Inside the 1964 Gibson Firebird

[@jamesjames9275]

I’m just glad that guitar is in the hands of someone who will give it the care and respect it deserves.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you very much.

[@garyjohn316]

like all your videos James!

[@roccojc8071]

I love both of your videos!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Many famous players did! Im not as old as Vince Gill maybe someday I'll feel the same. Also, I earned every dime I paid for these guitars. PS Vince Gill is from my town.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

@Tom Johnson Wow you are a true dip shit, Lets see who else plays/played Birds, Warren Haynes, Eric Clapton, Allen Collins, just off the top of my head, don't be a fucking moron your whole life?

[@lisanagel9424]

Sometimes you don’t find the guitar, the guitar finds you. I truly believe this!

[@leinie6683]

Make it yours- make it famous and in 50 years, someone else can have the dilema.- Should I leave it as Matthew made it, or should I put it bac to the way he bought it, or do my own thing

[@MatthewScottmusic]

That's the plan😁👍🏻

[@pulaski1]

I am 100% with you on doing a high quality refin and restoration of a guitar that is neither "all original" nor in fair or better condition, nor is "historically significant".

[@ColinStuart]

I'm glad you are being an archeologist for these guitars. In the '60's and '70's we thought nothing of changing necks and pickups. they were just old guitars.

[@PauloSilva-zn6sh]

Sincerally, I love the way this guitar looks. I would leave this guitar as is. Just fix the bridge pickup, change the knobs and maybe the pickguard (to black). But you should do whatever changes you want to make it works for you.

[@_MichaelJames_]

Paulo Silva See comments like this makes sense, state your opinion Knowing its an OPINION 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@deanallen9660]

Maybe he'll have a better white done. A burst would make all the mods visible.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

This does make sense and would be a lot less work.

[@RobertLandrum13]

I agree. I think it looks incredible as is and would definitely leave the aesthetics alone. Replace the parts needed with original parts if possible and fix the hums and that would be it. I'd definitely consider that Matt because it looks incredible as it sits.

[@fenderfreak215]

So glad you are now a Firebird guy, I have an 06 and it will never leave my collection

[@WalkenDead]

About the finish, you do you man. It's your guitar, make it the way you want it. That being said, a TV yellow bird would definitely be an eye catcher lol

[@AirsoftChild]

Best sound i've ever heard you get out of a guitar, fix that bridge pickup and leave mostly as is. Honestly a stunning sound.

[@samwalker7567]

The clip at the end where you showed the inside of the bare control cavity with two counterbored holes, one factory and one very much not - exactly what I expected to see and made reference to in my comment on your previous video. Evidence of the jack and tone pot being switched in converting this to two pickups and making the control layout sensible. Satisfying to be vindicated!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Vindication!!

[@linnsterlingcurebeliefinad1725]

I had a 1953 Gibson I bought in Portland and I loved it,it had a jr. humbucker in it..

[@kevinkelly9956]

Firebird answers all my needs. I've been playing since the 60s and a huge J. Winter fan. How could I not get a FB till 2017.

[@Jester-Riddle]

Great to see you treat this Firebird with such respect. It has not been kept as a Collector's Piece, but is a Player's Guitar and has been modded, possibly twice or more, already … It is your choice what to do with it (within reason !). It comes from a time when a natural wood finish was appropriate for such a guitar. My personal opinion is that returning it to it's original finish would not be an inappropriate thing to do. However, might there be a problem where the re-filled Humbucker cut-outs would leave a strange 'scarring' to the front face of the instrument ? I do hope not ... Getting the original pickups replaced sounds as if it would be good. Do bear in mind that older pickups are not necessarily better, as quality control on old pickups was very variable and it would be a pity to make it sound worse if you got some poor replacements … Getting your pickup guy to look the current pups over seems like a sensible option, as you said. Now might also be an opportunity to strengthen the input jack hole as it seemed to be possibly liable to movement and damage in the state that it appears to be as an amateur mod … Maybe it is quite secure, but only you would know that. Whatever happens, I sincerely hope that whatever you choose to do it works out well for you. Stay healthy. (From 'across the pond' in the UK)

[@benjaminarmstrong7047]

You are spot on. It's already been altered way beyond a return to originality. So do as you want. It's your guitar! Have fun and keep us posted.

