Jazzmaster vs Firebird

Hey everyone!

So I've currently got an Es-335 and a Tele 1962 RI in my electric arsenal right now but for what I'm doing, the tele isn't really cutting it for me so I'm gonna sell it to help save up for a jazzy or a firebird.

I need something thats unique! I saw Rival Sons play a few days ago and Scott played a firebird and a jazzmaster, thats what inspired me...that and just the many people that have played jazzmasters. Haven't seen too many firebirds around.

Anyway, I play Johnny Marr layering utility guitar, rhythm guitar and blues like rival sons...just standard blues shredding. Oh and recently a lot of overdriven slide. SO whatever I get needs to be really good for that. The ES is nice and thick but it can go thin which is cool.

Oh btw, I'm playing out of a 59' Fender Bassman.

Thanks!

I think I'd go Jazzy if it were me. More versitile, you have a trem. I've never owned a JM but I have played one a few times. The FB is great guitar too. I had one once and while it was cool it had wicked neck dive.

I'd go out and play a Firebird with minihums. I think you would like them. Pretty warm, still very articulate sounding. Great pickups.

Here is a thought how about a Jaguar?? Johnny Marr plays one and has a signature model also. http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/johnnymarrjaguar/models.php?prodNo=0116400

I've got to say I'm not a Gibson man, but that Firebird the guy from the Rival Suns plays is really making me want to change my mind!

http://www.whatsthatdudeplay.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/rivalsonsholiday.jpg

Good luck in your search!

@Rusty

Dude I ****ing know!!!!!!

how cool is scott holiday, jesus christ

I've been known to rock a Firebird.
They have attitude.
Sort of the skull ring of guitars.

Definitely need to try a few. I've never played a Firebird that felt or sounded good to me. Very different guitars.

Here is my baby and what a beauty she is!

Firebirds can be clumsy, depending on your physical size and the guitar itself. I always wanted a reverse FB, and after I got once, I realized I was just too small for it. Mine also had neck dive. Gone. Too bad. It was a nice looking guitar.

On the other hand, I love my Jazzmaster. It's versatile, looks cool and plays great,, but it is not really something I like with too overdrive and grind. It's great for stuff like "Secret Agent Man" and things like that.

This choice depends on what you like, not what we all think you should buy. Go out and play guitars until you find the right one.

Steven Seagal plays a Firebird. I'd say you can't go wrong.

Don't forget to check Fret King Esprit and Reverend.
http://www.fret-king.com/blue%20gif/esprit3vw.gif
http://www.reverendguitars.com/reverend/images/guitars/bolt_on_series/hi_res/jetstream_390_3tone_rw_lg.jpg

they're both great guitars, but very different.

The Jazzmaster is a very versatile guitar that just feels great. the tremolo is the best there is unless you're into Floyd Rose type dives. I have to respectively disagree about the not good for overdrive comments. It doesn't handle OD the same as some guitars, but when you figure out how to EQ it and what works they really shine. To me the tone is very unique but still Fender. It lies somewhere between the smoothness of a Strat, but with the bite of a Telecaster.

Firebirds are another great offset waist design. Like SGs, some are balanced perfect and some, as DrumBob said just want to neck dive to the floor. When you find the right one though they are super comfy. The tone of a Firebird is what really makes it special though. Though mini hums are smooth and bitey. they are one of Gibson's best kept secrets, but definitely not for everyone. They will take overdrive a little better than a Jazzmaster. They also have more sustain than a traditionally set-up jazzmaster.

I don't know how to chose between the two, they're both great guitars. I guess just get out there and play what you can.

Go for the Jazzmaster!!!

I love mine and can cover lots of ground with it. They're finicky to setup, but I think once you have it the way you like it and understand its quirks...they are amazing. The trem is crazy good, the pickups are very unique, its the most comfortable guitar I own....i could go on and on.

I'd like a Firebird someday too, they always seems intriguing and sound pretty great.....but I could never get rid of the JM.

Got to play a friend's vintage non-reverse firebird last night at practice - not sure how the reissues stand up, but if they are anything even close, I'm pretty sure you should get this in pelham blue:

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Firebird/Gibson-USA/2011-Firebird-Studio-Non-Reverse.aspx

His has a maestro on it though which was really nice too.

you really need to swap out those brittle sounding stock pups -- I replaced them with a set of Lollars and its a totally different guitar (for the better)! YMMV, of course,

Jazzmaster, since your Gibson will be able to get within most of the same sonic territory of a Firebird (though not exactly the same). The Jazzmaster will put you in places you never imagined if you want a mate to your 335.

That being said, you may not like the Jazzy and they are certainly an acquired taste. But if different is what you want, and different to what you plan to keep (ES-335), then I can't think of a better guitar out there.

An alternative to a Firebird is a Hamer Eclipse. It's a mahogany solid body double cut slab guitar with a pair of Duncan Firebird pickups. No longer made, you can find them on eBay & CL occasionally. They are extremely well balanced and offer good fret access. There are cheaper Korean models of the Eclipse, but you'll want to get the American model. Here's a photo of mine.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/echorrigan/1995_Hamer_Eclipse.jpg

An alternative to a Firebird is a Hamer Eclipse. It's a mahogany solid body double cut slab guitar with a pair of Duncan Firebird pickups. No longer made, you can find them on eBay & CL occasionally. They are extremely well balanced and offer good fret access. There are cheaper Korean models of the Eclipse, but you'll want to get the American model. Here's a photo of mine.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o67/echorrigan/1995_Hamer_Eclipse.jpg

That is a great looking guitar. Hamer is so underrated.

I went into a store recently, and for $449 and $399, I saw a Hamer with two humbuckers on a nice flame top with nicely bound double-cutaway, and a beautifully lightweight Les Paul Jr. type of guitar with P90 and they beat any Epi in the same price range. They were excellent instruments.

http://www.epinions.com/review/HAMER_SATFTSB_Sunburst_Archtop_Flametop_Tobacco_Su nburst/content_582693260932

Hamer is under rated, particularly used American made guitars. Standards, Specials & Sunbursts from the late 70's and early 80's can be pricey, but some of the stuff from the early to mid 90's can be had for under $800 USD. Unbelievable quality at that price point.

Yo dog, rock a Firebird. It's what dogs do.

Firebird. I had a Jazzmaster. Don't miss it at all.

Something magical about a Jazzmaster..perhaps the way it looks, and the pickups are simply fantastic. Like most guitars, you can also cover a lot of ground with a JM.

Try both and see what you think and what may best serve you :wink: I use mine in rotation with the cover band that I play with...lots of fun for sure :cool:

A video sample of the JM doing lots of old classics :cool:

ZsVK_WDLTjw

I've never played either, but I'm not one to let a lack of expertise stop me from commenting. To me, it's jazzmaster, no contest. Better looking, and it seems like it would probably be more mod friendly.