This Affordable Gibson Firebird Sounds Better Than a Les Paul

Pulled This Guitar down from the wall at Norm's Rare Guitars, I was floored. It's a beast... And it sounds like nothing else....
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00:00 Performance
00:31 Intro Walk
00:55 The Firebird
03:00 The Tone
03:58 Rope Verse
05:19 Rope Chorus
06:28 Dave's Trini Lopez
07:07 Foo Fighters Guitars
08:36 Soloing over Rope
11:36 Thanks for Watching!

[@jenet6498]

Thanks for mentioning Johnny Winter, Tim. He meant so much to those of us who grew up in the 60s. Cheers from the Micronesia Blues Society on the beautiful island of Guam.

[@fivewattworld]

Tim! You're such a bad ass dude!

[@HeadHunterJujujaja]

Your channel is one of the best in YT.

[@georgevillanueva6926]

Space ship type of play ground I c u bro 💯💪

[@L.Scott_Music]

Wow, I've never heard the Rush influence in Foo Fighters until now and now it's so clearly there.

[@tiki_trash]

Same, mind blown!

[@medor6635]

Can’t beat that smile on Tim’s face holding the bird! What’s even unique about that guitar is the pickups which I think some musicians don’t know how to use them..not to mention how sexy the headstock with those banjo tuners.

[@martygraw1406]

I saw Johnny Winter with the original trio in Chicago. He played a Firebird through four twin reverbs.

[@ronglass5968]

Listened to this on phones - gorgeous(!) lush backing track, and and the soloing tasty as all-get-out!.. as usual. Respect for the Foos just went up a notch. Thanks!

[@scottkidwell3601]

Sweet Firebird, and great insight to the guitars of the Foos! Also appreciate the mini-lesson and insight to "Walk" 🙏

[@slavophiliak44]

I have a 2016 Firebird with the lyretail vibrola... love that beast of a guitar. I really like the rockabilly potential of the middle position.

[@Planetgonenuts]

It was a pleasure listening to you...both musically and for your technical knowledge. Thank you.

[@benink5690]

$1,200 for that beast is a steal imo. I didn't realize Gibson even had guitars that cheap. That's barely above epi prices. Edit: oh its used lol

[@TheKissarmygeneral]

I bought just about the same guitar a few years ago and it quickly became one of my favs in the collection . It takes a bit of time to get used to everything being shifted to the left but the neck is outstanding .

[@theoversouls]

Johnny Winter was a huge influence on me and the first concert I ever saw (probably 12 when my dad took me). Always loved Rope by the Foo Fighters. That intro is almost prog.

[@davidflint12]

Been a JW fan since 1973. That’s why I play a 1963 Firebird. Tried JW settings on my Fender amp: bass and middle at zero and treble on 10. Screamer 🤘🏼🎸

[@joshuajohnson4935]

Rope has the best foo riff.

[@stratocasterbob]

Saw Johnny Winter play the Firebird in '73 at the park center in Charlotte, NC!

[@jonathanhorne6503]

Brian Jones was another Firebird player. Keith played one too, it may have been the same guitar.

[@marksguitars5617]

very cool, great playing always. I recently picked up a 98 Firebird reissue, love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@BCRobot]

I love how happy you look playing Tim and as you riff harder you laugh more … makes me happy too

[@SeanKerns]

Love these videos. I always come away with a new way to think about playing.

[@stewartmproductions]

Knocked it out of the park once again Tim. Also my favorite Foo tune. Excellent lessons. Ever since seeing Peter Stroud play his killer FB1, now you, I'm after one...

[@RambleTone]

I Recently acquired a Firebird as well, quickly becoming my favorite guitar! …because of all the reasons you stated, and because it’s so versatile, I seems to sound good on any song I play 👍👍👍🎸

[@seanbaines]

Great story of a lovely find. I love how you go into detail about why it works. The insight about lower output pickups that retain some clarity even under heavier breakup is very valuable, confirming something I was starting to notice when comparing my Les Paul to my other 2 guitars. (I'm kinda new at this) Thank you for that. Loved the Foo breakdown. As soon as you started working through the sequence, I heard the Rush echo. We all know about it, of course. Dave Grohl is a huge Rush fan, and was heavily influenced, and you can hear it, especially in earlier material. Everyone's like that. You can hear Rush's early Zep and Yes and other influences very clearly in their first few albums. You can do that with almost anyone. No one starts from a vacuum. And now, as a big Rush fan growing up, I get a kick out of hearing that influence in many places. The Foos, obviously, and Dream Theatre, and others. Also new, young acts, (EG Crown Lands. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYDWgIuCnt2Kpbs). It's so wonderful to see the influence continuing on to a new generation, and producing exciting new developments.