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

Stringing reverse headstock banjo tuners is a drag until you get the hang of it. It took me around 5 years, don't worry you'll get it.

[@georgebentley-ricardo9445]

Matthew, yet again another great video from you. Very good close ups and I enjoyed the bonus bits towards the end. I totally agree with your sentiments regarding refinishing and improving the guitar to your own tastes. Keep them coming 🤠🎸PEACE

[@l.a.mouland1051]

Hey,great video! With your level of ability ,you should do what you want with the bird. 20 years from now someone won't refinish it because the amazing and very famous" Matt Scott" did all the mods on that bird lol. As always man I think you are amazing 👍

[@zoranallen5205]

Goflamesgo Goflamesgo he’s going somewhere for sure!!!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I can only hope😉👊🏻👍🏻

[@l.a.mouland1051]

@@MatthewScottmusic so when can I order your album lol 🙏

[@raydowley1038]

looking forward to the finished guitar, you have said all the things that needs to be said. if your not happy then change back to as close as you can and to how you like it. after all, it is your guitar Matthew

[@stevekelley1536]

It was destroyed from original long time ago. Restore it to your liking and enjoy.

[@npg68]

That's the truth - it's been decades since it was factory stock standard.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

agreed Steve!

[@Slugg-O]

I completely agree. I wouldn't change the strings on SRV's No.1 but for an old guitar with sketchy history it's open season on the mods. It's yours and you want add your personal touch. You're not responsible for anyone's happiness but your own so go for it.

[@Skrammelcaster]

Love your videos keep up the good work From a 15 year old guitar geek in Denmark

[@wilfmemmott9543]

Restoring it to a sunburst Firebird I would be unbelievably sick bro.

[@thinkingape7655]

It’s your axe man. It’s how you tell your stories. Do as you wish 🤘

[@npg68]

To quote Bart Simpson "Damned if you do....damned if you don't" - It's yours now. I think you've given Steve the respect he deserves but it is time to move on and give this beautiful guitar another 50 years of life. I am looking forward to the upcoming videos you make for the Firebird.

[@fnersch3367]

It is totally justified to put this guitar back based on its history. I've done this many times in my career in doing restorations.

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

It's your guitar, do what you want, make it what you want it to be.

[@stevewarren4813]

The person that routed the tone/volume control area seems to have done a great job.

[@ocahan27]

Man that thing is beautiful.😍 I love your videos. I could listen to you all day talking about these old guitars. 👌👌

[@5H4V3D89]

I feel ya on the refinish, once the original is stripped off you might as well make it how you want it. If it were me, Id probably put it back to firebird 1 spec, fill the extra holes and everything. Paint it whatever color you like in a nitro so it looks genuine and play the hell out of it. Not that you asked me lol..

[@Mandy7D7]

This guitar has been well loved, now it's on a new adventure and it seems in very good hands.

[@jjulch]

Once it’s modded, collectibility is out the window. Perfect for guitarists that want to make it what the want. Make it work for you!

[@johnbrady1211]

Definitely enjoy the detailed videos inside the guitars.

[@hunterjo118]

I’ve seen videos of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar tech (Rene Martinez) saying that the proper way to restring on a vintage Kluson tuner is to wrap it around the peg instead of putting it into the hole. Watch his secret to string break prevention video to see if he makes since.

[@anthonycampbell7187]

HunterJo 118 those banjo tuners arent kluson....

