🎸 Epiphone WTF!?! Gear Rant Episode 2 - Firebird V Fiasco! 😡

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🔥 Is Epiphone losing their way with the new Firebird V release? Join me in this passionate gear rant as I dive into my disappointment and frustration over Epiphone's latest offering. 🤬
🔍 Key Points:
💸 Priced at a staggering $1699, is the Firebird V worth the investment?
🌎 Non U.S. made import - Did Epiphone cut corners on quality?
🎸 Laurel fretboard vs. Rosewood - The debate on materials.
🤔 My Thoughts:
Epiphone's decision to release the Firebird V at this price point raises eyebrows, and in this episode, I discuss why I believe it falls short of expectations. From the non-U.S. production to the choice of materials, there's a lot to unpack.
🌟 Keywords:
#Epiphone #FirebirdV #GuitarRant #GearReview #MusicGear #EpiphoneGuitars #Guitarist #Musician #GearTalk #GuitarCommunity #GuitaristProblems #EpiphoneFirebird #GuitarTalk #MusicDiscussion
🗣️ Join the Discussion:
What are your thoughts on Epiphone's latest release? Share your opinions in the comments below and let's spark a conversation! 🔥
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[@throughmyeyes...]

Well when the same instrument with Gibson on the headstock is $7800, $1700 comes off as a bargain...

[@badbrad]

True that!

[@Smyliemyles]

Going to pick up 1 of 2 in Canada today...... very happy with the purchase. Wonder what the video maker has to say about the Baked Maple fretboard Les Pauls that came out 10 years ago. I have one of those as well....

[@badbrad]

To each his own. @@Smyliemyles

[@badbrad]

Love Baked Maple!@@Smyliemyles

[@ReeWebster]

This moaning everyone does about Gibson, might be true but it's exactly what they want. Free promo, their fans love it, drives engagement, and 99% of haters were never gonna buy one anyways.

[@Zoso981]

Exactly

[@badbrad]

Perhaps but in this case I don’t know if the Firebird will sell at this price point. Time will tell.

[@FortessofShred]

I grew up loving Gib$on. I'm sick of this shit! 🖕 Gibson! I'll never buy another again.

[@417DrumBob]

I think you're completely missing the point. Gibson released this series of higher end Epi Firebirds as a trial balloon, in an attempt to make the brand appealing to guitar players who want a Firebird, but cannot, or will not pay Gibson custom shop prices. A custom shop Firebird is over six grand the last time I checked. So, with this $1699 Epiphone, you get USA electronics, what seems to be a high build quality, and undeniable good looks, with a hardshell case, and yes, you won't get a rosewood fretboard, but you're saving around $4900. Lesser priced Epiphones will always be available for those who want them. So, chill.

[@badbrad]

I get you wanting me to chill but reality is they could produce a USA Firebird for $1999 on up depending on specs.

[@Smyliemyles]

I can't afford a Custom Shop Firebird so this is a good compromise.....

[@badbrad]

I hear ya. @@Smyliemyles

[@anotherstart1]

Absolutely right on man. Also the cheap plastic poly finish. It makes the sound muddy and it’s feels like crap.

[@badbrad]

You know it!

[@flamex4real]

@@badbrad the price sucks but nah. I hate the nitro finish. It doesnt really make it change much in tone and it doesnt last. It cracks, changes color and feels so bad.

[@badbrad]

@@flamex4real I hear ya!

[@mamo9389]

Love your speech...spot on: money, money, money. I search the used market...enough time gives you a nice clean instrument at a fraction of the price...

[@badbrad]

Used guitars are the best deals out there.Thanks for tuning in!

[@eddykidd]

$2,429.99 here is Canada. No thanks. I just bought the Tobacco burst for $929.99 . I'm very happy with it.good video.

[@badbrad]

Thanks so much. Crazy pricing in Canada....that is just nuts. That is the cost of a good USA SG here. One thing for certain, this was perhaps a market test.

[@drewatwell1168]

Your rant is definitely warranted. It's flippin insane. I live in Canada and that firebird is even more expensive at a wopping $2499CAD. I paid 500 bucks for an epiphone les paul classic and put seymour duncan pickups in it and upgraded the pots and wiring. Also paid a tech to do slight adjustments to the nut and frets. In total I'm out of pocket less than 900 bucks. When I picked up my guitar, the tech almost didn't want to give it back. He said it played as nice or better than a lot of the gibson's. Yes it has Indian Laurel for the fretboard which I don't mind( each to their own) but for epiphone to put a Gibson premium on a product that does not even hold the same specs and standards as a Gibson is insane.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya bro! I'm not sure what they are smoking but I do know Porsche's are expensive.

