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Vintage Firebird comparison

Tim's Guitars

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2015
Messages
81
I'm in the market for a vintage '63-65 reverse Firebird; realistically looking at a FBIII; but happened to come across a VII that I thought I would try. I was not expecting much from it based on what I've read from others being the poor relation of the FB line; and have to say I was really pleasantly surprised....to the extend I am now thinking of going for the VII.

It wasn't too heavy; had been refretted (so was playable), and the middle out-of phase quack position felt a lot more usable on the VII than I've come across with late 50s LP Customs with little/if any volume reduction.

Anyway was keen to get people's thoughts on a FB I vs III vs V vs VII tonally; and how others find them...below my surprised face with the said FB!


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latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
Assuming everything is original (cant tell in this photo), that looks to be in very fine condition, and as you will know these are a rare beast...in any condition.

I have a ‘64 III which is one of the most resonant, expressive guitars I own (admittedly, it has a full size humbucker in the bridge....:eek:la). The only thing I have trouble with sometimes is the wide string spacing on the lightning bridge. Not something you need to worry about with an ABR. Mind you, these have a wide neck anyway...just be happy that that is OK for your style. Oh, and the middle pickup on these can be annoying to play/strum with....but sounds like you know about this with your reference to a LP Custom 3PU. This won’t help, but I prefer my III to the VII I’ve played...it just felt more “solid”.

Good luck!
 

Tim's Guitars

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2015
Messages
81
It is all original and in very fine condition; I think my surprise was I wasn't expecting it to play or sound like much. Based on what I've read most people seem to think the VII is all show and not much go!

I've heard that the III can sound a little more meaty/hotter...a bit like a LP Jr whereas the V &, VII can are a little more transparent; not quite as hot. I am assuming that's partly down to the ABR...but curious the same model with slightly different trim can sound so different. I've never played a V so wonder how the Ebony comes in to the tonal equation and of course that extra pickup adding yet another magnet to dampen the strings!

I've played a few IIIs in the past; but I haven't picked one up for at least 10 years so it's hard to be sure what is memory vs what I read!
 

AA00475Bassman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,769
Firebird's are fantastic ,preference of model is so subjective , I own several Historics 111 - V love these guitars . My Les Pauls take a back seat to my Firebird's !
 

RocknRollShakeUp

Active member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
766
The firebird VII.. isn't that the one that Brian Jones had? One of the coolest looking guitars ever..and if it plays well, sounds well, hangs well...and you can afford it..get it!
 

TM1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
The firebird VII.. isn't that the one that Brian Jones had? One of the coolest looking guitars ever..and if it plays well, sounds well, hangs well...and you can afford it..get it!
Keith had one too. He gave it to Dave Hassinger. It was the lead guitar on Satisfaction! Dave had to EQ. the shit out of it to sound full/fat on that track..
 

lpnv59

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
10,725
I’ve had two F1’s, two F3’s and one F7. The 7 was the worst sounding but really beautiful. I love the way a sunburst F7 looks. The last F1 I had and a cardinal red 3 were my favorite for tone. The combination bridge tailpiece fills it out a bit.
 

JJ Blair

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Messages
3,462
I have a ‘63 VII. Such a great guitar. That middle position is amazing for funk. Better than s strat, even. The guitar is a real go-to in the studio from chimey arpeggios. The notes just sing and articulate so well.
 
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