Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Firebird

Just a quick video to start my day with a smile. Hope you have a GREAT day as well!! This is a very high quality guitar and a great value. It may be a little challenging to play, but I love a challenge and this one will be my next mountain! Enjoy

[@PureMadMetal]

Go for it Robert, just playin' and singin' fron your heart. Beautiful.

[@Nothing-gv8mv]

I love those guitars and that was a good Jam. I thought you were going to roll with Johnny Be Good. LOL. I found one of those swinging at my local music store. You are right it's a little big. Which is what deterred me. I wish they would make a smaller version. But it's a tribute to a great guitar:-) I grew up in SoCal as well in the 70s as a kid. Malibu Beach and Van Nuys. Western Colorado has been my home for 30 years . I wanted a new guitar and I'm on a restricted income at this point. Being an Alzheimer's caregiver to my wife pays nothing more than a small stipend. So I picked up an Earl slick sl50 for $250. After hours of setup and fret Prep with a new mojotone three-way switch and pot I got myself a good rig for chump change. We live in a magical era of cheap guitars with decent specs. Just a little equity elbow grease applied liberally. LOL

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks - these old arthritic fingers cant do johnny b good anymore (at least not on this guitar LOL). Yeah I spent about 33 years in Cali and 34 years in other places. Lot of time in Newport and Huntington as a kid. Best wishes with your wife's care. Been there and certainly empathize. I absolutely agree with you that good guitars are affordable if you take a little time with them. If I had to get down to 1 electric it would be my white strat partscaster ($250 total spend). All the best!!

[@davidhorton3694]

Johnny B. Goode.

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats Rock in ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zandig666]

Sweet man !! I love the firebird pickup !!! I have a set of dimarzio vintage minis however i think at one time they called them firebirds !!?!!? So im holding off buying a gibson firebird set till i can get more information Cheers !! 🍻

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for watching. I am still struggling to play the Firebird. I need to do a setup so that it's a little lighter on the action - then the fact that I have to stretch a bit to reach the beginning of the neck won't be as challenging LOL. All the best to you!

[@zandig666]

@@guitarbobification thx !! Ive learned i don't like long throw guitars like the SG or FB...I think the LP is perfect for the scale, throw and component placement. I just like the dimarzio minis I have and really wanna try a set of FB pups 😛😛🤟🤟

[@guitarbobification]

I would love to get a set of FB minis for my gold top. The probuckers it came with are very nice, but because I probably won't play the FB much it would be a great marriage - like you said, the scale length and neck comfort of an LP is very attractive!! All the best!

[@galaxyguru]

Love the Firebirds, I have a black Epiphone Custom Shop I picked up used a few years ago(also have an Epi Thunderbird bass!) . When I bought a case for it, I ended up buying the Epiphone Firebird case......it's a sturdy case with a nice tight fit and was cheaper than just about everything else I looked at. Keep swinging that 'Bird!

[@guitarbobification]

Cool! Yeah the Epiphone firebird case seems to be the way to go! Keep rockin!!

[@rdanalytics9197]

I had a Gibson Custom Shop Firebird and a regular Gibson Firebird. I went to a music store to try the Epiphone Firebird. After playing it for a while, I couldn't see much of a difference between the Epiphone and the ones I had. The playability is basically the same. The only difference are the tuners. But if you don't mind regular tuners, just get the Epiphone. One of the best quality guitars on the market for the price range.

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I agree. Shortly after making this video a buddy of mine said I should check out his Gibson model and we both agreed - not a lot of difference. All the best to you!

[@edisonkillingelephants]

@@guitarbobification I recently March 18th I believe got this model the thing is one of the jaw drop ones it sounds absolutely insane, and I had my pick of hundreds of Gibson's i tried a shit ton of guitars and that one just rips I couldn't find a rival in the whole place

[@peterbartolomeo5542]

Great video. Love that guitar Price is so reasonable to start out it's your best bet to start on an Epiphone

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for watching. Yes, this is an amazing guitar at any price! All the best to you.

[@itslikethesamebutdifferent8020]

Great demo of an amazing guitar, couldn’t think of a better way to showcase it. rock on 🤘

[@guitarbobification]

Thank you very much. Positive comments like yours are what keep me motivated to explore new guitars and produce videos.

[@devanjaques7143]

Love your channel mate. Would love to hear your stories more. All love from Canada!

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks I appreciate you watching. I have lots of stories LOL! Ill try to keep making videos as time permits. All the very best to you!

[@blaketimr]

Thanks, nice playing & singing.

