PSA: who was it that was after a NR firebird?

Teyeplayer

I recall that someone here was fairly recently on the hunt for a non-reverse firebird. I was just browsing guitar guitar and noticed they’ve a refinished ‘65 that they’ve reduced to £2799 -which seems pretty reasonable to me. Here’s the link if it’s of use to anyone: 
https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/pxp191018349990001--gibson-1965-firebird-iii-refinished-aged-white-pre-owned

Whitecat

well, I want one someday... nice example that too... but not a great time for new acquisitions sadly!

Teyeplayer

Whitecat said:

well, I want one someday... nice example that too... but not a great time for new acquisitions sadly!

Absolutely, I can see someone being able to make a reasonable offer on this if they’ve the disposable income -the latter might be the greatest hurdle.

guitars4you

I'm not a Firebird fan - More so because they just don't feel comfortable in my hands - But I think they can look cool - That is however the version I would hope to bond with - And players grade would allow a few tweaks if required - ie I'd re-wire for the 3 way switch to operate in a conventional neck/bridge format - Master tone - 3 vol pots (1 for each pick-up) so I can dial in the middle pick-up as required

Teyeplayer

guitars4you said:

I'm not a Firebird fan - More so because they just don't feel comfortable in my hands - But I think they can look cool - That is however the version I would hope to bond with - And players grade would allow a few tweaks if required - ie I'd re-wire for the 3 way switch to operate in a conventional neck/bridge format - Master tone - 3 vol pots (1 for each pick-up) so I can dial in the middle pick-up as required

The run of studio nr’s Gibson did a few years back had a five-way switch, was very cool. That’d be another option.

bbill335

that's v v nice and a good price imo. quality of finish would be interesting to see but impossible to tell from pics really. be aware that the neck on these are unfashionably narrow! 

guitars4you said:

I'm not a Firebird fan - More so because they just don't feel comfortable in my hands - But I think they can look cool - That is however the version I would hope to bond with - And players grade would allow a few tweaks if required - ie I'd re-wire for the 3 way switch to operate in a conventional neck/bridge format - Master tone - 3 vol pots (1 for each pick-up) so I can dial in the middle pick-up as required

i found that the mid pickup just doesn't sound good for me in any config so it's grounded out and i have regular bridge/neck 50s wiring with mine. 

guitars4you

bbill335 said:

that's v v nice and a good price imo. quality of finish would be interesting to see but impossible to tell from pics really. be aware that the neck on these are unfashionably narrow! 

guitars4you said:

I'm not a Firebird fan - More so because they just don't feel comfortable in my hands - But I think they can look cool - That is however the version I would hope to bond with - And players grade would allow a few tweaks if required - ie I'd re-wire for the 3 way switch to operate in a conventional neck/bridge format - Master tone - 3 vol pots (1 for each pick-up) so I can dial in the middle pick-up as required

i found that the mid pickup just doesn't sound good for me in any config so it's grounded out and i have regular bridge/neck 50s wiring with mine. 

That is probably the best bet - Part of me was thinking about bringing in the middle p/up to work with N or B as required, so like position 2 + 4 on a Strat - But I suspect in reality it won't function as required 

Hattigol

Looking at that Guitar Guitar one, shouldn't the pick-ups be kind of perpendicular to the strings? Or at least close?

Funkfingers

The strings are out of alignment. 

With the “lightning bolt” bridge, the idea is to start your own string notches with a file. 

It is possible that the bridge is fine and that the pickguard is off centre. 

Photograph 7 of 8 gives the impression that the neck joint is off centre by more than could be explained by shrinkage. 

bbill335

guitars4you said:

bbill335 said: i found that the mid pickup just doesn't sound good for me in any config so it's grounded out and i have regular bridge/neck 50s wiring with mine. 

That is probably the best bet - Part of me was thinking about bringing in the middle p/up to work with N or B as required, so like position 2 + 4 on a Strat - But I suspect in reality it won't function as required 

could feasibly put the mid pickup on a switching pot, but then i'd have to ditch an original pot (they all work fine despite being 55 years old!).