Eastwood Guitars Stormbird

L.H., Sunburst, basswood body, maple set neck with rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, 1 5/8" width at nut, (2)P-90 pickups, Tune-O-Matic Stop-Tail bridge and Gotoh nickel/chrome hardware

Although I play mostly alternative style music the Stormbird has enough flexibility to play any stile of music from muted to very bright. The P-90's can get a bit noisy depending on amount of distortion. The set neck increase sustain....

I purchased this guitar from Mike at myrareguitars.com. For $319 it was kinda more like stealing it. It came out of the box like a brand-new model, not a demo. It still had all the protective plastic on the pick-ups and pick guard. The finish on the body is deep and rich. The action, intonation....overall set up was "ready to play". I always double check all screws, nuts and hardware on the guitar....everything was fine.

I don't play live at this point but have been involved in the live music scene for over 20 years between management, sound, lighting and on occasion being the roadie. From the feel, finish, solidness and quality, of this guitar, the Stormbird will have no problem with dependability orplaying live. As far as playing without a backup???
you shouln't do that no matter what guitar you're playing!!!

I have dealt with Mike and Eastwood for purchases and information on products. They are knowledgeable, sincere and customer oriented as people dealing with customers should be.

Although I have been only playing for four years, I have been involved in music for over twenty. I've worked with musicians and local bands and decided it was time for me to play!
The Eastwood Stormbird, my latest acquisition, is a great sounding and great value to my guitar "collection". I also own an Eastwood Airline, Ibanez SZ520QM, Crafter slim archtop acoustic/electric. I had an American Fender Telecaster whose quality didn't compare to the ones listed...I sold it to get my Airline.....

Well, let see, I just played a sunburst Stormbird. Basically, a copy of a non reverse Gibson Firebird.Setneck, two P90 soapbar pickups,tune-o-matic bridge,tuners seem ok. medium to jumbo frets. Apparently, the body is made of basswood, which kinda of made wonder about this guitar. I have had those MIJ tele reissues and aleays felt something just not right with that wood.

I ran this through a fender deluxe reissue, since I lay through one.
Played on about 4. I think the sounds on both pickups were pretty balanced. I went from warm jazz tones to some cool tele twang. these are pretty good guitars made in china. I guess they were once made in korea?? Not sure, but heard this. My dislikes, call me a wimp but i found it to be too neck heavy. I don't mind weight in a guitar, but maybe because I was sitting and playing? That really is my only complaint,

I saw no flaws whatsoever in this kid, pretty good craftsmenship!
For $399, it is almost shocking. Here is REAL proof that you do not need to spend alot to get alot, period. Again, I am a P90 guy and already have a US Gibson junior. I wanted something with two P90s that looked a little funky!

Yes, seems to be reliable in all ascpects, I just think one must get use to the way it hangs on you!

Mike and company, very nice people, keep making cool guitars!

I do not own, just played one. Was going to buy, but am not a fan of basswood. it's almost the same way i feel about sapele(another story).It's a taste thing, some like maple finger boards, some like rosewood or ebony, you know? I just a bought a Epiphone '56 goldtop, so we shall see which is better. Eatwood guitars are smart because they took the idea of all those funky, wacky guitars of yester year and made them actaully playable and affordable. Anyyone that has been around knows that most of guitars way back were shit.

This guitar is Black with the standard options listed in previous reviews. I Bought it in 2006 mail order from Eastwood, this particular guitar was used for photo shoots and the price was $349.

The sound is great through my Fender '63 Vibroverb re-issue amp and also sounded incredible through my 60 watt Crate Blue-Voodoo half-stack. When I played it through the Crate with my Korg AX3000 multi-effects pedal the sound came out very very "tinny" so I changed up and ran it straight into the crate using only the two channels... what a great sound. I play rock and am leery of categories and labels within the genre... took this baby to a blues jam and astounded everyone with the great tone. A little noisy, but that's part of the charm of P-90's.

This guitar was awesome right out of the box... pick-up switch came loose a year in other than that it's been wonderful. Unparalleled access to the upper frets... maybe the best neck in the business...

I've gigged and recorded with this guitar and love it to death.

Mike Robinson and his crew are accessible and easy to deal with... what else is there!?!