[@THEPHYSICALSPIRIT]

As always you are having too much fun . Unbelievable tone and presence to my ears. Thanks.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Why would anybody give this a thumbs down? Tim is an amazing player, a nice guy, and the subject matter is great.

[@1satisfiedmind]

They must hate the Blade Pickups

[@rexvanburen8942]

@@1satisfiedmind No, there are idiots!

[@acevedoa89]

Jealous losers man. Tim is the man

[@billhouchens7439]

I think Tim is likely the finest studio musician/guitarist ever. I’m 69, picked up my first guitar at age 13. So, yeah, I think I’m qualified to make that statement LOL! His on the spot improv is absolutely spotless, and eminently listenable. Big words for an old bastard, huh?

[@musiqueurbaine]

Simply because they are jealous of Tim and too lazy and bitter to put in the time… I love this man and everything he shares with his KZbin channel. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JulesFox]

This is a very fun video. Great playing as always Tim and focusing on MY favourite Foo's song was a sweet bonus!

[@marcobalducci4789]

hello, I bought an identical one in 1997. nobody wanted the white offset guitar. she is older now but always sounds wonderful and the white is almost yellow. great video. thank you

[@lynyrddeville]

This video and your video on soloing over a single chord, Johnny Winter style played a huge role in me buying a 96 Firebird ' More than $1200 for sure but in unplayed dead mint condition at 25 years old. Oh, that, and the fact that the Firebird V is gorgeous, and is one of the flat out coolest looking guitars ever. I feel like a rock star every time I play it.

[@umbertoyltp]

What a machine Tim! I am a long time fan of Johnny Winter since the quirky Second Winter 1,5 record came out. Volt Electric made an amazing reverse Firebird that sounds solid as a rock.

[@deanbibb3680]

My friend Shane Miller from Guitars Plus here in Beckley WV loaned my his 2015 Firebird and I fell in love with it! They truly are a class of their own.

[@thomasd9237]

Firebirds are one of the coolest & most creative guitars ever produced. Excellent demo and playing ! ! Thanks for posting this :-)

[@bischteinjohn5998]

Firebird and Jazzmaster... both on my Christmas list...

[@bigbassjonz]

Tim, you are a treasure and I'm so thankful we have the technology today to get to know people like you and the magic you've created and been a part of over the years. You are a master of your craft. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@Zeptyche]

I’ve got a ‘90 Firebird V and love the thing. Feels amazing. Looks badass. Sounds amazing

[@juancoronado]

Ohh just fantastic. Love the song and the guitar and the improvisation!!! Majestic as always

[@ConkSMASH]

Hearing you play over rock just makes me want to here something heavier. I know you played the guitar for the 90's Power Rangers movie theme and honestly, your playing and your tone in that track is the sound of the guitar in my head for many years now. I'd love to hear a tone like that in a future video. More gain than you normally do. Keep up the great content!

[@bryanrulz3904]

Tim that is one of MY favorite Foo Fighter songs. That was a really fun video, keep em' coming brother! You are a treasure my friend.

[@NCtrailX]

Amazing playing, analysis and creativity, as always. Love your insights.

[@RozsaAmplificationLLC]

Very cool video Tim and guitar! The solid wood and low output pickups give you that warm darker feeling and like you said, can still get the goods from a heavily distorted amp and/or hitting it with an Overdrive pedal like you did!! :)

[@erikberg8352]

Great breakdown on the Dm/Bm, thanks Tim!

[@pkflash2004]

Great video Tim! Very informative and instructional. I've never really been a fan of the Foo Fighters although I like the bands that inspire them such as Rush and liked Nirvana. Great info on the Firebird. I always wondered what was different about the pickups given that they look like mini hums but aren't the same.

[@evancisneros2648]

this was my first American made guitar. I still have it to this day and love it!!!

[@hoobamalooba7401]

Really cool review and demo. I enjoyed it. Thank you!!!

[@peterhaywood4111]

Wow, this video was the perfect blend of instructive and super frickin fun!

[@coleschweitzer4851]

Tim, great rundown on the firebird and the Foo Fighters! I always enjoy your playing and that you explain the theory behind whats being played. Your desire to share your knowledge is the best! Now some times while listening to music, I have to wonder is that Tim playing on this song!🤔🤣😎👏

[@seancarson6481]

Love the firebird, got one myself back in 92' a very bluesy guitar.

