NGD - Firebird Setup tips

SunDevil · November 2020

I've just picked up a Firebird and I've read these can be a bit finicky to setup, so wondered if I might delve into FB knowledge on the subject?

Currently setup with no measurable relief (less that 0.002") and a relatively sensible action of 1.6mm at the 12th fret (apologies for mixing imperial and metric - I'm a child of the 70s!)

It plays surprisingly well like that (not huge buzzing etc) but the string feel rather slammed to the fretboard and if it were an LP, I'd be putting 0.008-0.010" into it and setting the action about where it is

But before I get out the tools, I know Firebirds can be 'rattly' so I wondered if the straight neck was possibly a trick to try and increase the neck angle to mitigate that, as this one's not too prone to it as it is (it has a 50s neck, which I'm sure will help too)

Oh and it seems like it's on 9.5-46 strings and I'm tempted to go to 11s on this given the general rattle issues with 'Birds

dogload · November 2020

I really can't offer any advice regarding setting it up, but I recently got a Non-Reverse Firebird and it also has a dead-straight neck with a pretty low action. It's not particularly rattlesome though, but when I got it I thought it had 9's on it and changed them for a new set of 10s, and they also feel like 9s!

I've also got an Epi (reverse) Firebird which is similarly straight and low. So I reckon they just like it like that

FelineGuitars · November 2020

Firebird necks can be a bit "mobile", hence their rattle reputation.

The do sound fabulous though.

grungebob · November 2020

I can’t recall having any issues with mine and I gigged it in my grunge band late 90’s with no issues. We tuned down a full tone and I string it with flat wounds, was ace.

Funkfingers · November 2020

Changing to 010-048 should add enough extra string tension to introduce a gnat’s more neck relief without needing to adjust anything.

Andyjr1515 · November 2020

Main thing before trying to assess the action is to fit new strings first, whatever.

I would fit your preferred gauge and make of strings, check that the relief, action and intonation are still within normal limits and try it. If the frets are well levelled, there's nothing wrong with very small relief, as long as neither the 1st or 6th strings are hard against the middle fret.

With new strings, and your own familiar type of strings, you will be able to assess much better the way it's playing.

lovestrat74 · November 2020

let's see it then

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NGD - Firebird Setup tips

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