When a Firebird & Telecaster Combine! 🔥

[@JS-nf1sn]

Firecaster.

[@zandig666]

I love my dimarzio vintage minis, not sure how they sit compared to gibson minis and FB minis 🤔 🤟🤟

[@jbourke33]

I put a Mr. Fabulous firebird neck pickup on my Squier Paranormal Offset Tele, and I love it! I wish I had the neck of this guitar though - it’s gorgeous.

[@haus05]

I always dig your jams ... so tasty and smooth .. you’re a beast my friend

[@hawg427]

You could call it a FireCaster. LOL I like when they do the crackling effect or whatever that is called.

[@danielgregory7200]

I am becoming a huge fan of mini humbuckers.

[@FreaquedeMusique]

I’m always entertained when people say clean sound and proceed to play with a nasty ass driven sound 😂♥️

[@markburrows1179]

That has to be the first light colored body guitar I have ever liked. To start, it is off white and with the dark neck it just makes it all that more attractive. Also, me being a lefty, I am extra fussy. I will be honest though. I would prefer demonstrations of any guitar to be plugged straight into a low wattage amplifier without any preamp, or effects pedals. Why? Because as a player this is how I measure the clean tones, then as everyone is different, we start by changing strings, then adding our effects, preamps, other equalizers, pedals and finally the higher watt tube amplifiers w/speakers. Then it comes down to switching things out to find that sweet spot for the genre of music one plays. For me, it's the Blues.

[@richardlee866]

That guitar and you were made for each other. Simply Awesome to say the least I love Firebird pickups There is a big difference From a regular mini Humbucker And a true To specs Firebird pickup. If that guitar plays as good as it sounds what more would a man need Incredible demo thank you very much.

[@maxpeck4154]

Exactly. I hate to nitpick but construction and tone wise mini humbuckers and Firebird pickups are very different and it's frustrating to hear Firebirds referred to as mini humbuckers.

[@thejoshbtv]

I love how dark the neck is. AlMost like rose wood.

[@scottmacphee35]

Shane, you are a great guitarist. That opening solo was amazing.

[@brbadge]

Yea.Except when he overuses the "scrape mute". He kept that to a minimum this time thankfully.

[@Donyourmom]

He might seriously be the best player on the platform.

[@nostro1001]

I haven't listened to the video..well I am as I text...but, I did want to say I've had my eye on their guitars, notably the Ostel for roughly a month, since I saw one being used on KZbin. I keep returning to their web page and checking stock etc. I'd like to support a local company and looking for something a bit unique. I'd likely want mine with single coils...I'm still a payment off finalising my last guitar purchase. 😂 Must say this does sound great...perhaps I don't want single coils. 👀 Thanks Vander and Shane for this. Very 😎 🎸

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Looks and sounds Great! But it's backwards! 😉

[@eltimbalerdelbruc1414]

I put a pair of Mr Fabulous Firebird pickups in my Squier Jagmaster and it sounds fabulous just as does this guitar. Highly recommended!!!

[@nujdimanahan2704]

Hotter tele bridge and firebird neck for sure

[@jonnykanesantos]

Cool when t style guitars do pickups but still have that 3 saddle bridge. Nice look. Plus it’s Gotoh so I think they’re compensated? And if not that’s a cheap upgrade

[@Slushpuppie55]

That Guitar has some 'Super Tele' Low Down Grunt with these pickups. The Driven tones were sweet as... and the Cleans pretty Crisp also. Neck looks amazing.. Great Guitar and well demonstrated Shane. Great Vid.

[@wfm210]

Shane your intros are great. You would make a soap box sound fantastic. Enjoyed the video and i like the looks of the ostel.

[@walkerkaeck7706]

This is stand-out playing dear bluesman. Really enjoyable!

[@intheblues]

Many thanks!

[@DoubleDguitar]

That’s killer and I love that they have the reversed control plate, a must mod for my Tele guitars. Nice guitar and very nice playing, as always.