[@Smyliemyles]

@@drewatwell1168 Hmmmm Same pickups.... same tremolo.... exact same wiring... probably a few other things the same I missed. How much did I save? Between $4000 and $6000.... I'm good with Indian Laurel

[@Tayger22]

Considering the fact that the Epiphone firebird pickups are almost the same (American made ?), the fretboard is not improved on that version, so you only pay the color, the banjo tuners, and the case. Banjo tuners and case is 300 bucks, it makes 700 for the color...

[@badbrad]

Yeah that's absolutely crazy!

[@Smyliemyles]

Pickups are Alnico 5 period matching not the ceramic pickups that are out on Gibsons today.

[@danielbetancur1250]

It's sad bc that pink color is gorgeous but not $1300 gorgeous

[@badbrad]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@417DrumBob]

Also, before you go ranting like a nutcase, why don't you try the new Firebirds out? You might be impressed.

[@badbrad]

I just can’t get past Indian Laurel. I own one guitar with it and will never buy anything with it again.

[@michaelblaney4461]

Epiphone lost me as a customer with pricing , Im a bassist and i thought about getting a SG bass ( formerly EB-O) a couple of years ago . When I started looking they were $1499.00 , I thought that was kind of alot for a one trick pony . The next time theyre $1799.00 Now theyre $1999.00 in a year and a half . Crazy . Im done with Gibson / Epipnone 😮

[@badbrad]

wow yeah....that is just crazy. Especially considering it's a tool for the toolbox but not one that you would use all the time.....

[@soarornor]

Have you somehow missed the extraordinary inflation that is everywhere at this point? I mean groceries have been going through the roof. Cars are incredibly expensive now. A Chevy Suburban is about $80,000.00 now. And house prices and rent? Also way, way up. Unfortunately inflation isn’t leading to people getting larger paychecks.

[@michaelblaney4461]

@@soarornor do you mean $1499 to $ 1999 in a year and a half ??? That's not inflation , thats gouging.

[@badbrad]

Yeah it's not good all across the board. @@soarornor

[@jap5451]

It is over priced. I've played it. It IS a really good guitar. I think it should be priced at 1199.00.

[@badbrad]

That sounds like a much better price point to me. I got no problem with that.

[@fredzep01]

1600 quid for an epi ? I'd rather keep me eyes peeled for a nice second hand Gibson, it's like the old Gibson greed machine is once again kicking in to play through Epiphone, it's sad, why are they trying to make particular lines of Epiphone exclusive, didn't Gibson learn anything about the spirit of rock and roll, and how it mainly comes from the kids in the trenches, not the dentist's office...

[@badbrad]

They have def. lost any and all understanding of that valid point. Thanks for chiming in!

[@jcwoodstl]

That $1,499 Adam jones silver burst has ebony, not Indian laurel

[@badbrad]

You are absolutely correct on that and I do mention loving the Epiphone LP customs due to the ebony boards.

[@keithtt7798]

Add a nitro finish & rosewood or ebony fretboard and you have a made in China Epiphone branded Gibson! Nice rant btw. Nothing wrong with Made in China guitars, but the SRP should reflect the significantly lower cost of manufacturing compared with factories in the USA or Europe or Japan. These Firebirds look great and I'm sure will sell well greatly adding to Gibsons bottom line. Clearly this marketing strategy is doing good, but I wonder how long for?

[@badbrad]

Overall I like guitars made in China and have come to appreciate even the Indonesian made. Japan has always had stellar build quality. But yeah price is another thing.

[@FortessofShred]

I just got an Epiphone TonybIommi SG with an ebony Fingerboard, and AMERICAN pickups.... I paid WAY less than $1,600

[@badbrad]

Now that’s a deal!

[@jordyalmonte42]

Wouldn’t be surprised if epiphone discontinue the firebird, and miraculously bring it back at near double the price after a few years.

[@badbrad]

Your probably right...

[@2GoldensTosa]

Spot on. I hate Indian Laurel and the companies that keep shoving it down our throats. I have some older Epis that have rosewood fretboards and got them all at a good price and play them regularly. It just goes to show how far out of touch that Epiphone and Gibson have gotten. I predict there’s going to be a glut of these Firebirds by the end of the year. Hell, if they used Richlite like Godin, it’d be s**tloads better than what what Epiphone is slinging now. #sad

[@badbrad]

Yeah I liked the way rich lite feels. You are absolutely correct! I expect them to either not make very many of these expensive firebirds or end up blowing them out.

[@jamessator5564]

You are right BB………Cesar needs to cater to us hobby guitar players all the way to the pros, but joining with the artists gets people to buy signature guitars………. I’m a big Gary Richrath fan, if they came up with one of them, I’d sell the farm to get one!! 😆🤦🏼‍♂️

[@badbrad]

They need to find a way to cater to all, you're right. I always loved Richrath even tho I wasn't an REO fan, his fire made those tunes imo.

