Fazley Firebird

Discover the iconic Fazley Firebird and find out if it’s the right guitar for you

The Fazley Firebird has become an iconic and highly sought-after electric guitar model for its eye-catching design and powerful sound. This reverse-style guitar was originally created by Gibson in 1963, but Fazley has released its own affordable version that brings this classic instrument within reach of more players.

If you’re considering purchasing a Fazley Firebird, this comprehensive buying guide will give you all the key details on specs, sound, playability and more to help determine if it’s the right guitar for your needs. We’ll also provide info on where to find the best deals on these fantastic Firebird models.

An Overview of the Fazley Firebird Guitar

The Fazley Firebird captures the unique styling of the Gibson original, with its distinctive “reverse” offset double cutaway body shape. This gives it an instant visual appeal unlike any other guitar out there.

It features a solid mahogany body and a hard maple neck designed for strength, resonance and stability. The pickups are usually Fazley’s own custom-designed mini humbuckers, which provide vintage-style tone that can range from warm and smooth to biting and aggressive.

Some key specs of the Fazley Firebird include:

• Solid mahogany body
• Hard maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Mini humbucker pickups (some models have dual humbuckers)
• Tune-o-matic bridge
• Vintage-style tuners
• 24.75″ scale length

While it shares the same unique body shape, the Fazley Firebird has some different design elements compared to the Gibson version. The Fazley guitar is more affordable, has a heavier and thicker body, and comes in a wider range of vibrant custom colors and finishes.

How Does the Fazley Firebird Compare to the Gibson Firebird?

There are certainly some important differences between the Fazley and Gibson Firebird models that are worth considering:

• Build materials: The Gibson uses higher grade mahogany and maple, while the Fazley uses more affordable wood. This affects the tone and resonance.
• Hardware: The Gibson has higher quality hardware, like Grover tuners and a Tune-o-matic bridge. The Fazley uses cheaper hardware.
• Pickups: The Gibson has mini-humbucker pickups, while the Fazley has its own brand of pickups that can vary in quality.
• Attention to detail: The Gibson models have higher build quality and attention to detail and symmetry. The Fazley models have more inconsistencies.
• Price: The Gibson Firebirds cost between $1,000 – $3,000. The Fazley Firebirds cost between $200 – $500.

So while the Fazley follows the same iconic body shape and style, it cuts some corners to meet a lower budget. But this makes it much more accessible for beginners and intermediate players.

Is the Fazley Firebird Good for Beginners?

The Fazley Firebird is a great choice of an affordable, high-quality guitar for beginners for a few key reasons:

• It has a thin, fast neck profile that makes it easy and comfortable to play, especially for smaller hands.
• The shorter 24.75” scale length reduces string tension, making it easier on new players’ fingers.
• The light basswood body reduces weight, avoiding back and shoulder strain.
• It comes in at a very beginner-friendly price point under $300 in most cases.
• The versatile semi-hollow tone from the mini humbuckers allows beginners to explore both clean and overdriven sounds.
• The striking vintage design is inspiring and exciting for new guitarists.
• It’s an intermediate-level instrument that will keep up with a guitarist’s ability as they progress.

The Fazley Firebird gives beginners a cool guitar to learn on, with great playability and flexible tone. It will help motivate new guitarists to practice and perfect their craft on an inspiring instrument.

Key Features of the Fazley Firebird Guitar

Here are some of the most important features that define these fantastic Fazley Firebird guitars:

• Reverse offset double cutaway body – Provides perfect ergonomics for comfort while playing seated.
• Mini-humbucker pickups – Offer a balanced vintage tone that is warm and full but can also bite when overdriven.
• Mahogany body & maple neck – Provides resonant, full-bodied tone and smooth, strong playability.
• 24.75″ scale length – Makes it easy to form fretting-hand chords and facilitates intricate solos.
• Rosewood fingerboard – Contributes to rounded lows, articulate mids, and singing highs.
• Vintage-style hardware – Decked out with classical tuners, bridge and nut for authentic old-school looks and performance.
• Volume and tone knobs – Provide exceptional control over the mini humbucker’s versatile tonal range.
• Custom colors and finishes – Available in flashy metallic colors like gold, red, blue and more for an eye-catching aesthetic.