[@Strodav]

Solid review. Nice looking guitar and I'll have to check out Firebird mini-humbucker pickups. My personal preference is a 6 saddle bridge as compared to the traditional Telecaster 3 saddle bridge. I like being able to adjust individual string height and intonation.

[@hello.i.t]

Firecaster!

[@donaldpniaczek572]

Great sustain

[@mmacandy]

Looking good :)

[@bradpoole400]

Agree on the missing fret markers.

[@guitarocd9984]

Where am I

[@DennisJPolson]

Sounding great, Shane! That Knopfler style riff at the end really brought a smile to my face!! Cheers!!

[@hutchfromba]

Good sounding instrument Shane. Great playing ! I love the neck and the frets. It didn’t look neck heavy either. Are they mini buckers ? Sweet guitar. Blues On....💙

[@SticktightAkins]

@intheblues Thank you so much for this video!!!! I love the sound of the pickups!!!! Are these D’Urbano Alnico 5 or Alnico 2 pickups?

[@genri.a9128]

Well the guitar's shape doesn't influence the sound. Just the scale lenght, pickups and electronics..

[@1515hockeyman]

As a telecaster owner.... That's a cool guitar!

[@64_Commuter]

very well done. Nice guitar. I believe Firebird pickups are more versatile than they are commonly perceived to be.

[@snottythe-snorlaxian4503]

the look of this guitar is spot on. the neck seems good. wonder if they make an s-style guitar. & how likely I'd see one in the USA.

[@vanderguitars6359]

I certainly can do S-Style guitars on request, and ship internationally!

[@michaelogden5093]

Nice neck. Needs some fret markers. Love that sound of both pickups. They need two things... fret markers and a U.S. distributor. Great review of a great instrument.

[@nostro1001]

It's like many small boutique manufacturers. They barely have the stock to meet even local demand. Like so many similar US builders they don't have distribution to Australia and you have to buy online if interested. Cheers.

[@vanderguitars6359]

At this stage its direct only, but we do ship internationally! :)

[@dhruvsolanki1581]

Love from India 🇮🇳 ♥

[@mougabo]

wow, i´m impressed, is that a short scale neck or a regultar fender scale neck?

[@vanderguitars6359]

Its standard 25.5" scale :)

[@vanderguitars6359]

Its standard 25.5" scale :)

[@jamalabdul2009]

This is a guitar I believe fits the mold of my next one: A lefty that blends different guitar shapes as well as a unique pickup configuration. Really enjoying the tones from those mini humbuckers and the overall shape is a fresh take on the Tele style. My big question is do they ship to the USA?🤔🤔 Thanks for sharing Shane!🎸🎸🎸🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@chopper4484]

Yep I looked on the Vander guitar website after Shane's vid & they both custom make and they ship guitars internationally but need to contact them directly.

[@vanderguitars6359]

Looks like this has already been answered, but yes we do ship internationally!

[@jamalabdul2009]

@@vanderguitars6359 That’s great to hear!! I live in the United States and when I make my next guitar purchase, I’ll definitely take a hard look at Vanderbilt!!

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Boy, I'd have rathered Tele pickups in a nice mahogany thru-neck 'Bird body! They're the best of that trade off. Instead you've got the highly ignored Firebird pups.. with a slab mystery wood body bolted to a neck! ..And it sounds great!

[@cass2771]

Really good to see an Aussie guitar being reviewed. Thanks!

[@danielthibodeaux935]

Amazing sounds from this guitar!

[@j.k.4584]

Astonishing guitar... To me, perfect looks. Sounds good too. Well done Shane.

[@alanknott363]

This guitar sounds really good, musically very versatile. It's like the Telecaster has evolved and into something more modern and versatile. Loyalty to the original Telecaster design will always make this a hard nut to crack but I would probably choose this over a traditional Telecaster. Thanks for the demo and as always your awesome playing.

[@joehahn8817]

One fugly axe...sounds sweet though!!!

