1 global rating | 1 global review There was a problem filtering reviews right now. The Gibson Firebird is one of the most distinctive and iconic models in the company's long and storied history, as well as one of the most aptly named, as it has risen like a phoenix several times in various configurations over the years. As with the Dusk Tiger, Gibson doesn't provide a manual with the guitar - you can download it when you register your purchase online - so we find ourselves as in the dark as anyone when it comes to how to use it. 1 Finish Options . Thing is, they look the absolute balls and - if we’re all up for being honest here - that’s just as important as all that playability and tone stuff…. As noted by Clapton, the Firebird that he used in the Cream era was equipped with a single mini-humbucker pickup in the bridge position. Not only is headstock is also reversed - something that became all the thing in the hair metal and spandex 80s - it plays host to a set of chunky, and borderline bloody useless, banjo tuners. Smart Navigator. See All Buying Options. The traditional 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck through body construction provides rich, warm tonality and incredible sustain. The traditional 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through-body provides rich, warm tonality and incredible sustain. Cream 1968 Summer and “Farewell” Tours Original Signed Expense Ledger, Electric Factory 1968 Cream Concert Poster, Classic Interview: Eric Clapton, June 1994, 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Beano Burst", 1959/60 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Summers Burst", 1962 Fender Telecaster/Stratocaster Custom, 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard (Darkburst), 1986 Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Prototype (V000007), 1986 Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Prototype (V000008), 1986 Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Prototype (V000009), Fender Stratocaster Eric Clapton Signature (First Edition), Fender Rock and Roll Electric Guitar Strings, Ernie Ball Super Slinky Electric Guitar Strings, Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Electric Guitar Strings. ... quality and sound excellence. Look closer though, and this guitar is more of a throwback than it appears. The Gibson Firebird rocks a reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 and was Gibson's first neck-through-body design. “I was initially attracted to the Firebird because I liked the way it looked,” said Winter, “and when I played it I discovered I liked the way it sounded, too. Philadelphia, PA, United States. The finish is still incredibly vibrant on this guitar and looking under the truss-rod cover, the shade is identical. [Electric Factory 1968 Cream Concert Poster], Second, according to people who have been at the gig, on the first day on April 12th, Eric played his Gibson SG “The Fool”. Like his iconic Frankenstein’s monster “The Log”, the Firebird’s neck was extended to form the core of its body, a setup described as “neck thru-body”. [On the Road to Dreams 1968 – AngelFire] Connecting these two things, it would seem that the ‘musical equipment’ expense was most likely Eric buying himself the Gibson Firebird and that he … You can’t mention the VII without bringing up Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music and his iconic red example, the guitar he brandished on Virginia Plain in 1972. 1. Please note that depending on the source, you’ll find info that the Electric Factory was played either from 12th to 14th or from 19th to 21st. The Firebird X aims to deliver its myriad tonal charms courtesy of what Gibson calls a Pure-Analogue engine. Buy Used. So when a company with this much of a legacy comes out with anything that breaks the mold, you know there’s a chance of trouble. Be that as it may, this guitar subsequently appeared on the Cream farewell tour in late 1968, and served as a direct replacement of The Fool SG – which by that time lost a good amount of its custom paint job due to extensive use. Just another example of Les Paul beating everyone else to the punch. It is hard to believe that the guitar cost $900 however. 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. “The Gibson Firebird is a really nice electric guitar...” Written on: 29/01/2006 by murg (20 reviews written) The Gibson Firebird is a really nice electric guitar to play. It does not sound like any other Gibson. Write a review. Fender were riding the crest of the surf music craze with the Stratocaster, Jaguar and Jazzmaster models. Image 4 of 4. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Purchasing a Gibson Firebird: The Easiest Way to Access a Guitar Icon. Gibson Firebird 2018 has 0 ratings (Score 0 out of 5 based on 0 ratings ).. Disclaimer. However, based on the actual promo poster, April 12th 1968, is the correct date for the first day of the gig. im kinda small (about 57 110lbs) and i wondered what the dimensions and weight were for the firebird. BA1 1UA. Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson Firebird™ rocks a reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 and was Gibson's first neck-through-body design. The single cutaway Les Paul models went the way of the dinosaurs - in favour of the new SG body models - while the Flying V and Explorer tryouts had been received with all the enthusiasm of the Sinclair C5. So it’s not from the Blind Faith tour. Featured Listing. But anyway, Clapton occasionally used that Firebird with Blind Faith too, yes. Review Cart. Here’s your exhibit A, Paul Weller and his non-reverse Firebird VII. All stars. This page contains information, pictures, videos, user generated reviews, automatically generated review and videos about Gibson Firebird Elite but we do not warrant the quality, accuracy or … The Gibson Custom Shop has announced a limited run of Eric Clapton’s 1964 one-pickup Firebird. The only thing that we have no idea of confirming at this time is whether he bought it at a store called 8th Street Music (one of the former salesmen was personally interviewed on the phone by one of our contributors, claiming Clapton bought it here), or at the Music City store on Chestnut Street (seems to be what most people think is true). And it wasn’t just about the sound. $4,699.00. While not as popular as the reverse ‘Birds they look seriously cool. Electric Guitars. At its launch in late 1963, the “reverse” Firebird was available in four formats, kicking off with the single mini-humbucker-loaded I model as used by Eric. Search. When it was first unveiled, the Firebird was all “now” and “hip”. No other guitarist kept the Firebird alive like Johnny, and his trademark blues tone on tracks like Rock’n’Roll Hoochie Koo is as good as it gets. Image 2 of 4. This page contains information, pictures, videos, user generated reviews, automatically generated review and videos about Gibson Firebird 2018 but we do not warrant the quality, accuracy or … The classic offset body styling and labor-intensive construction remains, augmented by newly re-engineered vintage-style pickups, high-performance tuners, and a raft of 2015 improvements that are making Gibson guitars the best sounding and playing yet. Unlike Gibson's other iconic 'shape' guitars, the Firebird doesn't holler 'hard rock' from the rooftops. Gibson Firebird 2013 This is more a personal review of a new guitar to me. Originally an Oldsmobile car colour, Cardinal Red was Gibson’s acrylic equivalent of Dakota Red. Visit our corporate site. 1 . That photo on Blind Faith: Undertaker cover is actually from… what was it called? (Dan). Sort by. Well, unlike a Fender Strat, which has a longer body horn on the bass side of the neck and a short horn on the treble side, the Firebird’s layout is reversed with the longer horn closest the floor. I always thought that he got great sound out of those Gibsons!!! In case you want to talk to me directly and privately, please use the contact form and I will get back to you as soon as possible. ... Read review. A super-jam or something, in 1969. As mentioned, Gibson also has Firebird signature models, and the Elliot Easton "Tikibird" Firebird is ideal for anyone who wants a similar tone to a legend who played on many classic rock hits. This is also the first Gibson solid-body to feature a neck-through-body construction, with the neck itself being made up of five pieces of mahogany with four narrow strips of walnut mingled between them for more strength. Is the friend still around? YouTube on this topic . There have been numerous Firebird reincarnations since they were discontinued in 1970, but during their original run at Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory in the '60s, the Firebird I, III, V and VII models appeared in two different forms widely known as ‘reverse’ and ‘non-reverse’. It has a good mellow tone to it. His response to McCarty’s request was the Firebird. Filter by. Please refresh the page and try again. You will receive a verification email shortly. MORE INFO: Give us a call at (406) 290-9390 or email us at sales@musicvilla.com for more information. £435. Gibson on the other hand couldn’t catch a break. 