[@trevor4533]

I truly believe this is a market experiment to gauge just how much people are willing to spend. There's no reason why this should be more expensive than the inspired by korina models, let alone Greeny and AJ. They have to know that... Aside from very obvious paid shills, I haven't seen anyone try to justify this. Side note, I love Porsches 😂

[@badbrad]

lol....I secretly love Porsches too. I think you're onto something. There's no reason for this price. Not one I can imagine but this just might be the case. Yeah from what I've seen....most people think the price is crazy.

[@nigellacey559]

Gibson have gone right down the pan recently. No new designs or experimentation. Just tons if silly colours.

[@badbrad]

Yeah they seem a bit stuck in the past.

[@projectshift7989]

i get you bro , rediculous , as a player and collector

[@badbrad]

New episode up now. Epi has more new and expensive guitars. Thanks for watching!

[@SquierBulletBass-sj5bg]

I enjoy used guitars at a fraction of the price.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya there!

[@c.d.k.9210]

I have real Gibson's and I have custom fenders I can tell you that I bought this Firebird because I wanted it because I played it and it played well and it beats the price of $6,000 custom shop

[@c.d.k.9210]

And also you're talking 400 bucks big deal upgrading the 650 Firebird

[@c.d.k.9210]

Keep dying your hair keep shredding it'll all work out

[@badbrad]

ok...

[@aitken1965]

I like my two satin-finish Les Paul Tributes...

[@badbrad]

It looks like the tributes are gone. Those were a great value and killer guitars.

[@beauno83]

when I was at the gibson garage, played an 8000$ black les paul custom with jimi page wiring, super high action. I would be embarassed if any of my guitars had action like that. Played a 6500$ es335, high action, guitar sounded amazing, my fav guitar was the bikini epi coronet, 450$ great action, ... I wish epi would release the Theodore, love epis with weird shapes :)

[@badbrad]

I heard they are going to release a standard version of the Theodore. I hate it when I go somewhere and the guitars don't play well off the rack. Seems a no brainer.

[@beauno83]

ever since I seen uncle larry play an ancient gibson theodore, I was hooked. I have one of those indian laurel fretboards on a stewmac kit lespaul I put together with greenys. Was so dry when I got it, I hit it down with lemon oil twice, and when I did the frets I hit it with that dunlop neck conditioner, damn thing still looks dry .... I think they could get super dry and start cracking, heh @@badbrad

[@badbrad]

@@beauno83 That's def a possibility.

[@michaelmestres9661]

I've got an Epi '61 LP Inspired by...I love it.

[@badbrad]

I love my Epi’s to!

[@ianlarson1744]

Epiphone inspired by Gibson custom shop. Price inspired by Gibson custom shop!!🤣🤣🤣

[@badbrad]

YES!

[@streamerstreminghd5682]

There going bankrupt

[@badbrad]

I have heard those rumors but not sure how accurate they are.

[@mick-ji7lh]

Rant on, Brother.

[@badbrad]

Somebody’s got to do it! Thank you!

[@battsy95]

Gibson are becoming only collector guitars. I'm thinking Gibson will introduce a new cheap brand (They tried once before. Look up Maestro by Gibson) and let Epiphone rise to Gibson prices, and replace it.

[@badbrad]

It seems that way for sure.

[@MrTooter007]

Play authentic. Mark Agnesi sez so.

[@badbrad]

Lol...it's laughable at this point....

[@bluesrockguitar1484]

No NIBS!

[@badbrad]

Ah so the Firebird has no fret nibs as well?

[@bluesrockguitar1484]

@@badbrad no fret nibs and it is 2000 Euro.....i bought a new Gibson Firebird v in 2017 for 1300 dollars!

[@badbrad]

@@bluesrockguitar1484 wow that is something I missed....reallly disappointing

[@johnnyx9892]

Epiphoney?

[@badbrad]

Lol

[@busherstudios]

madbrad.

[@badbrad]

Lol

[@gto61bigG]

Too funny

[@badbrad]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@edisonkillingelephants]

how did you own a gibson in the 70s you look like you are in your mid to late 40's ?

[@badbrad]

Man I appreciate it! I'm 57 years old. Closing in on 60. Sometimes I can't believe I made it this long. I'm lucky to have a full head of hair and that probably keeps me having a youthful appearance.

[@edisonkillingelephants]

@@badbrad you look great for 57 plus took your advice and got the Tobacco burst firebird thing is an absolute beast of a guitar

[@badbrad]

Thanks bro! Those are a great deal, grab em while you can!@@edisonkillingelephants

[@edisonkillingelephants]

Yeah they are so good I can't even believe the price CTS POTS orange drop caps its insane