[@brennankelley4932]

Allen Collins could make the firebird sing. Such a unrecognized talent.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Yep great player and he used a Firebird for the first 2 maybe 3 Skynrd albums before switching to an Explorer around 1976

[@frankdibiaso7336]

When you mention Firebird the only guitarist that I would like mentioned are Allen Collins and Jeff Carlisi the baddest of the Bad🤟🤟🤟

[@guitarrachannel7315]

But to us... any guitar you play sounds killer.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

You're the best! Love that FB, great find! I'm no where nearly as knowledgable with all this flat 5, flat 3rd stuff, but I'm listening and hope to learn one day! So, when these bands write their music, are they sitting around figuring out the proper chord, notes and key changes for the solos? I not talking about FF here, but some bands can barely get off the tour bus, much less apply theory to their music....or maybe it's all an act and they know all this stuff! Love your content and thanks for the education!!! A little sinks in every time I watch!! One day I'll be ready for a Masterclass!

[@Nightmoore]

To answer your question - and this is absolutely speculation on the part of a super fan - it's probably both. Dave has stated in several interviews that he sometimes starts with a melody or riff and often will grab his phone and record his voice with a melody idea (if he's not near an instrument). Songwriters generally fall into either a "chords first" or "melody first" camp. In reality, it's usually some of both. So Dave probably didn't start off knowing he was constantly bouncing between two keys in the verses, but at some point he figured it out. Dave and Taylor work up most of the song ideas for the Foo, then take it to the rest of the band to polish. Once Chris Shiflett got ahold of this track, I can guarantee you he knew exactly what was going on with the key changes. In other words: It probably started off with a melody (without lyrics), and they built the chords around it to make it work. But theory and music knowledge absolutely came into play at some point. You can't have a band like the Foo and not know a ton about how this stuff is put together. Those guys take the songwriting thing pretty serious.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

@@Nightmoore Thanks for the explanation, makes a lot of sense! Also for the record and to further clarify, my comment about "some bands", was not aimed at Dave G and other the Foo Fighters!!! I hear you on Chris Shiflett! I listened to his interview on ToneTalk. Great to get insight to him as a person and musician. Later!

[@ianswanberg2327]

Love the Foos and love Firebirds! I hope to get one 1 day. Great vid Tim! 🤘😎🤘

[@glenkepic3208]

Nice work, Tim. White FB V is pretty striking. The Johnny Winter "Captured Live" guitar. I was thinking this right before you mentioned him.

[@elenbrandt290]

Your enthusiasm is absolutely infectious!

[@josephperrigo7008]

Tim, I love to way you love to play. You still have that kid playing with a Marshall stack for the first time vibe. Love your body of work. You and uncle Larry are my absolute favorite session cats. Just awesome. Thanks!

[@kurtniederstadt97]

Thank you Tim, I love my FireBird, Johnny did influence my buy, headstock heavy, but, solid plank tone that sustains for ever, smooth neck feel that flows riffs and solos.

[@GAFloppa]

I have a 2013 firebird V, same colour but with steinberger gearless tuners and I've added a vibramate/bigsby. Killer axe and really underrated design. Only complaint is that the volume pots don't roll back very well. Not linear at all so they're like on/off switches. Maybe due to low pickup output?? Otherwise a solid axe with mad sustain

[@daltons30]

My favorite Foo Fighters song as well. Your solos always bring a smile to my face.

[@ApeLikeCreature]

Ahhhh, the Firebird. Such a COOL looking and sweet sounding guitar. And of course, you make it sing like no other.

[@Joe_Hunter]

I recently scored a1960 melody maker and can't believe the volume and resonance out of that guitar. I never gave melody makers a second thought assuming it'd be very limited in tone having a single pickup in the bridge... couldn't have been more wrong. Moral of the story, make it a point to pick up those guitars that you don't think will interest you... could be pleasantly surprised!

[@BTUllman]

Wow, Killer Tone! Love the Lon Chaney Wolfman sequence 😁👍 Another Great Video 🙏✌️

[@JeffMcErlain]

Excellent as always Tim!

[@RockHardRiffs]

I’ve never played a Firebird. Gotta check one out some day 🎸🎸🎸

[@johnvcougar]

WARNING: huge GAS day coming right up!