I'm a 30 year player some the other guitars in my arsenal are- Gibson Les Paul Jr.Lite,'05 Burny Les Paul Custom (Best guitar)'02 Fernandes Stratocaster, Epiphone Les Paul Classic Flame top, Epiphone 335 with block inlays, Epiphone G400 Sg, and 11-12 others (lots of law-suit stuff...love'em). Previously owned instruments include- 1980 Gibson Les Paul std., 61 Gretsch DuoJet and an Epiphone Sheraton. If it was lost or stolen I'd replace it in a heartbeat... love the P-90's and overall feel of the instrument... This guitar alternates between #1 and #2 when playing with my band... they love it too!!! Wish Eastwood would offer it in Pelham Blue and give the option of mini-humbuckers... AWESOME guitar for the money...on second thought just an awesome guitar...

Colour: Cardinal Red
Body: Solid Basswood
Neck: Maple, Set Neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 22 frets
Scale Length: 24 3/4"
Width at Nut: 1 5/8"
Pickups: Two Vintage EW P-90's
Switching: 3-Way
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic, Stop Tail
Hardware: Gotoh Nickel/Chrome
Strings: #9-#46
Case: extra
Unique Features: Bright, powerful P-90 pickups

I play loud, riffy lo-fi punk/grunge. This guitar sounds great. Crunchy, powerful pick ups.

I'm using it with an Ashton 100watt combo, plus a small clone, BOSS Tremelo, BOSS DS-1, Pro-Co Rat, MXR Phaser 100...And a BOSS Noise Supressor.

The Eastwood stock P-90s will get noisy and squeaky with the amount of distortion I use, but they sound great. The Noise Supressor will cover any problems when playing live/loud, but you can always replace them with some Seymour Duncans (I have done this with my Eastwood Sidejack, no problems).

This guitar is perfect for some crunchy surf punk / garage rock. Suits my needs to perfection.

I bought this off the Demo page of www.myrareguitars.com...So apparently it has had less than 4 hours worth of playtime. None of that bothered me, especially when I got it out of the box perfectly set up AND in tune. No fret buzz, perfect high action, felt great straight away and I could barely put it down.

I haven't played live with this guitar yet, but I have played live with my Eastwood Sidejack and bought this as a back up. They are sturdy, well-built guitars that take a beating...If anything the Stormbird feels even tougher.

The Stormbird is definitely a little neck heavy as mentioned in other reviews, but I quite like a neck heavy guitar and this is definitely nothing to put someone off this beautiful piece of work.

Mike @ Eastwood guitars will answer any question you have in a timely manner. He may be getting bored of my e-mails, but he never seems to mind. You can tell he cares about what he is doing.

I am not a gear junkie or a studio musician or one of those "I've been playing for 50 years" guys. I've been playing for about 6 years and am really a low-end guitar guy. Low-end Fenders mostly. I buy what my wallet allows. And thank God for Eastwood Guitars. You will not get a better guitar ANYWHERE for the price - $339!! Any 'NAME' guitar you get for that price will be the worst thing you've ever played. What would Fender or Gibson give you for that money? A set of plectrums?

Eastwood Guitars sound great are durable, cheap and they look unbelievably cool...Once again $339!!? Get one before they get popular and the prices skyrocket.

I've got an Eastwood Stormbird and a Sidejack...I'm eyeing off a few others too.

Like the other reviews say this Eastwood's version of a non-reverse Gibson firebird with 2 P-90s.

I ran it through my Fender Super 210 combo amp and was impressed with it's range. I also play a Fender Tele Deluxe with dual humbuckers. The Firebird has a bit more of a growl to it that will suit louder rock songs better that my trusty old Deluxe. Very cool!

Came pretty much set up out of the box. I immediately replaced the strings with 11's. Intonation was pretty much right on, Easy. As mentioned in other reviews, the neck pickup is set a lot lower than the bridge. I unscrewed it and took out the pickup but the only way to raise it would be to put a little block of wood like the bridge pickup. It sounds fine where it is though, so I suppose there is a reason for it.

I just got it a few days ago and haven't played live with it yet but I wouldn't hesitate to gig it.

Super friendly and responsive. I got an artists discount through the band I play in and got a good deal on it. All my emails where answered promptly.

I'm super impressed with this guitar, the sunburst finish is beautful, it sounds good and is a joy to play. This is my first Eastwood guitar but I guarantee it won't be the last. I've got my eye on the Classic 6 and the Sidejack models among others!

