I’ve been going back and watching most of your video’s, even if its guitars that don’t spark my interest. I watch because of your shared passion and enthusiasm for them!
The struggle throughout the video to enjoy the guitar while trying to get comfortable with the price is entertaining Col. Expect nothing less when I saw the thumbnail and you didn’t disappoint. When I feel that from day one, it never stays around long.
Agreed, the only reason Epi’s putting this price tag on this model is because Gibson just isn’t making an affordable Firebird ( Not yet, however I’m pretty sure they will sometime down the road. ) Rather than spending $1,799.00 on this thing I’d just go with one of the new Gibson Studios for just 200 more with a carved heal and ebony fretboard but that’s just me.
Yesterday i was in a guitar shop and there was a deal on Epi inspired by custom shop SG 1961 , at 735 euros i couldn't pass, i meat at this price the guitar is a steal, one piece neck , 2 piece body, CTS, Mallory, Switchcraft, gibson USA bustbucker 2 and 3 pickups, graph tech nut, hard case, long tenon neck... brought it home , swapped the bridge and the tailpiece with faber aluminium ones , stained fretboard and do a little bit of fret dressing. At 735 euros its just a phenomenal guitar.
@AndrewAHayes yeah you're probably right , but nowadays prices are skyrocketing and a guitar with such specs for 700 euros is becoming science-fiction ...
Thank you for another great video. I actually just posted a video on my channel about the less expensive Epiphone Firebird I have wanted for a long time and finally ordered on a Black Friday sale (down from $699 USD to $559). I absolutely love it. I can understand the one in this video being more expensive with the Maestro and Gibson pickups (and everything I saw says they are Firebird pickups and not mini-humbuckers). But to be almost three times as much ($1699 USD) is ridiculous when they are both made in China. The more expensive version did not go on sale in the US (I was on the lookout for it as you were). However, I absolutely love the less expensive version (it sounds great and I don’t even plan on changing the pickups), and I hope in the future Epiphone makes their higher end models more price competitive.
Great insight as usual Col, spot on with the price gauging chat. It’s ridiculous getting, I work with young people who are now aspiring to own an Epiphone because their parents are being priced out and viewing it as a “premium brand” as you said
At my advanced years, I suppose I've finally run out of "GAS", and I'm happy about that! I never thought I'd see the day when a Non-vintage Epi would cost over $1,000 American, much less $1,699! Not only is it time for me to stop buying guitars - it's time to SELL off the majority of my ridiculously large collection. ... your GAS mileage may vary.
I feel with you. I am in a kind of transition period. GAS attacks come not that often, but there are some guitars I never had and would regret on missing out on them. Firebird is one of them. But 1699 Euros for an Indonesian or Chinese make... Sorry, no.
I feel like I've owned most of the 'bucket list' guitars that yearned after as a teenager and couldn't aford. The type of guitars that I'm more likely to go for now are good-playing, inexpensive second hand ones, maybe with a couple of minor bits missing: Tanglewood TSB-58, Cort MS520, Dean Evo. These can be found for between £100 and £200 if someone is having a clear out. Part of the enjoyment for me is getting them back to fully working.
Hi Col, I've been watching your reviews for over a year now and love them all to varying degrees. Even if it lights my GAS and I go into "I NEED THAT" territory I can't wait till each Friday for the fresh episode. Although I didn't care so much about the guitar package last week, the takeaway for me was your comment on "Changing someone's life" I believe in this whole heartedly and will consider this, this holiday season. Much luck to you, your site and your store.
I had an old Gibson Firebird (1964) back in the 90s and I'd love to have another one. This one looks cool! It has the right headstock and tuners. I was thinking about getting one before my new President slaps his tariffs on imports. But that price is just too much for me. My 2022 Gibson SG cost me $1400 and my 2023 Gibson Les Paul Tribute was $1100. I bought both these this year new from Guitar Center. And they want $1699 for this? I don't think so.
First off, great episode as always. You were absolutely right! Firebird pickups are humbuckers in the sence that they have two coils and there fore are canceling or "bucking" the 60 cycle hum. How to check if its at least close the the genuine firebird construction or if its a regular mini humbucker in hiding. Remove the cover, if there are two magnet bars instead of 6 pole pieces and a steel rail or 12 pole pieces, chances are good that its the real deal. This original construction is also the reason for its size and sound. The bar magnets used instead of pole pieces limited the amount of copper that could be wound on each coil. This is also the reason for its "shrill" or "bright" sound (for a humbucker that is) and its low output. Sorry if this is regurgitation of info but I am just a big fan when it comes to these pickups, I love them. In my head they are tonally the bastard love child of a Gibson PAF and a Fender jazzmaster pickup. All chimey bell like cuality of a jazzmaster pickup and the warmth and fullness/fat of a PAF, not for everyone but for some it will be the sweet spot. Peace
Loved the review. As always, I had to watch over three days as I never sit still for long enough to do it in one. Great sounding guitar and (in spite of your comments) your playing was inspired and enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
As always, a great review. I purchased an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa "Treasure" Firebird-I back in 2017. I got it new for about USD 800 from Sweetwater. I always wanted one because Clapton played one with Cream. Even though I don't play it as much as I would like, I still consider it one of my favorite guitars.
Hi Colin I just came across your channel and can't stop watching. Great honest and clear guitar reviews and such a cool presentation style. I might even be buying an Eastman now based on your Les Paul comparisons. Nice work mate.
I was enjoying watching a Johnny Winter doco last night which inspired me to break out my Epi Firebird. So I was happy to see you reviewing this new They are such fun guitars to play, especially a few frets higher. Forget the price enjoy 👍🏽
This continues to be my favorite UA-cam channel. The only one I actually look forward to watching every week. I am here every Friday morning with my cup of tea and muffin. Can’t wear my new T-shirt until Christmas. It’s a gift from my wife who also knows Colin now. If you’re not already subscribed to this channel,Please subscribe. There is no way that the Guitaristas Should only be at 68,000 subscribers. Let’s get Collin to 100,000. Cheers from New York City!
