| Title: | GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion |
| Notice: | Discussion of the finer stringed instruments |
| Moderator: | KDX200::COOPER |
| Created: | Thu Aug 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3280 |
| Total number of notes: | 61432 |
Can anyone tell me what a Les Paul Firebrand is? I've heard of Custom, Deluxe, Standard, Studio, etc. but not Firebrand. Thanks, Larry
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 667.1 | << Just an inexpensive L.P. Standard >> | SALEM::ABATELLI | Set/Mode=No_Think | Tue Jun 07 1988 15:57 | 7 |
The Les Paul "Firebrand" is a cheaper version of the Les Paul Standard.
Less expensive wood w/less expensive components. They were again
trying to compete with Japanese (price wise).
Have a GREAT day!
Fred-who-loves-his-Les Paul Custom!
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| 667.2 | More info | DRUID::RANDERSON | Tue Jun 07 1988 17:26 | 12 | |
The "Firebrand" designation is due to the fact that the Gibson
logo was branded into the headstock rather than being an applied
decal. This series of guitars (they made Firebrand SG's and 335's
also) were all solidbodies with natural finishes. The Firebrand
Les Pauls do not have a carved top as do the conventional Les Paul models.
A friend of mine has a Firebrand SG which plays fairly well. It
came with high output Gibson "Dirty Fingers" pickups and really
cranks. I think it cost @ $400 new at a time when conventional
SG's were priced @ $489.
Ron
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| 667.3 | Firebrands, "The Paul" and "The SG" | AQUA::ROST | Lizard King or Bozo Dionysius? | Tue Jun 07 1988 17:33 | 18 |
Just before they started making the "Firebrand" models, virtually
identical Les Paul and SG guitars were sold as "The Paul" and "The
SG".
The wood in these guitars, BTW is walnut, so they sound considerably
different than the mahogany-bodied Pauls/SGs.
Another thing....these guitars all have the pickup selector mounted
on the lower half of the body *below* the knobs, an odd location
and different than other SGs (which have them *above* the knobs)
and Pauls (they are on the upper half of the body).
The 335 Firebrands also were odd in that they are *solid* and have
a slightly samller body than a regular ES-335.
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| 667.4 | re: The Paul | VOLKS::RYEN | Rick Ryen 285-6248 | Thu Jun 23 1988 20:02 | 28 |
-<re: .3 "The Paul" >-
A friend of mine has a "The Paul" Firebrand, which is
natural finish mahogony. I believe that its about a
1976 model, but I could be wrong. I have played it a few times
like it more than any other Gibson I've tried, including some
brand spanking new $2k models.
The strings seemed to have a feel that I can only describe
as 'bouncy'. By "bouncy" I mean that you get the best sound
by really twanging them so they end up doing real wide
swings.
It definately gets that fat humbucker Gibson sound!
The thing is a bit beat, but the scratches just seem to
just add character to what looks like an oiled finish.
(no varnish or poly, and probably not original)
I (foolishly but seriously) offered him a grand for it,
but he refused. Partly because he knew he would be ripping me
off, but mostly because he doesn't want to part with it.
Anyway, I'm still lookin for one of these, but think I'll be
a bit more conservative in my offer when I find one.
(and all this from a hardcore strat man!)
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