[@WillHessey]

Awesome video! You’ve inspired me to rush to the studio and play mine immediately!… 😀

[@PonySixfinger]

fantastic tone, sounds butter smooth

[@TexasJackdaw]

This is my favorite video of yours in a while. What a great and interesting song to solo over. BTW - your meter is freaking SOLID. Cheers from Texas ✌️

[@timpierceguitar]

Hey thank you so much for saying that! Yes I had to stretch a bit… anyway glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobmosher2637]

Tim Pierce, A 2013 Stock Firebird would have high output ceramic magnet pickups. They are definitely not low output.

[@timpierceguitar]

Oh wow, OK then... Thank you

[@napfusion]

WOW - GREAT SOUND AND GREAT PLAY !

[@fileundervalued]

Great video, as usual. My favorite latter day FF song, and it's super fun to play drums on too!

[@bschlegs99]

Such a great sounding guitar!

[@slydogtom]

Sweet stuff Tim. Really nice.

[@mikrosound]

Whatever guit or amp or pedal he plays...it always sounds so good...

[@sildz1027]

Awesome looking guitar you have there tim. Great playing too.😊

[@chriscarolan7340]

That was a wonderful video mate I was looking at firebird stuff and I basically have your same guitar but modded pickups. Lovely playing and worth the like and subscribe ❤

[@jamfactory4119]

Wow... I have a few low output guitars and have wondered why I tend to gravitate to them. I guess I've not gone loopy. I think the low output produces clean notes without amplifying lots of sloppy hand slapping, pick rubbing, spanking the plank sounds and gives a great pure note sound.

[@leftmyhands]

Wicked playing and tone !!

[@tdb2012]

Doesn't matter when I tune into one of Tim's videos I always end up learning something new. Lord I love this channel!

[@johnbatesowen9708]

Wow Tim just amazing on top form as per usual cheers

[@johnmac8084]

Sounds great Tim!

[@pjlangford1959]

Thanks mate, awesome as always.

[@richprincipe749]

Thanks for spotlighting Rope… it’s a great tune

[@midi1529]

It spunds so good. I'm so glad you made this video to show how a firebird works so well for you. I wasn't sure i was going to buy one as my next guitar. Yes JW had exceptional feel but that guitar sounds and looks like it playes excaptional. My next axe is sure to be the one I wanted. A firebird! FYI I had a plexi from LA 9n the 70s paid 250-350 from a guy in Glendale who said the 10 i saw in his burned out wet home were is practice amps lol. 220 watt Omg i want it back lol

[@sandordula5207]

We who love/have Firebirds are simply maniacs about them. Frenetic instruments. Tim is a giant.

[@claytonmcminn1121]

I used to have a firebird 7. Candy apple red with gold hardware. I sure miss that guitar. I had a bad at 30wt head with a two twelve matching cabinet. Snake skin... red and white. Sounded the best.

[@KristopherCraig]

Great sounding guitar! Eddie Willis of the Funk Brothers used a Firebird as well. So our I think our ear hears that tone subliminally through all those Motown classics as well.

[@rom661]

Johnny Winter's first album was like lightning in a bottle. Amazing. Still put it on from time to time.

[@kengoodman7719]

Thanks Tim - ALWAYS awesome! I appreciate it, and God Bless!

[@4425evergreen]

great great post! i will be back in class when covid allows. thank you.

[@williamdobson959]

Hey, some awesome encouraging riffs and guitar education x 100 with the Firebird. Thanks a million Tim!!! I have a centennial firebird. The sound is awesome. Hope to to be in a band some day with screaming guitars, blasting horns, keyboards and big time drums!! with Chorus singers, Alleluia!!! Praise the Lord!!!!Cheers!!!

[@hi13ts]

I agree, Tim, it's such an excellent guitar for the price. I have one from 2013 as well and I put a vibrola on it. One of the top 5 guitars I've ever played. I think the Firebird minihums have the clarity and sparkle of a lot of Fender-y single-coil pickups while backing it up with the gas and sustain of a full humbucker. It's the best of both worlds and is one of the coolest guitars out there.

[@maxpeck4154]

Totally agree. Mine's a white 2014 120th anniversary model. Not a particularly noteworthy year, has a few features that are not "vintage correct" (frets cut over the binding widening the playing surface slightly, output jack on the edge of the body instead of the front, a Nashville bridge, and Steinberger tuners) but I bought it used with Lollar Firebird pickups already in it and it is absolute magic. I love it. I replaced the crappy stock bridge insert/posts with Faber 1 piece posts but kept the Nashville bridge (more room for intonation adjustment) and in one small nod to Johnny Winter, a chrome switch tip. It's a keeper

[@Tonetwisters]

I was playing an original in the eawrly '70s. I LOVED that guitar ... it was a dream. These guitars are truly a combination of Gibson and Fender. And you can actually play on top of that neck pickup!

