Firebird

chris45

So there is a Gibson Firebird for sale at a good price near me.  I think the design is fantastic - but I am 5 foot 5 and the sensible part of me says I’ll find it too big.  Anyone else had a similar experience?

Teyeplayer

I’m 5, 6 and play one, but I also like 335s and people complain they are also too big for us shorter folk. If you like it, buy it and enjoy it -sod everyone else. 

shugz

I've 2 non reverse ones. They are an acquired taste no question and can feel there's a lot of guitar hanging over one. I'm 6ft1 as well. 

If you can try first that might be the way forward - certainly nowt stopped Steve Marriott or Angus Young playing big looking geetars from time to time. 

Doubtful but if you're anywhere nr Glasgow and want a shot of my two just let me know.

Cheers 
Hugh

victorludorum

It doesn't bother PJ Harvey.

dazzajl

Malcolm Young was about 4 foot 3, played a White Falcon and looked cool as doing it. It’s all about attitude, so if that’s what you want to rock, that’s what you’ll look right with

Shark_Eyes

victorludorum said:

It doesn't bother PJ Harvey.

Didn't she have a 3/4 one made?

chris45

shugz said:

I've 2 non reverse ones. They are an acquired taste no question and can feel there's a lot of guitar hanging over one. I'm 6ft1 as well. 

If you can try first that might be the way forward - certainly nowt stopped Steve Marriott or Angus Young playing big looking geetars from time to time. 

Doubtful but if you're anywhere nr Glasgow and want a shot of my two just let me know.

Cheers 
Hugh

Cheers Hugh - I am in Edinburgh and I will drop you a note if I am through.

shugz

No problem at all Chris - great guitars I think. Just take a bit of getting used to compared with Strats, Teles, Les Pauls etc.

Cheers 
Hugh

rivercider

My mate has one and much as I want to like it (interesting pickups, neck through body design, etc) I always feel when i try it out that I'm holding an ironing board or something. 
The headstock on his weighs a ton and dives like an SG, but it plays superbly.  Does feel like a long reach towards the nut though. I'm just over 6 foot so I feel like it should be a good choice for me but the ergonomics just never feel quite right, sadly. 
An Explorer, on the other hand, feels perfect on me. 
Try before you buy but great news if it works for you, Firebirds are badass and I wish I felt comfortable playing one. 

longjaw

rivercider said:

My mate has one and much as I want to like it (interesting pickups, neck through body design, etc) I always feel when i try it out that I'm holding an ironing board or something. 
The headstock on his weighs a ton and dives like an SG, but it plays superbly.  Does feel like a long reach towards the nut though. I'm just over 6 foot so I feel like it should be a good choice for me but the ergonomics just never feel quite right, sadly. 
An Explorer, on the other hand, feels perfect on me. 
Try before you buy but great news if it works for you, Firebirds are badass and I wish I felt comfortable playing one. 

I remember reading someone saying playing an Explorer was like playing a coffee table!

Never played one myself - too metal or U2 for me.

rivercider

longjaw said:

rivercider said:

My mate has one and much as I want to like it (interesting pickups, neck through body design, etc) I always feel when i try it out that I'm holding an ironing board or something. 
The headstock on his weighs a ton and dives like an SG, but it plays superbly.  Does feel like a long reach towards the nut though. I'm just over 6 foot so I feel like it should be a good choice for me but the ergonomics just never feel quite right, sadly. 
An Explorer, on the other hand, feels perfect on me. 
Try before you buy but great news if it works for you, Firebirds are badass and I wish I felt comfortable playing one. 

I remember reading someone saying playing an Explorer was like playing a coffee table!

Never played one myself - too metal or U2 for me.

My love of the Explorer came from watching Bob Mould use one live in London for Husker Du - so decidely NOT metal - back in the day.  Then I found out he normally played a V copy, despite the hardcore punk origin of the band, and was just using the Explorer as a one-off because he didn't bring his V to Europe.  

Sorry for the digression - the Firebird is certainly a classic though, and deserves an audition.  

roberty

benecol

You're the same height as Brian Jones, who looked amazing with a Firebird.



I loved my old Firebird. I've got a fair few big guitars (Jazzmaster and a Longhorn baritone), but the Firebird is a whole different experience anyway, no matter your height. It's like leaning over the fence to have a chat with the neighbours.

NelsonP

Firebirds are cool. The only question is, are you cool enough to use one. You don't want to end up looking like this.

FelineGuitars

Firebirds are really long is what most people notice . So much space behind the bridge

bbill335

My NR firebird looks like an unwieldy wierdo but it's excellently balanced and very lightweight (probably sub 8lbs in old money). The weirdest thing is how far away the nut feels but it's only like going between strat and an SG or something.

roberty

NelsonP said:

Firebirds are cool. The only question is, are you cool enough to use one. You don't want to end up looking like this.

Rock'n'roll is most certainly dead

Teyeplayer

Damn you, making me want another firebird now...seriously?!?!? Flipping gas facilitator.

merlin

PJ Harvey also was wearing heels, which may give the illusion of tallness and appropriate body:guitar ratio....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A29BMj3v86w

Teyeplayer

merlin said:

PJ Harvey also was wearing heels, which may give the illusion of tallness and appropriate body:guitar ratio....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A29BMj3v86w

As was Brian Jones. 

p90fool

They're big, but balance well. I find them much less awkward than SGs.