[@TheChadPad]

Firebird pickups had maple wood spacers as part of the design, a design I wish sincerely that Gibson would bring back

[@islanderwinder]

The baseplate of the pickups have the 6 pole holes .this is standard on these old Firebird & mini humbuckers that used the poles . both used the same baseplate .

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

I love the white finish on it.

[@aiden4884]

I vote for keeping the finish personally, cheaper and its already worn in nicely, fits the guitar, but do a mechanical restoration leaving the old paint, i like my guitars like I like my old cars, old beat up paint but mechanically restored! But Matt its your guitar and i'll support you either way cause you're sincerely my favorite living guitar player! (Though i wish you had a few more full songs posted, would love a full cover of Dirty Pool or Texas Flood!) Either way you're doin the Dirty Bird justice!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

There will be more songs soon my friend.

[@RS-pp7ng]

Thank you, Kurt Ville, for the amazing videos.

[@wardettinger6177]

Do what you will man it's yours not ours and as long as you play the crap out of it ITs ALL GOOD!!!! Great videos and keep em coming stay safe stay home n PLAY!!!!

[@277southtombob]

The Mojotone Johnny Winters Firebird pickups sound great to me. They’re like 6.3k neck and 6.8k bridge and based on the pickups in his vintage Firebird. I’m a real fan of players grade guitars personally, it lets you make them your own without worrying about hurting the collectors value. I would rather have a guitar that I can really enjoy playing and I will get use from than one to look at like a museum piece.

[@unicorneggspam]

Man don’t get me wrong I love your Strat tones but this one has a really haunting bluesy tone

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I totally agree!

[@MrAlliecaulfield]

Matt right with you on the refin. Thanks for the vids,keep it up!

[@crispysyd9190]

Good luck on this journey. It is your guitar now, do with it what you wish.

[@HeyLiem]

That's a beautiful Firebird and it sounds great in your videos! Customize it so you'll love it more and play it more! You inspired me to get a used 2016 Gibson Firebird, that's my budget range, where as I used to have a poster of the last Sex Pistols concert with Steve Jones playing a Firebird, that image always inspired me. It's only lately that I realized the Les Paul was his main guitar, I think he only played a Firebird at two concerts but their last concert happened to be significant. Your previous Firebird videos rekindled interest for me, so I started Researching for a Firebird within my budget. I love mine, too, even though it's a pretty ordinary 2016. I definitely love the neck pick up over the single bridge pick up design, too.

[@teriakamoto]

Yes, he only played that sunburst "Bird" on that horrible Tour and Steve would play whatever he could steal or be given. I'm not sure if he bought that at a pawn shop and happened to play it a couple times or what the story is but you are correct, he liked his white Les Paul Customs with his pin up girls on them.I remember I cut that picture of him out of Hit Parade w/ that Firebird and he had a big coat and a red scarf as it was winter time 1978 and had it on my wall in 1978-79 in a shithole town my mum dragged my to called Kelso,Washington to get us away from the beatings and we lived in a housing project and lived on welfare and food stamps and she actually financed a used Gibson and a new S.S. Lab Series L5 amp so I could play Guitar at 30 USD a month. Thats called love. Music kept me from killing motherfuckers.I love old Firebirds because of Johnny Winters and my friend Dewey Burns from the Mau Mau's . He had a 1963 w/ P-90's he would play into a Marshall Bluesbreaker. I heard from him recently and his Scumbag half brother that stole his Marshall for Smack money in '78 stole his Firebird around '99 and Hawked it ! when he took care of his dying Mother. With family like that, who needs family. That Guitar would be worth 20,000.00 USD at least now. People.But yeah, I love old Gibsons. We used to buy Les Paul Juniors in the Junk Rock days in Los Angeles for 500 bucks off the recycler in the late 70's early 80's they started going up.Japanese Folks started buying up all the old American Guitars. The Internet killed it for finding deals. I had a 65 Rickenbacker from the Flesheaters that would fetch 6500.00 now. traded my L5 Lab Series for it so 500.00 in 1980. Bought my 1963 Les Paul Junior SG in Portland,Ore. in 1980 for 200 bucks ! The good ole days.Had so many great Guitars throughout my life. I miss 'em all. Young and dumb.Now my wife say's I'm a Hoarder. You betcha. Good luck on the Guitar Matthew ! I apologize for rambling'. Been in the house too much.

