I Never Thought This Would Happen ($7000 vs $600 Firebirds)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2023
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Hey Gang,
Some confusion has popped up about the Origin in the background of the Murphy Lab clips. All the audio was recorded with the Origin the video got messed up for those clips and I reshot it the next day but the audio is from the day before with the Origin.
Honestly, I easily prefer the sound of the Epi. Maybe it isn't as "Firebird" sounding as the others, but it was absolutely sweet in the middle and neck pickups. The tone was simply wonderful.
Nah its the most firebird sounding and the 3 and thr only one of the 3 to have real fb pickups construction. Epi nailed it there
Correct. Epiphone's FB720 has authentic alnico II pickups. Gibson hasn't made an alnico II FB pickup since 1965. In fact every reissue FB pickup Gibson's is ceramic. Night & Day twixt the two.
The Epiphone and Murphy Labs sounded nearly identical, with the Epi pickups being a bit more microphonic. The Standard was the warmest sounding of the three. Considering sound, price, replaceability, possible damage or theft on a gig, the Epi is by far the best deal out of those guitars.
I have to be honest, man. At a glance, aesthetically, it looks more appealing too...
The epiphone pro buckers are the same as the Gibson burst buckers..the pro buckers are also waxed so what part here did you hear microphonic? It's in you're head..
The epiphone are not microphonic
You’re right on the microphonic pickups. At very high volumes you can get that very unmusical very high pitched squeal. Luckily it can be controlled with a little volume and positioning adjustment.
@@grantborden5224 there Waxed and the pro buckers are $170.00 a set brand new off the Epiphone website..that's $85.00 a pickup so I doubt there microphonic..I didn't hear it...
My Epi Firebird had a bridge pickup that sounded like the Tasmanian Devil on bath salts. Lowered it 2-3 mm, which dialed out the bath salts. Love it!
Bath salts? Are we supposed to know what bath salts sound like?
do you know what bath salts are?@@CaptainRon1913
I have the Epi and it's great. I had my back turned to this video while getting lunch together in my kitchen and I honestly heard very little tone difference between the 3. The last guitar played in each little series sounded just a bit brighter than the first two. The first two guitars sounded identical to me. Epiphone all the way.
Thank you. I think that I prefer the Epi out of the 3. Sounds clearer and more articulate to my ears.
I have the Epi and I love it. I had an Epi Thunderbird bass and loved that too. I’m a big guy with long arms so it fits my body really well. Don’t feel “scrunched” up when playing it.
I thought the Epiphone firebird had the warmest and most pleasing tone to my ears.
I'm a Firebird fan... However, I purchased an LTD Phoenix 1000. It's a very well built substitute.
I played one the other day, at a guitar store and I agree. It’s a beast of a guitar and has a certain growl of meanness to it that kicks ass. I’m holding out for a Revstar. Looks like I’ll be letting a few guitars go for that to happen. Got my eye on a couple amps as well. At this point there is no doubt I am a gear-a-holic. GAS rules my every moment of every day and night… lol. 😳🎸
tbh im definitely a firebird guy, but not a $7000 Firebird guy, probably a $600 firebird guy, $2000 explorer guy and $7000 sg guy
Similar here. Spend the big bucks on the sg, lp, and 335.
if i spent 7k on any guitar id have to shoot myself. that said i have the best sounding lp amd sg but beingvold does have some benefits. i bout my stuff before the world went insane.
I bought a 1999 Gibson Gothic Explorer for $600 in 2001 on Ebay....$600....they were $1099.99 new. I knownthis was 22 years ago and all but yes, the world has gone nuts.
Hey Saul, please put your address and what time you’re away from home here 👉 __________.
@@alexander_winston😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I have an Epi and love it. What really impresses me are the clean tones I get from it.
I have my Olive Drab Firebird and it might just be my favorite guitar, both in clean and hi-gain I get excellent tones. I know a lot of people comment that the Firebird is a long guitar, no argument here, but the length is most apparent when you have to tune, that E-string is a long reach for my short arms, so I have to slightly reposition to tune, but playing it seems perfectly normal. I love the neck profile, I have smaller hands and I have zero issues reaching any fret. I actually raised the action just a little to get it playing perfectly. The intonation on my B-string was a little stubborn but settled in. I did a fret polish and dressed the fret ends, they were in pretty good condition to start. I oiled the fretboard and it is a nice dark color now, some of the promo pictures show a very light-colored Indian Laurel. Overall I could not be happier, I even like the color. I did get an additional $50 discount on the green version, never hurts to save and get an excellent instrument in the bargain,
The Standard was my favorite...Sounded warm.👍
Terrific video, thanks. I got to play a 60s Gibson Firebird in our band in early 70s, I bought Epiphone Firebird beginning of 2023....awesome!