Cheap fix for nut slots -if they’re cut too tight and the string is choked grab a No.2 lead pencil and with the string out of the nut,apply a liberal dose of lead to it,put the string back into the nut and,in my experience,it works at least 80% of the time.This is for those of us who have champagne tastes on a beer budget.I call it Eddies Cheap Fix(Cheap Trick was already taken).
Love a firebird; Clapton showcased what they're capable of in Cream.I have a '72 goldtop with mini humbuckers(fantastic guitar)& firebird pickups have a different construction but similar output & tone. Also love the fact that Colin looks like Michael Gambon.
Love how you routinely acknowledge the irrational nature of GAS… Something I’m sure we can all relate to! 😂 enjoyed it very much as always mate! Keep the reviews coming
@@chasbee Mine was bought used, but it is like new. Someone did alot of changing on it, put the 2 ring tuners on it, and did a aging job on the sideways vibrato, dipped the bridge to age it, and aged the pickup covers, all to resemble the Nickel finish, they did a great job and one of the reasons I bought it. the reissue 61 pickups are quite good too. The sideways trem was blocked and I will leave it that way, it makes the guitar more balanced. it was kind of Nostalgic for me, a friend loaned me an actual 61 or 2 sideways trem. actual Gibson, I do not remember anything significant about the PAF's that were most likely in it, if was badly broken at the body neck, and who ever made a attempt at a fix they did a poor job. I still wonder how they get broken at the body join, just abusive handling I guess.
thanks for a very interesting and amusing review. I thought you played the guitar in quite a different way from some of your other reviews, and most interesting. I have a cheap 'artist' version to try out, and lust after one like yours.
Nice guitar. Enjoy the channel! I agree with the EPI pricing and content. It's great to see that they are using CTS Pots, decent pickups (sometimes Gibson installed) but they have to ditch the indian laurel boards.... heck, even Fender has gone back to rosewood on lower priced models...furthermore, cheap Firefly, Donner etc. guitars for a fraction of the cost also use rosewood in most cases.
I would love the Epiphone Firebird I from this series however there is a shop here in Toronto that is selling a limited number of Gibson SG Standards for only $100 more! I have to say though, that Firebird of yours looks and sounds great.
Great sounding guitar, looks cool, and it's definitely more than I want to pay for it. Admiring from afar, great playing, and your channel has become a regular Friday stop. Thanks- and I look forward to next week.
Colin, once again you have fired my "JASPER" WINTERS syndrome!, (i e. "Johnny Aspiring (Winters!) Superb Playing in EDMONTON Region!" Guitar "jones'ing" ! 🎉 Now I have to track one of these puppies down at Long & McQuade in CANADA! 🇨🇦 🍁 Tidy work, as usual, Colin! Salut! 😎
Colin .. it is a pretty thing. I wouldn't have thought of looking for this shade of color. The sunburst (being able to see the woodgrain) is nice, too.
When these came out I ordered one, thankfully it was on backorder because I regretted it and cancelled the order. They are cool but I couldn't get over the fact that it didn't have a rosewood board at that price.
Great review Colin. I agree on the pricing! Looks fantastic though but at the price needs a rosewood board for me. I have a Gibson firebird studio in heather poly I bought at Sam Ash in New York a couple of years ago for $799 and flew back to the U.K. with me. I have however grabbed myself a bargain from guitar guitar for £249( still available at the same price), a silver burst Vintage V100, double bound body, bound headstock, rosewood fingerboard, long neck tenon, one piece mahogany neck, Grover tuners, Wilkinson hardware. It’s a great guitar! Have a set of SD pearly gates to go in and will be upgrading switch and electronics to switchcraft/ CTS/ 50s wiring. Cheers
You had fun with it but at that price it ought to have an ebony board which some cheaper EPIs do infact have. Sorry I just can’t get over the Indian laurel but you are the man and watching you enjoy and have fun is fulfilling to me!✌️
Interesting review. I have to confess that just lately I’ve sometimes given your videos a miss, nothing personal but the content didn’t grab my attention. I was attracted to this video because I do like Firebirds and own an earlier Chinese Epiphone “custom shop” example which must be at least ten years old. The new Firebird sounds good but not significantly better than my older and much cheaper guitar. Although well built with some USA pickups and electronics I can’t see how the high price of the review example can be justified, it’s frightening to think that some people must have paid the full recommended retail price for these guitars. I think that Epiphone are trying it on, for example some years ago I bought an Epiphone Les Paul with USA pickups and electronics and the recommended retail price was about 25% higher than the Chinese LP Standard at the time. The inflated prices now being asked for Epiphones with USA pickups are silly but they’re perfectly entitled to try it on. In my opinion the reviewed guitar should be priced at around £900 full retail price.
Really enjoyed this Colin. Re mini humbuckers - they all have two coils, but not necessarily pole pieces. Firebird pickups have two blades, but original Epiphone mini humbuckers (50s Les Paul) have one blade and screws, so no slug pieces - sort of 'half firebird'! Inspired by Gibson mini humbuckers are also made like this.
Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music and Bill Nelson of BeBop Deluxe are two of my favourite guitar players. They both own reverse Firebirds - Manzanera a Gibson Firebird VII (3 P/U) from the early 60s, Nelson a much later Tokai Firebird. They both say how effects-friendly their guitars are.
