Those "mini humbuckers" are actually 110% firebird pickups. Inside they are constructed with the same "rail" construction and alnico magnets. Some people say they're better than the gibson equivalent as they make them different to how they used to be. The "probucker" marketing is likely just lazy website design as they are definitely not normal humbuckers.
Your comment deserves more likes. The Epiphone pickups are the ONLY traditionally constructed firebird pickups at the moment that are also the correct output (6.5k and 7k if I'm not mistaken). Other aftermarket firebird pickups are wound too hot to get the real sound, it's more like a regular humbucker at that point. In addition, you can order them separately for $30-40 and you are getting the EXACT pickup Epiphone uses, whether it's stamped Epiphone or not, it's all from the same factory in China. I'm not a fan of the firebird shape but I put the pickups in a flying V and it made it 100x more versatile. Forget prejudices, this is simply the best firebird you can get now period.
I tried out a Firebird the other day at Andertons. I was wowed by the clean tones both from the neck pickup on its' own, and from both pickups together. I was playing this through a Supro Delta King 12 Combo Amp - which is a great amp, one I thoroughly recommend. Needless to say, I am seriously considering getting one in the foreseeable future. *However, I do feel this is a guitar with pros and cons, as follows:* *PROS:*
1) THE TONE. The clean tones are full, rich, and sonorous. I am a fingerstyle guitarist who plays jazz and jazz-influenced music. I only ever use clean tones clean tones, and I cannot fault the clarity and richness of the sound from the lowest notes to the highest. 2) THE NECK. The neck was super-comfortable and seems to suit my playing style to a 'T.' 3) POWERFUL LOWER NOTES. The reverse headstock means that the 6th string is longer than normal (here I'm including both the speaking and non-speaking parts of the string) which helps to give a powerful tone for lower notes, because the string is under greater tension than on a conventional guitar. 4) LIGHT WEIGHT. The body weight is surprisingly light - nowhere NEAR as heavy as a Les Paul, or a Yamaha Revstar. *CONS:* 1) BODY SHAPE. The body has a very odd shape is large, and is somewht awkward to play when sitting down. This is not a deal-breaker for me, but it is a factor to be considered. 2) NECK-DIVE. The guitar suffers from 'neck dive.' *For me, this is of no relevance whatsoever, because I have a shoelace around the headstock just after the nut, tied onto my guitar strap.* But I understand that for many people this might be less than desirable. 3) IMAGE. The image of the Firebird is as an instrument used exclusively for heavy rock, with overdriven/distortion set to the max. And this is NOT what I play. In theory, I should be playing a 335 - however, I have tendonitis in my right shoulder, and the lower bout of a 335 is around 16 inches, which is simply too big for me. I realise that as a substitue for a 335 the Firebird might seem an insane choice - but for anyone who like me plays jazz, and fingerstyle guitar using clean tones, this guitar sings like few others. Reply
I purchased one of these and I'm very satisfied with it. I had to do some adjustments to the intonation, the string height was right on, had to adjust the pickup height also, but after that it played really good... the trick I found was you have to adjust your guitar strap to the longest setting that way the bottom part of your forearm is on top of the rear bout of the guitar that's where it felt comfortable for me 👍✌️✌️
That Epi Firebird not only sounds great but looks great! Great demonstration, really enjoyed it. This guitar definitely seems like a bargain at that price considering the neck through construction and all, Firebirds are such unique and cool guitars. I just picked up an older Epiphone 1963 VII model with the 3 pickups and Maestro virbrola, very cool guitar.
Hey the VII is a great guitar. Better than this one and worth alot more. I had one in early 2000s. Why the hell did I sell it. I have this one now but yours is better
Man that bird is flying high! Might be in the market for one of these muscle car guitars myself. To me living in the UK, these guitars just seem to have the spirit of the place and time they come from. Thanks for the video.
