2021 Epiphone FireBird V Unboxing and Review - Tanner's Favorite Things

In this video, Tanner unboxes a 2021 Epiphone Firebird V. This is my first Epiphone, so let me know if you have ever had any questions about these guitars, and i'll be glad to share what i can.

[@marcopeschiera6984]

As soon as I played the EPI Firebird V at the music store, I knew I had to take it home. It's sound is simply awesome. A real rock machine.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment @marcopeschiera6984! I think if everyone were to pick one up, Gibson might start to notice a serious dip in sales.

[@Rski1234]

I did it backwards too. Last night I ordered My first Epiphone and it's also a Firebird. I can't wait to get it!

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, @Rski1234! Glad to hear it, you won't be disappointed. I'll always love my Gibsons, but when you can pick up a guitar of this quality at this price point, you get a different sense of satisfaction! Enjoy, and let me know how it goes!

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

The Firebird is a fabulous guitar with its own unique voicing. Plus, rather surprisingly given the look, it is totally comfortable to play, sitting or on a strap. The Epi version is, barring the lack of banjo tuners, a really good recreation of the original Gibson model, and at a great price. Needless to say I have one (😬), which I’ve fitted with a Duesenberg trem.

[@tjkcivic]

Nice! Thanks for the comment, @rob_in_snomarket_uk! It took a while for me to get my first Firebird, but it hasn't disappointed. I can't put it down! How do you like the Duesenberg trem? Is it less invasive than the Bigsby?

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

@@tjkcivic Sure is! Just replaces the stop bar. You can buy an identical (box branded) version by Goldo also. Haven’t checked lately, but I think their prices are very close… just comes down to availability - Nickel, chrome & gold finishes available, from memory.

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

Pro tip that I wish I knew sooner: get a Mono M80 Vertigo Bass gig bag. It fits the ‘bird (the BASS version of the gig bag) and it’s small, top-loading, light, and not the size of a small coffin 😂 It’s allowed me to gig with my ‘bird because previously I refused to haul that case around along with my other guitars, amps, etc

[@tjkcivic]

Nice! I love hard cases, but you're right, this one is huge.... I'll take a look!

[@maxpuppy96]

The Joe Bonomassa Firebird 1 and the Amos Flying V made by Epiphone were great guitars.

[@tjkcivic]

Nice to see some Epi love! Thanks for the comment, @maxpuppy96!

[@timcallender999]

My Firebird is my second Epi (first is an SG). I had been jonesing for a Firebird for a long time, but I never buy a guitar without first playing it. When I finally found one, I knew in five minutes I had to take it home. It's become my main player -- it's well balanced, the fretboard feels wonderful, and the pups sound chimey and really shine through in a live setting. BTW - I've read about the sketchy quality of the switch, but my switch feels quite solid.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, @timcallender999. I have Gibsons, but this has become my main player too! I have a hard time reaching for something else these days.

[@lonestrat]

I am gasing for a Firebird. Good review!

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks, @lonestrat! I had never pined for one until this one, and now it's the one i play most! I'd say check one out.

[@mrzedlyt]

digestive enzymes, buddy...I swallowed, no indigestion; as good as advertised.

[@slctdmbntwrx]

Mine's arriving soon but I wanted to say that riff you play at 14:33 is sick man, love it :)

[@tjkcivic]

Nice! Glad to hear you're getting one of these badass axes! Thanks for the riff cred too! This thing makes you play different stuff and it's almost always cool!

[@tad4593]

Mine is on the way! :)

[@tjkcivic]

Good choice, my friend, you will not be disappointed! Thanks for the comment, @tad4593!

[@zandig666]

I love firebird pups ! Not the instrument tho... i have a set of dimarzio vintage minis...if im not mistaken they were called firebirds at one point

[@tjkcivic]

Yeah, i understand what you mean, this guitar isn't for everyone shape-wise, but i've really come around to how it feels, and the PUPs are soooo damn good! Thanks for the comment!

[@bimscutney1242]

I own this and it’s a good guitar. Mine doesn’t have as a harsh a transition in the colors from the burst though. The large size is definitely something to get used to. The neck sticks out further and you need to move your strumming hand forward or you’ll be strumming right over the bridge. But I like it because I’m a big guy with long arms. 😊

[@tjkcivic]

thanks for the comment, @bimscutney1242! You're so right, it almost feels like a baritone scale, but it's just because it's so offset! i love this guitar, though...it's so money.

[@josephzorn5729]

I have the Gibson NON-Reverse V Gloss Black/Full White Pick Guard...2 HumBucker Pups & Full size Tremolo...Love It! The low "E" is the shortest string and the high "E" is longest as opposed to Tanner's...

