Platypus

Gibson re-visits the Firebird by calling it a Platypus. That's right, this on-reversed headstock version is called a Platypus by virtue of its headstock construction; one piece, flat version which resembles the bill of a Platypus. 

Anyway, a non-reversed headstock Firebird had been done before - the Firebird Studio around 2017-ish but this one featured a pair of standard humbuckers.

Pics: Gibson

Gibson: Prices (domestic)

Selected Gibson 2018 models are beginning to be available here. One of them, the Firebird Studio, is seen above with its 2018 list price. The 2017 T version (middle) was $200 lesser. The 2017 'HP' version (blue) is there for comparison's sake- that's how much more you have to fork out. Back to the 2018 version, I have no idea if P-90 pickups cost more than humbuckers these days but that's how prices are to date.

PS: Gibson do not manufacture T & HP versions of the Firebird Studio any more.

Bird prices

Good morning, gear geeks! It's the initial weekend of the month. 😁 Anyway, pictured here is Gibson's Firebird Studio, a new intro for 2017. The price stated there is the manufacturer's recommended list price in USD.

This is the Firebird 2017 T model, it sits on  a higher tier compared to its Studio sibling & the manufacturer had reflected this in the instrument's list price. The guitar's through neck construction, neck binding & Steinberger tuners are among other attributes that account for its standing & price.

This isn't the case here in this country. The lower tier Studio sports a higher price tag than its T counterpart. Remember, I'm not the price police, I'm just reacting to some anomalies. More importantly, I represent the people at the buying end in keeping things in check. 

That's right, folks, you can buy stuff elsewhere these days; the world is your shopping complex. With Amazon opening its doors here soon (Strait Times, 4 Nov 2016), would it make the local guitar stores redundant? Something to think about. 

Not true

Every day, guitar geeks out there spend hours on end detailing gear. They take note of every possible detail, every irregularity, every variation, every inconsistency, every this & that because it's their passion. What happened over at a popular social media website featuring more photos than anything else (yes, you should know what I'm talking about) is about pride. 

As indicated above, the manufacturer wanted people to check out one of their models through that posting. Nothing malicious here, they are a commercial entity, they have every right to carry out a product promo.

What cracked everyone up was the fact that the picture was not a Firebird Studio model. I'm putting the right reference here for you to compare/ take note of. No idea what took place but an oversight like this one speaks volume about the amount of pride taking place over at the organization's commercial division. You wish others to embrace your instrument philosophy but you overlooked such a simple task. Hmm... 😶

Reverse vs non-reverse

Gibson's Firebird Studio- in-coming for 2017.

The Firebird Studio ver 2014. I agree- they should have left the headstock reversed, looks more complementary to the reverse body. Anyway, the 2017 version will retail for USD1,249 which is a very reasonable asking price.

Gibson 2017: More burning birds

By now, you should be aware that Gibson offers majority of its models in either the HP or T versions. The HP (High Performance) option feature some 'upgrades' in terms of subtle appointments which the manufacturer deems as value-added revisions much to the dismay of purists. The HP Firebird come 2017 will offer an adjustable metal nut & a more standard 6-in-line tuners as seen above. 

The Studio version of the HP features a non-reverse headstock + that standard 6-in-line tuners & metal nut as well.

Gibson 2017: Firebirds!

A strange time to let the world know what's new in 2017 but September it is for Gibson. Really glad to know the Firebird Studio will be one of the offerings. The last batch of these guitars didn't make it here so here's hoping for a better opportunity this time.

New for 2017 in the Firebird family is this Firebird Zero. However, it's a non-mahogany body (poplar) & features a pair of equally new DS-C humbuckers. This should be a very affordable model, the manufacturer promises a sub-$1K price tag so that's absolutely good news!

PS: We're into the final quarter of the year- yeah!!

Epiphone: Firebird Studio

I managed to test the Epiphone Firebird Studio today (@ Swee Lee):

• it's light, giving off much inherent brightness
• contrasting pickups complement each other tone-wise, you can dial in some of the smoothest neck overdrive tone from this guitar
• tuning retention: could have been better
• no ribcage bevel/ elbow relief hence lethargy inducing
• a little neck heavy