I have always wondered why the Firebird was not more popular with blues players than it is. A few blues legends have used it as their axe of choice: Johnny Winter and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown among them. Allen Collins memorable solo ending to Skynyrd's "Free Bird" was forged on Firebird as well.

The sound of this guitar is quite unique. The "mini humbucker" pickup is a sound unto itself. Anyone doubting the ability of this axe to deliver the blues ought to catch a youtube performance of Johnny Winter sliding his way through "Highway 61". It will drop your jaw.

I love the grit of the mini humbucker. It's gutsy and raw when overdriven; it’s tight and clear played clean. I play my Firebird V through a Fender De Ville 410. It's a good combination for the blues.

I have the vintage sunburst model. I love this color, however, the lacquer finish could have been applied with more care. It is quite flawed in some places. Unfortunately, Gibson does not pay the attention to detail they say they do. In spite of this, I am very happy with the guitar. Those interested in buying the guitar need to spend some time playing it before they buy. It has quite a different feel from most Gibson or Fender products. Playing at the end of the neck toward the nut can feel awkward at first. The guitar balance is neck heavy. That can be a real negative for some. This guitar allows easy access to frets above the 12th fret. I find it much easier to use than a strat in that application.

I have played the blues for over three decades; I am very happy to have this guitar. It's unique in both sound and appearance. It's a true classic. I often hear guitarist complain that the strat is far too prevalent and overused and they want something different. Well, if that describes you, then you might give this guitar a closer look. Joey Granada Hills, CA

This guitar is a combination between a Gibson les paul and a tele, it can deliver that bright tone of a tele but can hit as hard and as heavy as a les paul (those deep tone notes) as well as maintaining its own personality without the weight of the guitar breaking your back. I play everything from rock to metal and I can tell you this guitar is worth the price, The sweet Inlay frets and the weird body shape allow you to rip on those high notes that are kinda touchy on les pauls and other guitars. If your serious about guitars .. check it out

I bought a 63 Firebird V in 69 and giged with it for 15 years. Sold it when they werent popular played acoustic for a while. Got a new one Scratch and Dent From Musicians Friend. I have to say that I got a great deal! The reason for the 4 for quality is the pickups. They are notiing like the 63. The adjustment screws kept backing out and they would rattle in the body. The pickups ohmed out at 23k on the bridge and 15 at the neck. The original alnico in the 63 were 6.5K each. If you are looking for the original firebird sound you won't find it here. I ended up sending the pickups to Kent Armstrong to rebuild. He replaced everthing except the plate and the cover. Alnico 5 magnets, 6.5K at the neck and 8.5K at the bridge. This is now better than my old 63. The wooden part of the guitar is well made. Neck, frets everything is great. It takes time to get use to playing this guitar. The new ones are a little more neck heavy than I remember my 63 being.I use a 4" wide thin leather strap which keeps it from sliding. I recently got a new Bullet coiled cord that really helps offset the weight. The banjo tuners stay in tune quite well but the screws holding on the keys are always comming loose. Firebirds are not for everyone. They play and soud different than any other guitar made. That is what makes them special.

I've had my VintageSunburst FireBird V For about 2 weeks. It's neckheavy but the Sound and Playability is Awesome. I've always Dreamed of Having one since I was 13 (I'm 48 now) and Now It's Mine and I Love it. Musician's Friend treated me "Right".....Nobody could touch their Price and the 2year Unconditional Warranty Is Great! Thanks Guy's For treating me Right

I've lusted for a Gibson Firebird ever since I saw J.Winter in the early 1970's. I just purchased a tobacco Firebird V model. Beautiful piece of work. Great American craftsmanship. Comfortable to play. I love the smell of that nitro/lacquer finish in the morning. Screams with the best of them. It takes some getting used to. It's design is so radically different than anything else out there. She is a keeper! But... The stock tuning keys SUCK. Every thing else about her rocks. Be sure to get one. A true American Rock & Roll Icon!!!!