looks remarkably similar. On the
cheaper end of the spectrum, the
Eastwood Stormbird is a more direct copy,
also in the non-reverse shape, with P90s.
The Ernie Ball Music Man Armada also
bears a strong resemblance to
a non-reverse Firebird.
s
Bas
TONE TALK //
X
22
ird
Fireb
I can recall my first encounter with
a Firebird. I found the reverse body to
be somewhat neck-heavy and it took me
more time than I’d like to admit to figure
out how to use the tuners on the reverse
headstock. Once I got that sorted out, it
had a strange sort of allure. Often times
I’ve heard players say they like to struggle
with a guitar, and I certainly experience
that in my initial encounter. However, as I’ve
experienced more, I’ve developed a love
for the two-pickup, non-reverse model.
Gibson, if you’re reading this, I would not
be upset if you offered a Gibson USA
non-reverse model in Inverness Green—
just throwing that out there. I’d be
happy to test it for several years to
ensure product quality.
rd
derbi
Thun
The Firebird is a unique guitar that perhaps
could be described as Gibson’s middle
child. While perhaps not seen as timeless
like a Les Paul, 335 or even an SG, it also
isn’t wild like a Flying V or Explorer. The
Firebird is the kid in school who is very
smart, interesting, and has an appetite for
adventure, but kind of keeps to himself,
so you don’t know what kind of wild
shenanigans he’s capable of until you
spend a solid weekend with him.
If you haven’t tried a Firebird, make it a
point to do so at some point in your life.
In fact, try as many varieties as you can. If
you find one you love and embrace it, you’ll
be in the company of Clapton, Winter,
Phil Manzanera, and Brian Jones, among
others (some guy named Paul in a band
called Wings). The Firebird has carved out
a unique niche among electric guitars, and
even though it may not end up being your
main guitar, it could very well end up being
your primary conversation piece.
The Fabulous Firebirds: Exploring Gibson’s Phoenix