FB
'63 Firebird by Epiphone.
Having always wanted a Firebird, but couldn't afford a Gibson, this looked like a good alternative.
Having received it after only 3 days from Germany, I was immediately impressed by it's hard case. I tad weighty, but great looking inside and out.
Now to the Firebird... WOW!
A absolutely stunning guitar. Starting at the head, and working south, and comparing with the Gibson Custom shop model... Fantastic banjo style tuners, nothing else would have been right for me. Graphtec nut, perfectly cut. (Gibson use nylon). Mother of pearl inlays(Gibson use plastic immitation) Gibson USA mini humbuckers, (same as Gibson) Epiphone bridge(oh well), and an excellent Maestro Vibrola.
Very impressed by the electrics, CTS pots, Mallory capacitors, comprising a period correct circuit. Gibson changed to 'modern' wiring in '68. This is what is now known as' vintage' wiring.
The set up was very good. As expected, a slightly high action to totally eliminate fret buzz.
Because of the big tuners, there is a tendency for the guitar to nosedive. The strap attached to the rear button helps, and resting one's elbow on the upper rear bout solves the problem easily. The guitar sits very comfortably when seated.
Overall, although pricier than some Epiphones, this guitar is fantastic value for money. I can't see how a very much more expensive Gibson original could better it. Well done Epiphone!!!
Having received it after only 3 days from Germany, I was immediately impressed by it's hard case. I tad weighty, but great looking inside and out.
Now to the Firebird... WOW!
A absolutely stunning guitar. Starting at the head, and working south, and comparing with the Gibson Custom shop model... Fantastic banjo style tuners, nothing else would have been right for me. Graphtec nut, perfectly cut. (Gibson use nylon). Mother of pearl inlays(Gibson use plastic immitation) Gibson USA mini humbuckers, (same as Gibson) Epiphone bridge(oh well), and an excellent Maestro Vibrola.
Very impressed by the electrics, CTS pots, Mallory capacitors, comprising a period correct circuit. Gibson changed to 'modern' wiring in '68. This is what is now known as' vintage' wiring.
The set up was very good. As expected, a slightly high action to totally eliminate fret buzz.
Because of the big tuners, there is a tendency for the guitar to nosedive. The strap attached to the rear button helps, and resting one's elbow on the upper rear bout solves the problem easily. The guitar sits very comfortably when seated.
Overall, although pricier than some Epiphones, this guitar is fantastic value for money. I can't see how a very much more expensive Gibson original could better it. Well done Epiphone!!!
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j
Firebird
Really nice guitar, Gibson pups sound amazing, the overall build quality is excellent. Banjo tuners are so cool. The tremolo centers itself well and stays in pitch. It's got a two way truss rod.
I put heavier guage strings on it as I got it for slide playing. Johnny Winter played these early in his carreer and he knew his stuff!
The custom case is a must as you'd never find one to fit that shape, again it's well made and strong. A red Epiphone strap would be nice but you can't have everything!
You need this guitar, you're getting so much for the money, I think Epiphone are making better guitars than Gibson tbh.
I put heavier guage strings on it as I got it for slide playing. Johnny Winter played these early in his carreer and he knew his stuff!
The custom case is a must as you'd never find one to fit that shape, again it's well made and strong. A red Epiphone strap would be nice but you can't have everything!
You need this guitar, you're getting so much for the money, I think Epiphone are making better guitars than Gibson tbh.
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