The CRAZY Story of my '64 Gibson Firebird

[@Controlment]

Steve was actually my uncle! He was an extremely talented guitarist and good at restoring guitars. You seem like an extremely nice guy and a good guitarist! You take care of that guitar you deserve it..

[@Controlment]

And thank you for talking about him. Made me tear up a bit haha

[@saracawood6817]

Steve Budesky was one of my fathers best friends.I did a double take hearing this story when you said his name. Thank you so much for honoring him after his death by making this video. It’s a beautiful thing to see.

[@McDowellCountyYoungLife]

Yes. He was local to me in Delmont and was so, so kind to me and my friends working on our instruments, letting us haggle prices, playing with blackie the dog. Good, good man.

[@taterfight]

Such a cool story. It would have been so cool if this happened a year ago and you could have met him and let him share his stories.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I think the guitar was only sold due to his passing but I could be wrong.

[@bluesyjazzcat31]

Matt I have some info on the Maine show - I have a books called “Jimi Hendrix - the ultimate experience” by Johnny black that catalogues all (or most) of his shows, studio events, and appearances/interviews year by year. In the 1968 section, Hendrix played on March 16, 1968 at the Lewiston Armoury in Lewiston, Maine. Unfortunately, this entry is one of the sparsest in the book and not much other info is listed other than the date and location. I hope this can help you out in determining the (potential) date and location of the show were Steve opened for Hendrix.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thats the show. Thank you for sharing.

[@strafto04]

Great update. My uncle went to that show, I will see if he can give me any details.

[@stude1953]

Also on the bill that evening. March 16, 1968 The Experience, Soft Machine, The Hanseatic League, and Terry and The Telstars perform at Lewiston Armory in Lewiston, Maine. That's awesome Matt that you may have a guitar that was used on stage that night!

[@jakehoff52]

@@stude1953 Sure someone else has posted this link but www.gratefulseconds.com/2019/02/hendrix-played-lewiston-too.html

[@mpvt10]

great story!! I believe that Firebird is right were it should be. Someone who will honour and cherish it and protect its history!!!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

right on my friend!

[@j_freed]

Now he has to put a Floyd Rose on it, ha ha...

[@malcolmadams2105]

Ha I also know this story because I was going to buy a microphone 🎤 a shure sm58 / 57 because they said it was used to record Jimi Hendrix’s amp in a live show and that there was photos to prove.. and they look just like these photos was the story that the owner had rented gear exactly like your saying. But there was a bunch of stuff for sale I knew I felt like I knew the name when you said it. Nice huh right on right on

[@McDowellCountyYoungLife]

Man. Stevie did all my repair work on my guitars. Delmont, PA... the stories are true. He’d sit down with his dog, Blackie, on his lap all day. He was a bigger man and the guitar playing on his lap was effortless. He was sweet and also gave 16yo me too much time... generous. He played with Neil Diamond, etc. wow... didn’t know he passed away. A good man who tried to teach us young guys. Worked out of the basement of his house in Demont since about 2004 when his shop left Export, Pa

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Hey Matt, I hope your fairing well in this craziness going on in our world. I had to watch your video just to get my mind off of whats happening around me. Thanks for the break. Dont let this nonsense keep you from your dreams. Its all n.s. and well get through it. It may get rough but, music from you and others will help the people of America rebound. God speed

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you Bryan. Thats all we can do. Im glad these videos help. And no I won't stop despite the growing list of A holes🤘🏻

[@shergold7726]

Really cool story Matthew. I'm sure Steve would be really pleased that not only will his guitar be kept alive, but his story will as well. Thanks to you.

[@mattlott8766]

The into at the start BETTER become a song. I love it

[@MrJohnr47]

happy guy i agree

[@blainebauman572]

happy guy it’s basically parachute by Chris Stapleton

[@antondelatorre6829]

This video and this channel have perfectly shown that music was never solely about the music itself. It's also about the stories that go along with it. I've been a fan of yours for quite a while now and I always look forward to all your videos. Thank you for the music, Matthew!

