The differences between Gibson Firebirds?

[Suho]

So, I guess I am a little thick, but I cannot tell what the differences are between the different models of Firebirds. Model ii vs. vii etc.? Are some more popular than others? Is there one that is kind of the "standard" people are probably referring to when they refer to a Firebird?

Thanks for any response.

[Flinto2002]

its easy. Number of pickups, inlays, binding and tremolo.

The Firebird V is the typical unit. Tune-a-matic bridge, 2 mini hums and trapezoid inlays.

The VII has the ebony fretboard, LP custom style block inlays and binding and a trem

[Suho]

Seems like it would be less confusing if they just called it a Firebird Standard or Deluxe or Custom ... to be consistent with some of the other models. When I see "vii" I tend to think 7 string, but clearly that is not the case here.

It could be awkward if they made a Firebird 7 string!

[EL 34 X2]

The models actually went I, III, V,and VII. I recall Clapton and Steven Stills playing the single pickup model I. You didn't see many of those.

[Lance Romance]

The simple way to look at the product line is that the higher the number, the more bling it has on it.

Firebird I - One pickup. Combination stud bridge/tailpiece. Chrome hardware. Dot inlays, no neck binding.
Firebird II Artist CMT - A limited production instrument from the early 1980s; features a maple top, mahogany body, set mahogany neck, two standard-sized humbuckers, and toggle switches to control active Moog electronic tone controls.
Firebird III - Two pickups, stud bridge/tailpiece and Gibson Vibrola (player could choose to use the stud or Vibrola). Chrome hardware. Dot inlays and neck binding.
Firebird V - Two pickups, Tune-o-matic bridge with Maestro "Lyre" Vibrola; reissues feature a stop-bar tailpiece. Chrome hardware. Trapezoid inlays and neck binding.
Firebird VII - Three pickups, Tune-o-matic bridge and Maestro "Lyre" Vibrola tailpiece. Gold hardware. Block inlays and neck binding.
Firebird Studio - Two standard-sized Alnico humbuckers, Tune-o-matic bridge with stop-bar tailpiece. Chrome or gold hardware. Set neck. Dot inlays and no neck binding.
Firebird XII - Two pickups, twelve string non-reversed version on the Firebird.
Non-Reverse Firebird - Collectors' term for a Firebird I, III, V or VII featuring a headstock with the tuners on the bass side, and a body having the bass side horn slightly longer than the treble side horn.
Firebird X - Three Pickups, automatic 3x3 tuners, on-board digital effects and processing/output, dot-inlays, and has very little resemblance to any other Firebird models.

[BarryE]

The Firebird X is the bastard child not to be recognized or included in the family tree.

[sinner]

And if you notice what happened to IV?

Well that's the bass, Thunderbird IV, 2 pickup version

But I forgot what the single pickup Thunderbird is called?

[Cody]

Originally Posted by theRocco

And if you notice what happened to IV?

Well that's the bass, Thunderbird IV, 2 pickup version

But I forgot what the single pickup Thunderbird is called?

The original single-PU T-bird was Thunderbird II - the guitars were odd-numbered, the basses even.

[sixty2strat]

One thing on recent birds after 2005 or 6 They have a nashville bridge. So if your like me not a fan of the nashville, that is a big issue

[supa-fuzz]

Originally Posted by BarryE

The Firebird X is the bastard child not to be recognized or included in the family tree.

Amen to that!

[DRS]

The Firebird Studio isn't just a Firebird V without the bling - it's body construction is different and it's thinner.

[swa]

Originally Posted by Suho

It could be awesome if they made a Firebird 7 string!

Fixed that for you.

[Suho]

Yes, thank you very much.

Originally Posted by swa

Fixed that for you.

It seems silly the way they did it, but I appreciate all the information. So, I guess it seems there really is a Thunderbird iv, 5 string.

[Suho]

Originally Posted by supa-fuzz

Amen to that!

I think the best review I read about the "X" was written by the heavy metal/jazz guitarist, Alex Skolnick. He wrote it after attending the public unveiling. It was very well done, I thought.

[musicofanatic5]

Originally Posted by BarryE

The Firebird X is the bastard child not to be recognized or included in the family tree.

Likewise any "Artist CMT", Studio or non-reverse!!