Firebird Studio Review

Full-size humbucking pickups and optional gold- or chrome-plated hardware enhance the Studio's unique place in the Firebird family.

Features:	9
Sound:	9
Action:	9
Reliability:	10
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.3
Reviewer rating:	9.2
Users rating:	7.3
Votes:	163

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: Dyuha, on december 01, 2005

Price paid: $ 1170

Purchased from: Music123.com

Features: The Firebird Studio combines the "reverse-body" style of the original series with Gibson's traditional set-neck design. Full-size humbucking pickups and optional gold- or chrome-plated hardware enhance the Studio's unique place in the Firebird family. It also has the but with a conventional set neck, mini-Grover tuners on the side of the headstock, a tapered body, and the traditional Gibson dual-humbucker sound. The solidbody Firebird guitars were originally developed in 1963, and the original reverse-body Firebird has been in regular production since 1990. Gibson USA has not offered any fundamental changes to the body in the last 30 years, and the Firebird Studio maintains a fresh look and feel.

- Body: mahogany
- Bridge/tremolo: Tune-O-Matic
- Controls Two volume, two tone, three-way Switch
- Fingerboard: rosewood
- Frets: 22
- Inlays: pearloid dot
- Machine heads: mini-Grovers
- Neck joint: 19th fret
- Neck material: mahogany
- Nut width: 1.68"
- Pickups: 490R & 498T Alnico magnet humbuckers
- Knobs: black Top Hat with insert
- Tailpiece: stopbar
- Hardware: chrome or gold. // 10

Sound: This guitar does not appear to be noisy. It has a very rich sound, pleasently clean sound - punchy and full. It also has alot to do with the way you play guitar. The bridge and neck pickups sound very good but quite different. They aren't too different in their tonal characteristics though, they're suited for each other very well. The larger humbuckers suit this guitar better than traditional mini humbuckers. It doesn't get shrill but has a nice thick balanced tone. The guitar has a good variety of sounds for a 3 toggle. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: It was set up pretty good from the factory. Two piece body joined beautifully right down the middle. The guitar looks really cool. It seems when it was put together, there was a lot of care involved. The pickups are set at a good height, they are not too close to the strings but still get a great pickup. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is built well and feels solid. Both hardware and finish seems to last a lifetime or more. The strap buttons are solid. This guitar will hold to any live playing situations unless you use it for a surfboard or something. You could gig with this guitar without a backup, but it's not a very good freak. // 10

Impression: This is a rocking guitar and it has a very good sound. This is a great starter for the Bird fans with further Switch to Firebird V or Firebird VII. Its cost is very attractive to anyone looking for a Gibson guitar on a budget. // 9

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: lightningjoe88, on april 22, 2011

Price paid: $ 1199

Purchased from: Blue Note Guitars

Features: -Mahogany body
-Set mahogany neck
-'60s style slim taper neck profile
-Rosewood fingerboard
-Pearloid Dot inlays
-Chrome or gold hardware
-Tune-o-matic bridge
-Stopbar tailpiece
-Black top hat knobs with insert
-Mini Grover tuners
-490R and 498T Alnico magnet humbucker pickups
-2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way switch
-17 degree peghead pitch
-0.830" thickness at 1st fret
-0.900" thickness at 12th fret
-0.625" heel Length
-19th fret neck joint location
-24-3/4" scale length:
-1-11/16 nut width
-2.062" width at 12th fret
-22 frets
-Black reptile pattern hardshell case with dark grey plush interior, black shroud, and silkscreened silver Gibson USA logo
-Includes hardshell case // 9

Sound: I play mostly classic rock, hard rock, blues, and some metal. I run this straight to my Carvin V3 halfstack (w/ GT12 speakers). The guitar is amazing for all the styles that I play. It has a nice big sound, but not quite as beefy as Les Paul. The pickups make very little buzz and I haven't changed out the stock ones. This guitar can almost play anything... almost. Nice sustain. Neck isn't the fastest I've ever played, but it is still very good. The guitar also stays in tune very well. It is also very balanced and won't fall on you when you let go. I would give it a 9.5 but that's not an option and nothing is perfect. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: Everything on this guitar felt great right when I picked it up at the store and started playing. Very easy to reach the higher frets for solos. No complaints here. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The guitar will withstand anything you throw at it. It might get a little heavy after a while of playing it though (depends on how strong you are). You could play many gigs without feeling the need of a backup. This guitar will last quite a while for me. Solid guitar. // 10