[@guitarbobification]

Thank you very much - and thank you for watching. All the best!

[@HarrisT.]

That neck pickup sound... Fantastic!

[@guitarbobification]

LOL when I was making the video I kept confusing the neck and bridge when I was going over the positions! But Yes I agree the neck pickup on that guitar is amazing!! All the BEST

[@nigellacey559]

Fabulous !

[@johndaugherty4127]

I got mine today. It is indeed an outstanding guitar. The fretboard and neck are out of this world . Wide, flat reactive. Great guitar for what it is. It is no Gibson, but it is a top of the line Firebird copy that you will love. Biggest secret in guitars.

[@guitarbobification]

Nice!! I agree - anyone who hasn't seen or played one really should - very few experiences like it!

[@johndaugherty4127]

@@guitarbobification it is as if they actually improved, in some ways, the original. My 1976 Bicentennial was fantastic. EXCEPT, it had neck dive, weighed a ton and was unbalanced. They fixed all the ergonomics on these. Really shocked at how beautiful it sounds and looks.

[@salvadorrico6636]

Robert, That was FANTASTIC and OUTSTANDING SIR. YOU HAVE SOMETHING THERE, DON'T EVER STOP PLAYING THE BLUES AND MAKE A LITTLE MONEY WITH A SIDE GIG.

[@guitarbobification]

Thank you for the very kind words! All the very best to you 🙏

[@TommySG1]

Hello Robert, I just finally broke down and ordered one here as well, I honestly haven't seen one bad review yet either. I have three Gibson SG's and I love them so the whole neck thing being out far hopefully doesn't bother me on this model. As you mentioned, it's certainly like an unbelievable bargain too, I picked one out via Sweetwater I found weighing in at 7.3 pounds according to their site and my sales engineer did check to see if they had any even lighter ones, which they did not. Anyhow, I sure hope I'm as happy with mine as you are with yours man, thanks for the detailed review on this guitar too, you broke down a bunch of details anyone would find interesting if they're in the market for one 👍 Happy Thanksgiving too, Tommy~

[@guitarbobification]

Happy late thanksgiving to you as well! I just got done unpacking from moving stuff to another house and have yet to get the Firebird out after about 8 months. Hoping to get back to it in a few weeks to play some more. Hope you like yours too. If nothing else its such a cool guitar! All the very best!

[@TommySG1]

@@guitarbobification thanks and good luck with your move.

[@efeoktay244]

Nice playing and singin.

[@guitarbobification]

Thank you so much! I really enjoy playing this guitar. All the best to you!

[@joellemaster998]

i love your song! rock on ,brother!

[@joellemaster998]

i have one of these epiphone firebirds and i absolutely love it! great guitar,great value! i was planning to replace the picups but have decided not to because it already sounds great!

[@guitarbobification]

I'm with you! The cool factor is definitely there but the pickups are outstanding!

[@glenkepic3208]

@@guitarbobification I have one. after a 3rd trip to a shop, it rulzes now. Never blended pu's much tho i knew the PG LP sounded pretty good ;) The FB almost becomes a different guitar. btw, i was care taker of a CR Gibson in the mid '80s for a month or so. I never got on with it. I dig my Epi more.

[@1234pietz]

Awefull!😊

[@guitarbobification]

LOL awesome! I will take it😂

[@lrvogt1257]

I miss the laminate stripes in the body but overall, and for the price, it looks pretty good. My first electric was a new Gibson Firebird III that I bought in 1964. A friend of mine owns it now and I'd ask to buy it back if I thought I could afford it. :-) I doubt he'd sell anyway. He's had it since the 1970s. It is a bit like playing a door but I'm 5'6" and managed to play it OK. It sounded great through a 1960s Fender Twin Reverb.

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for sharing your story. I have also had a few guitars I wish I still had! It may not show up well in the video but the 9 ply neck through laminate pieces are actually very vivid when you see this guitar in person. All the very best to you!

[@lrvogt1257]

@@guitarbobification : I was watching another video that seemed to say they weren't in the most recent model. They could be wrong.

[@guitarbobification]

Yeah I think I heard that too. Mine is an early model one and I could not understand how they could do that level of work and sell it for the price I paid.

[@oneisstolps3253]

This is just a crazy guitar!

[@TheMatt5104]

Just got one of these!! Super impressed

[@guitarbobification]

Always great to hear when someone gets a new guitar - probably one of the best feelings you can have. Hope you enjoy it!! All the best!

[@TheMatt5104]

@@guitarbobification it really is! And thanks!

[@TheMatt5104]

@@guitarbobification great vid btw, all the best to you too!