I’ve a JB VSB firebird I. It’s an amazing guitar with so many sounds in it. The pick-up is the same in the Epiphone Firebird V. From the Bonamassa site, "The "Treasure" Firebird-I is powered by the new ProBucker™ FB720 pickup, reconstructed at Epiphone to the original specifications of Gibson Firebird pickups from the mid 60s. Accept no substitutes! The ProBucker™ FB720 has two Alnico II bar magnets used as blades in coils along with a steel reflector plate to achieve the classic Firebird tone of the 60s. Because the DC resistance is around 7.85Kohm, the ProBucker FB720 provides a clean, brighter output with incredible touch sensitivity and a warm low end compared to mini humbuckers, which are used in most Firebird reissues."
Sounds good to my ears...i have both Gibson Reverse and Non Reverse Firebirds. So very underrated guitars in my opinion ...btw the Epi is an excellent guitar as well and i would definitely play it as well❤
Bought one last December. Had a good setup and it’s great. It felt weird at first but once I got used to it I love it. Upper fret access is a breeze. Great tones from thick and Smokey on the neck to super twangy on the bridge and all the guys I jam with love the tone and of course the look. It’s a steal for $600. Only downside is the switch is a little flimsy.
It's certainly a beautiful guitar! I'm still considering buying one and while I thought I wouldn't because it doesn't have the banjo tuners, you made a good point about them making the neck heavier. I just like the look, not so much with the tuners hanging down. But for the price I don't know how I pass. Good review.
The pickup fact is that when Gibson designed the Firebird they just purchased Epiphone. The mini pick ups with the two bar magnet cores were designed by Epiphone and used in the older Gibson Firebird. So it's interesting that Epiphone used that exact two bar pick up design and kept the vintage sound, over Gibson that decided to go with mini humbuckers on newer Firebirds and turn it into something else.
That is really good info! Thanks Jim! Honestly I'm not upset with the pickups in this guitar at all and may just leave it stock (other than the added strap locks because I put them on every guitar!)
I have 3 Epiphones so far, a 60's LP with a beautiful quilted top, an SG Modern Figured, and an SG Prophecy, I love them all, they all needed a little setup, and only had to tweak one truss rod, I had noise and static issues with one so I have lined the recesses with copper tape which fixed the problem.
I m very close to purchasing one of these,, as a big Johnny Winter fan growing up, that's much of the appeal. But as you stated the cost is affordable, but due to its unique design, my dealer said well you'll need a case and a unique stand and a plek job for $299 , which has now put my thoughts on the back burner for the time being. I've heard nothing but good about this guitar on these reviews or podcasts, 1 guy said he absolutely loved how comfortable it was while playing it in the sitting position. He said that lower bout rest right on your thigh and made easy 2 play. So I appreciate your take on that too. 1st time here and enjoyed the cast.
Hey Billy! I still highly recommend this even though I sold mine! Now that the market has calmed down on them you could probably get a pretty good deal on a used one and order a case after the fact! I didn't feel like mine needed a plek job at all. If you're patient, you can probably snag a deal on one that already has the case on the used market - that's what I would do! Thanks for watching!
@Tiny Cottage Fretwork they’re definitely mini humbuckers - specifically they’re Epiphone Probucker FB720 which are described on Epiphone’s site as PAF style AlNiCo II pickups.
Awesome review! I've been watching videos of the Firebird for months and finally bought one, and love it. Unfortunately it came with a crack by the nut so I'm sending it back for a replacement. Also in unboxing videos mine didn't come in an Epiphone outer box just a plain box with the inner triangular box being an Epiphone labeled box, wondering now if they sent me a used one. Ugh. I do love it and looking forward to getting one that isn't damaged. If anyone is not sure I'd say go for it and buy it!