1 Finish Options . These guitars had the conventional long-body-horn-at-the-top layout. Ed Mitchell This is based on two things. the Jaguar® has remained in production since first being released in 1963. Add to Wish List. It feels like a Gibson, but it sounds closer to a Fender than most other Gibsons. Next up was the twin-pickup version — the confusingly named Firebird III — which had two volume and two tone controls and a three-way pickup selector toggle switch. If you had to pick the reverse Firebird’s coolest moment? For the Firebird, Gibson glued a set of mahogany “wings” onto the central core of the guitar to create its iconic shape. 1963 Firebird V. $5,299.00. Design The Firebird® was first conceptualized and design… Epiphone Explorer Ebony. Text, image, video. hey sorry guys but i already tried in the firebird forum and i didnt get a reply. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. There was a problem. Gibson was losing sales with the Les Paul, and the Flying V and Explorer of the late fifties didn't fair so well,… Gibson 2017 Firebird Zero Electric Guitar Pelham Blue. The Gibson Firebird is a guitar thats known for … The guitar obviously had. 1965 Non-Reverse Firebird V w/ Vibrola. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Johnny Winter with his Firebird, Atlanta Stadium - August 16, 1977, The Guitars That Built Rock: The Fender Stratocaster, The Guitars That Built Rock: The Gibson Les Paul, The Guitars That Built Rock: The Gibson Flying V, Dio live albums: repackaged but still offering more Heaven than Hell, Black Sabbath: Vol 4 Super Deluxe Edition - sometimes, the drugs do work, C'mon! Quick Responder. Gibson Firebird 2013This is more a personal review of a new guitar to me. The Firebird also spawned the Thunderbird bass - also launched in ‘63 - enjoyed by John Entwistle of The Who and The Crue’s Nikki Sixx. All rights reserved. And compared to an SG, the firebird studio is less aggressive and biting. chris shifflet doesnt seem to have a problem with it but now im just kinda curious. Gibson Heavy Guitars at a glance ; Display Heavy Guitars from £ 1250 - £ 1750 ; Gibson 2018 Firebird Studio Electric Guitar (with Case) The 2018 Firebird Studio offers tasteful beauty along with a killer sound. In 1965, the “non-reverse” Firebird models were unveiled. If you happen to have any info that would conclusively confirm one of these possibilities, please be sure to leave a comment below. by Gibson. Support your favorite online guitar chronicle by getting yourself some awesome shirts! October 04, 2011. Even by 60s standards this guitar was a bit weird. Gibson Firebird X Electric Guitar Review. In case you notice anything wrong with the information posted on this page, or you have knowledge of something that you would like to share, be sure to leave a comment below. gibson firebird tobacco burst The Gibson Firebird rocks a reverse body and headstock design as originally introduced in 1963 and was Gibson's first neck-through-body design. Gibson 70s Flying V CW. In the late 50s, Leo Fender and his crew had the brilliant idea of offering their guitars in custom DuPont paint, the same glossy stuff used to finish cars rolling out of Detroit. 8 . Preferred Seller. I always thought that the reason he bought the guitar was that his other guitar was stolen while in Philly. To the ear, the firebird studio is somewhat furnished top-medium that Les Paul. It sounds just like it came from the 60's… Read Full Review The all-mahogany construction and dual … $4,199.00. All reviewers. £1,468. Connecting these two things, it would seem that the ‘musical equipment’ expense was most likely Eric buying himself the Gibson Firebird and that he used it that same day at Philadelphia’s Electric Factory. Dietrich had form having designed Packards, Lincolns, and New York cabs for the Checker company. That’s not the only unusual thing about the F-bird. Bath I was never a big fan of humbucking pickups, but the mini-humbuckers on the Firebird have a little more bite and treble.”, Was it the perfect guitar? First, the Cream concert tour expense ledger used by the band’s tour manager Bob Adcock reads “Musical equipment” – $905.50″ on April 13th [Cream 1968 Summer and “Farewell” Tours Original Signed Expense Ledger]. Jones could probably even make a pair of Crocs look the business if he was still around. Image 3 of 4. Alternatively, you could order your Fender in hues like Lake Placid Blue, Dakota Red, Shoreline Gold, Sherwood