Been watching everything you put out for almost two years now. Sometimes with more interest, sometimes, honestly, with less, but it's already kinda become my Friday routine😂👌
Cheers man that's appreciated... sometimes my least popular films are some of my best imho and it's a shame they don't get shared more. A great example of how the UA-cam algorithm sucks balls is Jim Lill's latest film... it's epic but it's not being shared for some reason: ua-cam.com/video/oVOE2vAVGOI/v-deo.htmlsi=Xi48uteU0_nL27Gq
My absolute dream guitar is a firebird. As a man living on disability I know a Gibson will be out of my reach. I’ve seen an Epiphone Firebird with the Gibson firebird pickups for 649.00. Someday…… for me personally the firebird neck pickup is the ultimate sound. If everything goes right by this time next year I’ll have my bird!
When you teased a review last week I was half hoping for a Trump guitar review. 😂 As always looking forward to watching! Snacks at the ready obviously.
Ahh yes the elusive firebird, another guitar I myself have lusted after for years,but never seem to buy when adding to my collection, you did great, especially by encouraging me to get one now, the neck looks a lot thicker than I thought it would be, and who can resist the sound of those pickups, thanks for the review.
That guitar suits you nicely. BTW, I just received one of your Tee's and its quite nice. For anyone thinking of buying one, its made extremely well and the quality is killer. Heavier material, not thin junk. Quality printing etc. Well worth the price! Thank you Colin!
I couldn't run to this price for the spec. Instead got the older 599 epi Firebird. Stuck a Gibson FB+ pickup in the bridge and that is an absolutely phenomenal instrument for the money.
Great looking guitar and sounds great! I agree with you about the price gouging going on! The original price for a Chinese built is ridiculous! Great video! 👍🎸
Good Friday morning! I have my morning coffee in a Guitaristas mug while enjoying a cool Firebird. You scored a great discount on that 'bird. I agree with you 100% regarding the high price of some of these Epi's. I have probably a dozen Epi's, and while they're all excellent, the most I've spent was $1000 for the Crestwood Custom (I HAD to have it). My Gibson Firebird was just over $1300 when I bought it new 10 years ago, so any import Epi priced north of $1000 is a no-go for me. I just can't come to grips with that kind of price for an import Epi. BTW, my dream Firebird is a 1965 "transitional" reverse Firebird V. It has a reverse body with a non-reverse headstock. They're priced well over $10K now, so one of those is out of the question for me.
Great views on Epiphone 's marketing strategy, spot on. As long as they find buyers, why wouldn't they charge more. I'll stick to my 2002 MIK 1963 Firebird VII thank you very much 😊 (Think it cost me less than €300 back in the day)
I’ve just bought one of them inspired by Gibson Ebony Les Paul,Customs .I love it .I’ve got a Gold top Gibson 2018 tribute and a 2019 SG Standard of which the pickups are weak as piss on the Sg 5k on the bridge and 5,4k on the neck but this thing feels ,plays and sounds just as good as both Gibson’s …nice video Col ..
Amazing video as always 👍👍 As for the price I guess Epiphone ( Gibson ) got a bit too greedy and they tried to capitalize on this model's glorious history and they thought a few high-end things would justify the price... As a reference I bought a brand new Gibson Firebird-V back in 2012 for about 1200 euros and a brand new Epiphone Firebird-I ( Joe Bonamassa ) in 2017 for $800... They both have the classic Firebird construction and even with a few upgrades they'd still be cheaper than this overpriced Firebird... The next "Bonamassa" Les Paul that came out after that was way more affordable so I guess they realized what they had done...
The thing about Epiphone is for every "expensive" model they offer they have a variety of less expensive models to choose from. I'm totally happy with their standard firebird at half the price. It's your choice
Another great video, Colin i agree with you on price , and gouging. Especially made in china , we all kinda went through this with made in Japan and we know those guitars are very well built. I own 4 epiphones im still waiting for the inspired by Gibson 59 les paul to drop in price, @ $1,299 but thinking there not gonna , might just have to jump on it. Anyway thanks for the deep dive on the firebird , keep those videos coming, . From Michigan 🇺🇸
Nice video, and I enjoyed the review. The Firebird has not ever really been my cup of tea, but I know fellas who love theirs and I say good on 'em. Is the damn thing worth it? As always, each potential buyer will decide for themselves. Can't blame Epiphone for what is their obvious long-term strategy to elevate their brand perception in the marketplace. And it'll work as long as they continue make good guitars.
I've never held or played a Firebird to be honest. I do like the look and that colour Colin, no way I would pay that kind of money for it though. Enjoyed the video as usual.
They feel weird, everything shifts to the left, they feel more normal if sitting. Those Banjo tuners are heavy and give neck dive, the other tuners that are like Kluson's, give the headstock less weight. The neck feels really long because of the left shifting feel.
I have a Centavo, bought it half off as b-stock on reverb. Excellent pedal for being able to tighten up distortion with the option of more or less bass. It's an "always on" pedal for my playing. I think a Tumnus Deluxe is also a great Klon clone but the Centavo was more affordable at the time. Great choice Colin 👍
Gibson has used Epiphone to justify their ridiculous prices. In other words, a $6,000 Firebird, can't be $5,000 more than an Epiphone since the Epiphone build is so good. So, increase the Epiphone pricing and generate a great profit grab in the process. I've played the original Epiphone Firebirds at about $680 and they were terrific. Small little set up adjustments out of the box (including that nut issue you had) and away you go! They are trying to justify their eye-watering USA build prices buy doubling and tripling the made in China prices to make it appear that any "Gibson" designed guitars are worth selling a kidney for, while at the same time massively increasing their profit margin on China built guitars since the wages paid are so low. Thanks Colin, great review and great fun (as always). Cheers! Love the hat!