Impression: I got the gold hardware and black finish. Looks very awesome and I'm always getting compliments about it. I have been playing 5-6 years. If it were stolen I would buy it again. For a Gibson guitar, this is well-priced for the quality. A shame they don't make this anymore, or any like it price-wise (except maybe the SG Standard or Explorer). I tried many guitars before this, searched every shop I could, and did many hours of research. Only gripe is that the neck isn't the natural wood (paint = friction) and that's just a personal preference. Overall this guitar is awesome and well worth the money. // 9

overall: 9

Reviewed by: onemanarmy9, on april 25, 2006

Purchased from: Long Mcquade

Sound: Very nice cleans. Neck pickup has a little bite, bridge has more. Sounds great distorted (to me anyway). Great rock/metal/anything other that pop and emo guitar! I curently use an MT-2, DD-6 and PH-3 for effects pedals, and I'm getting another amp, all the amps I tried it through to this point have made this guitar sing. Wide variety of sounds (from clean jazz, to death metal). // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was set up just fine from the factory, though I'd rather them put .12 strings on it instead of the .10. Everything was set up correctly though, no buzzing whatsoever. Pickup selector was a little tight, but not a big issue. The frets are a little higher than my Les Paul, but again, not an issue. Everything else is great. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is great. Easily can play live, and everything sounds in top shape. Should definatly last. I'd only use a backup in case a string broke (which would be my own fault). Definatly will last a long time. // 10

Impression: Playing general rock, this guitar is great. Everything about it I love! If I lost it, or it was stolen, I'd be crushed. I'd definatly go out and find another one ASAP! Having compared this directly next to an Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Standard Plus, I can say this thing sings. It sounded far superior to the Epiphone in every way. It even sounded better than the Gibson Les Paul Standard I tried later that day! Now if only it had the Virato of the VII. // 9

overall: 9

Reviewed by: GibsonKokonuts, on february 25, 2006

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: This is a pretty sweet guitar. Like all Gibsons it was made in the US of A. It has got a solid 22 frets with dot inlays. I absolutely love this paint job. It gives it an authentic touch. The body and neck is mahogany. This has an awesome body shape. As soon as I looked at it I was thinking Rock N' Roll. The Tune-O-Matic Bridge keeps this baby fresh every time I pick it up. It has 4 knobs for volume and tone and a 3-way selector for rhythm and treble. The beautiful humbuckers tear through other guitar pickups like paper. The Mini-Grover tuners are all on the bottom of the headstock to give it that sassy look. It comes with a Gibson hardshell case. // 8

Sound: I play styles like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. This is an awesome guitar for those styles. From ZZ Top to AC/DC to The Spice Girls this guitar does it all. I played it with a Line 6 Speder II 30 watt amp. With that amp the sound is beautiful. If you play this the right way you get crisp sound that doesn't even buzz a little bit. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: Awesome assembly. That is all I need to say. I couldn't find one flaw about it. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Okay I'll be honest I dont't own this guitar but I played it for 3 hours straight at the shop. I played everything on it (I even dropped it once and it sounded just the same). So it's got to be durable! I didn't try out the strap though. So you're on your own with that. I saw a lot of people playing this and it didn't even look like it would start wearing. // 10

Impression: My overall impression is I wish I had the money. I love this guitar! There is nothing to hate about this guitar. Sure every product has its bad reviews but this one doesn't deserve one! // 9

Comments

[sum_english_guy]

i love that guitar

[add45]

me too

[loop-de-luke]

Hoping to buy one when I can!

[schwedengitarre]

nice guitar, nice price.

[mysteryguitar]

I LOVE THIS GUITAR!! seriously though, you know anything with the name studio in it is practically the best!!

