Swoop Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 I am contemplating selling my Firebird. It's a difficult thing to think about. I wanted one for a long time, and it was difficult to find one in the exact finish I wanted, and in such mint condition. It really is a beautiful looking guitar with the red and gold, and it is quite unique, there aren't many around like it. But unfortunately I'm just not feeling it anymore, even after having it professionally rewired and set up. I just don't like the way it sounds or plays. I've been GASing for a nice Les Paul for a while, something with a nice burst flame top and open coils, and I've come across this one online with a set of nice Seymour Duncans in it in a beautiful finish. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=257874454 In an ideal world, I'd keep the Firebird, and buy the LP, but I don't have that kind of cash, and I'm heading to University neext year, so it's unlikely that I'll have it any time soon either. What do you guys think? Obviously I have to make the decision, but I'm sort of 50/50 either way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeper Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Keep the rare bird, there are gobs of LPs all over the place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 5, 2009 Author Share Posted December 5, 2009 Yeah, that's one of the reasons I'd keep it, there aren't many around. But I'm just not happy with how it sounds or plays, and it would need more money spent on it to get it up to scratch. Which is why I figure I could cut my losses and get something I really want. Who knows, I might come across another Firebird in future. There's a nice Gibson Firebird VII for sale online too for a good price. Of course I don't have that kind of money either, but one day when I'm accomplished I will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxHart85231281734137 Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 keep the bird, les pauls are a dime a dozen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 HEY! Don't diss the Les paul. I had a loaner Firebird for a year, and it was a good guitar, but I never felt that I wanted it. If buying the Les Paul means selling the Firebird, that does pose a difficult question. I would prefer the Les Paul, just because I found the Firebird to be awkward (and not my taste visually) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 5, 2009 Author Share Posted December 5, 2009 I've asked the guy if he wants to swap for my Firebird. My 'Bird is worth a little more, especially since I just spent $200NZ having it wired and set up. I do think he is selling the LP cheap though, there are stock ones on there for more. Plus my 'Bird doesn't have a case. He sees interested, so we'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenrirlupus Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 don't do it! just... no matter how far in the future it is, you WILL be able to get a les paul, but if you get rid of your firebird now you'll be killing yourself over it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 EPI or Gibby Firebird? I'm trying to remember which you have. AND, please list the upgrades you've done to it, plus pic(s). Tough call, LPs ARE quite "common" (I have 3 full size, 1 double cut-away, and 1 mini - still love LP style guitars)... Now, the Firebird - If you're not "feeling it" anymore, then you aren't. IF you sold it, would it be one of those guitars you wished you had NEVER sold? Will you potentially get enough cash from sale to fund LP? Don't know, I really need to see picture!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 5, 2009 Author Share Posted December 5, 2009 That's my 'Bird. 2005 Unsung built Epiphone Firebird VII. It's completely stock, though I did have it rewired recently, used the stock pickups and replaced the stock pots with some nice CTS ones. Also had it set up. All work was done by one of the most renowned luthiers in the country. To be honest, since I'm not feeling it, I probably wouldn't really regret selling it. In the time I have had it I have seen two more exactly the same for sale online in the same condition, for similar money to what I paid. I don't play it much, so it'd be better to go t osomeone who will use it I think. I think the trade option is better, because not many people really want a Firebird, especially an Epiphone. There's a lot of prejudice towards Epiphone here. I would most certainly get enough money for the Les Paul from the sale of the Firebird, but the actual sale might just be difficult to come by, and take some time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgifntx Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Hey Swoop- Just my .02 ya' know... If your Firebird was a gift from an beloved family member or friend I could see where a sentimental issue would cause you to hang on to it. I remember when you got it and I sure know you've put alot of time into it too. Sometimes, If it just don't fit your genuine needs and wants... I realize there are a bunch of LP's around and when ya' get your hands on "that" one, That's worth it's weight in gold. Maybe you'd get a shot at checkin' it out real good first. There's a rrrrreeeeeeal long line of folks that look back and say, "Oh man, I shoulda-coulda-woulda..." I'm a little different I guess, I look at things like at least I had a chance to experience it. Somehow that's the real important part to me anyway... Shoot, Try on another experience and see what ya' end up with. It ain't a loyalty issue, It's all about enjoyin' what you're doin'... Again .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarpBoy Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 To be honest' date=' since I'm not feeling it, I probably wouldn't really regret selling it. In the time I have had it I have seen two more exactly the same for sale online in the same condition, for similar money to what I paid. I don't play it much, so it'd be better to go t osomeone who will use it I think. [/quote'] Y'know, I understand how you feel. I had a beautiful Jetglo Rickenbacker 330 for several years, and sold it because I simply wasn't that crazy over how it sounded or played. It was beautifully made, but I just never really became fond of it. Consequently it sat unplayed months on end. I have never regretted selling it. Too much money tied up in a trophy. Rics are guitars that everyone thinks they want because of the mystique, and who plays them, etc. But once I got one, it was kind of a let down musically. Sell the sucker and don't look back. You'll have little pangs of "I wish I hadn't sold that" once in a while when others are talking about how much they want one, or someone famous plays one, but it's sort of like when people who've moved on in a relationship forget why they left it and miss the notion more than the reality. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwalin Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 Wish you were in the USA, and I had the money and I would take it off your hands......me likes it!!! Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