[@johna1160]

How many of us have caressed an old guitar and thought "if only this thing could talk"? Well Matthew, you made the Firebird squeal! Excellent bit of sleuthing.

[@donaldnelson8764]

Jimi Hendrix played Lewiston Maine Saturday March 16 1968

[@MatthewScottmusic]

there we go!

[@donaldnelson8764]

@@MatthewScottmusicHey it's Don again, according to the book, Jimi Hendrix: Inside the Experience written by Mitch Mitchell, the Lewiston show was the only time The Experience played in Maine. I hope this helps.

[@jhendricks02]

That guitar is something special. It belongs with you, Matt. You’re a great player, you care about the history as you should, and from watching your videos over the years you’re a great guy. Great video and great playing as always, peace!

[@stevenmgyori3826]

What a great journey and story! Rip Steve! Thanks for sharing brother, Be Well Matthew, Be Well All!

[@Bonham84]

In any case I think Steve would be happy to know that his guitar is in the hands of someone who understands the value and appreciates the history. That's the best case scenario for someones instrument after they pass and that doesn't always happen. Awesome video.

[@robertluciano2293]

I’m just a regular dude who happens to be the original owner of a red 1964 Firebird VII.

[@grasshopperhawk]

This story rocks. You've said it--these guitars are physical history.

[@jltrem]

Had a feeling it would have an interesting story behind it but didn't imagine it would be something that wild. It's great that it's in your possession, Matthew. Looking forward to the coming videos.

[@russclark6780]

Wow. It couldn't have wound up in better hands. Amazing find.

[@puzzleshorts]

Sounds like another Pawn Stars episode. This could be another million dollar guitar, man you're lucky.

[@ralphdamato6782]

INCREDIBLE story... LOVE IT... this is why I have such a love and bond with every one of my guitars... They go through a life journey with us... Then begin to tell their own story with each passing year... History just came and sat on your lap to share its life with you Matt 🙏🎸🙏

[@ESANANIKONE]

You had me with the starting riff and the tambourine

[@MatthewScottmusic]

thanks, was just feeling that yesterday!

[@Garrett9339]

@@MatthewScottmusic Sounds a lot like kzbin.info/www/bejne/moeXYqmVptijqs0 Great song

[@corneliuscrewe677]

So cool that you were able to find out so much about the original owner, and looking forward to seeing what you do with her.

[@mikeellis9720]

I hope those tornados missed you. I've been looping this video and can't stop. That Firebird is the find of a lifetime! Who would have thought that a Gibson would lead you to a Hendrix connection? Amazing!

[@edgeofeternity101]

Firebirds are rare so finding the info was a stroke of luck i think. I bought a 65 Blackface Bassman head with the large 212 cab in 70 I think, and the owner had a Firebird with two Mini HB. It was the first one I had seen in person. I had the chance to buy a 63 335 cherry red, and couldn't swing it, so I called a guy from another band that had been kind enough to loan me a Gibson Melody Maker for a gig. He bought the 335 and still has it today. I paid 400 for the BF Bassman, and My friend payed 350 for the 335. This was from a small town in the midwest, so quality gear was kind of rare at that time. You had to drive over a hundred miles to get to a shop that sold the higher end Gibson or Fender equipment.

[@lazaglider]

I’ll say it again now, as I said in your first video. The power of the internet. 10 years ago, the history of the guitar might have been lost, but here within a week you’ve been able to discover the amazing history of what might otherwise have been consigned as a bastard guitar. Never sell this one Matthew, there’s a connection.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Its crazy how information can spread with the help of people on KZbin.

[@MichaelPoliskey]

I've been looking into Firebird's and am also from Portland, Maine so KZbin steered me here! Cool video and research. Love those Firebird's.

[@markcarson1844]

Congrats on finding the story Matt, I feel that Steve is looking down and happy it's in your hands. Stay well and peace bro!

[@benddawson]

The sound of that guitar at the beginning WOW. Really cool story too

[@tonycannata7241]

Great story and thanks to all that helped Matt. I love this guitar, it's a true rock n roller!