[@samcomfort6564]

Such an awesome video. Thank you

[@geraldtaylor1968]

Incredible Playing 👍🏽🎸👍🏽🎸

[@FlamaFlanga]

Have same guitar from 2007. Totally blew me away. Ultimate blues/rock machine. My Metro 68 and Metro 45 just sing with this guitar! Puts way too many high dollar custom shop guitars to shame

[@davidsummerville351]

Wow! Best buy you'll ever have. I'm jealous. Use it on some more videos. Sounds awesome!

[@johngregory7329]

Hello Tim, I really enjoy your videos. In my opinion you are if not one of the best session players of our time. On my bucket list I would love to be your bass player in a rock & roll band. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John Gregory Zepbass from Munster Indiana.

[@thormusique]

Love it, thanks so much, Tim! Btw, I'd love to know whether you have a favourite guitar cable you use? Cheers!

[@charliemoody7168]

I’ve always been fascinated by the Firebird, and you’ve shown off its tonal qualities very well - THANK YOU! Gotta say - as much as I see you enjoy playing it - and hearing it! - it doesn’t seem to sit comfortably with (on) you. My guess is that the bottom cut is too far toward the bridge…I would love to hear/read your thoughts on this. I enjoy all your vids, but this one is a special pleasure for me: I finally got to really HEAR what a true Firebird sounds like

[@timpierceguitar]

Hadn't noticed any discomfort but it definitely feels like playing a giant plank of wood ha!! And it is also neck heavy so definitely not perfect ergonomically. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@bimscutney1242]

I have the Epiphone Firebird and I love it. I’m a tall guy with long arms and I like the way the neck seems to stick further out. Just feels comfortable for me. If I play an LP style or Strat style guitar everything feels all crowded. Definitely has its own sound.

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

Tim, I have that exact Firebird with the exception of it being a 2014 with the input jack is on the side. I have had all the Fenders, Charvels, ESP's, and about every other maker since the early 80s but no guitar tops the sound of my Firebird. I don't know what it is, but nothing comes close.

[@bestboy897]

sick guitar sicker playing congrats on the guitar its awesome

[@Alanoffer]

Ever since the sixties I’ve loved the design of the firebird , and the gold mist bonnamasa épi has made it within my reach ,

[@descentintozachstrom]

Tim you fuckin rock dude. You’re one of my biggest influences when I’m gigging! So much joy in your playing.

[@ueillevx5027]

Great Video!

[@metalvenom3462]

00:50 seconds in I already know this is gonna rock! Tim rules!!! Have a kick a#@ day ( 4:21 ... watching Tim play along and as where I would want to hear my sound disappear playing in unison to the tape , Tim's playing is a tasteful new horizon to explore intent on not being an addition to what is already there sonically but how to cut thru the mix and take the lead! Inspirational!!! .... another update...(06:21)... With a laugh but no disrespect , lol I think Tim wears corpse paint when not on camera lol.

[@moochasas]

Love that guitar. Love your channel....stay safe.... greetings from downunder.

[@kojam1]

OMG!!! OMG!!! Not really a Foo Fighers fan. I won't write what it is I call them. LOL. But lately I've been hearing some of their songs in my head and can't stop singing them. Still not a fan. I did like this Rope song when I 1st heard it when it originally came out years ago. Never knew the name b/c I never actively tried to listen to it. I may catch a piece of it on the radio from time to time over the years on the radio here and there. Lately, I've wanted to hear this song but had NO IDEA what it was called. 2 days ago I searched "The Google" for "Foo Fighters song with different times signatures." or "Foo Fighters song that's not only 4/4 time." I wasn't even gonna watch your vid. I couldn't believe it when you said the title. IT HIT LIKE A TON OF BRICKS!!! Thanks man! I'm gonna buy a lottery ticket tomorrow!!!

[@DougMen1]

FB pickups are still mini HBs, except they have the coils wound around bar magnets, just like how Fender single coils have their coils wound around six slug magnets. A regular mini HB, like a PAF style one, has a bar magnet on the bottom of the two coils, which activates the non-magnetic poles in the coils.