animalfarm Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 2005 Unsung built Epiphone Firebird VII. It's completely stock' date=' though I did have it rewired recently, [b']used the stock [/b]pickups and replaced the stock pots with some nice CTS ones. Also had it set up. All work was done by one of the most renowned luthiers in the country. Hmmmm... Epi stock pups sound good in some gits, like wee-wee in others. It's a gorgeous guitar, but I believe I, too, would sell it. (BLASPHEMY?). I dig retro-style gits also, but for my own tastes, I again have to lean torward the LP... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midiman56 Posted December 5, 2009 Share Posted December 5, 2009 One things for sure, Swoop old buddy ... you're not gonna have ANY trouble unloading that 'bird if you do decide to let it go! In fact, if you're THAT serious about it, why not test the waters on a SALE instead of a trade? You might just make enough for TWO LP's!!! Best of luck with a clearly difficult decision, pal ... Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 6, 2009 Author Share Posted December 6, 2009 Well fellas, I did it. I made the swap for the Les Paul. I'll have to post some pictures tomorrow, because it's dark now and the pics will just be rubbish under these inside lights. I'm very happy with it. The finish is beautiful. It's the exact kind of burst I like, and the flame top isn't too excessive and gaudy looking. The back has a nice grain too, not all stripey like some. The neck has an interesting grain pattern too. It is stripey, almost in a birdseye kind of way. I guess that doesn't really make sense. It's in great condition, not too beat up. It's a 2006 QinDao, and seems to be excellently put together. The fretboard has nice tight grain like that of my Casino, which I love. The inlays aren't surrounded by great globs of filler. Both the neck and body binding is immaculate. It needs new strings, but the action is very low. Probably too low. I generally set the action according to the book that came with my Strat, 3/32" bass side, 5/64" on the treble side, and I don't have problems with buzzing, but it's still nice and low. It has Seymour Duncan Alnico IIs, which was part of the appeal, with upgraded pickups. I like them. They're not super hot like the stock pickups in my G400, so they have a nice clean tone, that lovely roundedness I like, and they crunch up nicely with some overdrive. I'll probably fit some vintage kluson stlye tuners to this, they'll go well with the cream plastics and binding, and probably a Gotoh bridge later on. Might give it a quick skim with some 0000 steel wool just to remove some surface scratches and stuff too. I think the swap was reasonably fair. The other guy probably got the better deal really, that 'Bird really is immaculate and it's in fantastic order after the rewire. I was sad to see it go, but I'm digging the Les Paul a lot, and the guy really loved the Firebird, so we both win really. I do think the trade was the best way to go. I doubt I would've got a whole lot for it in a sale. No more than what I paid anyway. As I said, people seems to be quite prejudiced against Epiphone here, and the Firebird is a real love or hate guitar. Not many people really want one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 6, 2009 Author Share Posted December 6, 2009 Alright, I took a pic anyhow, and it's not too terrible. Here it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgifntx Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Swoop! She is a beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuute buddy!!! Nothin' wrong with that! Shoot yeah, An '06 to boot... Well done swoop, Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSDx Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Alright' date=' I took a pic anyhow, and it's not too terrible. Here it is. [img']http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj91/mk2maniac/MyLesPaul.jpg?t=1260092304[/img] Nice !!!! Ditch the p-guard, swap out the knobs, and you're there ;) What finish is that ?? Nice and dark - I really like it !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Good deal Swoop!! I know what you mean about the Firebird. It is a love/hate guitar, and I don't "feel it" either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert2 Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Alright' date=' I took a pic anyhow, and it's not too terrible. Here it is. [img']http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj91/mk2maniac/MyLesPaul.jpg?t=1260092304[/img] Drools That guitar looks fantastic! It has Seymour Duncan Alnico IIs OMG, same as me, did you upgrade the pots & switches too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanH Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I think you've made the right decision Swoop. Firebirds look amazing but the Gibson one I tried a few months back felt like a large heavy plank. It put my GAS for one well and truly to bed. On the other hand, I'll bet you'll find your new LP very comfy to hold and it will be difficult for you to put down. Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JefferySmith Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Looks good. Sort of a rootbeer burst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgifntx Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Swoop! He's already modified yer bird... Haaahahhhhhhaaahhh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG0wyEfgzGU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swoop Posted December 6, 2009 Author Share Posted December 6, 2009 Cheers fellas. I'm not sure what the finish is called, but I like it. It's definitely not Vintage Sunburst, and I don't know that it's Tobbaco Burst or Honey Burst. Looking at the Epi colour chart, it looks like it could be Antique Sunburst, which is this one: or Vintage Cherry, which is this one It could be the former since there's no black in the finish. Although the finish does kind of remind me of Heritage Cherry, but more aged looking, darker, and more vintage I guess. Whatever it is, I love it. I have pretty much just woken up this morning and I sat up and looked at the guitar on the stand on the other side of my room, and wow does it look gorgeous. I'm usually a pickguard guy, but I don't mind it off on this one. And I like the amber knobs! I think they suit it. I'll post some better pics later on when I've taken some more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svet Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I understand your decision swoop and had I been faced with the same dilemma I too would probably have picked the LP. The LP is definitely easier to play than the FB. Having said all that I love my Firebird and she will not be going anywhere anytime soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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