I grabbed the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" ES 335 Blueberry Burst and swapped out the pups for Seymour Duncan Antiquity and a Gator tweed case $599+$275+$125 = $1,000 and a Slash Les Paul Metallic Gold top and put in Seymour Duncan '59's N/B $899+$150 = $1050 . The " ONLY " reason I swapped pups is because when I called Epiphone they wouldn't give me any info on the stock pups other than the name . They treat their pups like a top secret mission or like Bose house speakers were they never tell you the db or the sensitivity or anything . So I swapped them out to have a definitive reference point on what the guitar sounds like and what the new pups are doing . Either way , both after modding are still 1/3 of the price of the relative Gibson models . ( I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic Lite to ward off the Epiphone haters . lol )
I think these are incredible buys - even without changing the pickups! Cases/gigbags are personal preference. Some folks play at home, put it on a stand, and never travel with it. Since I gig 'em, I have to have a case so I got the Epiphone hardshell case.
That's the way to go if you're gonna get serious with it! No Plek machine around for me but once I got it dialed in, it became a serious guitar! Punches WAY above it's weight class!
I just ordered one a couple of days ago. I got the Plek as well..I’ve never had it done before and dont know what I’m in for. I felt like an idiot not knowing the exact action measurements that I want. I just told them low without buzzing and that I play blues, classic rock and like to “shred”. We shall see.
Great review but…… one of the best looking guitars anyone is ever going to see was out of shot!!!! Oh and I’m not sure about your statements regarding the pickups.
To be honest, this was long enough ago that I don't remember exactly what I said about the pickups, but since I recorded this video someone bought a set of the pickups in these guitars and has confirmed that they are true to original Firebird pickup build spec and aren't "mini humbuckers" but actual Firebird pickups! www.tdpri.com/threads/the-epiphone-firebird-pickups-investigated-take-a-look-under-the-cover.1141131/
Initially, I had concerns about the neck offset and size, a lot of reviewers have commented on how pushed out the neck feels at first but you quickly grow to like and even prefer the design. I have been on the fence about getting one, but the one feature that stands out is the through-neck design, the complete opposite of a bolt-on neck, a design I am not fond of, sorry Fender ;)
I think this is my next guitar. I want to put a Nashville tuning on it. I'm thinking about double tracking with my Gibson LP Standard 60s. I think this guitar will pair well with my Strymon Sunset.
"They're not that firebird sound" !? - According to Epiphone the Probucker FB720's are supposedly built to historic spec? I've been digging for more details (like an exploded view of the pickup construction)… Any more information to substantiate your statement?
I compared it in store with a friend of mine's Gibson Firebird and the pickups felt different. Was hard to really pin down (and especially now with so much time between listening to the guitars) but it could just come down to the construction. Definitely had a more compressed feel on the current production one.
I couldn’t imagine anything being better than the stock mink hb. Dial the volume back to 8, fender tweed, boss overdrive slight distortion.... it surpassed my Clapton signature series and my 52 reissue Tele. Absolutely out of sight.
Twangy! ha Super great vid, 40 watt! Dude. For some reason I'm getting wispy eyed. Very inspiring. I hear a hint of Clapton in there, baby. Five star guitar review vid , baby. Just saw Trogley's vid. great combined reviews. from Michael t Wyman former LA jam night host. 2013-2019. Recent Epiphone convert. Played Strats before. If you're ever playing LA we'll "come see ya" bro.
I thought these DID have the legit pickups and not just mini hums. Edit, I just read through some stuff on Google and I'm 95% positive these are constructed as real firebird pups whereas the Gibson models are using mini hums. The epi is legit
The only real info I had to go on was what Epiphone was calling them and they're calling them ProBuckers and describe them as a PAF style tone - www.epiphone.com/Guitar/EPIQZX512/Firebird/Vintage-Sunburst
@@40WattPodcast epiphone list then as Epiphone Probucker FB 720. From what I have read on forums these are firebird (the fb in the product name) pickups and not mini hums. If they were mini buckers you would most likely be able to adjust the pole pieces. I’d like to see someone pop the covers off and see.