I'm guessing Epiphone are happy with their pricing plan of charging a premium for "Collector" guitars to see how many they can sell at that price, then lowering the price as necessary to sell the rest. As I've said repeatedly, I'm not interested in buying "Collector" Epiphones, but I don't fault them for trying to maximize their profits. As always it just behooves the customers to not pay more than a guitar is worth to them, and the price will eventually settle to what they might consider more reasonable. Caveat Emptor. As an example of how I shop, I got my Epiphone ES 335 Pro in 2019 for an extremely low sales price of $299 US when Guitar Center was clearing them out to make room for the coming Inspired By Gibson line. Thanks for the video. ETA: Your videos release at 6:00am where I live. I'm usually awake at that time, but not always. Now I'll feel guilty for sleeping in on Fridays.
I haven't seen any of those discounts on this side of the pond, but I still broke down and bought the '63 SG. No regerts. Seriously, I love that guitar.
Thank goodness it's gone back up in price Colin !! Was just getting the GAS.... You've already 'suggested' that the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby in sixties cherry was a 'bargain'. Yep, sitting on a stand behind me as I type.... Love this Firebird and ten minutes in, I'm getting that itch. Thankfully, the chunky neck is a no-no for me. Much prefer the 60s slim taper. Always look forward to Friday afternoons for the latest. Cheers mate ! 😁
Hey Colin, really enjoyed some of your licks today and thought when you switched to the neck pickup that it sounded better, at least to my tone deaf ears. I do think that guitar has limited appeal though, especially given the price point. Always a brilliant review and a great start to my Friday. Thanks again as always!
This guitar tempted me... And still does😁 The Gibson RD Artist (wanted one since early '70's) which has a simular body, though slightly smaller with a different headstock has the same affect on me. They are comfortable and playability is very nice...😁 This color blue is stage ready with the white and creme accents. The tuners direct drive are different eh...? When reaching to tune without looking it's always a surprise when you can't find the tuning knob😊😂 You already know my stance on Gibson interfering with Epi's pricing 🙄 It is a beaut ain't it...😉👍👍 The longest tenon joint on the market eh...😊 Well done Colin...😎👍👍 😎✌👍❤🖖 Love Brother ps. Enjoying my Witch Hat coffee mug 😁👍❤
I agree about the prices. I got the 79 custom Silverburst and that was 1400. Before discounts. About 1230 said and done. Fantastic guitar. But, for an epi, def expensive though
This Epiphone takeover, of this segment of the guitar market, has been going on since just before 2000. They issued and distributed, many small catalogs of Gibson`s best designs, adjusted the price of and then played the long game, to a market domination. I bought 4-5 models back then and been having a blast since. That catalog made my mouth water. The line was comprehensive and I had GAS bad, so I indulged myself. This was at the start of retirement and I was free with the money. I kept a few and gave a few away. Even an expensive Epi is a deal and a hell of a guitar. I had set myself up for the rest of my life, with instruments that rivaled Gibson. It is a beautiful day, when I can hand a buddy a $1600 EPI and say, "Have fun." Moral of the story, old dogs can still hunt. Happy shopping Colin.
Aloha Colin! I still got the Joe Bonamasa Firebird 1 and still enjoy it. The Firebird 5 is the one to have, especially if your a Johnny Winter fan. Glad you got a good price on yours. $1,699 USD at Sweetwater.
I’ve been going back and watching most of your video’s, even if its guitars that don’t spark my interest. I watch because of your shared passion and enthusiasm for them!
The struggle throughout the video to enjoy the guitar while trying to get comfortable with the price is entertaining Col. Expect nothing less when I saw the thumbnail and you didn’t disappoint. When I feel that from day one, it never stays around long.
Glad to see you have and finally playing a Firebird. John Dawson Winter III would be proud of you.
If they priced these at $899 they’d have sold a ton of them. $1799 is just a poor decision by management.
You don’t understand the up charge on the case, the Pickups and wiring people bitch about price just don’t buy them
because inflation doesn't affect china, just the west.
100%! I'd have jumped on one in a heartbeat at that price.
$1799 for a guitar made in china is insane
Agreed, the only reason Epi’s putting this price tag on this model is because Gibson just isn’t making an affordable Firebird ( Not yet, however I’m pretty sure they will sometime down the road. )
Rather than spending $1,799.00 on this thing I’d just go with one of the new Gibson Studios for just 200 more with a carved heal and ebony fretboard but that’s just me.
Yesterday i was in a guitar shop and there was a deal on Epi inspired by custom shop SG 1961 , at 735 euros i couldn't pass, i meat at this price the guitar is a steal, one piece neck , 2 piece body, CTS, Mallory, Switchcraft, gibson USA bustbucker 2 and 3 pickups, graph tech nut, hard case, long tenon neck... brought it home , swapped the bridge and the tailpiece with faber aluminium ones , stained fretboard and do a little bit of fret dressing. At 735 euros its just a phenomenal guitar.
I think you paid what it was worth, I feel sorry for the people who paid full price, they lose a load of money!
@AndrewAHayes yeah you're probably right , but nowadays prices are skyrocketing and a guitar with such specs for 700 euros is becoming science-fiction ...
Nice!
One of the guitars I wish I hadn't traded in. Great guitar!
That is a great deal, $775 usd! Considering just the Epi SG case $129 and Gibson pickups $390, higher end components around $75...a heck of a deal!
The Gibson firebird was £1799 over here before it went out of production.
...The Kluson Banjo Planetery Tuners...what a great band they were...
😂👍
Thank you for another great video. I actually just posted a video on my channel about the less expensive Epiphone Firebird I have wanted for a long time and finally ordered on a Black Friday sale (down from $699 USD to $559). I absolutely love it. I can understand the one in this video being more expensive with the Maestro and Gibson pickups (and everything I saw says they are Firebird pickups and not mini-humbuckers). But to be almost three times as much ($1699 USD) is ridiculous when they are both made in China.
The more expensive version did not go on sale in the US (I was on the lookout for it as you were). However, I absolutely love the less expensive version (it sounds great and I don’t even plan on changing the pickups), and I hope in the future Epiphone makes their higher end models more price competitive.