Green Metallic. Bridge. It can be hard to get your hands on some of the top-notch guitars of yesteryear, but with platforms like eBay, you can find models like the Gibson Firebird used and new. This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. For instance, the recently released Blind Faith tape “The Undertaker” recorded in Göteborg, Sweden on June 18th, 1969, shows Clapton holding the Firebird meaning that the guitar was likely used on both tours. Rear. Listings Price Guide. (In relation to the Cream era:) The 335 was a big favorite and that particular Firebird, I had some great times on that; the single pickup produced a fantastic sound. The guitar popped in occasionally during Blind Faith era, although photographic evidence is scarce so it’s hard to tell to which extent it was used during this period. The final model in the range was the Firebird VIII, the real purty three-pickup top-of-the-line edition with the same gold hardware, bound ebony fingerboard and block inlays found on the Gibson Les Paul and SG Custom models. Based on the photos, the Firebird was used on the second and/or the third day. The single bound rosewood fingerboard was pimped with trapezoid fingerboard inlays. Hi Ray. The new Firebird Studio retains the original reverse-body shape with classic finish featuring classic dots in an un-bound fingerboard of torrefied granadillo, and a standard non-reversed six-in-line headstock. How are ratings calculated? Reviews. Firebirds occupy a curious niche in the electric guitar universe. It came with the same combined bridge/tailpiece as the Firebird I but the vibrato unit was standard issue. This made their already futuristic guitars look sexy as hell. Billy Gibbons proves he's still way cooler than you are, Death By Unga Bunga's stellar songcraft shines on Heavy Male Insecurity, Nu-metal lovers rejoice! Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Gibson USA Firebird Studio HP 2017 Electric Guitar, Pelham Blue at Amazon.com. Even in sunburst, the Gibson Firebird must have seemed breathtakingly modernistic in the early 1960s, but this red rock machine would have really turned heads on concert stages.. For their next punt at a Fender beater, Gibson’s president and resident genius Ted McCarty took Fender’s automotive trick one step further by asking 68-year old retired motor designer Ray Dietrich to come up with a new six-string concept. Hot sauce! By £1,318. The Firebird V also featured two mini-humbuckers with the four controls and three-way switch, but the hardware was upgraded to a deluxe vibrato with an engraved cover plate and a tune-a-matic bridge. [On the Road to Dreams 1968 – AngelFire]. I hope I get to try out some of these Parallel Universe Vol. Solid Body. A high school friend of mine sold him the guitar at Music City on Chestnut St. Buy New. Even Gretsch and Rickenbacker were kicking Gibson’s arse thanks to Beatles John and George. £435. Epiphone Flying V Ebony. The traditional 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck through body construction provides rich, warm tonality and incredible sustain. The newest of these to be released is the Spark-O-Matic Jazzmaster, combining Fender’s offset Jazz body with the 3 mini-humbucker rigging of Gibson’s Firebird. My favourite stuff with Cream was with Eric (likely) playing that Firebird and “The Fool” SG. Perhaps he would like to say a thing or two about the sale. It remains even when significantly more fat than a Start. This no-frills edition came spec’d with a volume and tone knob and a combined bridge/tailpiece, although you could order it with a vibrato unit. Why are these guitars described as “reverse” Firebirds? To hear a classic mini-humbucker-fuelled ‘Bird tone, check out Eric playing Sunshine Of Your Love on his Firebird I on with Cream on the Glen Campbell Show in 1968. Top reviews. no pickup switch, only had two knobs (volume and tone), and was equipped with a wraparound tailpiece. The Firebird V also featured two mini-humbuckers with the four controls and three-way switch, but the hardware was upgraded to a deluxe vibrato with an engraved cover plate and a tune-a-matic bridge. Compared a Les Paul, the firebird studio has a little more slamming, and a little less roundness. Original. Most of the photos seem to originate from the North American Tour, although there were occasional sightings of the guitar originating from the Scandinavian Tour as well. They can be neck heavy and a ball ache to keep in tune. DiPinto Guitars / Vintage. Gibson 70s Explorer CW. in the bridge position. You see, Gibson