I had to sell my Gibby Bird in 2021 due to my pandemic induced lost job.
I never really jelled with it because of the pickups but I loved the shape & neck.
Just recently bought a blemished Epi Bird for $549 (Can't find the blemish) & I freaking love it!
It's in my hands more often than not & I really dig the p-ups. They take the dirt much better than my Gibby did.
Hey Robert….after I saw the first video you did with the Epiphone bird…. I immediately got on line and bought one ☝️….now I can say first hand that everything you said was true….it’s an astonishing guitar from any perspective…but moreover it’s truly a dollar value like no other 👏✨…so many thanks my friend and congrats on your Murphy Lab 👌
The murphy lab is perfect to me, close second was the Epiphone, especially on the bridge pickup, but over all the Murphy in middle and neck positions. I have no idea how the Murphy lab feels, but judging by the look on your face when you play it, it must be very sweet.
To be honest, the Epi and the ML sounded the closest to my ear. The standard Gibby was a touch warmer.
They all sound good. I really like the blue Firebird without the trem.
My drab olive green version is supposed to arrive Monday, I have the same color V and I really like it, I saved $50 with a call-in discount of $599.
That sunburst Epiphone sounds amazing. I especially like the neck pickup.
I'm surprised the how much difference there was between the Murphy lab in the standard. Almost as much difference between the Epiphone in the standard to me. Great video.
I’m pretty surprised by the Epiphone! The bridge seemed a little brittle to me but that middle position and neck were really impressive! I feel like that was closer in sound to your Murphy Lab model than the other blue middle of the road model. That Murphy Lab model sounded the best overall to me but that Epiphone…wow…I may grab one of those just because of the awesomeness of the tones!
On open chords the ML aged sounded the best. But I noticed a slight variation of playing by you between each of them. Compensating on the fly to get a good tone. Now that makes a great player. In that regard they all sounded great imho....
Listening without watching you switch guitars, I liked the sounds from each one. the difference was negligible for me.
Wow the Epiphone sounds gorgeous. The Murphy Labs '63 is also amazing (cant fathom the price) and the middle tier firebird sounded like it had a very slight audible "noise" to it like a minimal distortion
So someone said again the game changer was the Epiphone was made in China so he's going with Gibson..number 1 the epiphone Quingdao facility is state of the Art and American owned and operated by Gibson/Epiphone..Scott Lewis is plant manager and head of production at the Quingdao facility also Lewis has American and Asian luthiers at the Quingdao facility..so my question is what does a building that sits in the country of China that's American owned in the first place and American Luthiers with Asian luthiers on site have anything to do with the craftsmanship inside the building..that building means absolutely nothing it's who's inside that building that counts
honestly the idea that something being American made represents any actual seal of quality anymore
There is the "slave labor" aspect to be considered, as well as part of the price paid going directly to the CCP.
I bought an Epi Firebird in May of this year, and I'm absolutely in love. It sounds great, it balances well either when sitting or standing...it is the best playing guitar I own and my technique has improved because of it -- I don't feel like I'm fighting the guitar. It is my main player now...and I play in a surf band!
The Murphy Labs definitely has that kerrang that minis are known for. And I agree that the Epi is a lot closer to that sound than the 2019. If anything, the Epi has a bit more midrange than the Murphy, but the 2019 is pushing towards a more full humbucker sound.
love your new guitar!
I’m a guitar Geek. I’m actually a drummer, but I collect, buy, sell guitars. I’m an LP fan, but I have a Gibson Studio Bird. It’s sounds awesome ( when someone else is playing it 😁 .) I couldn’t be happier…
I have the Epiphone FB and it’s fantastic! Sounds, looks and feels great.
it's an excellent guitar for the money.
I am glad I ordered the Olive Drab Firebird, most sites are indicating the Vintage Sunburst version will not be available until November(Zzounds). Mine is on the truck out for delivery! Confessions of a guitar addict.😀
I Love the Firebird models and I am strictly a fixed bridge player. So a Custom shop Firebird like this is off the table for me.
Gibson's Epiphone model is the most beautiful finish of those in my opinion and it sounds fantastic..
Congratulations on your new Firebird, Robert !!
The Epiphone keeps up quite nicely with the 2019, especially in the bridge pickup. The 2019 is a little better in the neck pickup, imo. But the Murphy Lab is definitely a cut above, and I'm sure the feel of it in your hands compared to the others puts it way over the top!