Thanks for your opinion! I just bought one having seen them drop in price. It arrived the other day - Out of the box it played OK, but generally agree with you. I dont know what strings they ship with but something feels off with the factory set up. It's currently with my tech to be set up, and I'm hoping it comes back in a great playing condition because the thing sounded GREAT. What strings do you think Epi shipped these with? And what did you put on yours? I'm sure they're 10's that were on it, but they just felt a bit weird. I've also asked the workshop to sand the neck down to satin a little bit. I found the high gloss of the next to be a little sticky. But I think that's just my preference.
Great review. You mention that this does not sound like an original Firebird, but have you compared it to one? As @Benjamin Fowler and @Alan Thompson mention in the Trogly review I believe the Epi PUs are alnico like the originals not ceramic pickups as on the Gibsons. Not sure if same exact build as 60s FB PUs though as they had blades not pole pieces inside.
I didn't get to compare it to a full fledged Firebird but I did compare it to a Firebird Studio (P90s) so I really can't tell you much about the different between it and the regular firebird pickups except what I've heard in videos and heard others say. Hard to find real deal firebirds around here to compare it to but now I really, really want to!
Its ok cause neck thru is well made its pick ups, probably got swap lut replace so inching to a Grand, for same price can get 60's Epiphone Firebird with case. Which way do i go?
Personally, I'd go the Epiphone Firebird and case EVERY TIME. I love Gibson guitars, I really really do and I've even used this one on gigs without changing the pickups and think it sounds FANTASTIC. I'd highly recommend it (but get a good setup from someone you trust!)
If all this Guitar needs is a basic set-up out of the box , all frets are reasonably level ( no level needed ) seems like this Guitar is well worth the price . . . I havent seen 1 bad review of this Guitar anywhere . . . THAT SAYS A BOATLOAD
I mean I get it, but I can't go back and fix it and luckily not seeing it doesn't change the sound of it! I'll make sure to get more playing shots in the future
I see what you're saying, but even after pickup and hardware upgrades, you'd still come in a lot cheaper with this guitar than with a Gibson Firebird...though I did end up selling this guitar and now I have a Gibson Firebird :D
Those "mini humbuckers" are actually 110% firebird pickups. Inside they are constructed with the same "rail" construction and alnico magnets. Some people say they're better than the gibson equivalent as they make them different to how they used to be. The "probucker" marketing is likely just lazy website design as they are definitely not normal humbuckers.
That's good to know!
Your comment deserves more likes. The Epiphone pickups are the ONLY traditionally constructed firebird pickups at the moment that are also the correct output (6.5k and 7k if I'm not mistaken). Other aftermarket firebird pickups are wound too hot to get the real sound, it's more like a regular humbucker at that point. In addition, you can order them separately for $30-40 and you are getting the EXACT pickup Epiphone uses, whether it's stamped Epiphone or not, it's all from the same factory in China. I'm not a fan of the firebird shape but I put the pickups in a flying V and it made it 100x more versatile. Forget prejudices, this is simply the best firebird you can get now period.
I tried out a Firebird the other day at Andertons. I was wowed by the clean tones both from the neck pickup on its' own, and from both pickups together. I was playing this through a Supro Delta King 12 Combo Amp - which is a great amp, one I thoroughly recommend. Needless to say, I am seriously considering getting one in the foreseeable future.
*However, I do feel this is a guitar with pros and cons, as follows:*
*PROS:*
1) THE TONE. The clean tones are full, rich, and sonorous. I am a fingerstyle guitarist who plays jazz and jazz-influenced music. I only ever use clean tones clean tones, and I cannot fault the clarity and richness of the sound from the lowest notes to the highest.
2) THE NECK. The neck was super-comfortable and seems to suit my playing style to a 'T.'
3) POWERFUL LOWER NOTES. The reverse headstock means that the 6th string is longer than normal (here I'm including both the speaking and non-speaking parts of the string) which helps to give a powerful tone for lower notes, because the string is under greater tension than on a conventional guitar.
4) LIGHT WEIGHT. The body weight is surprisingly light - nowhere NEAR as heavy as a Les Paul, or a Yamaha Revstar.
*CONS:*
1) BODY SHAPE. The body has a very odd shape is large, and is somewht awkward to play when sitting down. This is not a deal-breaker for me, but it is a factor to be considered.
