Why Was This Vintage Gibson So CHEAP?

[@dandamantk1]

Im actually the one that bought this Firebird. Its no doubt original and still has its original pots (which i got pics of from the seller before they shipped it.) The pots date to 40th week of 63 so its an earlier one. The finish is the original sunburst however it appears the entire guitar was oversprayed when the headstock replacement was done. I bought it with the intention of having my luthier put a better looking headstock on it with the correct raised holly veneer. Ive realized since owning it that is shockingly similar to JW's firebird V - same headstock replacement and straight across joint which is quite interesting. Overall Its a great playing and sounding guitar other than the typical firebird neck dive.

[@robnamowicz8073]

"When in doubt, chicken out!" You dodged a bullet there Trogly, the Firebird wasn't the buy you need.

[@michaelmoore7975]

@3:08 Could be that the spacing of the truss rod pocket on the new headstock is shorter than factory, necessitating those spacers.

[@PikkaBird]

That's what I am thinking for sure. I've compared it to a stock head...erm, stock and the hole definitely starts further away from the nut than it does here. Also, this one doesn't have that thick half-moon washer that Gibsons have from the factory.

[@christopherschullo6251]

The washers are because the headstock is too short.

[@joermnyc]

They resprayed the back of the entire neck black to “hide” the repair, because it also hides the walnut stripes (going off of the 2015 I used to own in tobacco burst the neck finish should be transparent brown like the back of the body.)

[@jeffbarnard9246]

These old firebird you got to know your history on them. I love the shape even the non reverse models. I have 5 of them all different years. I sold my two thunderbirds I had a 64 single pickup and 65 double. Now I wish I kept them in my collection.

[@pwallace5921]

I have a 65’ reverse and my dad has a 64’ reverse. My 65’ is the super rare P-90 transition model and my dad’s is a Firebird III, both have the same heel shape though. The back of that one looks identical to my dad’s 64’, just with a horrific headstock replacement. Hard to say if the parts would have been worth it without the cavity views etc….but the body and part of the neck was 100% Gibson.

[@jeffbarnard9246]

Awesome guitars, Sounds like you love them as much as I do. Your dad too ! Don't ever sell them there just going to keep going up in value plus they look so kool. Enjoy them bud.

[@fairguinevere666]

A butt joint (endgrain on endgrain) is less strong than a solid piece, but still very strong for something like hanging a guitar. The glue is stronger than sidegrain by a long way, however. Which is what you see for neck laminations, body laminations, headstock veneers, scarf joints, fretboard joints, etc. But just the perfect end to end gibson is doing is technically speaking subpar from the theoretical ideal.

[@guitarsandguitaraccessories420]

I have an array of guitars as old as 1968, and as new as 2021. I use the string swing "nitro safe" hangers, and each one has a "dead muppet" neck protector, it's this black furry kind of cloth that separates the neck from the holder. I had a new Rickenbacker hang from one and it left a mark. So to be safe I got the dead Muppet for all of them. No more worry.

[@georgeoh-well8116]

7:19 ' fear of the duck ' from the base of the Gibson guitar stand 😂

[@jeanpaulmare6468]

Please don't call them 'pups' . Ever.

[@stevewright107]

Gibson is trying out zither out of business. It's ok for Gibson to "borrow" an idea from someone but the shoe is on the other foot they get sued. I'll never buy another Gibson. Sold all of mine.

[@scarcam]

The III is the one to have because it's the only one with two pickups you can wrap tail and by-pass the maestro if you want

[@johnwinnard5589]

I do not trust that stand enough to hang $5000+ worth of Gibson guitars. I keep mine in the case, so I can sleep at night.

[@bluesrockguitar1484]

Yes, that is a real Johnny Winter signature

[@Tonskiislegit]

So with the nitro safe, Gibson said the reason why it does that is your stand has other colors on it so when you put you’re white guitar on the same stand it will burn cuz the other finish on said stand. Pretty interesting

[@flapjack413]

I would imagine that the multi piece stands are actually stronger, because you're going to have more long grain and less grain run out when they're constructed from 3 pieces rather than one.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Yah an episode dedicated to the signed, vintage 60s Firebird would be fun but even just this story was fun. Given poor proof of provenance, maybe $2800 was worth paying even with the outstanding questions with the potential value. But if you take a loss there would still be the video. It's always annoying when sellers skip providing important photos right off, but when specifically asked not providing the pot photos is suspicious since it's the only way to track provenance now.

[@silvernuggets1285]

That 80s explorer was awesome.

[@toneyisaiah3556]

Was the original head stock damaged?

[@TM-ev2tc]

You should try to review a Fender Meteora.

[@aliasfrequency]

If he could find an original one at a NON-absurd price I would definitely buy it off him.

[@ruffryder13]

Aw, man. I love firebirds. But, I gotta say. That head stock replacement was really bad and I like to actually play my guitars, so that truss rod was a no go. I mean a "scarf joint" that isn't angled is not a scarf joint in my book. It's a butt joint, and that style of joint in something made from wood is a terrible idea!

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

I think you did the right thing to give that Firebird a miss and not jump at it. The headstock repair and truss rod didn't look great. I think an autograph detracts from a guitar (even if I like the player who has supposedly signed it) .

[@jeremynebraska]

I love that SG Junior!

[@anthonycraig1458]

I remember seeing an ad in my local newspaper years ago for a bargain priced Firebird. Went along to see it and it turned out to be a Tokai (I think) with a bolt on neck. Sometimes you have to check these things out, you never know what you might find!