[@deanlockamy2087]

Gibson Firebird neck through $20k Epiphone Firebird $695 you decide.

[@guitarbobification]

LOL you got that right - I have a few Gibsons and they aren't that much better if at all. Thanks for watching!

[@luthravin4774]

Nobody can keep them in stock these days.. they sell out so fast!! Great video

[@guitarbobification]

Yeah, I almost thought about getting another one, but I don't even have a case for mine yet so I think I'll get that done first!

[@michaelheller8841]

Love Johnny Winter on the firebird. I have seen him play live many times without the Firebird because it was in the 80's and 90's when I did. The other guitarist I've seen the Firebird used a lot was Allen Collins. Almost the entire "Freebird" solo was done with the Firebird. Warren Haynes uses the Firebird a lot when he plays slide. Even though it's an Epihone, for $650? I would like to have one.

[@guitarbobification]

Yes - all great Firebird players! I don't think you could go wrong with the Epiphone even at twice the price.

[@Amp497]

Get one. I bought a 2021 at the beginning of 2022, and it's one of the best Epiphone purchases I've ever made. You can't beat the neck through design, and the pickups are hot!

[@robertgladstein]

Just got one today 😀

[@guitarbobification]

Very cool! I'm sure you will enjoy it!

[@kurtjohnson6969]

Right on, Robert. Cool Guitar. 👍

[@robertgladstein]

@Kurt Johnson thank you I'm sure I will already started. I have also the '65 VOS custom Gibson Non Reverse Firebird. Have you played a non reverse? Both Reverse and Non Reverse are great guitars IMHO.

[@kurtjohnson6969]

@@robertgladstein No, I've played neither version (hmm, not yet 🤔). Epi's are great tho (my LP Custom). Glad to see them doing such a great job. This Firebird looks exceptional, and a great bang for the buck! Enjoy!

[@studiodw12]

it's a great guitar for the big ones! some find it too big the sound of minihumbuckers always on top

[@guitarbobification]

I'm not home much to play it but each time I do I'm loving it more and more!

[@ledzep921]

I'm thinking to buy one of these chinese clones but watching you play this firebird sound is awesome. I will really try one of this.

[@truckergilligangilligan5877]

Get one you won't regret it I love mine. Sound and build quality is perfect. My came setup and plays perfect right out of the box. It will be a collectable in the future for sure 👍👍👍

[@guitarbobification]

I believe the extra money it would cost for the Epiphone would be money well spent! Best wishes whatever you decide!

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

There's a problem with the tuners. There's a reason for the "banjo type" tuners on a real Firebird : it allows to have them in a straight line with the strings on the neck. You install any kind of other tuners, then you need to install them closer to the edge of the headstock and therefore away from that straight line.

[@guitarbobification]

Yes, I noticed some variation when comparing my Epiphone to my buddy's Gibson. The good thing is both have far better string angle at the headstock than my Les Pauls and SG's LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

@@guitarbobification That's the reason why brands like "The Heritage" or "Paul Reed Smith" designed headstocks going narrower and narrower, to have as much of a straight pull as possible. The overall angle of the headstock is necessary to have some string contact pressure on the nut ... but the lateral angles will only add unnecessary friction, and therefore tuning stability issues ... pencil graphite and a bit of gun oil can help with such friction issues but only to some extend. Anyway, no matter what, whenever I really play hard on any guitar, I'll always wind up with the G and the B ever so slightly knocked out of tune. There is the Epiphone Firebird Bonamassa that has the correct "banjo tuners" at the correct place ... but only 1 humbucker and quite a heavier price tag just to have a Bonamassa decal somewhere on the guitar. But there's more and more competition, so, with a little push, you can have manufacturers do "the right thing" ... like for instance when ESP LTD finally decided to install Stainless Steel frets on all the "1000 models" after repeated demands of the customer base. Thanks for the review anyway!

[@guitarbobification]

I did make note of the headstock string angle on my PRS SE Standard 24 deeper dive video. I have yet to buy a Heritage but I have been playing them at a friend of mine's music store. Not sure which one I would get. I love their 335 style guitar but don't use the ones I have enough as it is. All the best!

[@TheWorstManOnEarth]

@@guitarbobification I played a Jazz gig on a borrowed The Heritage ES-175 type copy ... a "perfect guitar" ... but these guitars are super expensive. I have 2 Ibanez guitars for Jazz, an "AM93QM" and an old "Artist 2616", both with beautiful necks and really affordable.