[hoobariffer87]

For a couple hundred more, you can get the neck-through, triple mini-humbucker model with the cute banjo tuners. Unless you're after the full size humbuckers, I don't see the point

[pantallica89]

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

[tanner.]

The other one was nicer, and this one doesnt have the three lil humbuckers, so it doesnt sound as good. this guitar was made for people who record, so people hear it and dont have to look at.

[schwedengitarre]

Its a Firebird Studioso what did you expect?

[GuitarBoy-IL]

oh, liar!

[Justice_Fish]

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

Hey, fat bitch!! We don't need your stupid comments.

[yongman]

this guitar looks soo sweet!
but i never got an opportunity to even touch it.
Dave Grohl is currently using it for the IYH tour.
i want one...

[Johnny Blade]

[quote]pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

I agree with this

[bass wizard]

It looks like crap!! the epiphone les paul custom is way better looking but as for sound i dont know as i have nver herd this guitar before!!

[Supadude]

This guitar in white is more beautiful than any woman on earth...doh!

[Cpt.Jackass]

A guitar is for playing music, not looking good. Simple.

SRV's guitar was ****ing knackered and beaten, but nobody cared because he could play the damn thing well.

I can't wait until i get one, looking forward to it.

[zadzior]

Justice_Fish wrote:

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

Hey, fat bitch!! We don't need your stupid comments.

Right! This guitar is beautifull! Ant it's sound kicks ass! Im gonna buy one in July! Cant wait!

[Der Bomber]

Thats truly the finest guitar ever!

[Lightning Bolt]

I love that'll be my next guitar as it's has Nice pick- ups, Nice Tuning pegs as there on the head of the guitar and not attached to a Gadget so now with them being like that, they won't break as easily. Just check June 2007 guitar world magazine issue, it's got the info.

[kfong03]

lol i don't reli like this one..explorer and flying v certainly better

[mp3stalin]

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

A. i think it looks awesome

B. so does Dave Grohl... even if you hate foo fighters you agree dave has talent :P

[CreamedExplorer]

I've never played the Studio but I have played the tri-pup one. It's a pretty sweet guitar but I think it's pretty awkward to play sitting down.

[Handparty]

Anyone who thinks this is an ugly axe has no design or aesthetic sensibility... this is a truly subtle and unique shape, very unpretentious and cool indeed. With full rockin Gibson sound, without the somewhat image/mystique pumped-up price of the Standard

[Ali-b912]

how is this ugly? i always think of hendrix playing one of these for some reason. i know he didnt but thats what always comes to mind.

[Ali-b912]

i have to say though, the non reverse body looks a little strange

[Ali-b912]

non reverse are the old ones from when they first made them for anyone who doesnt know. they got sued by fender for resembling the jazzmaster i believe and then they "reversed" the body to become this style of firebird (sometimes known as the reverse body).

[RiffOffUrFace]

its body is hideous

[Shread_6009]

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

who cares if someone that suked plays this guitar? if someone from a real shitty band like good charlotte or fallout boy used a les paul or sg, would everyone stop playing them? no u fat bastard!!

[millynell14]

this may be a hard question but can anyone describe the feel of these or compare it to sumthin?

[Newo2]

I fell in love with this guitar the first time I eer saw one, and one day i hope that i will be lucky enough to own one.

[luke-bassist]

amazing guitar. i want this exact same studio version.

my friend says that studio guitars hav a crappy sound and that the wood is pap as well. Is he just talking a load of trash?

[skinar]

looks are just a bonus. adn this is a beutifual and amazinging guitar but i would prefer the VII for the three humbuckers and trem. who ever says this guitar is shit cuz its ugly is a poop. this is probably my favourite gibson. i play blues and funk and it can be amazing with a big muff pi.

[j-boy199]

From ZZ Top to AC/DC to The Spice Girls this guitar does it all.

Haha it must be an awesome guitar then.

[liam2309]

dave grohl plays one in the pretender vid.....I PITTY THE FOO WHO DOESN'T LOVE IT!!!!! lol

[lightningjoe88]

I bought mine Christmas eve and gave it to myself for Christmas. It's black with gold hardware and it rocks! It's my main guitar.