[@Gorgamation]

i’m from australia i need this guitar so bad!

[@strawsparky33]

That first sound clip is total frusciante vibes

[@EdwinvdWel]

sounds like a dutch owner company

[@KenithCopeland]

stumbled across this video as the guy who made these pickups is making me a set of beefy p90's. great video mate

[@auntjenifer7774]

I thunk the Gibson firebird s zero was a Tele mixed with the bird !?

[@scottw1446]

Shane, that's one of the best sounding axes you've had on the show. Don't know if it's the recording but for such a hot set of pups it retains clarity. You should see if you can keep that one.

[@DMSProduktions]

FB are not really that hot!

[@CBGypsy03]

That tele- bird wants out of her cage!

[@oqsy]

Sounds great and looks awesome!

[@jr0706]

This is a such a tasty jam. Those FB pups sizzle.

[@dongonzulman6478]

reminds me of a TALMAN

[@biggstile]

Sounds sweet and can do a lot.

[@KevinMillard68]

thats pretty cool man

[@autosmiley1532]

Firebirds pickups are NOT mini-humbuckers, not really (at all)... The only point in common is their look. So => what is that pickups please ?? 🙏

[@oldasrocks9121]

Firebird pickups are sidewinder humbuckers: two coils wound around two blade magnets on edge.

[@barukpj6020]

I like it

[@calfb]

I had Dave @ Vander Guitars make me an S type guitar with the same body wood and roasted neck made to my profile specs. It's become my daily player, great guitar.

[@yaguitar]

That is lovely! Sounds and looks amazing mate. Suits you as well.

[@AndyDion]

Looks and sound great Nice playing Shane! 🤘

[@simonsmith2642]

I love Firebird (not mini hums) pickups, I have one in the neck of my Tele, and Im always on the neck. They have become my favorite pickups. Had my made by Odezza, and I vouch for his pickups theyre good. Im actually debating on a 3 firebird pickup configuration on my strat. They are amazing sounding, with a boost its smooth round and clear, full bluesy classic rock tone, that cleans up real nice, and still has the clarity and sparkle. They arent like mini humbuckers, true firebird pickups are really special. Ive never heard of that guitar maker but I will check them out.

[@DMSProduktions]

GR8 sounding axe Shane! FB pick ups are seriously underrated! Chimes and crunches with the best of them!

[@akwamarsunzal]

Nice mate! I recently put some "hot" P90 style pups into my Tele along with a 4 way switch! Has completely transformed the guitar! Mini Humbuckers... Nice modding idea ;-)

[@shanewalton8888]

Nice looking guitar, but I still need me some fret markers. I guess you can get after-market fret marker stickers however.

[@lef-tone]

Great to discover this channel, with a lefty player 😉 Really cool !!

[@nathanmclauchlan5148]

Nice guitar & intro song. I have wondered what mini humbuckers in a Tele style guitar would sound like, now I know & love it

[@stephanematis]

Quite lovely design. Pretty much contains all the features I love. And I like "light" relicking, especially if the colour is white ... nice! Whoooo indeed! PS Checked the website and I love the style and options.

[@magfedacex]

I think John 5 would dig this. And expect Fender to wanna try and cop this

[@cironicholas526]

Love the reversed control plate, for that crazy Gregory Kochery Shittery

[@avjake]

The neck pickup sounds very jazzy. Some cool unusual tones on a Tele style and it seems like sustain for days. Nice rig.

[@davidflint12]

Nice guitar. Love that neck. I have a Firebird and love the clarity of mini humbuckers

[@pskemster]

No fair mate! You could make a popsicle stick sound great..and that beautiful Guitty is surely no exception. Those bird pickups sound absolutely stellar. And reclaimed wood is a winner already in my book! A big cheers to ya! Super coudo’s to that Aussie company. Hope to be hearing A lot more from these Blokes for sure. Be safe and stay well! Cheers!