2) NECK-DIVE. The guitar suffers from 'neck dive.' *For me, this is of no relevance whatsoever, because I have a shoelace around the headstock just after the nut, tied onto my guitar strap.* But I understand that for many people this might be less than desirable.
3) IMAGE. The image of the Firebird is as an instrument used exclusively for heavy rock, with overdriven/distortion set to the max. And this is NOT what I play. In theory, I should be playing a 335 - however, I have tendonitis in my right shoulder, and the lower bout of a 335 is around 16 inches, which is simply too big for me.
I realise that as a substitue for a 335 the Firebird might seem an insane choice - but for anyone who like me plays jazz, and fingerstyle guitar using clean tones, this guitar sings like few others.
Reply
I purchased one of these and I'm very satisfied with it. I had to do some adjustments to the intonation, the string height was right on, had to adjust the pickup height also, but after that it played really good... the trick I found was you have to adjust your guitar strap to the longest setting that way the bottom part of your forearm is on top of the rear bout of the guitar that's where it felt comfortable for me 👍✌️✌️
That Epi Firebird not only sounds great but looks great! Great demonstration, really enjoyed it. This guitar definitely seems like a bargain at that price considering the neck through construction and all, Firebirds are such unique and cool guitars. I just picked up an older Epiphone 1963 VII model with the 3 pickups and Maestro virbrola, very cool guitar.
It really is a pretty incredible guitar!
Hey the VII is a great guitar. Better than this one and worth alot more. I had one in early 2000s. Why the hell did I sell it. I have this one now but yours is better
Man that bird is flying high! Might be in the market for one of these muscle car guitars myself. To me living in the UK, these guitars just seem to have the spirit of the place and time they come from. Thanks for the video.
Go for it! They're way too cool and I don't plan on letting this one go - maybe ever!
I’ve a JB VSB firebird I. It’s an amazing guitar with so many sounds in it.
The pick-up is the same in the Epiphone Firebird V.
From the Bonamassa site,
"The "Treasure" Firebird-I is powered by the new ProBucker™ FB720 pickup, reconstructed at Epiphone to the original specifications of Gibson Firebird pickups from the mid 60s. Accept no substitutes! The ProBucker™ FB720 has two Alnico II bar magnets used as blades in coils along with a steel reflector plate to achieve the classic Firebird tone of the 60s. Because the DC resistance is around 7.85Kohm, the ProBucker FB720 provides a clean, brighter output with incredible touch sensitivity and a warm low end compared to mini humbuckers, which are used in most Firebird reissues."
Bought. Set up needed. Plays awesome. Sounds better. No further changes necessary. Slide guitar heaven.
Awesome to hear! It's such a great guitar at the price point!
Sounds good to my ears...i have both Gibson Reverse and Non Reverse Firebirds. So very underrated guitars in my opinion ...btw the Epi is an excellent guitar as well and i would definitely play it as well❤
Bought one last December. Had a good setup and it’s great. It felt weird at first but once I got used to it I love it. Upper fret access is a breeze. Great tones from thick and Smokey on the neck to super twangy on the bridge and all the guys I jam with love the tone and of course the look. It’s a steal for $600. Only downside is the switch is a little flimsy.
The switch on mine wasn't awful, but it's an easy fix if you want to upgrade it!
Sounds really GOOD!!!!
It's certainly a beautiful guitar! I'm still considering buying one and while I thought I wouldn't because it doesn't have the banjo tuners, you made a good point about them making the neck heavier. I just like the look, not so much with the tuners hanging down. But for the price I don't know how I pass. Good review.
The pickup fact is that when Gibson designed the Firebird they just purchased Epiphone. The mini pick ups with the two bar magnet cores were designed by Epiphone and used in the older Gibson Firebird. So it's interesting that Epiphone used that exact two bar pick up design and kept the vintage sound, over Gibson that decided to go with mini humbuckers on newer Firebirds and turn it into something else.