I liked the Epiphone bridge the most, but the middle and neck were so similar. I hope Epiphone does a Firebird Modern still.
I liked the epi Firebird the best, but it’s probably because I like a darker, quieter pickup that doesn’t break up as easily in general, so it’s less about the maker or the look. Cuz man, if I was choosing on looks, that new Murphy Firebird is KILLER. I’d probably love it just by turning back the volume pots 🙂
Or properly adjust the pickup height.
Gorgeous Murphy!! Sounds great across the board!
Prefer the epi out of the other 2, would like to see banjo tuners on the epi!
Great video, dude!
Always get excited when I see a new video from you man
Love how you play 🤙🏻
Any variation in tone between the three is so slight as to defy differentiation. Stunning how similar the Epiphone was to the Gibson’s
Epiphone have definitely stepped up massively lately. I bought a Les Paul standard last year and the sound is amazing. I did hand it in for a set up cause the fret ends were a bit sharp and I felt one fret was a bit high but with that paid for it's still a fraction of a Gibson and now both feels and sounds like one. The build quality will never be the same, you pay the extra for the time to get the details 100% on the US models, but considering your local luthier can sort any little niggles out for a small fee, you can't go wrong with the cheaper option. It's a Skoda vs Audi discussion with practically the same product and a different sticker on the bonnet.
I have a Firebird like guitar from a small guitar company. It’s one of my favourite guitars to play. At first I wasn’t over the moon with it’s look but once I sat down and played it I was sold. I’m a tall guy so the longer neck is great. I like a thicker neck too and this one has it. The mini humbuckers are really warm but crystal clear. I actually just purchased some gold foil pickups for it which should sound great.
Loved the Allen Collins style riff, and also very appropriate for a firebird video
Great demo! They differed, but hard to say which was 'best'. All about feel.
Good eye. You can't tell because of youtube compression. If you were sitting in that room you could tell.
They're trying to sell epiphones, and make you feel good about your purchase. 99.9% can't afford a murph in the first place
I liked the bridge pup on the middle guitar for that particular song. Hotter than the others. I liked the neck pup on the Epi. It's lower output make it sound kinda Fender like. Both pups on your new one sounds more vintage, less mid range. I'm sure that works great for a heap of songs too.
For me the 2019 Standard sounds great. But the Murphy Lab has a lot of clarity. The Epiphone sounds really nice. But can't keep up with the other two Firebirds.
murphy lab was probably my least favorite sound-wise
I love my LTD Phoenix. Humbuckers rather than the firebird pickups, but the ergonomics are amazing.
Complete access to the upper register and incredibly comfortable.
I completely agree with you. The Murphy lab #1, then the Epiphone.
Blew my mind that the Epi sounded better than the Standard!
Thanks, you just saved me $6400. The Epiphone tone was spot on compared to the ML (especially the neck pup).
I have the Epi Firebird and it is awesome. Wish I had the $ for a ML or even the Gibson. Hope you have plenty of good rocking’ with the new guitar. It is sweet!
Have to agree about the Epiphone. I can definitely hear the differences. Congratulations on the new Firebird. Amazing guitar.
It is all about playability...they all sound similar...but the epi and the Murphy Labs sound more similar..but i would want the vibrato arm....cause it just adds a vib.
I've never really been interested in a Firebird until I picked up the Epiphone at my local shop one day. The neck felt great and the pickups really impressed me. I had tried some Gibson ones in the past but they didn't sound as good. Apparently some of the older Gibson models used mini humbuckers instead of the rail pickups that traditional Firebirds have. A few werks later I ended up finding a deal on an Epiphone Firebird. One easy and affordable upgrade I would recommend is to change the Epiphone bridge with a Gotoh one.
The difference is in the magnets in the pups. Other than the magnet type, overall construction is the same on all Firebird pups. Original Firebirds had alnico magnet pups. Recent Gibson F'birds had hotter ceramic magnet pups. The Epi F'bird has alnico magnets more like the original, and sound better than the ceramic magnet pups, IMO.
@@nellayema2455 Thanks for the additional info! I was hoping someone would have more details as I couldn't recall the specific differences off the top of my head. :)
i enjoy how the midrange aspects
seems to cut through the ' mix '
stand out sØ well
The neck pick up from Murphy lab was nice and smooth, big rounded tone. Epiphone is cool but sounded so bright.
They all sound great-I think the non-Murphy Lab one sounded best. Any of these would be great to have.