[@timpayne8238]

The Yardbirds autographs are Keith Relf (Lead Vocals) and Jim McCarty (drums). Great story Matt

[@cycadaacolyte6349]

Those are the best sounding mini humbuckers I've ever heard.

[@ispin4498]

Saturday 16 March 1968 Jimi Hendrix Lewiston Armory, Lewiston, ME, US The only gig Jimi played in Maine in 1968.

[@rockinguitar101]

What a fascinating story Matthew, Thanks for keeping up to date with this special Gibson Firebird.

[@countvond233]

Paul Gilbert is from Greensburg PA. Randy Rhoads held a clinic at a music store in Greensburg a month before he died. Crazy how this town keeps coming up for me.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

WOW!!! What a cool adventure you're on Matt! Can't wait to see what you find and do with her!!!

[@rknisple]

I'm totally freaking out for you right now! What an amazing story!

[@davestatham812]

Ohh man what a story, this has major history has this, your so lucky man, never let her go, I mean jimmy page and hendrix, just incredible man, God bless you man, peace indeed, ❤from🇬🇧

[@georgew.morrowiii118]

That intro was kickin’ edit: Sugarland by Papa Mali

[@DanLeRoy]

Great story... That's awesome that you were able to find all that info and those pics.

[@glenkepic3208]

Johnny Winter "Captured Live" blasting on my car stereo in the mid '70s. All I need.

[@delcagle]

Belief Indication: the control knobs ARE NOT factory symmetrical, this would show cusomization. Excellent documentation, should all be printed and kept in case. Great episode.+

[@waterwoodguitars6871]

Your love for the history and story of this gear is inspiring. I love watching your videos, man. You always hammer out some amazing riffs and have a great story for us. Keep me coming, not many channels like this out there. This is quality content, my dude!

[@yoBradyO11]

This is soooo rad!!! Congratulations on owning such a sweet piece of history Matt!

[@williambock1821]

WOW!! That’s sounding AMAZING. This ,to me ,is the best sounding demo you’ve done(I haven’t seen every one).Great playing as always but the clean sound you got out of this demo was wicked!

[@kenneymusic]

In the '60s I mostly played a Firebird lll. It was very unique- a transition model- a reverse 'Bird with a non reverse headstock: It pointed down. I'm not remembering if it had binding... It doesn't surprise me when you say the bridge p/u is weak. I rarely used it on mine because of that. I broke the headstock, as was a very common occurrence with them, and had it repaired a couple of times, trying to make it look better. Finding a good luthier in the '60s was not easy. I finally sold it to a repairman who wanted to restore it. A few years ago I bought another- a 2010, one of the last ones with the banjo tuners. Funny enough, it sounds a lot better than the original- at least the bridge p/u does.

[@bigkhuntry72]

This is so freakin cool! Your page and videos make me want to dive into vintage guitars more than anything else I’ve ever seen! 🤘🏼🔥

[@churchbryan35]

Super Cool Story, can't wait to see the finished guitar...🎸

[@jubei7259]

Ok, so given what we now know about this guitar's backstory, it's connection to at least 2 of the greatest guitarists ever & that you yourself are a blues aficionado, carrying on that tradition & bringing it to new audiences, plus the fact that it sounds effing amazing, you HAVE to keep this guitar. I know you're not a wealthy dude & you rely on flipping these to fund your career but this really is an extra special baby. IMHO it sounds better in your hands than any of the others you've demoed since I started watching your channel several years ago & I know every time you've found a new one, everyone always says to keep it but this one is different, this one is super special. I think if you got rid of this, you'd seriously regret it (& I should know, I sold a '78 white LPC back in the late-nineties that I've regretted ever since. I've never found another that sounded as good & I must have had at least 20 different LP's over the years). I think it looks cool as eff already as it is too.

[@mattlott8766]

This is turning into one of those guitars you never sell

[@electricgypsyblues4761]

Guessed you never watched pawn stars

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

@@electricgypsyblues4761 That was a fake show though

[@MatthewScottmusic]

No plans on selling it.

[@darrylcole5575]

Its just another reason for someone to sell ,the more info and history comes along a good story = $$$$$

[@lazaglider]

Matthew Scott Good man.

