Good one AXE(R), or I mean demOOn.
http://forums.gibson.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=15215

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The time has gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say.

well it's the real Axe now....

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

Whew!! That's good cause as you noticed - we don't do hate here. As for talking you into a Fender - just pick one up and play it. That's all it took for me. Fantastic fit, comfort, playability and sound!!! Oh, and the Strat is soooo sexy looking!!!

Welcome to the forum.

Gridlok

Oh I've played and owned many a Fender.
It just so happens I don't have any at the present time.

And thanks for the welcome. To the real me.

Musical styles: Hard Rock - Classic Rock - Blues.

I have five Gibsons.

Two Les Pauls. One Firebird. One Explorer and a J185ec acoustic.
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Others. Charvel model#4. Peavey Vandenberg. Ovation op30 Flame top.

I'm always playing different brands just for fun.

Welcome Axe! I've always been interested in a Firebird. Killer shape and sound. Enjoy the group.

My apologies AXE. Glad you got everything straightened out.
Welcome to the forum

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The time has gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say.

It may be true that guitars shaped like Firebirds (or Thunderbirds) have an interesting LOOK to them and, naturally, with a great neck + super electronics, they will also sound dynamite, BUT......

The inherent (major) flaw in the design is that they are top-heavy, due to the fact that the upper strap button is behind its weight's center point. You are constantly holding the neck UP while trying to play and move your hand around.... not quite-so-freely. The only solutions I know of involve specialty straps that either are long enough to reach the headstock (as on many acoustics) or wrap around YOUR neck..... LOL

I suppose you could (nail? or) somehow affix the shoulder-pad area with Velcro and wear a tight shirt with the opposite Velcro on the shoulder, but then the top-heavy headstock will still want to drag your clothes off to the floor. (Probably why Flea uses a Fender type bass..... IE: What's the point? hehehe)

BT, DT: I've owned and performed with a Gibson Thunderbird Bass, but only for a short time, many years ago. It was a real hassle.... believe me. Besides, you need some super-serious rig to keep it from sounding like mud. The pickups on most any Gibson or Epi bass are extra fat. Any amp that can handle a 5-string & the low B should work fine. (That type of amp with such a low range wasn't made or available way back in the old days AND be sure to either get one that has a wide-band EQ built in, or get an out-board rack EQ.)
> Just my POV, opinion & 2 cents from years of experience. (you're welcome, LOL)

Axe, I'm surprised that you own a Gibson J-185 EC! I own one too and don't run across too many people that do. Love mine! Great tone and blues guitar!

The bird

J185ec Custom Shop #87 of 200

And the rest of the family.

Great looking ! Mine is natural in color!

Really like the Gold Top!

AXE:
Tell us honestly, do you have ANY top-heavy problems when standing?
Or.... do you ignore it because you are used to it?
> In regards to either the Firebird or the Explorer.

(Being totally honest myself, I doubt it's anywhere near as bad a 'problem' as a
Thunderbird, since the bass's headstock is bigger and the neck is obviously longer.)

I don't really notice at all. I use a wide strap on all of them, I guess friction or traction comes into play...

The way I rest my right for arm may have something to do with it also.

Crap!!! Now I'm going to be thinking about it ...