The Epiphone Pickups are historically correct, this is a thing to consider. In my humble opinion there's no reason to spend thousands in the USA version (I'm an Ephiphone Firebird owner and I compared it vs an USA model). Both sound pretty much, almost the same (there are slightly differences even in between two identical USA models so ...)
The Maestro Vibrola affects the tone and probably the thin nitro layer, but the most important think here are the pickups. The Murphy Lab version has custom wound pickups, put a set of custom wound pickups in the Epiphone and... get surprised.
This Epiphone is basically a Gibson (probably not selected woods, blablabla... even in the 50's they did not select the woods, just tried the cheaper ones)
My conclusion is: I mean, Do you have the money to spend it into the Murphy Lab? It's ok, it is your money and it is ok. But, in this case if you dont want to spend thousands of dollars you can buy the Epiphone model and upgrade it with a custom wound pickups and... voilà. An if yo are brave enough you can refinish the Epi with a thin nitro lacker layer.
In the other hand ... It's normal that you think the Murphy Lab is the best, you've sold 6 guitars and paid $7K for it (or if this video is sponsored, probably less than the price tag). What are you going to say? That it's worse or even most the same than the Epiphone/USA or very similar? ;-)
The Standard Firebird sounded the way i want a fire bird to sound! The Epi lacked a lil mojo, The MurphyLab had too much high end bite for me, the Standard was my sweet spot!
This!
Great comparison vid, thanks! I liked your own Gibson - slightly fatter than the Epi and Murphy Lab. That said, I would go for the Epi in a flash, they have done the full length 'thru body' thing and maybe a pick-up upgrade to taste would give it a lift . . . and, as mentioned elsewhere, I think the Epi just looks better!
Regular Firebird had the best Bridge, Epi had the best Neck, middle selection each had their merits, but I think the Epi with a little fatter bridge PU would cover the Firebird sound at a great price. Thanks for the quick demo comparison, you rock Robert!
My Epi SG may not be as great as my Gibson SGs however, it’s still a great guitar. If it’s all I owned, I wouldn’t be missing too much. Better to have one to play than none at all.
So I bought this right before your first vids about them and I was so happy you reassured my purchase back in march
That custom shop definitely had something to its tone that was pleasing. The other two were fairly similar to each other. The expensive one had a snarl or growl, less brittleness
I’ve got a 1990 Firebird V and it’s amazing. Nothing like it.
I didn't hear 6k difference, all 3 would sound awesome in a mix. Unless you're Johnny Winter
That Epiphone would fit perfectly with my murdered out Epi Special-II and cherry red ES-339 Pro! Love the 'burst finish, and the tones! omg, I want one 😊😊
I have had an Epi Firebird for about 2 years now, and it’s a lifer, I’m never getting rid of it!!!
In a mix, you won't hear much of a difference, so just pick the one you feel most comfortable with. I have a Gibson Firebird, one of my favorite guitars. I tried the Epi, not as good, but still very nice!
Such an important point. I think as musicians we spend a lot of time (and money) on stuff that does not matter in a mix at all.
the epi is just as good. i had a gibson, tried the epi and sold the gibson and bought the epi and had plenty of cash left over to party with.
as an old player 50 year vintage dealer as gibson historic - custom shop and an Epiphone dealer since ‘98 with eyes closed the historic sounds fully more depth and was easy to differentiate it from the other two.. The Murphy would be my choice
I just got one of those Inverness green epiphone SGs with P90s....
Its actually reaaaaaally good for the price. Ive been neglecting my other guitars for two weeks now.
Dont sleep on epiphone reissues!
I’ve a 2015 non- reverse in Pelham blue I got from the Gibson demo shop almost 2 years ago for $1400 that I think sounds great. The epiphone sounds great, but that Murphy lab firebird is amazing!
I liked the standard best. But the Epiphone it will be by budget with different pickups eventually but they seem alright for now.
The Epiphone and Murphy Lab were great, the Standard neck pickup sounded a bit annoying.
One of the blue ones sounded a bit more biting and bright than the other two- which sounded warmer but too similar to distinguish. I don't know which blue one it was ,but one was clearer and brighter.
Thank you
The custom shop has a better neck pickup tone and that also improves the middle position.
I own the Epiphone and its just outstanding. I keep debating a pickup swap but its pretty easy to hear how it sounds just like the Gibson USA model
Man, for whatever it's worth, I actually preferred the sound of the Epiphone over the standard Gibson. The Murphy Labs one sounded as good or perhaps a smidge better than the Epiphone but not a huge difference. The standard Gibson I felt like the sound of the pickup was a bit too hot and beefy compared to the others. I'm guessing that could be adjusted for with amp settings, string height, etc.