[@rohanm8526]

Love the locally-made option; thanks for the review. I was thinking of getting an Epi Firebird - maybe I should consider something from Vander instead (not that I actually need another guitar). I need fretboard inlays, though. Even missing the dots on the side of the neck throws me out.

[@frederickpfeiffer9276]

B3 Guitars first originated the blend of styles

[@dragan4658]

Love the neck! Roasted Maple is the new thing, everybody's doing it! Sweet sounds and a smooth delivery as usual!

[@dragan4658]

@Jon Oz I agree, satin finish is the way to go. I had a Pacifica with a satin neck and it felt better than other guitars that were 3x the price.

[@daddyosink4413]

@@dragan4658 I found a beat up Pacifica 212(?) sticking out of a dumpster. No hardware, just a body and neck. I spent a few days with digging through my parts drawers and giving it some love. It is a REALLY nice instrument, I play it more than my "high end" guitars.

[@dragan4658]

@@daddyosink4413 haha I know, mine was a 012 and Ide play it more than others that are 2x the price lol. I just passed up a Pacifica tele, and previously a Peavey tele, kicking myself both times.

[@daddyosink4413]

@@dragan4658 oooooh noooooo! Those old Peavey guitars are GOLD!

[@dragan4658]

@@daddyosink4413 okay enuff already, I kick myself everyday hahaha

[@chopper4484]

Such a great sounding guitar, firebird pickups are different in a great way. The subtle relicing looks nice as does the dark neck. The Mary Kaye-esque Estel on their website looks amazing. That lefty won’t last long after this video and Mr Vander might be very busy after this video custom making guitars with identical specs. They ship internationally!

[@stevewhiteley9249]

Nice! Messing with classics doesn't always work but that looks 'right' and it sounds awesome.

[@scottreynolds6317]

Wow! That neck!!! It almost looks like a rosewood neck it’s so dark.

[@shanewalton8888]

Great Jam as always, Shane. Those Minis really rock.

[@brantsky]

Nice! I love Firebird pickups and I really like it when they're an option in other body shapes.

[@Buragwit]

I guess If the bridge is a tele and the neck is a firebird with a pickguard i think it would be epic

[@MrSimhacker]

Great Idea man. That sounds excellent!

[@gvp]

Cool guitar, sounds great! Thanks for the demo!

[@traceyoungs1637]

Wow that guitar sounds great! I'm impressed👍

[@boogerz]

that guitar sounds great. nice guitar playing too!

[@chullysanders]

Geez, that's a perfect guitar! Look and tone.

[@MarkanthonyChester]

The Firebird I never knew I needed.... Damn it!

[@lincolnjohnson6511]

Love it!! Something a bit different!

[@rafalvarezsevilla]

which pickups exactly are you using?

[@jaseyraw8843]

Aussie maker Mr Fabulous

[@rafalvarezsevilla]

@@jaseyraw8843 nice man, thx!

[@cowhidemusic8904]

Looks like I need one more guitar.....🤩

[@jimm8594]

Looks like a tele that’s been left outside in the sun too long 😉

[@OnTheFritz602]

That's a sweet guitar right there, love the neck!

[@guitarocd9984]

Tell them to put the Vintage tuners on there.

[@cheycasters]

That is a good looking guitar for sure.

[@judodadof3]

sounds great !

[@JaniceLalla]

Sounds good!!

[@beachboy821]

Buy it!

[@larryg.overton2951]

"Ostel"?!? Bad choice on the name, IMHNAO (in my humble non-Aussie opinion). For one thing, if the waist on the body is "offset," it's just barely. And I have to wonder if those pickups are truly made according to vintage Firebird specs, but then, Gibson isn't making them like they used to these days, either. Oh, well, the guys in Vander's R&D didn't ask my opinion, so what do I know? About the pickups, maybe your settings on the amp had something to do with it, but even your "clean" tone had a bit of hair on it. Not saying that's a bad thing; just sayin'. Oh, and I too like the 3-saddle/chopped tele style bridge plate. Personally, I would never pay a penny more for fake wear and tear on a guitar. In fact, a builder would have to discount the price to even hope to coax me into buying. That said, the finish on that one is almost translucent, you can see the hint of the woodgrains through the white blonde (or whatever color they call it) finish. I like that. Not much chance of this Texas boy ever getting the chance to play a Vander, much less pull the trigger on one. But, hey, cheers to Vander and good for Australians. A good review, Shane!