[@c_sparks_1002]

I hope this doesn't sound weird but like the vibe you put off is just so dope

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Nah I feel you. That's my goal with these videos, working on it

[@c_sparks_1002]

@@MatthewScottmusic Long hair, super chill, sitting on the couch with coffee talking about old guitars and amps and playing the blues, once again this sounds very weird in my head but I just dig the vibe keep it up!

[@fern11100]

Guitarcheology..........I love it! Amazing story. Your love for the guitar and the story oooozes out. Thank you 😊

[@mikepfeifer3687]

Great show, good luck with it!!! Anxious to hear the rest of the story.

[@Bill-py1fn]

Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@brooksroman2918]

This is mind blowingly awesome. Jimmy Page AND Jimi Hendrix both played that guitar!! Hey, it’s possible and there’s no proving it wrong! Badass!!

[@steventheo69]

Matt, Without a doubt, one of your most interesting & informative videos. Great story. Always love your playing!!!

[@krzysztofstokosa9786]

Man thats a cool story behind an awesome guitar, thanks for sharing. Thats exactly what is cool abt vintage gear, not that it plays better or sounds better etc, thats up for taste, the story is what matters, the love that people put into it and the fact you keep rocking same guitar that was going round the country and possibly shared backstage with Hendrix. Rock on!

[@tylerstockrahm3570]

Wow. What an awesome story. I'm so glad you were able to find this stuff out. If this guitar hadn't been bought by someone with a follow, this story probably would have died with the late previous owner (R.I.P) This made my day. Very cool. Keep the videos coming!!

[@gregorydavidson177]

My favorite guitar! I have a Epiphone Firebird, but one day I will own a Gibson!

[@markhorton3041]

Man! What an incredible chain of events!! Things like this absolutely floor me. It’s amazing how these things come to be. I really enjoy your channel, Mathew.!! Stay Safe

[@johnclark1000]

That is the coolest story of a guitar find I have ever heard! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see it done!

[@stratdude83]

You stumble on to some amazing finds!

[@bobwilliams6254]

Please make that intro jam into a song if it isn't already that was cool as hell!

[@mcashnv]

Doesn't sound like any other Gibson I've ever heard. I like it.

[@gustavrosentoft6723]

that is such a crazy story, and an amazing guitar. As always, thank you for some the best guitar content on KZbin. You're great!

[@janimizer1725]

Incredible story and incredible playing

[@Guernseyopman]

I always associate Firebirds with Johnny Winter. He was incredible and I saw him several times in the late eighties and throughout the nineties. Very cool guitar for you, Matthew Scott.

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

White Firebird is one of the coolest guitars ever made...Love it...

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Me too! Thank you. ✌🏻

[@garyjohn316]

All I can say is Wow! What a story! Hope you find more out.

[@jeffholliday8304]

Great story yeah it’s hard to find all the right documentation on this but you know what I love to believe that all that story is true Yes that is a Firebird one converted that’s the only Firebird with the unbound neck

[@KyLesCaster]

That intro was burnin'

[@birdsfabulous]

This is awesome. The rarest thing however might be those massive pyramid tortoishell looking picks. Havent seen them in FOREVER

[@benpowersguitar]

Man that is amazing to get all that info. Very cool. I can't wait to see how it ends up.

[@rareheir]

Very cool My band Plasmatic Conception back in the sixties played a couple weeks after The Yardbirds played at our local roller rink. Same time frame as your story which was a great story. I am old but I got to see all the Greats. Good to see how much passion you have for the old stuff. Can't wait for the next video. David in California.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Beautiful sounding guitars. The best in my opinion.

[@johnkelley7543]

Hey Matthew - Reach out to me if you have any obscure Firebird questions. As I mentioned in your last video, I've owned many vintage birds, including two Firebird I's, one of which was refinished white, like yours. I have a '63 Firebird VII (only 20 made in '63), a '64 Firebird I that was routed for bucker in the bridge, but returned and never routed at the neck, and a Firebird III named Old Granddad. I've also got a history of guitar forensics. Look up "Fender Banjoline" and you'll find a reverb listing and pics detailing my process for finding the original owner, as well as photos of that guitar with Wes Montgomery and Roger Rossmeisl (Fender luthier).