stuff came in gold or black… and eventually, cherry sunburst. Production costs were kept in check with an unbound rosewood fingerboard and simple dot inlays. Here he is playing his ‘Bird and Satisfaction with the rest of the Dartford oiks in ‘65. A ‘63 Firebird V was the favourite squeeze of Johnny Winter. Yeah, since the ledger reads “Musical equipment” I suspect this included other stuff like amps and equipment for other members. Used throughout the 60s and 70s, Clapton’s use of his Firebird I inspired some of the most potent and fired-up playing of his lengthy and illustrious career. Gibson Firebird Elite has 0 ratings (Score 0 out of 5 based on 0 ratings ).. Disclaimer. And in this parallel reality, Leo Gibson and Orville Fender produced some truly funky-looking electric guitars. Based on the photos, the Firebird was used on the second and/or the third day. A ‘63 Firebird V was the favourite squeeze of Johnny Winter. Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear. Louder is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Firebird Custom w/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss. Gibson Firebird I 2019 Silver mist. In the case of The Log, Les fitted two-halves of a hollow Epiphone jazz guitar to give his creation more of a conventional guitar shape and feel. Nope… Not even close. Show All Silver Mist Frost Blue Vintage Sunburst. It’s when Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones had his wicked way with one in 1965. $905 is way too much for the Firebird alone, I agree. Thank you for signing up to Classic Rock. They desperately needed a win. Clear Mini–Humbucker tones, with super sustain from legendary Firebird "neck–through" construction. Gibson had also received complaints from Fender that the Firebird headstock mirrored the Stratocaster and that the body violated Fender's design patents, with Fender threatening a lawsuit. This impressive guitar has a unique sonic character with P-90 pickups for a raw, textured sound. Website: https://musicvilla.com The guitar obviously had no pickup switch, only had two knobs (volume and tone), and was equipped with a wraparound tailpiece. Joe Charupakorn. Easily one of the most beautiful guitar designs ever, the Firebird was alas never a huge sales success but it attracted players like Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music, Joe Bonamassa and, most iconically, Texas blues legend Johnny Winter. (Classic Rock) 30 October 2016. Clapton purchased this Gibson Firebird most likely on the afternoon of April 13th, 1968, on the second day of the three-day gig at the Philadelphia’s Electric Factory. 1 Finish Options . Teamed with a Firebird, he looked like the ultimate rock star. This is also the first Gibson solid-body to feature a neck-through-body construction, with the neck itself being made up of five pieces of mahogany with four narrow strips of walnut mingled between them for more strength. Love And Death revive memories of parachute pants on Perfectly Preserved. Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! Gibson Firebird Cherry. The single bound rosewood fingerboard was pimped with trapezoid fingerboard inlays. Awesome guitar. GroundGuitar counts on your criticism and feedback. A A Gibson’s electrics are icons and pillars of electric guitar history. II axes soon! GroundGuitar is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. £1,469. It actually uses the same construction method that guitarist/inventor Les Paul was experimenting with in the early 40s. Gibson Limited Edition Firebird I 2019. Eric Clapton was an early ‘Bird watcher. And, while never achieving the sales volume of the Les Paul® or SG® the Firebird®remains popular, due to its unique design and versatility with regard to the musical genres it calls home. Gibson 2019 Firebird Tribute Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag) With a mahogany body and neck, and mini humbucker pickups, this 2019 Firebird Tribute offers up a no-nonsense take on one of Gibson's most iconic models. The Firebird is the best of all worlds. The Gibson Firebird® has a more interesting past than most and unlike many iconic guitars e.g. Gibson Firebird V review. Gibson. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. When it comes to the coolest looking Gibson electric ever made, Eric Clapton, Brian Jones and Johnny Winter knew the 'Bird was the word... Fender owned the electric guitar market in the early 60s. Headstock. © Each instrument celebrates Gibson’s legacy through accuracy, authenticity and attention to detail. 420. Finish.