[@Eywadude]

It's unfortunate people constantly confuse Firebird and mini humbuckers to be the same thing, but they ARE different pickups! It's not just that one has adjustment screws (mini humbuckers) and one doesn't (Firebird pickups). Here are the main differences... 1. Number of magnets: The mini humbucker has one magnet underneath the bobbins of the pickup, just like a regular P.A.F. or any other full-sized humbucker. However, the Firebird pickup has TWO magnets that are inserted INSIDE the bobbins on each side. This is also the reason why the Firebird pickup does not have adjustment screws like a mini humbucker, because the magnets are in the way of where the screws would normally be on a mini or full-sized humbucker. 2. Magnet orientation: In a mini humbucker, the magnet is placed flat at the bottom of the pickup between the bobbins and the bottom plate. However, the magnets in the Firebird pickup are oriented 90 degrees and are stood on edge inside the bobbins, just like a rail pickup. In addition to having two magnets inserted into each bobbin, the orientation of the magnets alone is one of the biggest differences between Firebird pickups and mini humbuckers. 3. Magnet dimensions: The magnet in a mini humbucker is 2.31" long, 0.485" wide and 0.124" thick. Whereas each magnet inside the bobbins of a Firebird pickup are 2.02" long, 0.316" wide and 0.122" thick. This also contributes to their difference in sound. 4. Magnet gauss (magnet strength): The magnet of the mini humbucker has a gauss of 25, but the magnets of Firebird pickups are only gaussed to a factor of 15, which is also responsible for the brighter/different sound they tend to produce over mini humbuckers. 5. Ferrous metal bar: Just like full-sized humbuckers, the mini humbucker has a ferrous metal bar underneath where the pole adjustment screws pass through to help magnetize them. The Firebird pickup does not have a ferrous metal bar underneath since there are no adjustment screws (again, because the magnets inside the bobbins prevent the use of screws). With no ferrous bar inside the Firebird pickup, this also affects the tone. 6. Coil wire: The mini humbucker is wound with 42 gauge plain enamel wire, but the Firebird pickup is made with 42 gauge poly wire. This also affects tone. 7. Bottom plate: Both are made of nickel silver, but the mini humbucker's plate has a thickness of 0.031" and the Firebird has a bottom plate thickness of 0.035". While this may seem like an extremely minor difference of only a few thousandths of an inch, it's still a 13% difference of thickness. In addition, there are also very minor differences in E to E spacing, as well as pickup cover length, width and height. Firebird pickups are also typically mounted in a unique rectangular metal ring, as opposed to mini humbuckers that are usually mounted in a plastic ring; with the original-style ring that was adapted to be used in P-90-sized pickup routings at the time when Gibson's mini humbuckers were released in 1968-'69. Not to say these last few things make a huge difference in tone, but in addition to all the other differences in construction, it just goes to show there ARE several differences. It seems the vast majority of people on the internet assume that Firebird and mini humbuckers are the "same" pickup, but they are not AT ALL, and the construction differences of the Firebird pickup are what make them uniquely different. It's unfortunate more people don't know the differences between the two and it just drives me insane every time someone calls a Firebird pickup a "mini humbucker", because it isn't! As I have shown, the two are uniquely different. A mini humbucker is one type of pickup and a Firebird pickup is a completely separate and unique type of pickup. I'm not reprimanding anyone, but just sayin'. lol Other than that, great video as always though, Shane! 😁 That guitar sounds awesome! Particularly with the tone rolled off. I really dig the "cocked wah" sounds it has! Cheers.