Great insight as usual Col, spot on with the price gauging chat. It’s ridiculous getting, I work with young people who are now aspiring to own an Epiphone because their parents are being priced out and viewing it as a “premium brand” as you said
At my advanced years, I suppose I've finally run out of "GAS", and I'm happy about that!
I never thought I'd see the day when a Non-vintage Epi would cost over $1,000 American, much less $1,699!
Not only is it time for me to stop buying guitars - it's time to SELL off the majority of my ridiculously large collection.
... your GAS mileage may vary.
I bought a chocolate bar at a gas station in Canada the other day for the first time in ages. It was $3.17.
I feel with you. I am in a kind of transition period. GAS attacks come not that often, but there are some guitars I never had and would regret on missing out on them. Firebird is one of them. But 1699 Euros for an Indonesian or Chinese make... Sorry, no.
I feel like I've owned most of the 'bucket list' guitars that yearned after as a teenager and couldn't aford. The type of guitars that I'm more likely to go for now are good-playing, inexpensive second hand ones, maybe with a couple of minor bits missing: Tanglewood TSB-58, Cort MS520, Dean Evo. These can be found for between £100 and £200 if someone is having a clear out. Part of the enjoyment for me is getting them back to fully working.
We all watch your program for your honesty and entertainment value. Keep on keeping on. Your the best on utube.
Good morning from Texas ! We love you Colin !
here every Friday no matter what your reviewing!!!!!
Hi Col, I've been watching your reviews for over a year now and love them all to varying degrees. Even if it lights my GAS and I go into "I NEED THAT" territory I can't wait till each Friday for the fresh episode. Although I didn't care so much about the guitar package last week, the takeaway for me was your comment on "Changing someone's life" I believe in this whole heartedly and will consider this, this holiday season. Much luck to you, your site and your store.
I had an old Gibson Firebird (1964) back in the 90s and I'd love to have another one. This one looks cool! It has the right headstock and tuners. I was thinking about getting one before my new President slaps his tariffs on imports. But that price is just too much for me. My 2022 Gibson SG cost me $1400 and my 2023 Gibson Les Paul Tribute was $1100. I bought both these this year new from Guitar Center. And they want $1699 for this? I don't think so.
First off, great episode as always. You were absolutely right! Firebird pickups are humbuckers in the sence that they have two coils and there fore are canceling or "bucking" the 60 cycle hum. How to check if its at least close the the genuine firebird construction or if its a regular mini humbucker in hiding. Remove the cover, if there are two magnet bars instead of 6 pole pieces and a steel rail or 12 pole pieces, chances are good that its the real deal. This original construction is also the reason for its size and sound. The bar magnets used instead of pole pieces limited the amount of copper that could be wound on each coil. This is also the reason for its "shrill" or "bright" sound (for a humbucker that is) and its low output. Sorry if this is regurgitation of info but I am just a big fan when it comes to these pickups, I love them. In my head they are tonally the bastard love child of a Gibson PAF and a Fender jazzmaster pickup. All chimey bell like cuality of a jazzmaster pickup and the warmth and fullness/fat of a PAF, not for everyone but for some it will be the sweet spot.
Peace
Loved the review. As always, I had to watch over three days as I never sit still for long enough to do it in one. Great sounding guitar and (in spite of your comments) your playing was inspired and enjoyable. Keep up the good work!
As always, a great review. I purchased an Epiphone Joe Bonamassa "Treasure" Firebird-I back in 2017. I got it new for about USD 800 from Sweetwater. I always wanted one because Clapton played one with Cream. Even though I don't play it as much as I would like, I still consider it one of my favorite guitars.
there's an ocean of buyer's regret free with every one sold
😂 At least it comes in “Buyer’s Regret Blue.”
@@circleinthedirt9428 my favourite colour!!
It's a lot for an Epiphone, it's probably really good though
Says there are 2 replies to this comment but they've been deleted by someone. ??
@@benallmark9671 not on my computer, they're still there
Hi Colin I just came across your channel and can't stop watching. Great honest and clear guitar reviews and such a cool presentation style. I might even be buying an Eastman now based on your Les Paul comparisons. Nice work mate.
Cheers man glad you found us! 😁👍
Still loving your nemesis the troublemaker squire telecaster! Go, Colin, go!
I was enjoying watching a Johnny Winter doco last night which inspired me to break out my Epi Firebird. So I was happy to see you reviewing this new They are such fun guitars to play, especially a few frets higher. Forget the price enjoy 👍🏽
Jack Pearson and his $200 Squier Stratocaster sound fantastic, and so do you and that Firebird. Someone's been practicing!
Cheers mate that's appreciated... I'd like to think I'm getting there (on a good day 🤣).
For not too much more I got my brand new Les Paul Classic..... great video this week as usual! Cheers! :)
Every sip does taste better out of a Guitaristas mug!
This continues to be my favorite UA-cam channel. The only one I actually look forward to watching every week. I am here every Friday morning with my cup of tea and muffin. Can’t wear my new T-shirt until Christmas. It’s a gift from my wife who also knows Colin now. If you’re not already subscribed to this channel,Please subscribe. There is no way that the Guitaristas Should only be at 68,000 subscribers. Let’s get Collin to 100,000. Cheers from New York City!
Cheers man that's appreciated! 😁🙏
Cheap fix for nut slots -if they’re cut too tight and the string is choked grab a No.2 lead pencil and with the string out of the nut,apply a liberal dose of lead to it,put the string back into the nut and,in my experience,it works at least 80% of the time.This is for those of us who have champagne tastes on a beer budget.I call it Eddies Cheap Fix(Cheap Trick was already taken).
Love a firebird; Clapton showcased what they're capable of in Cream.I have a '72 goldtop with mini humbuckers(fantastic guitar)& firebird pickups have a different construction but similar output & tone. Also love the fact that Colin looks like Michael Gambon.