That is really good info! Thanks Jim! Honestly I'm not upset with the pickups in this guitar at all and may just leave it stock (other than the added strap locks because I put them on every guitar!)
@@40WattPodcast Yeah I love the stock Firebird pickups. Thats the whole reason I bought one. None of my other guitars have this sound.
I have 3 Epiphones so far, a 60's LP with a beautiful quilted top, an SG Modern Figured, and an SG Prophecy, I love them all, they all needed a little setup, and only had to tweak one truss rod, I had noise and static issues with one so I have lined the recesses with copper tape which fixed the problem.
Blues is timeless dude. It’s not just for dads..
While I agree - lots of Blues haters out there 😁
I m very close to purchasing one of these,, as a big Johnny Winter fan growing up, that's much of the appeal. But as you stated the cost is affordable, but due to its unique design, my dealer said well you'll need a case and a unique stand and a plek job for $299 , which has now put my thoughts on the back burner for the time being. I've heard nothing but good about this guitar on these reviews or podcasts, 1 guy said he absolutely loved how comfortable it was while playing it in the sitting position. He said that lower bout rest right on your thigh and made easy 2 play. So I appreciate your take on that too. 1st time here and enjoyed the cast.
Hey Billy! I still highly recommend this even though I sold mine! Now that the market has calmed down on them you could probably get a pretty good deal on a used one and order a case after the fact! I didn't feel like mine needed a plek job at all. If you're patient, you can probably snag a deal on one that already has the case on the used market - that's what I would do! Thanks for watching!
@@40WattPodcast mine is in a FedEx truck as we speak. On the way to my house arriving later this week.
Wonderful! You'll have to let me know what you think of it!
@@40WattPodcast Roger that 40 watt
I got one (england) put in seymour minis, a Duesenberg diamond on a mounting plate and i love it. Took some time to set up. I love it.
I love the sound of this guitar a lot and great demo of it!
Thanks Jo! It’s definitely got a sound it’s own - I’m surprised by the pickups.
@Tiny Cottage Fretwork they’re definitely mini humbuckers - specifically they’re Epiphone Probucker FB720 which are described on Epiphone’s site as PAF style AlNiCo II pickups.
Awesome review! I've been watching videos of the Firebird for months and finally bought one, and love it. Unfortunately it came with a crack by the nut so I'm sending it back for a replacement. Also in unboxing videos mine didn't come in an Epiphone outer box just a plain box with the inner triangular box being an Epiphone labeled box, wondering now if they sent me a used one. Ugh. I do love it and looking forward to getting one that isn't damaged. If anyone is not sure I'd say go for it and buy it!
Thanks for playing appropriately on a Firebird
I grabbed the Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" ES 335 Blueberry Burst and swapped out the pups for Seymour Duncan Antiquity and a Gator tweed case $599+$275+$125 = $1,000 and a Slash Les Paul Metallic Gold top and put in Seymour Duncan '59's N/B $899+$150 = $1050 . The " ONLY " reason I swapped pups is because when I called Epiphone they wouldn't give me any info on the stock pups other than the name . They treat their pups like a top secret mission or like Bose house speakers were they never tell you the db or the sensitivity or anything . So I swapped them out to have a definitive reference point on what the guitar sounds like and what the new pups are doing . Either way , both after modding are still 1/3 of the price of the relative Gibson models . ( I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic Lite to ward off the Epiphone haters . lol )
I think these are incredible buys - even without changing the pickups! Cases/gigbags are personal preference. Some folks play at home, put it on a stand, and never travel with it. Since I gig 'em, I have to have a case so I got the Epiphone hardshell case.
Great demo. Sounds awesome. Really want one of these. Already have a LTD EC1000 series Pheonix, and it’s incredible.
LTD is a brand I've always heard good things about, but haven't played a bunch of them myself!
@@40WattPodcast I’ve played quite a few, and highly recommended them. Unreal for the price, just like your Firebird. All the best!
