10:54 PM

Love mine. '09. The only thing I've done to it to put Vitamin Q caps and don't have any plans to change anything else.

dennistruckdriver · 10-12-2009, 11:01 PM

cool.

10-01-2009, 07:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
The_Sentry Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 17,253 Thanks: 451 Thanked 499 Times in 108 Posts	Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? What was it I was watching...I think it was the Crossroads Festival a while back...it was the first one...and I think that year one of the guitar players from Los Lobos came out with a Fibebird. I couldn't believe how fat the tone was on that guitar. So thick you'd have to cut the tone with a knife! I thought it was a fluke...then I heard some old Johnny Winter recordings... I'm beginning to wonder about this...and maybe some Firebird owners can chime in... Just...how fat is the tone on this solid body? Fatter than a Les Paul? Sicker than an SG? More vibrant than a V? More ecstatic than an Explorer? So....what's the deal with these guitars??? __________________ The Geartalk Video Blog

10-01-2009, 07:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
ledlover01 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New York Posts: 1,246 Thanks: 129 Thanked 67 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I like em, watch clapton with one while he was in cream, great stuff __________________ Nowadays you can't be loud enough! -John Bonham, Led Zeppelin- Supposdly all the guitars below are fake or not mine My Gear: 07 68 Reissue Les Paul Custom 08 Les Paul Junior(Signed by Les Paul) 07 Melody Maker 06 Epiphone Studio White(No pickguard) 75 Ibanez Acoustic(Martin Law Suit Model)

10-01-2009, 10:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jupa Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 396 Thanks: 14 Thanked 10 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I played one a long time ago and I remember liking it. I played it back-to-back with an LP and I remember I liked the LP's sound better. But I think the Firebirds look like fantastic guitars and I would like to pick one up again to re-evaluate how much I like them. __________________

10-01-2009, 10:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
AXE V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Core Club Asswipe. Posts: 9,920 Thanks: 604 Thanked 231 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? My Bird IS my main stick. I love the tone and feel of the guitar. The newer mini hums are not as "smooth" as the originals so I swapped them out. I couldn't be happier with the guitar. It is the one within arms reach. __________________

10-02-2009, 12:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
2manyGuitars Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,397 Thanks: 11 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Plays like a dream, but like AXE® said, the newer pickups don't sound like the vintage FBs we all know and love. I'm currently trying to track down some appropriate replacements...

Today
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10-02-2009, 12:19 AM	#7 (permalink)
HEY!YOU! Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 211 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Lollar pups in mine. RS Super pots/caps. Wired sixties style. Tone monster.

10-02-2009, 12:50 AM	#8 (permalink)
AXE V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Core Club Asswipe. Posts: 9,920 Thanks: 604 Thanked 231 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? A Player! __________________

10-02-2009, 01:02 AM	#9 (permalink)
phos Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 52 Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I was really interested in them due to the neck through design and radical appearance. Then I tried and and noticed how neck heavy it is. Great guitar but I don't it would be comfortable standing with guitar strapped over your shoulder and letting go of the neck. No offense to any FB owners...they are still super cool.

10-02-2009, 12:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
Rikochet Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Canada, eh? Posts: 1,836 Thanks: 48 Thanked 24 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? never really liked firebirds until I saw 2manyguitars' Firebird, that thing looks awesome __________________

10-02-2009, 01:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
Grand Pappy in Chandler Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 776 Thanks: 3 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I've lusted after a Firebird for 30 some years after seeing Johnny Winter in concert in the late 70's. Finally shot the wad and bought a new 2009 Gibson model "V" in May. Light and surprisingly balanced. I changed out the stock caps and pots within a week of receiving it. Installed Steinberger gearless tuners last month. Gives her extra mojo at a young age. I play in a 4 pc band and I have the bird in rotation w/ the rest of my stable, but everyone allways wants me to bring her instead of the rest. I may explore getting a different set of Pups in the future, but for now, I'll keep her stock and rock on! She is a real keeper! __________________ Baby Jake Approves!!!