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, JosephZorn5729, that sounds like a sexy beast! As for the headstock, is it a reverse headstock on a non-reverser Firebird, or did they just rearrange the tuners? Interesting!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Firebird's are inherently the best sounding guitars made. It's just the design. If you can adjust to the body, you'll never go wrong.

[@tjkcivic]

thanks for the comment, @johndaugherty4127. It took me too long to pick one up, but i'm a believer now!

[@grahamthom8597]

Love my Gibson Firebird. Once you get it working for you, you'll never put it down.

[@tjkcivic]

I'm certainly lusting after a Gibson after picking up this Epiphone! the feel and sound is totally different from all other Gibson style guitars! Thanks for the comment!

[@smujiodome]

How do you “get it working for you”. Please elaborate. Im thinking about getting one

[@Daddybell6957]

Have one of these.. changed everything on it pretty much besides the tuners... even when at the whole guitar with sand paper to give it a more vintage matte finish....

[@tjkcivic]

Nice! how'd the sandpaper job turn out? I'd love to knock some of the poly finish off of this one! Thanks for the comment!

[@eddykidd]

You said Explorer at the 22:33 mark. I am getting one anyway. lmao. good video

[@tjkcivic]

Mistakes happen. glad you're gonna get one, you won't be disappointed!

[@johndaugherty4127]

Had '76 Bicentennial Firebird, that O traded for an Antiqua strat. 😢. Anyway, I have one of these on the way tomorrow. If you get a chance to play a goldfoil telecaster, try it out. I just got one, and it is an unbelievable tone monster.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, @johndaugherty4127. glad to hear you have one on the way! i'll bet that '76 was a beauty. I've never had a chance to play a goldfoil Tele. Now you got me looking for one though!!

[@jerryjaystone9444]

And the crowd goes wild!! *Kchhhhhhh*

[@stevelankford7087]

New sub for you brother purchased yesterday, not in route yet though.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks, man! You're gonna f$#$ing love it!

[@paulfromjupiter]

I have one of these. Amazing for the price. The nut is a GraphTech and the pots are full size CTS pots with orange drop caps. The weakest piece of hardware is the switch. The fingerboard on the one I was received was rolled more than any other guitar I have, regardless of price or origin.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, @Felixgolden! Isn't that so crazy how these Epis can deliver such quality? i'll have to keep an eye on the switch, mine doesn't feel terrible, but i can see what you mean. Thanks!

[@ibberman]

Rolled??

[@JvMainStream]

Did you get the case with the guitar itself or did you have to buy it seperately?

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks, @JvMainStream. This guitar was sold to me with the case, but i believe it was purchased separately by the pervious owner. This is a relatively new guitar, but it was still used when I bought it. The case was a huge plus for me on this particular one. Thanks!

[@Rski1234]

I just ordered one last night and I had to get the case separately.

[@jimslattery4231]

Not a Explorer guitar, Firebird

[@tjkcivic]

thanks for the comment, @jimslattery4231. I'm sure you've never made a mistake when speaking.

[@flrpitflrp1965]

Firebird is neck thru, so no neck pocket

[@robertgladstein]

I have both Firebirds. I have the exact '65 VOS Gibson Non Reverse Firebird you are showing and I disagree with you. Whats not attractive about the Non Reverse? It's a great guitar and playability is unbelievable. Of course it's a custom made Gibson and about $4500. IMHO the Non reverse is as good or better than the Reverse. It's just reversed and turned upside down.

[@tjkcivic]

Thanks for the comment, @robertgladstein. I respect your opinion, and don't doubt the quality and playability of your non-reverse Firebird. I don't quite know what it is, i guess i just love the offset style of the original and the Exlorer.

[@cuda426hemi]

It's subjective, each to their own. The original reverse to me is a softer Explorer shape- the '57 Chrysler Forward look. The non is polymorphous - no motion. ☮🎸

[@fixedgear37]

At least we know how much the gibson cost. That is very imortant

[@robertgladstein]

I have Reverse and Non Reverse Gibsons..i also owned Epiphone Reverse Firebirds and are also great ..IMHO they are both great sounding and playing guitars

[@Haznogunz]

I stopped this video at “when I started playing I was older and had a disposable income and went straight to Gibsons.” If you can’t appreciate and shred on a $200 guitar, you have no business reviewing this guitar at all.

[@tjkcivic]

Although i appreciate your opinion, i don't think you have the right to declare that anyone has the right to play anything. I have $200 guitars that i absolutely love, and i have more expensive guitars that i love equally, but for different reasons. Just because i chose to get a Gibson before an Epiphone has no bearing on my love for music and playing guitar. There should be less gate keepers in this space, and more who encourage through experience and critical thought. You just got triggered and left a dumbass comment that doesn't help you, me or anyone else who might come her. Next time, just keep it to yourself.