This is a 2005(?)Stormbird, Black, W/B/W pickguard. It is actually the very same instrument as the one reviewed by Menno on 11/08/2005.
The specs are unchanged and reflect what has already been described below. The guitar gets a 9 in terms of features because the output jack is located on the side instead of on the top, as a result of which, I will have to rip out the lower volume pot in order to mount the jack in that position and then, convert the remaining volume to a master control. aside from that though, the configuration is excellent.

I play mostly noisy art-rock and post-punk. I tend to favor maximum fuzz over sound definition and for this, this guitar performs very, very well. Much better than what I'd expect from an instrument listed >$500. I'm currently running this guitar trough an EHX Big Muff (NYC), trough a self-made compressor and finally to a Vox AC30 with a floored reverb setting. The bridge P90 snarls and grinds very richly, in a manner that is very reminiscent of Mommy's Little Monster-era Social Distortion. In this setting, the tone control produces a very linear dynamic change in sound from about zero to 6 and then, a very dramatic jump in sharpness passed that which remains unchanged up to 10. The neck pup is more growling an a little more subdued, volume wise but that may be addressable by raising the pick up a smidge. Both pickups together produce the predictable blend. No surprises here but no disapointment, either. This is not a very versatile instrument by any strech but I doubt anybody looking into these is (or should be)expecting that. What it lacks in the versatility department, it more than makes up for in the rock-out department.
It gets a full 10 on account of it "bringing the (non-proverbial) noise."

Well, I bought this used, so check menno's (original owner) review for information regarding factory setup. The general feel of this thing is very true to the instrument it emulates. Action, configuration, balance and sound are overall very Gibsonish and therefore, reminiscent of a considerably higher priced instrument. The neck pickup may need some minor rising but that's really a matter of personal preference. Considering this guitar has seen the road, (possibly since 2005)I'm giving this thing a 9. I'm leaving the finish out of this, seeing as it's pretty much a non-issue for me and that you'd have to be completely deluded to expect ANY finish on ANY guitar to remain pristine, if knocked around, besides, a few chips wouldn't really harm the overall visual pleasantness of this thing, anyway.

Finish WILL wear off with alot of playing.
The unit is definitely neck heavy, and the guitar is prone to nosedive, if you take your hands off the neck (again, akin to most Gibson designs) For this reason, I would strongly recommend NOT to relocate the strap button on the neck heel, as this would only serve to worsen this condition. Staplocks are also a must.
Gigging (especially set necks) without a backup is just plain foolish.
I guess anything that is not a First Act or a New York Pro gets a 10, in this department.

I hear this Mike guy is really helpful and friendly.

I've been playing for a about 19 years. Prior to this guitar, I always only owed Fenders or Fender type guitars. I'm currently playing a refinished but otherwise stock 2007 Chinese JagmasterII and a heavily modified 2004 Indo Squier 51 witch I play trough an ever-morphing pedalboard and a Vox AC30. My reason for getting the Stormbird, aside from the bananas asking price was to bring P90 awesomeness to my sonic palette. P90 awesomeness, I got. If this were stolen or destroyed, I would probably have to look at the Squier CustomII for as an arguably adequate replacement without smashing the piggy bank. In parting, this is pretty much the only option that currently exists, in terms of getting an affordably priced non-reverse Firebird design. There are a few things that I will have to modify here but I've come to accept that from any guitar I'll ever buy. As a Fender guy, I'll say that the Gibson scale presents somewhat of a challenge but I am generally very happy with my purchase and would recommend this model to anybody looking to get a professional quality instrument for the laying down of some solid as **** rock tones. This guitar gets an overall niner because most of my gripes with it are in relation to my own pickiness.

2008 Eastwood Stormbird. 22 frets. Solid basswood body and neck, rosewood fingerboard. 2 p-90-style pickups. Very nice three-tone sunburst finish. "Radical vintage remake" of non-reverse Gibson Firebird iii from '68 or '69. Two volume, two tone (silver-topped top hat knobs), three-position toggle switch. Gotoh tuners. Tune-o-matic-style bridge, stop-type tailpiece. Thin neck, narrow frets. Came with cable, allen wrench. Case wouldv'e been nice, but for $400, you can't have everything. It has everything that the non-reverse Firebirds had when they were good, with some improvements. The output jack has been moved to the side of the body at the rear. The neck & headstock are a bit beefier than the vintage Firebird, making it a bit stronger, which is nice. "10" for features b/c it has EVERYTHING it ought to. Simplicity. This is an uncomplicated instrument, and I believe that the most important criteria for judging features is in what the instrument NEEDS, and this has all it needs.