What is the Price Range of the Fazley Firebird?

The Fazley Firebird delivers remarkable value in its price range, which spans between around $200 to $500:

• Under $300 – The most affordable Fazley Firebird options that offer solid build quality with versatile tone. A great choice for beginners.
• $300 to $400 – Mid-range models with premium finishes, hardware and electronics. An ideal investment for intermediate players.
• $400 to $500 – Top-tier Fazley Firebirds with elite appointments like locking tuners, coil-tapping and custom inlays. Perfect for pro guitarists.

While not dirt cheap, Fazley Firebirds provide amazing quality and tone for the price. And they can sometimes be found on sale for under $200! With the iconic Firebird style, they deliver good value for money across all price points.

Where Can I Buy the Fazley Firebird Guitar?

Fazley Firebirds are produced in Asia and sold through various distributors and retailers worldwide, making them easily available:

• Online retailers – Sweetwater, Reverb, eBay, and Amazon all carry a rotating stock of new and used Fazley Firebird models. Online provides lowest prices.
• Music stores – Major chains like Guitar Center and mom & pop shops may have some Fazley Firebird stock available in their electric guitar range.
• Overseas distributors – Importing from Asian distributors on sites like Alibaba or AliExpress can provide low wholesale prices.
• Direct from Fazley – Fazley has an online store on sites like eBay where you can buy directly from the manufacturer.
• Classifieds – Check local classifieds like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and newspaper ads for good deals on used Fazley Firebirds.

Doing some searching both online and locally will turn up the best available deals on these guitars with the iconic reverse body shape.

What Materials are Used in the Fazley Firebird’s Construction?

The Fazley Firebird uses quality materials in its solid double-cutaway body and slim neck to provide great tone, sustain and reliability:

• The body is made from solid mahogany or basswood. This gives a balanced, warm sound with smooth mids and tight lows.
• The neck is constructed from maple or mahogany for strength and stability. Maple boosts brightness and attack.
• The fingerboard is rosewood, which enhances articulation and note separation. Rosewood is a common fretboard material.
• The bridge is a Tune-o-matic for reliable return to pitch and intonation.
• Machine heads are die-cast sealed tuners that stay in tune well. Higher-end models may have Grover tuners.
• The nut and saddle are plastic, but Tusq is sometimes used for improved resonance.

Quality hardware and electronics complete the package for a great playing and sounding instrument.

What Color Options Exist for the Fazley Firebird?

Unlike the classic cherry red finish on the Gibson Firebird, Fazley Firebirds explode with a rainbow of colors and metal flake finishes:

• Solid colors like jet black, snow white, candy apple red, metallic blue, emerald green and violet purple.
• Sunbursts in vibrant shades like blue, green and yellow. Bursts range from intense to subtle.
• Metallic metal-flake finishes like gold, copper, red, blue and silver that sparkle under the lights.
• Natural wood with transparent stain is also an option for a classic appearance.
• Custom graphics like racing stripes, flame details and abstract designs can be special ordered.

From understated traditional colors to flashy metallic flake, there’s a perfect Fazley Firebird finish for every player’s style and stage presence.

How Does the Fazley Firebird Sound?

With its semi-hollow mahogany body and powerful mini-humbucker pickups, the Fazley Firebird provides exceptional classic rock tones:

• The neck pickup has a smooth, warm and rounded sound perfect for jazz, blues and clean work.
• The bridge pickup is brighter and more biting, adding cutting tone for solos and classic rock crunch.
• Combined they provide balanced lows, strong chord definition and singing lead tone.
• There is good acoustic resonance thanks to the arched semi-hollow body.
• The tone profile can range from buttery smooth to aggressive by adjusting volume and tone knobs.
• From ZZ Top to Johnny Winter, it nails vintage rock tones with personality and punch.

For dynamic vintage rock tones, the Fazley Firebird is hard to beat in its price range.

Are Left Handed Fazley Firebird Models Available?

Left-handed guitarists searching for a reverse body electric have some options when it comes to the Fazley Firebird:

• Certain popular colorways like sunburst and metallic red are produced in left-handed (reverse) models.
• Custom orders can be placed through some retailers for a lefty build with the desired finish.
• The black and natural finished Fazley Firebirds are more commonly available in left-handed configurations.
• Checking sites like Reverb and eBay routinely can reveal used lefty models for sale.
• Another option is to convert a right-handed model by flipping the nut and saddle around.