[@bobconnell8492]

Modified bird. Enjoy it Matthew. Your plan sounds great. Bob

[@crunchyflower]

Hey Matt, Seymour Duncan's Mini Humbuckers measure 6.3 - 7.4...the custom set get hot, but the antiquity and vintage models stay in that range...have a great day buddy stay safe!

[@seanoreilly6418]

Thanks for all of your videos I love all the guitars n history and time you put into it all thank 😎

[@stuffandthingsyoutube]

Fascinating stuff! And as far as restoring it goes, it's YOUR guitar now. You should do what YOU want to do.

[@blairgilligan3649]

Always watch until the end!

[@paulbartell8872]

Hi Matt. Loving your channel & guitar-stuff,man. 8 words:- She Likes To Boogie Real Low - Johnny Winter. Pretty wild!! Take care.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Matt, You own it so you get to decide what to do with it! I have faith that you'll wind up with a great playing, beautiful guitar. No doubt that Gibson will choose to make a run similar to yours if they like the vibe. My advice is not to wait for the royalties to be delivered; although a limited custom shop run of 100 might be a possibility since it's got such a unique history. Pick a cool color! Can't wait to see the next video installment. Take care!

[@blackmoremaniac]

GREAT BONUS AT THE END MATTHEW

[@thejuiceofearl6574]

Was looking so forward to this part and seeing the pickups and what firebird it was,and then great bonus footage sealed the deal,make it work for you and refin,totally subscribe to your philosophy on that,I like bigsbys on my teles and reversing the control plate,some call me crazy but that’s their opinion,looking forward to the next update on this guitar!

[@greenchannel2114]

Good work Matthew, I have the same obsession with vintage guitars!

[@wizaxed]

Bring it back to its former glory!!

[@74dartman13]

I think it's cool that you do what pleases you, and not what others tell you to do. I've been that way all my life...and it's always worked for me! I'm looking forward to seeing what all you do with this guitar. I'm sure it's gonna be badass!👍😎🎸🎶

[@FIVE_DOLLAR-DAVE]

My 50s strat had a refin, prolly in the 70s. I recently had it re-refinished to a more preferable color of my choosing for the same reason you did

[@JohnJones-ep7of]

Do what you want man I really think you putting them back to original stock or as close as you can get is its own kind of cool !

[@jamesmurphy915]

Yes, I watch videos til the end! Ha! Awesome stuff Matt and awesome guitar. Refinish that bad boy...make it your's!

[@drtap1477]

The intro reminds me of a song called Live Oak by Jason Isbell. The point I'm referring to in the song is at 2:25. Cool guitar Mattew!

[@AnthonyBurrito1313]

I am hooked on this story. Hey look down there it's old JJ

[@kaybee4143]

I had a '66 non-reverse Firebird that had the black colored P-90's. It had a very unique sound. Almost like a honk sort of tone. It's hard to explain. I paid $225 for it. Unfortunately it was stolen many years ago. Consider P-90's if they'll fit the cavities EDIT Out of curiosity I searched for '66 Firebird and found your video from about 2-1/2 years ago. That guitar was identical to mine. You know about the P-90 sound. btw that case was not the original one. I still have mine.

