mhulse Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 (edited) Hello, New here. I've never owned a Gibson, and am looking at buying one. I really dig the Firebird as it's like the Explorer (I prefer the rounded corner body shapes). I'm looking to buy a solid body electric so I can play mostly outlaw country/rock/blues. After having done a bit of research, I've narrowed down my picks to these two guitars: 2019 Gibson Firebird Tribute 2018 Gibson Firebird Studio From what I can tell, the biggest difference are the pickups? The 2018 has p90s, whereas the tribute uses mini-humbuckers? I'd love some advice on which is the better pick overall. In this case, does more expensive mean better? I like the looks of both, so I could go either way. Thank you so much for the help! Edited March 19, 2020 by mhulse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eades Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 The 2018 is gloss finished and comes in a case The 2019 is satin finished and comes with a gig bag have you looked at the 2017 Fb studios they have humbuckers in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulse Posted March 19, 2020 Author Share Posted March 19, 2020 (edited) Oooh, the the 2017 studio is nice! Are the humbuckers better than the Gibson mini-humbuckers (which, I think come on the 2019)? Is this one you would pick over the others? Also, do all models have the same bridge? I watched a review that said the bridge on the 2019 tribute is really easy to adjust. Lastly, are they all of the same body size? I'll probably be on my couch a bit, and this is another reason why I picked the Firebird over the Explorer (I read many folks like the Explorer for couch play). Thanks so much Eades!!! I really appreciate your help! Edited March 19, 2020 by mhulse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulse Posted March 19, 2020 Author Share Posted March 19, 2020 I wonder why the 2019 is cheaper than the 2018 and 2017? Is it just a matter of pickups (mini-humbuckers vs p90s vs humbuckers)? Maybe the previous models are more desirable in terms of finish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eades Posted March 19, 2020 Share Posted March 19, 2020 The humbuckers are just different to minis There the same body size The 2019 is cheaper, as it's a gig bag and satin finished (less coats) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulse Posted March 19, 2020 Author Share Posted March 19, 2020 31 minutes ago, Eades said: The humbuckers are just different to minis There the same body size The 2019 is cheaper, as it's a gig bag and satin finished (less coats) Thank you again for the help Eades! I really appreciate it! 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eades Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 No probs 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I wouldn't buy a Firebird with P90's... At least for my first one. One of the great things about a Firebirds are the Mini Humbuckers. They have a truly unique Sound that sets the Firebird apart from all other Guitars... In a good way! If it has a Maestro, even better! Maybe your 2nd or 3rd with P90's! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01GT eibach Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I would absolutely get the Studio between those two. Proper gloss finish and a proper HSC. Also, it has the non-reverse headstock which I also prefer. The Studio has that awesome burst too (so classic for a Firebird to have that) and the Granadillo fretboard (honestly, I have never heard of "Granadillo" but it is sure fun to say out loud). Look, you asked me which one I would pick ... for me it would be the Studio all day long. Not even close. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John P Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 I'd go with the Studio too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulse Posted March 23, 2020 Author Share Posted March 23, 2020 Wow, thank you to everyone for the replies! I really appreciate it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Why pay $1200 for a P90 Guitar when you can buy an LP with P90's Brand new for $599???? They'll both sound virtually identical. It's your Money though... If you haven't played a Gibson USA Firebird with Mini Humbuckers you don't know what your missing! Nothing sounds like them!!! In a good way! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhulse Posted March 23, 2020 Author Share Posted March 23, 2020 Awesome! I love the body shape of the Firebird. With that said, checking out the LP now. Appreciate the feedback!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 The Body shape on Firebirds is very cool indeed! Either Reverse or Non Reverse... I love my Gibson Firebird V with Mini Humbuckers as much or more than all my other Electric Guitars because of the unique amazing sound of those Pickups... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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