Watched on the tv channel now I'm on repeat here got to keep the numbers up keep at it Colin
😁👍 Cheers Andrew!
Love how you routinely acknowledge the irrational nature of GAS… Something I’m sure we can all relate to! 😂 enjoyed it very much as always mate! Keep the reviews coming
$1700. That’s tough. When I paid $1000 2 years ago for the Epi Lazarus. I said, no higher will I go for a made in china epi.
Ditto
100% agreed!
Absolutely! Hell, $1700 is what I paid for my Gibson '61 SG!
@@chasbee Mine was bought used, but it is like new. Someone did alot of changing on it, put the 2 ring tuners on it, and did a aging job on the sideways vibrato, dipped the bridge to age it, and aged the pickup covers, all to resemble the Nickel finish, they did a great job and one of the reasons I bought it. the reissue 61 pickups are quite good too. The sideways trem was blocked and I will leave it that way, it makes the guitar more balanced. it was kind of Nostalgic for me, a friend loaned me an actual 61 or 2 sideways trem. actual Gibson, I do not remember anything significant about the PAF's that were most likely in it, if was badly broken at the body neck, and who ever made a attempt at a fix they did a poor job. I still wonder how they get broken at the body join, just abusive handling I guess.
thanks for a very interesting and amusing review. I thought you played the guitar in quite a different way from some of your other reviews, and most interesting. I have a cheap 'artist' version to try out, and lust after one like yours.
Nice guitar. Enjoy the channel! I agree with the EPI pricing and content. It's great to see that they are using CTS Pots, decent pickups (sometimes Gibson installed) but they have to ditch the indian laurel boards.... heck, even Fender has gone back to rosewood on lower priced models...furthermore, cheap Firefly, Donner etc. guitars for a fraction of the cost also use rosewood in most cases.
I have always liked the "banjo style" tuning keys. i installed a set of steinberger tuners on a strat years ago. very stable tuning.
I would love the Epiphone Firebird I from this series however there is a shop here in Toronto that is selling a limited number of Gibson SG Standards for only $100 more! I have to say though, that Firebird of yours looks and sounds great.
Thanks Colin for another entertaining review! This Firebird has such a vintage tone. Made me think of Stephen Stills 70's sound. Very bluesy. Cheers!
Great sounding guitar, looks cool, and it's definitely more than I want to pay for it. Admiring from afar, great playing, and your channel has become a regular Friday stop. Thanks- and I look forward to next week.
I’m digging that guitar Colin, thanks for the review.
Lord knows I don't need another guitar, but this one has me intrigued. Anyway, you should have far more than 70k subscribers.
Great video and breakdown of this not so cheap Firechicken 😂
Thanks for doing all you do.
What a fantastic video have a great weekend Colin and also happy first week of December ❤😊🇨🇦🇺🇸🏴🇬🇧🎸 from Canada
Watched this earlier on the TV channel, fantastic sounding and looking guitar but just too expensive !!, terrific playing Colin 👍🎸😄
Colin, once again you have fired my "JASPER" WINTERS syndrome!, (i e. "Johnny Aspiring (Winters!) Superb Playing in EDMONTON Region!" Guitar "jones'ing" ! 🎉 Now I have to track one of these puppies down at Long & McQuade in CANADA! 🇨🇦 🍁 Tidy work, as usual, Colin! Salut! 😎
😆👍
Nice sounds! I was blown away with your playing. Seems like you connected with this one.
😊🙏
Colin .. it is a pretty thing. I wouldn't have thought of looking for this shade of color. The sunburst (being able to see the woodgrain) is nice, too.
When these came out I ordered one, thankfully it was on backorder because I regretted it and cancelled the order. They are cool but I couldn't get over the fact that it didn't have a rosewood board at that price.
Great review Colin. I agree on the pricing! Looks fantastic though but at the price needs a rosewood board for me. I have a Gibson firebird studio in heather poly I bought at Sam Ash in New York a couple of years ago for $799 and flew back to the U.K. with me.
I have however grabbed myself a bargain from guitar guitar for £249( still available at the same price), a silver burst Vintage V100, double bound body, bound headstock, rosewood fingerboard, long neck tenon, one piece mahogany neck, Grover tuners, Wilkinson hardware. It’s a great guitar! Have a set of SD pearly gates to go in and will be upgrading switch and electronics to switchcraft/ CTS/ 50s wiring.
Cheers
You had fun with it but at that price it ought to have an ebony board which some cheaper EPIs do infact have. Sorry I just can’t get over the Indian laurel but you are the man and watching you enjoy and have fun is fulfilling to me!✌️
Nice guitar and Warm Audio Silver Centavo pedal 👌
Interesting review. I have to confess that just lately I’ve sometimes given your videos a miss, nothing personal but the content didn’t grab my attention. I was attracted to this video because I do like Firebirds and own an earlier Chinese Epiphone “custom shop” example which must be at least ten years old. The new Firebird sounds good but not significantly better than my older and much cheaper guitar. Although well built with some USA pickups and electronics I can’t see how the high price of the review example can be justified, it’s frightening to think that some people must have paid the full recommended retail price for these guitars. I think that Epiphone are trying it on, for example some years ago I bought an Epiphone Les Paul with USA pickups and electronics and the recommended retail price was about 25% higher than the Chinese LP Standard at the time. The inflated prices now being asked for Epiphones with USA pickups are silly but they’re perfectly entitled to try it on. In my opinion the reviewed guitar should be priced at around £900 full retail price.
Great video Colin you as usual on point with it. Cheers brother
Really enjoyed this Colin. Re mini humbuckers - they all have two coils, but not necessarily pole pieces. Firebird pickups have two blades, but original Epiphone mini humbuckers (50s Les Paul) have one blade and screws, so no slug pieces - sort of 'half firebird'! Inspired by Gibson mini humbuckers are also made like this.
Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music and Bill Nelson of BeBop Deluxe are two of my favourite guitar players. They both own reverse Firebirds - Manzanera a Gibson Firebird VII (3 P/U) from the early 60s, Nelson a much later Tokai Firebird. They both say how effects-friendly their guitars are.
One thing i found worth watching, as far as slide guitar, was the rig rundown for Sonny Landreth.
Been watching everything you put out for almost two years now. Sometimes with more interest, sometimes, honestly, with less, but it's already kinda become my Friday routine😂👌
Cheers man that's appreciated... sometimes my least popular films are some of my best imho and it's a shame they don't get shared more. A great example of how the UA-cam algorithm sucks balls is Jim Lill's latest film... it's epic but it's not being shared for some reason: ua-cam.com/video/oVOE2vAVGOI/v-deo.htmlsi=Xi48uteU0_nL27Gq
@theguitaristas thanks in return for your humour and your honest reviews and experiences - they make Fridays feel like weekends already😉
My absolute dream guitar is a firebird. As a man living on disability I know a Gibson will be out of my reach. I’ve seen an Epiphone Firebird with the Gibson firebird pickups for 649.00. Someday…… for me personally the firebird neck pickup is the ultimate sound. If everything goes right by this time next year I’ll have my bird!
Keep up the videos Colin, look forward to seeing more! Cheers
When you teased a review last week I was half hoping for a Trump guitar review. 😂
As always looking forward to watching! Snacks at the ready obviously.
Ahh yes the elusive firebird, another guitar I myself have lusted after for years,but never seem to buy when adding to my collection, you did great, especially by encouraging me to get one now, the neck looks a lot thicker than I thought it would be, and who can resist the sound of those pickups, thanks for the review.
Friday Thats actuly now sarurday no friday without your Chanel 😊👍👍👍
That guitar suits you nicely. BTW, I just received one of your Tee's and its quite nice. For anyone thinking of buying one, its made extremely well and the quality is killer. Heavier material, not thin junk. Quality printing etc. Well worth the price! Thank you Colin!
Cheers man glad you like the T! 😁👍
I couldn't run to this price for the spec. Instead got the older 599 epi Firebird. Stuck a Gibson FB+ pickup in the bridge and that is an absolutely phenomenal instrument for the money.
Firebird pickups have the magnet flipped longways acting as pole pieces with coil going around each magnet, I think...lol
Another great review!
Great looking guitar and sounds great! I agree with you about the price gouging going on! The original price for a Chinese built is ridiculous! Great video! 👍🎸
Maybe they are charging extra for the posh inductance?! Thanks again, great review and man you are burning up that fretboard! Sounds great! Cheers
😊👍😆
Good Friday morning! I have my morning coffee in a Guitaristas mug while enjoying a cool Firebird. You scored a great discount on that 'bird. I agree with you 100% regarding the high price of some of these Epi's. I have probably a dozen Epi's, and while they're all excellent, the most I've spent was $1000 for the Crestwood Custom (I HAD to have it). My Gibson Firebird was just over $1300 when I bought it new 10 years ago, so any import Epi priced north of $1000 is a no-go for me. I just can't come to grips with that kind of price for an import Epi. BTW, my dream Firebird is a 1965 "transitional" reverse Firebird V. It has a reverse body with a non-reverse headstock. They're priced well over $10K now, so one of those is out of the question for me.
Another enjoyable video Colin. Thanks and cheers!! 👍
Very helpful !
Great views on Epiphone 's marketing strategy, spot on. As long as they find buyers, why wouldn't they charge more.
I'll stick to my 2002 MIK 1963 Firebird VII thank you very much 😊
(Think it cost me less than €300 back in the day)
My goodness, I still love hearing you play. That's my style if I could play like you . I'm working on it.
😊🙏
I’ve just bought one of them inspired by Gibson Ebony Les Paul,Customs .I love it .I’ve got a Gold top Gibson 2018 tribute and a 2019 SG Standard of which the pickups are weak as piss on the Sg 5k on the bridge and 5,4k on the neck but this thing feels ,plays and sounds just as good as both Gibson’s …nice video Col ..
Awesome Looking Guitar... but not $3,000 Aus Nice, Great review Colin.😢🤘
All else aside, it sounds fantastic and you seem to really enjoy playing it.
Amazing video as always 👍👍
As for the price I guess Epiphone ( Gibson ) got a bit too greedy and they tried to capitalize on this model's glorious history and they thought a few high-end things would justify the price...
As a reference I bought a brand new Gibson Firebird-V back in 2012 for about 1200 euros and a brand new Epiphone Firebird-I ( Joe Bonamassa ) in 2017 for $800...
They both have the classic Firebird construction and even with a few upgrades they'd still be cheaper than this overpriced Firebird...
The next "Bonamassa" Les Paul that came out after that was way more affordable so I guess they realized what they had done...
It's too expensive, but boy is it nice. I appreciate the review
Great show mate.
Great video Col. It’s a really cool guitar....but.....as you say the price. Here in Ontario Canada after tax this is $2744.77 CN.
The thing about Epiphone is for every "expensive" model they offer they have a variety of less expensive models to choose from. I'm totally happy with their standard firebird at half the price. It's your choice
Another great video, Colin i agree with you on price , and gouging. Especially made in china , we all kinda went through this with made in Japan and we know those guitars are very well built. I own 4 epiphones im still waiting for the inspired by Gibson 59 les paul to drop in price, @ $1,299 but thinking there not gonna , might just have to jump on it. Anyway thanks for the deep dive on the firebird , keep those videos coming, . From Michigan 🇺🇸
Nice video, and I enjoyed the review. The Firebird has not ever really been my cup of tea, but I know fellas who love theirs and I say good on 'em. Is the damn thing worth it? As always, each potential buyer will decide for themselves. Can't blame Epiphone for what is their obvious long-term strategy to elevate their brand perception in the marketplace. And it'll work as long as they continue make good guitars.