[@guitarbobification]

Nice! I had an Ibanez AF85 years ago - loved it but it was a full hollow body and I opted for a 335 semi later

[@michaelk5507]

You are correct. It is an outstanding guitar. It is a 'quirky' guitar though.

[@senileanimal79]

I need one.

[@guitarbobification]

Well....."need"? LOL - Hope you get one!

[@geoffgoodall3839]

Here in the uk stands are available for b

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for the heads up - I will have to shop online to see what I can find. All the very best to you.

[@nathanjester9109]

Hey man had a question did you run around with the Allman Brothers by chance in the late 80s early 90s my dad was a roadey last name jester you seem extremely familiar

[@guitarbobification]

I would have been honored to hang with the Allman Brothers, but no - not me. Allman Brothers "Eat A Peach" was my therapy after getting out of the service in 75. I was a west coast kid then - Creedence, Grateful Dead, ZZTop, etc. Thanks for watching! All the best!

[@Amp497]

I have this Epiphone Firebird. Fantastic! Take my word for it. Get the Epiphone case. It's a bargain.

[@guitarbobification]

Yes I think the case is a spectacular bargain and will do it soon! All the very best!

[@Amp497]

$650 current price. I'm sure you can pick them up on the used market for Less.

[@KL3NCH]

I have a 2007 Guitar Centre GOTM Gibson Zebrawood 'Bird. It plays like a dog. I've fiddled with it to make slight improvements but it needs someone who knows what they're doing to give it a going over. I've always felt it's pathetic that Gibson saw fit to ship it that way (I bought it second hand but that's basically why it was moved on in my view.) I replaced the dog awful stock banjo tuners with Gotohs but they're not really any better. All that aside, it's a Firebird, I put up with its shortcomings and I love it, and you sir no doubt understand why! I'm happy to hear your Epiphone is such a winner. I wonder what Gibson think when their licensed homage plays better than their own?

[@guitarbobification]

Very cool but sad like you said that some Gibson's are set up so poorly. I have an upcoming video (a couple weeks off) with an Epiphone P90 Les Paul that had the worst bridge I'd ever seen. All the best!

[@snorrevonflake]

Does that have correct Firebird Pickups with bar magnets (what essentially makes a Firebird a Firebird) or lookalike mini humbuckers like most copies ? Not a bargain if you have to invest another 300 bucks for the correct pickups.

[@guitarbobification]

Great question. Since I rarely own new guitars I didn't really want to open this one up (yes, it will be one of my few closet queens LOL) so I haven't been able to physically see the pickups. Seems like ceramics would be the lower priced option for production based on other guitar brand components. And since it's an Epi vs a Gibson, they might have gone that route. Played alongside my buddy's Gibson Flying V neither of us could tell the difference in a blind test through his Dr.Z amp. Maybe someone reading the comments knows the answer...

[@steves12strings]

They are alnico IIs like the vintage FB and not ceramic like the modern versions.

[@NeilM-un5in]

Is the reach uncomfortable or is it like most guitars the more you play the more they pay

[@guitarbobification]

It think you're right. Once I play it more it will be fine. The action is a little high for me and I think that was a bigger problem. Its been in a box since I made the video because I have a lot going on now, but when I get a little time in about a month I will set it up and play it more. I like it so much I will definitely make it work. Johnny Winter and David Hidalgo don't have the arm reach I do and they both love(d) them so that pretty much says it all. I have had a bunch of SG's and people complain about them but I never had a problem. Thanks for the question. All the best!

[@NeilM-un5in]

@@guitarbobification thank you for your time and information, all the best to you ,,

[@glenkepic3208]

I bought one just over a year ago. It's right now. ZZZS,,,,,i got the guitar,,,,pak'd like trash. THIRD trip to a shop. Rox now.. SW is OOS now. Wait.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Noice! How much was this by chance?

[@guitarbobification]

$549 at Guitar Center originally. I think they are about $100 more now, but worth every cent!

[@caiusmadison2996]

@@guitarbobification thanks cor the reply! That's an excellent deal, I'm sad I missed their run in stores.

[@Samana009]

You playing the neck calling the bridge and the bridge as the neck ...

[@guitarbobification]

Yes you are correct. I was confused looking down at the guitar LOL. I added text to clarify but it only shows up if closed captions is turned on. Thanks for watching! All the best to you!

[@coltonhardy4453]

Technically both neck pickups if you think about a neck-through guitar!

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Allen Collins...

[@guitarbobification]

Good call!

[@bobbychubb6913]

Yeah Allen Collins and Ricky Medlocke played them too also guitarist for Sasquatch played one as well. I just might have to get this one.