10-02-2009, 01:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
Boleskinehouse V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Next to Raleighwood Posts: 17,799 Thanks: 63 Thanked 506 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I want one with full sized buckers like AXE's. I fell in love with a white one at the dreaded GC not too long ago. I didn't plug it in, but it felt and played great. __________________

10-02-2009, 04:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
Grand Pappy in Chandler Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 776 Thanks: 3 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Here' mine and a picture of her new guts: __________________ Baby Jake Approves!!!

10-02-2009, 04:36 PM	#17 (permalink)
jonesy Capacitor Ambassador Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Indiana USA Posts: 5,771 Thanks: 164 Thanked 247 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? No disrespect to you Firebird owners , but I have owned them, played them and worked on them and I consider the Firebird to be on of the ugliest guitars Gibson ever designed. Way to Neck heavy and awkward for my tastes. I guess I can't get past the headstock shape, regular or reversed, and the odd body shape The necks usually play sweet and they do sound good with the mini or full size humbuckers (Johnny Winter is one of my favs) but for some reason I just don't have any love for the Firebirds. Give me an SG or LP any day of the week. Ok, give me a couple of seconds to get my flame suit on. __________________ Soundclips mp3's Jonesy's Sound Clips Tonemojo Videos on Utube Tonemojo.com & jonesyblues custom shop You can contact me at jonesyblues@yahoo.com GOD ROCKS!

10-02-2009, 09:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
worn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Love my Firebird! Everytime I get that GAS thing happening, I think of selling the FB because I can probably get the most for it, but nope, just can't part with it. Its an '05 V, only change so far is a TP-6, tuners are planned. I really like the Minis, and don't find it really neck heavy though I do use a wide strap with a rough unfinished inside. I had an '02 Custom Shop non reverse FB with full size humbuckers but it really didn't do much for me, just looked different and sounded pretty much like any other solid body with humbuckers. Returned it and took home the '05 reverse FB V. And yes, the tone is great!

10-02-2009, 09:20 PM	#21 (permalink)
ledlover01 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New York Posts: 1,246 Thanks: 129 Thanked 67 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? very underappreciated guitar __________________ Nowadays you can't be loud enough! -John Bonham, Led Zeppelin- Supposdly all the guitars below are fake or not mine My Gear: 07 68 Reissue Les Paul Custom 08 Les Paul Junior(Signed by Les Paul) 07 Melody Maker 06 Epiphone Studio White(No pickguard) 75 Ibanez Acoustic(Martin Law Suit Model)

10-02-2009, 10:23 PM	#23 (permalink)
xsouldriverx Disciple-of-RobotOverlord Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,111 Thanks: 36 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? FB basses are the great. __________________ 2005 Ibanez H.R. Giger Iceman VHT Deliverance 60

10-02-2009, 11:18 PM	#25 (permalink)
HEY!YOU! Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 211 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? There are no neck heavy guitars....only stupid straps. Get a wide leather strap you boneheads. Jeeesh.

10-03-2009, 12:27 PM	#26 (permalink)
Birdy Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: edge of Canada's desert Posts: 95 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Got Lollar pups, RS Jenson caps,50s wiring, bone nut, RS lite tail piece on my '96 V. Middle position thru one of my '60s Bassman heads('63 1/2, '66 and '67) set for clean, I get tone fatter n' a deep fried Elvis sandwich Last edited by Birdy; 10-03-2009 at 12:58 PM.

10-03-2009, 12:45 PM	#27 (permalink)
overdriver V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kanata Posts: 5,447 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? I have owned 3 Gibson firebirds and do not consider them to be a fat sounding guitar at all. Ya can make them sound fat but never as fat as a LP. And certianly not any fatter than a SG. In fact most of them had hot ceramic pups if not all of them , I can't remember. I owned them before I gave a shit about what was what pickup wise. I thought they were Gibsons answer to a strat. Really IMO they are alot brighter sounding than most Gibsons. __________________

10-03-2009, 05:56 PM	#28 (permalink)
MRJ5 Abeunt studia in mores Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Buckeye country Posts: 378 Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? The Firebird was one of the first electric guitars I ever played back in the 60's. I've had an eye for 'em ever since but never owned one. Someday... could be on the build list.

10-12-2009, 10:54 PM	#29 (permalink)
jackbart1960 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Firebird: Fattest solid body tone EVER? Love mine. '09. The only thing I've done to it to put Vitamin Q caps and don't have any plans to change anything else.

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