[@kbkman7742]

Yeah man get those pickups rewound and refinish the thing. Very cool instrument

[@simplygreg17ify]

You go bro...I think you're exactly correct on redoing guitars, etc...I know folks have different opinions, & that's cool...but with this, I feel your right & I look forward to seeing what it looks like & sounds like once done . Much respect from the 405

[@steveperry3538]

Thanks for doing these very interesting videos. Very cool Matt

[@stevechauvette4110]

That guitar sounds amazing, kinda hypnotic...I love that guitar

[@georgemueh3273]

I really can't stand firebirds but I am really diggin this one. The blue one too. Can't wait to see what you do with this one

[@jantheunissen2986]

Thanks Matthew for taking us on this Firebird trip. Interesting to hear how your search went, what you thought and what you found. I hope that you can find some old pots and mini humbuckers, that won’t be easy. Exited for the next episode! Keep sharing and keep playing those beautifull vintage guitars. 🤘🏻🤙🏻🤘🏻

[@deemdoubleu]

Oh my that's a beautiful guitar

[@dyamariv3628]

Fully agree Matt, refin the guitar back to original! You're essentially fixing all the mods that have been done and bringing back to its former glory which is definitely doing right by the guitar. There will always be people who disagree no matter what you do, you do you! Peace

[@tinahubert3977]

Thanks for making these videos! Can’t wait to see this project take shape. I agree, make the guitar work for you, restore and/or refinish to enjoy it! You always have an authentic approach. 👍

[@brucifer0]

That's the great thing about buying a vintage guitar that has been ravaged by the previous owner you can now do what you want to it guilt free.

[@SD_UK]

It's your guitar. Millions, upon millions of other guitars exist. Guitars are not unicorns. This one is your guitar to do as you wish, or not. Your choice. Seems like there are more 'guitar police' out there on the internet than guitar players. 'Funny' that. ;) Enjoy! I look forward to seeing, and hearing you play the finished result, whatever you choose.

[@suncoaster8578]

I WOULD OF SAID. FROM RARE BIRD TO "MYBIRD" With a great big smile!!!!

[@thomasfreytag6784]

Hey Matthew, great video, I loved it! I totally agree with you on your mentality wether a refin is "acceptable" or not. If I were you, I might consider shipping the Firebird to Historic Makeovers in Florida, they do a lot of great Gibson refinishing work for Les Pauls, but are also spraying 60s custom colours. I think a great nitro refin is what this 'bird deserves! I would wait until the old finish will be stripped and then decide wether to go for the factory burst or any of the 60s custom colours depending on the quality of the woodwork done to it (although, I guess you will see the wood filling from the humbucker re-conversion job done to it). Thanks and please keep those videos coming!

[@DSGRadio]

I'm with you, dude, restore this 'Bird back as much as possible. Firebird I's are killer, and to see this one get modded so heavy kinda sucks. Anyway, your vids about the 'Bird brought me to your channel, and I love the content! Great info, greater playing!

[@mikeellis9720]

Interesting... GM had a Firebird1, 2 & 3 also back in the 50's. Futuristic Turbine cars that looked like aircraft. Harley Earl had them put together to show. I hope you don't loose that wonderful tone when you rebuild that Killer Firebird. It has an original sound. Take Care.

[@jcburger733]

Thanks for another great video. I love when you tear the guitar down since I am afraid to open my guitar up. I knew you would probably keep working on it after you ended the video. At least you now know it was originally a firebird 1.

[@oldpapawwithastrat9384]

Great video. Keep them coming, please

[@_MichaelJames_]

Matt, keep doing what you’re doing man, keep reverting guitars to their golden era capability, people have to many things to say and not enough time to watch and understand, personally I say fuck em. Keep on keeping on man. 🤙🏼

[@Arabguitarist]

you do you man :) Dont let anyone tell you differently

[@stonersgarden]

That bird would look awesome in Pelham blue

[@stevencrash]

It's "YOUR" guitar now, do whatever you feel will make it best for you! Peace!