I want one so bad... I don't know, man, they just look cool.
there's so much good old fashioned "cool" factor about a Firebird! I have no complaints about this one whatsoever!
I got mine in March. Had sweetwater plek it Abdul do a custom setup and it sounds great.
That's the way to go if you're gonna get serious with it! No Plek machine around for me but once I got it dialed in, it became a serious guitar! Punches WAY above it's weight class!
I just ordered one a couple of days ago. I got the Plek as well..I’ve never had it done before and dont know what I’m in for. I felt like an idiot not knowing the exact action measurements that I want. I just told them low without buzzing and that I play blues, classic rock and like to “shred”. We shall see.
@@squawk3120 that’s gonna be killer! Let me know what you think of it after you get it!
I have one. Week later, i love it
I love mine ! Awesome video
Thanks for watching!
Great review but…… one of the best looking guitars anyone is ever going to see was out of shot!!!! Oh and I’m not sure about your statements regarding the pickups.
To be honest, this was long enough ago that I don't remember exactly what I said about the pickups, but since I recorded this video someone bought a set of the pickups in these guitars and has confirmed that they are true to original Firebird pickup build spec and aren't "mini humbuckers" but actual Firebird pickups!
www.tdpri.com/threads/the-epiphone-firebird-pickups-investigated-take-a-look-under-the-cover.1141131/
Initially, I had concerns about the neck offset and size, a lot of reviewers have commented on how pushed out the neck feels at first but you quickly grow to like and even prefer the design. I have been on the fence about getting one, but the one feature that stands out is the through-neck design, the complete opposite of a bolt-on neck, a design I am not fond of, sorry Fender ;)
I think this is my next guitar. I want to put a Nashville tuning on it. I'm thinking about double tracking with my Gibson LP Standard 60s. I think this guitar will pair well with my Strymon Sunset.
It's really such a great guitar for not a lot of money! Anyone looking for this sound should definitely grab one
Listen to Mountain Climbing, Joe Bonamassa
"They're not that firebird sound" !? - According to Epiphone the Probucker FB720's are supposedly built to historic spec? I've been digging for more details (like an exploded view of the pickup construction)… Any more information to substantiate your statement?
I compared it in store with a friend of mine's Gibson Firebird and the pickups felt different. Was hard to really pin down (and especially now with so much time between listening to the guitars) but it could just come down to the construction. Definitely had a more compressed feel on the current production one.
Greatstuff. I replaced the pickups with some from an Australian maker. Killer.
Nice! Which company?
D'Urbano Magnetics FIREBIRD MINI HUMBUCKERS! They sound incredible.
@@bnastali I saw those on reverb, so are they real fb pups like the ones in the Epiphone but they just sound better?
I couldn’t imagine anything being better than the stock mink hb. Dial the volume back to 8, fender tweed, boss overdrive slight distortion.... it surpassed my Clapton signature series and my 52 reissue Tele. Absolutely out of sight.
Twangy! ha Super great vid, 40 watt! Dude. For some reason I'm getting wispy eyed. Very inspiring.
I hear a hint of Clapton in there, baby. Five star guitar review vid , baby. Just saw Trogley's vid. great combined reviews. from Michael t Wyman former LA jam night host. 2013-2019.
Recent Epiphone convert. Played Strats before. If you're ever playing LA we'll "come see ya" bro.
Thanks!
Strap button was at heel and upper bout. They came with 3 buttons originally.
That I didn't know! Good info!
Great job young man! The only thing I would add is that these guitars make a great platform for playing slide. A lot of bang for the buck!
It really is a fantastic guitar!
Great review I think I will pull 5he trigger 👍cheers my friend
I think you're making a very wise decision!
I thought these DID have the legit pickups and not just mini hums.
Edit, I just read through some stuff on Google and I'm 95% positive these are constructed as real firebird pups whereas the Gibson models are using mini hums. The epi is legit
The only real info I had to go on was what Epiphone was calling them and they're calling them ProBuckers and describe them as a PAF style tone - www.epiphone.com/Guitar/EPIQZX512/Firebird/Vintage-Sunburst
@@40WattPodcast epiphone list then as Epiphone Probucker FB 720. From what I have read on forums these are firebird (the fb in the product name) pickups and not mini hums. If they were mini buckers you would most likely be able to adjust the pole pieces. I’d like to see someone pop the covers off and see.