Great comparison.
Regarding bridge position; rather similar (but still different). Middle and neck position; more difference. The standard more creamy and the Murphy, even more creamy… But if you weigh in the price, I think the Epi hold its ground extremely well. Would you even notice a difference in a mix? And I think you could tweak the amp settings to get it ”creamier” as well… Feeling a bit of GAS now 😉
Epiphone needs a Left-Handed version of the Firebird.
Owmed a few Gibson Firebirds and the Epiphone keeps up with any of them and sounds better then some of the ones Gibson put out with the overly hot ceramic pickups from a few years ago. They nailed it with this model Epi.
After your first comparison video between the Epi and Gibson birds I liked the sound of the Epi better, and ordered one! While the Murphy Lab sounds incredible I'll stick to the Epi. However, I don't know how you can play it sitting down! I have to reach out so far on the neck!!
You're just saying that because you heard another youtuber say that
I've compered Firebidy's some time now , saw Henry James in "Robert Jon & the wreck" playing a "EpiBird 3" with Seymor Duncans , it could be my choice ? Don't know yet ?
Its a close race. Seems to me that every step up from the epi just sounded slightly brighter than the last. Its really close though. Id say the epi is without question the best bang for buck here. They all sound good, its just about if you can justify the exponential price increase for incrementally brighter tone which could easily be achieved by swapping out electronics. Personally ive owned 1 usa firebird and was the only gibson I've bought i dont really miss after selling but now i think i might pick up the epi.
Do heavier strings grant more sustain? My sg came with heavier strings than my 97 mim fender strat. The gibson rings like an angel sent from heaven
Agreed, the Murphy labs sounds better, I wonder if the custom shop sounds as good?
id take that epi any time for the price , price matters to me.
Epiphone sounded great!
The Epi middle position. Something about it as compared to the Gibsons. It’s different in a good way.
Loved the For Your Life from Presence
Reading the comments, I love how each guitar had its fans
First, thanks Robert, great video, as always :) Sound-wise, hard to tell the diff, maybe because of the online platform...maybe not. Vibe-wise, though, Holy Hell , that CS is something ELSE entirely. LOVE it. Enjoy!
Throughout my phone little speakers so I might be wrong,I would say they are becoming brighter as they raise in price.
On my iPhone 10 the epiphone had the sweetest woodiest sound. The Murphy labs had kind of a harsh tone but I’m sure it sounded great in the room 😊
The middle position on all 3 sounded very similar to my ears. The bridge and neck on the Murphy Labs were fuller and richer for sure but did it sound $6'400 better than the Epi? 🤔 Stick a couple of Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers in that thing and you'd have an incredible guitar for half the price of the Gibson.
I am surprised at how good the Epiphone sounds. A pick up upgrade and it’s right up there
Yep, all it needs is better pickups.
Nooo, The PUs are exactly *why* it sounds so good! PUs are 90% of the sound of an electric guitar.
These are US made pickups that are constructed like the original vintage Firebird PUs btw.
So no need to change them, especially if you already like the sound. If there is just a bit lacking in terms of tone for you, it would be much more logical to use the Firebird through your favorite amp and/or cab then to change the pickups and therefore change the sound of the guitar completely.
The lab one , superlative but the Gibson has great all around sound. Omg now I need one.
They do sound different but I have to agree with you that the custom has a bit more twang to it and for my tastes I liked that the best (I'd better be careful 🤣).
But the Epiphone is close second for sure. The other Gibson sounded a little more muffled than the Epiphone which was a surprise. Glad you're happy with your purchase, must feel great to own that Murphy Labs 👍
YOUR SO RIGHT ROB my wife bought me that epiphone firebird for x mas but we just had our baby girl .and I made her take it back cause I lost my job and I said I cant put this on the family right now it really hurt I allways wanted a firebird had it lol for 3 days .sad but had to think of family .but I can say the neck pick up was just so soulful and expressive I fell in love with it bigtime and with the controls you can dial in a super creamy almost fuzzlike tone with just a tough of gain super guitar .and yup hard to find now .maybe someday j will find one . Who ever won the guitar I'd love to hear your thoughts on it congrats as well Tim frkm canada
Man Robert, that Epiphone was a very close to the 2019 Gibson.
However to my ears, "and believe me" I went back and listened
with headphones the second time. That Origin sounded brighter
than both of the others! Me, if it were my decision I'd go with the
Epi, over the 2019. Cause that would be in my price range! Thanks
for this comparison Robert...