[@benpowersguitar]

Great stuff man. Love the guitar

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome Matt《☆》Whatever makes you happy is key to start channeling the Allen Collins, Johnny Winter & select others who proudly played Firebirds :*: Greetings from Florida my friend🤓🗣🔊☮✌👍🏾

[@tileman108]

agree, do it the way you want it you cant hurt the value

[@2dazetake]

I would have to agree with you on the restoration of this guitar to the original specs, and since it had a restoration already that would be the way I'd go,although I kinda dig the sound of the neck pickup now, I think with some period exact gibson humbuckers and pots this guitar will sound even sound better than it does now, and will increase it's value, the one picture of a the guy sitting with the sunburst version in your last video almost looks like Ray Manzarek the key board player for the doors, who knows if this guitar has more history that might pop up later,but restoration will only make this guitar sweeter if it does,seems like all the good healthy wood in the world was used up by the time the 80s rolled around, because I can hear a vintage guitar a mile away, thanks for the video Matt. 🤣 👍

[@charliegreer2317]

That's a keeper. Love your video's. Cheers!

[@NewHopeAudio]

One thing to note, Firebird pickups are different than mini humbuckers. Firebird pickups use blades while minis are just small bobbins. I much prefer Firebird pickups.

[@guyharandonmusic]

Firebird I confirmed! That's nuts. I also agree that you should do whatever you want with it in terms of restoration as it is now yours, although that white finish has aged beautifully. Also this might be an epicly noobie question lol, but would there be anyway to get back down to the original finish underneath the white? Without butchering the Bird ofcourse.

[@johnnie8375]

Hey Matt. Hope you and your family are safe. Congrats on another beautiful guitar. You've earned it brother.

[@nickdyas5412]

You are the best KZbinr ever

[@_RLP]

Great one, man. Keep it up. Cheers

[@FezMan94]

At the end of the day, it's your guitar. If other people don't like what you do to it that's their problem. Do what you feel is necessary. No more no less. It's yours so it be how you want it.

[@b.rodclark7349]

Stewmac now sell the lightning bolt wraparound bridge that's properly intonated for a plain G string (you ordered a bridge already so that's cool!). You'd probably want the black witch hat knobs similar to the gold ones and Stewmac has those as well identical to the Gibson knobs which they also sell BUT... the Gibson accessories they now sell cost more than identically cheap components.

[@ericwikander3192]

Good job man, It’s yours do what you want. I am looking forward to watching this project.

[@tylerstockrahm3570]

Still a rare bird! Do what you want with it! Don't listen to the haters!!

[@johnkelley7543]

I can tell you without a doubt that those are Bicentennial pickups based on the coil orientation. Original coils were vertical and the poles went up and down. Bicentennial coils were rotated 90 degrees with the coil wire being wound parallel to the length of the body. Obviously, the patent stamp also identifies them as '76-80s. Often times, metal stamped Pat. Nos were associated with Shaw from that era, but with Firebirds, that's not a given.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Oddly enough I can see the coils beyond the baseplate. They are not oriented 90 degrees like the other 70s birds. And they have a wooden shim like the 60s version.

[@johnkelley7543]

@@MatthewScottmusic Obviously, it's difficult to see from a video, particularly since it's moving, but around 5:55-6:01, it looks like the pole orientation goes tip-tail rather than face to back. That being said, I can't see it in person, so... In any case, the stamped backplate puts these squarely in the '76-'80 range. Look up "Heliotricity Firebird Pickups" for some very esoteric and in-depth Firebird pickup analysis. Be forewarned: your eyes WILL glaze over, but it's got a LOT of info.

[@mattcampbellmusicco.8532]

Just refin it, Matt. Ignore what online trolls will say. You said it - if it isn't a notably famous instrument and it's been refinished, the previous owner has given you permission to refinish it. It's your guitar now, nobody else's. And the fact that you're trying to restore it as close as possible to factory spec as opposed to neon lime green with pinstripes is noble, I think. Although I'd pay huge money to see that, just saying.

[@ukguitarnoodle]

so coool, love the white.