[@MikeE-]

The 65’ junior had a really nice fret board.

[@mitchelljohanson7793]

Dont get a guitar stand that hangs your guitar from the neck . Get one that supports from the bottom . trogly you know better . Use your common sense and dont put unnecessary stress on something you want to last .

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

Very cool explorer, but I’m 53 now so I’m a little bit to old for them, I’ll stick to my fender Stratocasters and Orville Les Paul’s

[@jefftopping8377]

That definitely looks like Johnny’s signature. I have a signed ticket from 1986. Looks a lot like mine.

[@vadenk4433]

Hey Trog you ever had one of the 1971 54 reissues? I had never seen one until yesterday

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Those Firebirds have an awesome design, albeit I've never known anyone that had one.

[@snapfinger1]

It’s beat to death strong evidence JW played it. Worth every penny as a wall hanger.

[@Gene_Cali]

Yellow SG saved the episode! 😁😼🎸. Mr Trogly sounds like Dr. Demento.😜 💯👍🏼

[@denverrandy7143]

Beautiful white explorer 87

[@longjohnlogan6178]

Honestly seems like something Matthew Scott would like

[@Forest_Fifer]

What could have happened to it to require a headstock replacement, rather than a repair?

[@steversowersphotography]

what kind of guitar stand is good for a Randy Rhoads V

[@jfoust7945]

Can use a regular stand but flip the bottom upside down to sit up higher... Just be careful cuz it could slip

[@steversowersphotography]

thank you I wasn't sure if they made special stands or not@@jfoust7945

[@JokersWild70]

Hercules

[@steversowersphotography]

thank you@@JokersWild70

[@juanmacaceres2702]

You should do another video with Robert Baker, he brings his vintage original and you show him your special color from the 90s

[@NelsonRodriguez_]

Should I get a Gibson figured top 335 or the 345

[@booitsnick]

That’s a Ibanez copy from the 70s

[@slapper2479]

Only if I knew it earlier……

[@WPAPi3.14]

You missed 2 great pu’s and case!!!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Z is for late

[@IZE83L]

It's never too late for trogdaddys sweet sweet videos ❤

[@rondobondo6600]

Wallmart

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Interesting! So cool on the "vintage" Firebird. Would have loved to have been able to see you tear it part but at the same time wouldn't want to see if it burned if it was a fake. Loved how you were already pointing out the things and warning signs like the washers on the truss rod etc... the single pickup SG was a cool piece as well, fun episode!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

I would've said " Hail NO ! " to that Firebird myself , not worth the headache , I liked the SG Junior , great fret board !...Thanks Trog !

[@ChrisHeadyYHWHworshiper]

Nah. That's stranger danger. I wouldn't do it

[@chrishansen-crowley3287]

Not only did Austin miss out on a good deal for a beat to hell Firebird, imo, we missed out on a great episode. I’d love to hear that guitar and learn a little about it with him documenting it.

[@hornsbykid]

Trogly you should do more unboxing of guitars.

[@cryptoesquire3168]

Only worth getting for the sig, if that.

[@ericolson326]

Please stop reminding us that purple Firebird exists and we don't own it. 😆

[@truthtorpedo99]

$200 guitar stands are hilarious. $50 tops

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Cool axe, awesome signature. The ‘replaced’ headstock would scare me though.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I have been shadowbanned

[@Trog]

nope

[@SexFunkMonk]

​@@Trog trogly I have to ask you why do you sound like you're eating in some of these voice overs

[@Mr.SeymourButts]

Shadowbanned...wth is that? Lol

[@SexFunkMonk]

@@Mr.SeymourButts it's when you ban shadows with light

[@Gene_Cali]

It means your messages are sent into the void and reach no one.@@Mr.SeymourButts

[@IZE83L]

Troggdaddy got a sweet firebird video after a crap monday this is what I needed

[@andye3684]

👍

[@ericolsen67vw]

Looks like the shiez hit it to hard. Yuck

[@playmobilevanescenceAmyLee8843]

I saw a Les Paul Custom was cheaper than that which was $200

[@zeusapollo8688]

Dodged a bullet on that

[@stratman9449]

haa...love to watch Trogly hunting the web for new "old" guitars......and yes....if in doubt, stand back.....there could be "friendly fire"....from somewhere....cheers..

[@samiam5557]

Looks like a basket case to me.

[@doe53]

Yo

[@WilliamHaisch]

I never realized the Firebird III had a wrap tail bridge. I assumed the Firebird I was the only one. 😊

[@Kahuna54]

I think it’s closer to a 4 to 5 k value

[@cherry.c0kee]

Caught you two minutes after posting! That’s one cool firebird

[@Kahuna54]

I think the pass was best

[@moedecker6426]

I have a V and a VII, you lucked out.

[@greghopkins18]

❤

[@hectormutton2542]

✌️

[@jackieohehir3259]

Yippee

[@shoyub0b]

why

[@neiljohnsen276]

That bird smelled fishy!

[@OzziePete1]

With a truss rod damaged, you can't just take the neck off and repair it. I doubt it's authenticity. If it's a dud, it will probably reappear for sale.

[@damianoneil1078]

I would not have touched this with a barge pole

[@MindFullCheeseburger]

fomo is real

[@jonjames1998]

Im so glad you didn't get this high risk junk guitar!!!

[@rondobondo6600]

Wallmart