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

Birds

I spent time with the ESP yesterday, had the urge to play the Gibson today. And then played both. Must say I have a soft spot for this body outline, it's like a stunted Explorer but more muscular looking.

Very soon, I would be unable to handle the ESP Phoenix, this thing just weighs a tonne but it gives off an incredible sustain. It's also one of those non-LP guitars that goes well with a pair of '59s. Maybe it's due to the 25.5" scale length. 

The Gibson Firebird, on the other hand, is a Tribute version that is lightweight & likeable. The mini humbuckers there are supposed to be bright but they are simply midrange darlings, capable of many Darkthrone-esque moments. I was initially uninterested in this guitar till I hear it in action through an EVH amp. Gotta have it. 

These are guitars similar in outline but vastly different in feel & tone. One cannot simply replace the other just by virtue of looking similar; that's the worst consideration when weighing in on performance outcomes. 

Questionable crossroads

These were announced today; a collaboration between Clapton & Guitar Center for custom shop exclusives of his Crossroads Fender (Blind Faith Telecaster) and Gibson (Firebird 1). Each will set you back at least USD11K. We sometimes question the necessity of manufacturing such beyond-reach models but for the manufacturers, it really help them sell another Tele & another Firebird. I will continue to steer clear of signature models.

Slashbird

Is your bird on fire? You wish it was but you are on a tight budget, eh? Good news- Epiphone has an affordable take on things. It has the Slash Firebird in Premium & Standard editions but on a limited production run. Regardless, I wish you a fiery midweek. 

Gibson 2019- moving on

Some official Gibson announcements this Summer & the world awaits the 2019 lineup revelation with reasonable anxiety after seeing what the brand name went through recently. I'm not a keen Gibson fan but I respect formidable craftsmanship & Gibson is one of the forerunners in this aspect, no contest. The brand name chief made himself heard recently by saying the 2019 selections would shed foul features in favour of sensible appointments. I'm not highlighting the entire range but the significant few that illustrate repentance more than anything else.

The LP Standard HP seen here for instance, ditched the rubbish robot tuners for a more functional set of locking Grover units instead. The model also includes an internal 5-way DIP switch for more sonic options- thumbs up!. Potential deal breaker- richlite fretboard.

Happy to know that the LP Studio-Tribute model is retained & continues to offer no-frills features. The satin finish is here to stay & fretboard markers are simple dots this time. 

'New' for 2019 is the SG Standard Tribute. It's as no-frills as the LP Tribute but I'd say it's a re-named SG faded more than anything else. 

Last but not least in this entry, I'm super stoked to see this Firebird Tribute. I was in the market for an entry-level Firebird which Gibson offers in the mean time (Firebird Studio) but without a reverse headstock. Also, I'm not into that raised through body section which is eliminated here in the 2019 version (it was never a feature for the Studio version anyway) & the inclusion of the mini humbuckers is ace; it retains the authentic vibe. 

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.

Copperbird

A piece of Gibson news (from a non-Gibson fan); I'm definitely interested in this non-reversed Firebird if it ever gets here. It's finished in a non-mainstream colour which I favour. Also, the tuners are the non-standard type unlike the through-headstock version typical for this model. It's on a limited run so seeing it here is rather unlikely. Darn.

Gold bird

Gibson's Gold (finished) 50th Anniversary Firebird. Honestly, if you are GASing for this, is it the guitar per se or that wicked finish?

Body talk

 

 The above pic shows the ESP Phoenix II rear...

 

Its countepart, Gibson's Firebird, has a raised centre potion which is part of the through-body construction piece.

Skit-firebird-liv

I've been following Maniac's musical development since his departure from Mayhem; his new band is Skitliv. Maniac is one of the genre's thoroughly disturbing geniuses around, very provocative yet captivating. I'm also currently keeping tab of black metal/ extreme music's guitar proponents who are not using pointy, obtrusive guitars- it's not a must isn't it? Your music remains evil because it's your nature; satan doesn't live in your guitar (or your amp & effects pedals for that matter...). Maniac prefers a (Gibson) Firebird instead.