Thanks Colin! 👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯❤️💜🩵💙🩷🤍🩶🖤
I've never held or played a Firebird to be honest. I do like the look and that colour Colin, no way I would pay that kind of money for it though. Enjoyed the video as usual.
They feel weird, everything shifts to the left, they feel more normal if sitting. Those Banjo tuners are heavy and give neck dive, the other tuners that are like Kluson's, give the headstock less weight. The neck feels really long because of the left shifting feel.
Those Chibsons are looking better and better every day!
I have a Centavo, bought it half off as b-stock on reverb. Excellent pedal for being able to tighten up distortion with the option of more or less bass. It's an "always on" pedal for my playing. I think a Tumnus Deluxe is also a great Klon clone but the Centavo was more affordable at the time. Great choice Colin 👍
I really like that shirt Colin
Look forward to Friday because of you Col
What i like about Epiphone is their style of neck joint. It is a cut above the rest, because it is not a we only do this approach to making guitars.
Gibson has used Epiphone to justify their ridiculous prices. In other words, a $6,000 Firebird, can't be $5,000 more than an Epiphone since the Epiphone build is so good. So, increase the Epiphone pricing and generate a great profit grab in the process. I've played the original Epiphone Firebirds at about $680 and they were terrific. Small little set up adjustments out of the box (including that nut issue you had) and away you go! They are trying to justify their eye-watering USA build prices buy doubling and tripling the made in China prices to make it appear that any "Gibson" designed guitars are worth selling a kidney for, while at the same time massively increasing their profit margin on China built guitars since the wages paid are so low. Thanks Colin, great review and great fun (as always). Cheers! Love the hat!
I'm guessing Epiphone are happy with their pricing plan of charging a premium for "Collector" guitars to see how many they can sell at that price, then lowering the price as necessary to sell the rest. As I've said repeatedly, I'm not interested in buying "Collector" Epiphones, but I don't fault them for trying to maximize their profits. As always it just behooves the customers to not pay more than a guitar is worth to them, and the price will eventually settle to what they might consider more reasonable. Caveat Emptor. As an example of how I shop, I got my Epiphone ES 335 Pro in 2019 for an extremely low sales price of $299 US when Guitar Center was clearing them out to make room for the coming Inspired By Gibson line. Thanks for the video. ETA: Your videos release at 6:00am where I live. I'm usually awake at that time, but not always. Now I'll feel guilty for sleeping in on Fridays.
I haven't seen any of those discounts on this side of the pond, but I still broke down and bought the '63 SG. No regerts. Seriously, I love that guitar.
I picked up one of the original Les Paul Custom 'non inspired' series and its great - for 700eur was a steal. I would never pay more than that
I bought the Pelham blue p90 special after watching your video of it..£369 was great value for that guitar I love it
Thank goodness it's gone back up in price Colin !! Was just getting the GAS.... You've already 'suggested' that the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby in sixties cherry was a 'bargain'. Yep, sitting on a stand behind me as I type.... Love this Firebird and ten minutes in, I'm getting that itch. Thankfully, the chunky neck is a no-no for me. Much prefer the 60s slim taper. Always look forward to Friday afternoons for the latest. Cheers mate ! 😁
Hey Colin, really enjoyed some of your licks today and thought when you switched to the neck pickup that it sounded better, at least to my tone deaf ears. I do think that guitar has limited appeal though, especially given the price point. Always a brilliant review and a great start to my Friday. Thanks again as always!
Cheers Chris, I agree I think the neck pick is where it should live with this guitar 👍
This guitar tempted me...
And still does😁
The Gibson RD Artist (wanted one since early '70's) which has a simular body, though slightly smaller with a different headstock has the same affect on me. They are comfortable and playability is very nice...😁
This color blue is stage ready with the white and creme accents. The tuners direct drive are different eh...?
When reaching to tune without looking it's always a surprise when you can't find the tuning knob😊😂
You already know my stance on Gibson interfering with Epi's pricing 🙄
It is a beaut ain't it...😉👍👍
The longest tenon joint on the market eh...😊
Well done Colin...😎👍👍
😎✌👍❤🖖
Love Brother
ps.
Enjoying my Witch Hat coffee mug 😁👍❤
I agree about the prices. I got the 79 custom Silverburst and that was 1400. Before discounts. About 1230 said and done. Fantastic guitar. But, for an epi, def expensive though
It just hit me during the intro. I think an era is slipping away. So many things are changing.
We had fun. Rock and roll.
👍👍👍
Slipping away?? Sex, drugs, and rock n roll are long gone.
Thank you, have a nice holiday!
This Epiphone takeover, of this segment of the guitar market, has been going on since just before 2000. They issued and distributed, many small catalogs of Gibson`s best designs, adjusted the price of and then played the long game, to a market domination. I bought 4-5 models back then and been having a blast since. That catalog made my mouth water. The line was comprehensive and I had GAS bad, so I indulged myself. This was at the start of retirement and I was free with the money. I kept a few and gave a few away. Even an expensive Epi is a deal and a hell of a guitar. I had set myself up for the rest of my life, with instruments that rivaled Gibson. It is a beautiful day, when I can hand a buddy a $1600 EPI and say, "Have fun." Moral of the story, old dogs can still hunt. Happy shopping Colin.
Thanks again another great one !!!!!
Aloha Colin! I still got the Joe Bonamasa Firebird 1 and still enjoy it. The Firebird 5 is the one to have, especially if your a Johnny Winter fan. Glad you got a good price on yours. $1,699 USD at Sweetwater.
Cheers Victor, hang on to the Joe B one! 🔥
I've always liked Firebirds -& e Gibson pickups are a big plus. Nice looking also .