[@douglasmachado6579]

Really amazing history! I wish you all the success! I own a 2016 Firebird and it's a crazy tone machine. Very bluesy, very rocky, really versatile! Congrats man!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I'm really starting to love them.

[@chrisvolpe1084]

Hi Mathew, I was friends with Steve Budeski. I met him in the mid 70s, and played with him in the late 80s through early 90s. He was a great guy, and super talented musician. I can put you in touch with some others in the area who know more, about this time period in Steve's life.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Chris yes I would love to speak with anyone who possibly has information or more photos.

[@chrisvolpe1084]

Is there preferred way to contact you privately? I'll give you a list of people.

[@chrisvolpe1084]

@@MatthewScottmusicfeel free to text me at 724 875 6863, or message me on facebook messenger

[@pasqualevaccaro5506]

This video is making me smile :) Really good stuff here, and that Firebird...Oh Lord

[@coreymihailiuk5189]

Interesting story. Reminds me of a tale from decades ago about a guy who finds an old Vox wah at a junk store in the UK. He pays 5 quid for it and takes it home. He removes the back to instal a new battery and it has a piece of tape with Jimi Hendrix's signature on it. It was clearly JImi's signature. Not bad for 5 quid!

[@gavincarr911]

Just thought I would suggest this, take both pickups out and look for any marks left by machinery, it is likely there is a swirl pattern from the router, measure the swirls in the bridge and then in the neck, if the neck ones are different, then it's more than like likely been added later

[@johnkelley7543]

Another thought came to mind just now. If your bridge pickup is not sounding right, it might be worth looking at both and determining whether either are original. It could be that someone moved the original bridge pickup into the neck position and it's just not right.

[@michaelkartman3543]

Wow! Thus is absolutely mind blowing man. What a story!

[@intotheabyss81]

Amazing story and guitar. Can't wait to see you and the guys playing in OKC again!

[@ScottWalker-uw3rp]

Great video Matt! I love this type of stuff. Good luck with the restoration.

[@DoodlesHD719]

I really sucks that he passed away right before you got this far with everything. Super cool story!

[@trureinhart4860]

I have an original 1966 Gibson Catalogue it shows they were still selling a firebird 1,2 ,3 ,4 ,5,no 6,and a 7 at that time plus a firebird V-12.

[@alelama99]

You should start a podcast and tell all the stories behind all your terrific gear

[@redaben9936]

This guitar looks and sounds so freaking great !

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you. ✌🏻

[@edwhite7475]

Someone once told me about seeing Jimmy with the Yarbirds in '66 or so at some outdoor gig in Daytona Beach...and they were set up on a stage made of old milk crates and plywood. pretty primitive back then....those pics reminded me of that story. and yeah those signatures are Keith Relf and Jim McCarty, the singer and drummer...and Mr. Page.

[@johnrichardson1867]

Reverse Firebirds all had a channel for the selector switch. It was very common for them to have been routed for normal Humbuckers.

[@deblo1023]

If just this man was still alive, you could have taken a ridiculous interwiev with so many wonderful stories he could have tell you!!

[@Tungadunger]

That guitar has one Incredible story!

[@guyfromnj]

Really cool story and pics. Always dig your videos and playing.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Thank you for watching them.

[@saginawdan]

Matt, on a side note, I used to be an antique dealer. I specialized in antique photos. When I bought photos with any written history on them, I would do my best to research their origin. I found this to be a fascinating pursuit. What you're doing now is the same and I can tell you find it exciting. Enjoy! - Dan

[@henryberendt955]

Just took a look at a '63 Firebird III on Norm's Rare Guitars and it has knob/jack positioning very similar to your Firebird.

[@WalkenDead]

That Bird sounds freakin' awesome!

[@imjustsomeoneok609]

Dude I love this guitar. Great video man, your jams are always fun to listen to.

[@smellytele9629]

Great stuff!! Don't ever sell that Firebird, create some new stories with it.