Good review brother!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for your opinion! I just bought one having seen them drop in price. It arrived the other day - Out of the box it played OK, but generally agree with you. I dont know what strings they ship with but something feels off with the factory set up.
It's currently with my tech to be set up, and I'm hoping it comes back in a great playing condition because the thing sounded GREAT. What strings do you think Epi shipped these with? And what did you put on yours? I'm sure they're 10's that were on it, but they just felt a bit weird.
I've also asked the workshop to sand the neck down to satin a little bit. I found the high gloss of the next to be a little sticky. But I think that's just my preference.
Great review. You mention that this does not sound like an original Firebird, but have you compared it to one? As @Benjamin Fowler and @Alan Thompson mention in the Trogly review I believe the Epi PUs are alnico like the originals not ceramic pickups as on the Gibsons. Not sure if same exact build as 60s FB PUs though as they had blades not pole pieces inside.
I didn't get to compare it to a full fledged Firebird but I did compare it to a Firebird Studio (P90s) so I really can't tell you much about the different between it and the regular firebird pickups except what I've heard in videos and heard others say. Hard to find real deal firebirds around here to compare it to but now I really, really want to!
The Explorer made me a believer
No matter what I play I always sound like me..
That'll always be the case - gear is never a replacement for practice and technique. But gear is also always fun!
Great rendition of a Firebird... Good show, Epi and thanx for the screamin' demo there
Mister 40 watt...
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
I keep strumming the bridge and reaching for the neck.
I *definitely* went through some of that adjustment to it!
Do you feel this guitar is super light? I don't want it if it is body heavy and bulky
It's INCREDIBLY light! I expected it to be very heavy but it's lighter than both of my strats!
You made a mistake on the 2015 Gibson Firebird standard, it doesn’t have the banjo tuners, it have the Steinberger Gearless Tuners
I had actually completely forgotten about those steinberger tuners. Thanks for the reminder!
Firebird studio is not neck thru is it?
Correct, it's a set neck (at least the ones I've seen)
Its ok cause neck thru is well made its pick ups, probably got swap lut replace so inching to a Grand, for same price can get 60's Epiphone Firebird with case. Which way do i go?
Personally, I'd go the Epiphone Firebird and case EVERY TIME. I love Gibson guitars, I really really do and I've even used this one on gigs without changing the pickups and think it sounds FANTASTIC. I'd highly recommend it (but get a good setup from someone you trust!)
@@40WattPodcast ✔️🙏
If all this Guitar needs is a basic set-up out of the box , all frets are reasonably level ( no level needed ) seems like this Guitar is well worth the price . . . I havent seen 1 bad review of this Guitar anywhere . . . THAT SAYS A BOATLOAD
The newer Gibson Firebirds come with hotter ceramic pickups. These Epiphone pickups are closer to the pickups of the original Firebirds.
That's good to know!
I enjoy looking at your face as you play…
Tone!
Playn more higher notes for sure
The biggest shame is not being able to actually SEE the guitar while being played ...
I mean I get it, but I can't go back and fix it and luckily not seeing it doesn't change the sound of it! I'll make sure to get more playing shots in the future
What’s the point of buying a guitar and start upgrading it? just buy the real firebird and get it over with 😂
I see what you're saying, but even after pickup and hardware upgrades, you'd still come in a lot cheaper with this guitar than with a Gibson Firebird...though I did end up selling this guitar and now I have a Gibson Firebird :D
Blablabla...
I mean we all have opinions! Thanks for watching!
Watch another review then
Sam Salemi, exactly, what a dumb thing to say
All the stuff it's running through makes it really hard to decipher the true tone of the guitar.
Guitar. Amp. Mic.
Please.