While less common, lefties have some good choices to obtain this iconic guitar in a reverse body for southpaws. Asking retailers about customs orders can open up more possibilities.

What Genres and Styles Does the Fazley Firebird Work Best For?

With its biting tone and vintage design, the Fazley Firebird is optimized for timeless rock genres:

• Classic rock – For nailing those 70s-80s hard rock tones.
• Blues rock – The perfect guitar for soulful solos and riffing.
• Psychedelic/Prog – Provides trippy rock tones.
• Garage rock – Raw rock and roll sounds.
• Funk rock – Choppy rhythms and wah-pedal effects.
• Glam metal – Style and sound for the flamboyant guitarist.
• Heavy rock – Thick, distorted tones.
• Alternative/Indie – Unique sound for eclectic players.

The Fazley Firebird has the looks, sound and vibe that rockers dig. It brings vintage attitude to the stage.

What Accessories are Included with the Fazley Firebird?

The Fazley Firebird aimed at budget-minded buyers, so it comes with the essentials to start playing:

• A gig bag or hardshell case is usually included for protecting the guitar. Padded gig bags are more common.
• A strap is provided to play standing up. Quality can vary. Aftermarket straps may be better.
• Extra strings may be bundled for replacements. 10-46 gauge is standard.
• A polishing cloth helps keep the finish looking shiny.
• A basic cable for plugging into an amp may be included with some bundles.
• A truss rod wrench for neck adjustments should be provided.
• A certificate of authenticity is included by some sellers/builders.

Not a lot of extras, but the essential accessories are there to start playing this awesome guitar immediately.

What Pickup Configuration Does the Fazley Use?

The Fazley Firebird generally comes equipped with a pair of mini-humbucker pickups in a dual-pickup (HH) configuration:

• A bridge mini-humbucker provides high output and bright, biting tone.
• A neck mini-humbucker has a smoother, warmer and fatter sound.
• The two pickups complement each other for tonal versatility.
• They have an old-school gritty PAF-style tone.
• Some models come with dual full-size humbuckers for higher output.
• Occasionally single-coil pickups are found on entry-level models.
• There are usually individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup.

The mini-humbucker pairing nails old-school rock and blues tones perfectly and affordably.

How Does the Fazley Perform Live?

With its bold vintage design and flexible sound, the Fazley Firebird is built to shine on stage:

• The contoured body and sleek neck create outstanding playability for intricate riffs.
• The mini-humbuckers and tonal controls provide versatile tones from smooth to searing.
• The striking colors and pointed body draw attention and create intrigue.
• The reduced weight compared to Les Pauls avoids fatigue during long gigs.
• The Tune-o-matic bridge provides reliable tuning stability even with heavy playing.
• The medium output pickups avoid excessive feedback on loud stages.
• The rosewood fingerboard facilitates fast leads up and down the neck.

For an affordable vintage-rock inspired guitar, the Fazley Firebird performs impressively for live playing.

What Do Reviews Say About the Fazley Firebird?

Overall, reviews praise the Fazley Firebird for providing great looks, sound and value:

• Reviews say it nails the vintage Firebird vibe with its reversed style and color options.
• The solid mahogany body earns kudos for nice resonance and clear tone.
• The mini-humbuckers get strong marks for versatile rock tones on a budget.
• Most reviews say it feels well-made for the price with nice fretwork.
• There are some concerns with inconsistent quality control between units.
• The hardware and electronics quality receives mixed responses.
• It scores highly as a beginner-friendly Firebird option for the money.

Overall, reviews indicate the Fazley is a budget-friendly way to try the Firebird design with solid performance.

Is the Fazley Comfortable for Long Playing Sessions?

With its streamlined contours and thoughtful design elements, the Fazley Firebird offers comfortable ergonomics:

• The contoured back with contours around the belly and rib cage make playing seated very comfortable.
• The deep double cutaways allow easy upper fret access without strain.
• The lightweight solid basswood or mahogany body avoids back and shoulder pain.
• The slim taper neck profile makes it easy for smaller hands to form chords.
• The shorter 24.75″ scale length reduces string tension for comfortable fretting.
• The pointed rear headstock shifts weight back improving the forearm balance.
• Multiple finish options allow finding a model with an ideal neck and body feel.