The Stormbird suits my style of music well. I play primarily rhythm in a two-guitar-bass-drum-keys band, mostly in a very mid-to-late-'60s pop-rock style. Strung with D'Addario Chromes (jazz light gauge, 11-50), it gives a beautiful, warm sound, very VINTAGE. I'm playing right now through a late '70s Fender Bassman Ten (4x10 combo), and I get the rhythm sound that Lou Reed had in the Velvet Undergroud perfectly, as well as Kinks sounds, Beatles sounds, etc. Perfect for me. The only effect I'm running now is an EH Holy Stain, which doesn't love my amp much, but the reverb on it is very nice when I'm on the bridge PU. Overall, the sound is very warm, with the possibility for nice thin trebles and big fat basses. It's best in the center position, a nice, full, balanced sound. I keep the tone knobs at 10, and adjust tone with the volume knobs. nice. It's not the most varied instrument, sound-wise, but I like what it does.

Set-up on this one was perfect (not so my first one, which I had to return, but since Eastwood made it right so fast with a new one, I can't complain about that here). Pickups were adjusted well. I raised the neck PU slightly to suit my taste. Intonation was SPOT ON. Strung it up w/11s, and needed no major adjustment. Frets finished VERY well, better than guitars I looked at costing WAY more. Really, there's NO excuse for poorly finished frets. Mike Robinson gets an "A" in that category, for sure. Finish was beautiful, and is somewhat thinner than on earlier versions of the Stormbird. My first was the Cardinal Red, and the finish was clumily thick. Just plain looked bad. The second is a lovely three-tone sunburst. The rhythm section of my band actually said "wow" when I took it out. Nut OK, saddles fine. Bridge and tailpiece set well. Nothing loose, no troubles to report. For a $400 guitar, you can't ask for more than this.

This thing is a tank. SOLID. HEAVY. No issues. Feels very sturdy. Been practicing with it. Will gig with it soon. Would have no issues gigging with it. Would take a backup, just b/c it's silly not to, but expect no trouble. Finish tough and durable. Hardware is solid. Tuners are better than the "vintage" ones that Eastwood puts on some of its higher-end models, which I cannot understand. They have tension-adjusting screws, which I adjusted to a consistent tension as soon as I got it home. Strap buttons are solid. I will install a straplock, b/c everyone probably oughtta, and b/c the angle of the body and the resulting playing posture really make the neck strap button a bit risky. Might move the strap button to the heel area, as it was on the old FBs.

Mike is the BEST. These folks know how to keep you happy. No issues. It's new. LOTS of others have said it better, so I'll clam up on this.

Been playing 28 years. I've owned, over the years, several crap acoustics, now replaced by a very nice Martin D-15 with a Fishman Ellipse Blend in it (which ROCKS), a blonde 1978 Gibson Midnight Special L6S, an ebony 1984 Gibson ES-335 (damn, I miss that one), a 1963 National Westwood 75 (miss that one, too), and now a project "Frankenstrat" built from parts and THREE Eastwood "Alnico Hot-10" pickups. This Stormbird is the icing on the cake. It's GREAT. If it were stolen, I'd cry, and then start saving to replace it. I love everything about it, and hate nothing. It outplayed the other guitars I tried at Ludlow Guitars in NYC, including some other Eastwoods (Sidejack, Twin-Tone), an Epiphone Casino, and a Hagstrom Viking. This is the best guitar for $400 you'll ever find.

Great features for the price. Asthetically, the Stormbird is beautiful. The finish is well done. I purchased a model with a sunburst finish . . . there's nothing better than a well done sunburst and nothing worse than a poorly done sunburst. Mine is well done with a nice separation of yellow, orange and black (very similar to the bursts on the 60's models). The weight of the guitar feels good - about 12lbs. It's a solid unit that delivers a nice sustain and, coupled with the stock P-90s, delivers great tone. The neck is thin - which is nice. My Stormbird came out of the box in tune. Amazing. My only criticism is the backing plate on my guitar was loose upon arrival. Upon inspection, two of the four screws were stripped. It was an easy fix.