[stratomaster123]

I disagree. I played one of these at my local music shop and it just felt plain awkward and sounded quite average.

[soysaucedstrat]

i love this guitar. if it was my guitar (belongs to my dad) i would play it for hours and never get bored with it. although the strap buttons seem kinda small to me and playing it sitting down is a bit of a drag. its also pretty light compared to my strat so i wish i had my own :/

[itchyblackmore]

millynell14 wrote:

this may be a hard question but can anyone describe the feel of these or compare it to sumthin?

Yours is a good question that is seldom asked. I mucked around with one of these babies recently at a local music store and the impression of "feel" comes from comparisons to my old fast neck Kramer, and American 2008 Strat(a lovely guitar I might add).
I can sum it up in one word; comfort! Though the neck is not small, it felt easy and natural. I was stunned actually. I played it sitting down only - no probs there, and the sound was spot on of course.
Very clever these Americans.
I hope this helps.

[Led Lennon]

getting a firebird v in classic white in a month!

[blenk]

liam2309 wrote:

dave grohl plays one in the pretender vid.....I PITTY THE FOO WHO DOESN'T LOVE IT!!!!! lol

agreed. im getting the epiphone firebird studio as gibson seem to have droped this one and well the price differance

[the_trubz]

Listen I do realize that this a more softer kind of music guitar; however before I started playing guitar, I played bass. That's when I fell in love in with the thunderbird (bass version of the firebird). I play mostly harder rock and metal and some of the bands I play include Atreyu, Bullet for my Valentine, and Avenged Sevenfold. Since I love the firebird shape, I was wondering if this would sound nice with some emg 81, 85's installed?

[frbrdman]

I have this guitar and holy crap it sounds so frikin awesome. im going to be honest with u the only guitar i have ever played and like more was a fender custom shop strat that cost 2800 dollars. this only cost me 1000. BUY ITTT!!!

[RetroGunslinger]

why do so many people play thousand pound gibsons through line 6 spiders, biggest waste of time ever

[rebel rocker]

RetroGunslinger wrote:

why do so many people play thousand pound gibsons through line 6 spiders, biggest waste of time ever

The kid said later on that he didn't even own the thing, he only played it in a shop, and even admitted to dropping it. How the hell do you drop a $1000+ guitar sitting around testing it in a shop??? Clearly not someone who should be writing a review. The real sad part is its been up since 2006 and no one from UG has taken it down, it shouldn't have even gone up in the first place.

[ethansj1]

mp3stalin wrote:

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.


A. i think it looks awesome

B. so does Dave Grohl... even if you hate foo fighters you agree dave has talent :P

negative

[Philly080]

"Awesome assembly, I couldn't find one flaw about it".

..so why did you give the section a 9? o_O

[ethansj1]

Philly080 wrote:

"Awesome assembly, I couldn't find one flaw about it".

..so why did you give the section a 9? o_O

10's done exist stop trolling. this guitar is perfect. a true studio quality instrument.

[feathers632]

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

Agree. It's like your great grandpa went out to his tool shed and made the ugliest guitar ever. Firstly I really hate fingerboards. Secondly I really hate white fingerboards. Thirdly the body shape is about as ugly as ugly can get. I'd rather have a dean flying V and I think those are ugly! The guitar is lop-sided and has no symmetry.

[lightningjoe88]

feathers632 wrote:

pantallica89 wrote:

A guitar is just as much about it looks and sounds. And this may sound good But IT IS THE UGLIEST BODY EVER MADE FOR GUITAR. Someone from hawthorne heights plays it that makes it ten times worse.

Agree. It's like your great grandpa went out to his tool shed and made the ugliest guitar ever. Firstly I really hate fingerboards. Secondly I really hate white fingerboards. Thirdly the body shape is about as ugly as ugly can get. I'd rather have a dean flying V and I think those are ugly! The guitar is lop-sided and has no symmetry.

... You hate fingerboards? ...Especially white ones? Are you talking about the pickguard?