[@guitarocd9984]

So what are you trying to say. LOL

[@Eywadude]

@@guitarocd9984 Well, if you read all the differences between the two and still think they are the "same" pickup, then I can't help you. lol

[@andrewksadventures]

Thaks for the info. What I want to know is if they still cancel 60 cycle hum? I'm assuming they do due to the setup of magnet rows mentioned.

[@Eywadude]

@@andrewksadventures You're welcome. No, there isn't any hum. It's still a humbucking design with two magnets of opposing polarity and oppositely wound coils in each bobbin, so it cancels the hum. The Firebird pickup is a humbucker, just with different construction which uniquely separates it from the mini humbucker by design. Cheers.

[@andrewksadventures]

@@Eywadude Aha, good to know. Thanks for the reply.

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

I took the liberty of accustoming oneself with the Vander Guitars link below, as per your suggestion Shane, and may I say now that's wtf I'm talkin' about mate! Wicked guitars indeed; Vanders sound look & likely feel great? Attention to detail & quality for under 2-grand (shhhh! the better-half lurks nearby, so for my own personal safety I'll keep the transactional part dark, she'll have kittens). Summoning up the required courage like a knight before a joust, or a paratrooper on D-Day, I just found the guts to beg my wife, Sarah to peruse this guitar site Vander with me? Intent on convincing her to graciously permit such a whimsical frivolity but life-saving purchase? To which assent would infer my eternal obligation toward providing free on-demand massages, chocolate at least 3 times a week & my soul spirit aura life-blood & very chakra karma & eternal rulership over my infinite consciousness 'til the universe stops expanding at least, quite possibly much much longer than that if I know her?!.. that's all. Piece of piss... After showing her, Sarah my wife, the Vander site & confidently but charmingly as possible in my smoothest voice cajoled her to assent to acquiring the shell-pink Ostel..? ...time-froze not a creature stirred nor zephyr blew a pin-drop was audible & even crickets ceased incessantly chirruping & I dared not breathe, feeling like a condemned prisoner, I turned to stone awaiting her medusal reply or in some alternate-reality agreement & 'here's 10 grand buy half a dozen, knock yourself out'.. and a big kiss.. that wasn't lookin' much chop just this minute. Had I just made a fatal error of stupidity? Sarah leans over my computer chair, tits into my scapula & looked hard & long, inquisitively & closely perusing the Vander site, I might stand a snowball's hope in hell, still? Her pacific visage seemed to age, hag-like?!, I watched in abject terror as her face darkened thunderclaps rang the skies stormed with hurricane force & deluged down torrents of rain the cat hissed at me & tore like rocket off under the lounge, the dogs were going bananas in the paddock & I swear I saw a flying monkey do an Immelmann out my studio window! I cringed & recoiled in desperation fright & began to panic. I was doomed! I had Buckleys chance of a yes, my life was over now, and in this almost slowmotion D-grade horror movie, Sarah gutterally produced a terrifying demonic virtually possessed snarl 'Aaare you quite f-ing insane, Matthew!?. this was not a question either. "Hell will freeze before you get that guitar, how dare you even mention it Matt you pig, it's disgusting!' I was a dead-man walking & was looking forward to the dog-box & RSI of the wrist in a lonely bleak future... 'There is no way in the world you're gettin' that thing!...' Sarah cruelly spat like a cobra into my bewildered desperate shivering face, ...' get the gold one you idiot, the pink one is as camp as a jamboree, and pink doesn't suit you!'.. she tortured me with as the re-newed apple-of-my-eye floated like swan from my study/studio/bong/computer/music & art room to make some fish-fingers, her specialty! Now that reminds me why we fell in love 21 years ago! U bloody beauty haven't had a win since Durbridge won the Doncaster ffs, about time... Thanks for this review Shane & all you do for guitarcheologists world-wide. Peace, respect everyone regardless always & be nice to the missus - it pays. Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central QLD.