I play rock and the Stormbird fits perfectly with my style. I'm playing the Stormbird through a variety of amps - from Marshalls to a Vox to old Fenders. This guitar performs on each. The sound is full. Eastwood has done a great job of keeping the P-90s quiet. Very little noise at high volumes. I'm a fan of Gibson Firebirds and, in fact, was considering buying a mint 1965 Firebird III from a local collector. The $4800 asking price was fair for a guitar of its caliber. However, before pulling the trigger, I learned of Eastwood and gambled on the Stormbird. I couldn't be happier. This guitar has a similar feel to the original and the same tone . . . plus, it is quieter.

The guitar came to me professionally set-up and in tune out of the box. As stated earlier, the backing plate was loose upon delivery. Two of four screws were stripped. It was an easy fix.

I've only had the guitar for a short time and haven't played it live . . . but I would. It appears to be reliable. I even trust my 4-year-old play on the open strings and make noise. Even he can't knock it out of tune.

I've had great communications with the company. The founder is approachable and (appears) to reply to questions personally. I've not had to use their warranty services.

I've been playing for 25 years. I own a 1964 Harmony Jazz Acoustic, a 1968 Fender Telecaster, a 1977 Rickenbacker 4001, a 1980 Yamaha SBG1000, a 1983 Gibson Sonex, a 1987 Fender Precision, a 1992 Gibson Les Paul Standard, a 1995 Washburn Acoustic, and a 2004 Gibson Firebird V.

The Stormbird holds its own against others in my collection. I would definitely replace it if it were lost, stolen or damaged.

Eastwood Stormbird nice made in China copy of the non reverse firebird with set neck, super shiny black finish, 6 inline grover type tuners, abr style bridge, 2 P-90 pickups, 3 way switch, two tone and volume controls and free gig bag (yoo-hoo)

I play rock, blues and punk (some combo). I set mine up with Ernie Ball 11's and the P-90's sound great, with typical single coil noise, but very quiet in the middle position. I have a late 70's Fender twin reverb and a newer 15 watt solid state Marshall. Sounds great through both (especially clean through the twin). Nice sustain, I might add...

Mine was used, so I can't comment on factory set up. The pickups don't have any springs under them (just some thick foam, which is apparently common with cheaper guitars), so the height adjustment is somewhat limited, but would be an easy fix. Very nice shiny finish, a few minor imperfections from the factory. The hardware seems sturdy, I might upgrade the tuners later on as the G string seems to go a little flat overnight.

I beleive this would hold up if gigged. It is fairly heavy and all of the parts seem to be good quality.

N/A

I have been playing for almost 20 years. I also own a 1980 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Gold Top, a late 70's Fender Twin Reverb and a 15 watt solid state Marshall. I owned an early 2000 Gibson SG Special (with P-90's) a while back (loved that guitar), and I would say the Stormbird is very comparable sound and quality wise. I also previously owned an Epiphone Firebird VII (should have kept it) and an '04 Gibson Firebird V (got rid of it, it just didn't have "it", nor do any of the newer ones I have played lately), I think I will keep the Stormbird!!! I would replace it if it came up missing. I really like everything about this guitar. It just feels right. And solid. I was looking for a P-90 guitar and this is it. The only thing I would add is maybe a third P-90 for cool factor. I wish they would add some more colors to their line. I would buy a white one!!!

This is a better replica of the Firebird than Gibson makes these days. I just played a Gibson at their store and they list for about $2500 and the action was awful. I love this guitar shipped set-up and ready to play. Has 2 p-90's with 2 tone and volume controls with a tune-o-matic bridge. Restring this with what you like and you are ready to go.

I play 12 bar blues based garage rock and this is a great guitar for the tone. I use it with my 1963 Vox Ac-30 and my 1970 super reverb and it sounds great with both. Sounds like a guitar with 2 P-90's, go figure.

Believe it or not this was the best NEW guitar that i have played in a store or bought online where the factory set-up was 98% dead on. I guess changing the strings right away to 11's would be why i had to do very minimal adjusting. Pickups were set fin and the finish has a nice shiny gloss to it.

Guitar stays in tune better than some of the high dollar guitars I've played and seems dependable. I have a backup guitar at every gig not because I'm not going to have a string break during a set and have to stop to restring a guitar. I have the utmost faith in the reliability of all guitars I own. I also put schaller strap locks on all guitars so the don't take a dig.

Call Michael anytime with questions. AAA+++ Super nice guy and will help you with your questions. Best customer servive I have delt with.