For extended practice sessions or 3-set gigs, the Firebird shape helps stave off fatigue and discomfort better than most.

How Durable is the Hardware and Construction?

The Fazley Firebird offers respectable ruggedness considering its affordable price point:

• The all-wood construction is hardy enough for life on the road. The thick mahogany or basswood bodies withstand dings well.
• The set-neck design provides excellent stability and sustain. Neck joint issues are rare.
• The chrome hardware shows reasonable corrosion resistance, not succumbing too quickly to sweat and oxidation.
• The thicker gloss paint and finish does an adequate job resisting chipping and worn finish issues.
• The sealed tuners maintain tuning stability even with heavy tremolo technique.
• The plastic nut may require eventual replacing with Tusq for optimal resonance.
• The soldering in electronics cavities could be tidier but generates minimal issues.

For a sub-$300 guitar, the Fazley holds up respectably over years of enthusiastic playing. It’s built to bang around bars and clubs.

Does the Fazley Firebird Have a Tremolo or Whammy Bar?

Unlike the classic Gibson Firebirds, the Fazley Firebird guitars have fixed bridge:

• The hardtail Tune-o-matic bridge provides excellent resonance, tuning stability and intonation but no tremolo effect.
• There are no Floyd Rose or Bigsby-style tremolo systems available on Fazley Firebird models.
• Some models have a dummy trembucker tailpiece for the vintage look but it’s non-functioning.
• Owners have to be comfortable doing divebombs and warbles using vibrato technique, not a whammy bar.
• Sticking with a fixed bridge helps maximize tuning stability and sustain.

While the lack of tremolo options may disappoint some players, most appreciate the tuning security and resonance benefits. Vibrato technique must suffice!

Where Can I Find Fazley Firebird Deals and Discounts?

The Fazley Firebird is already a very affordable guitar, but discounts and sales can make it an even sweeter value:

• Watch eBay and Reverb for used deals below $200 on pre-owned Firebirds. Private sellers sometimes heavily discount.
• Guitar Center runs 15-20% off sales a few times per year that apply to Fazley guitars. Sign up for their deal emails.
• MusicGoRound and other used chains sell gently used Fazleys often for $100+ off retail.
• Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for locals selling brand new or hardly touched Firebirds.
• Buy bundle deals that include a gig bag, cables, tuner and other accessories for one low price.
• Watch for holiday sales around Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day that advertise sitewide discounts.

With some smart shopping, picking up a like-new Fazley Firebird for under $250 is totally doable!

How Do I Maintain and Care for a Fazley Firebird?

Like any guitar, some basic maintenance keeps a Fazley Firebird playing and looking its best:

• Keep it in a hard case or gig bag when not playing to prevent accidental bumps and dings.
• Clean strings and fretboard with a lint-free cloth after playing to remove skin oils and grime.
• Polish glossy finishes with a guitar polish every month or so to prevent clouding and fading.
• Lubricate moving parts like the nut periodically with guitar lubricant.
• Change strings regularly, about every 4-6 weeks with average playing.
• Inspect solder joints inside electronics cavities to ensure connections remain solid.
• Adjust truss rod as needed to straighten out any neck warping and optimize string height.
• Clean and oil unfinished fretboards monthly to prevent cracking or drying out.

With proper care, a Fazley Firebird will offer decades of playability and vintage rocker swagger!

Conclusion

For guitarists seeking a stylish, affordable way to obtain that one-of-a-kind Firebird sound and look, the Fazley Firebird represents an outstanding option. While it cuts some corners on materials and components compared to a Gibson, it gets you surprisingly close in looks and tone considering the accessible price point.

This iconoclastic guitar punches far above its class thanks to clever construction shortcuts. Beginners will appreciate its comfortable playability, while pros can dial in impressive classic rock tones from the versatile mini humbuckers. If you’ve been itching to try the radically shaped Firebird design on a budget, do your research and grab a Fazley. We can confidently recommend it as the premier affordable reverse-body electric on the market today. Let your inner rockstar loose with the Fazley Firebird!