Epi Firebird Studio? Yay or nay?

[frigid midget]

I'm hoping to get some feedback here, I know this place doesn't have the most traffic, especially during the summer I guess...

Anyway, I'm into the firebird shape, and I like the fact that it's not as popular as the LP or SG.

Used to have a Gibson Firebird Studio for a little while, with P90's. Couldn't afford to keep it, and I needed an actual humbucker equiped gibson style guitar. And I still do

The Epi Firebird I have my eye on fits my tiny budget, but it's a two hour drive, so I'd love to hear from anyone here who's messed with this partical version/model.
It's the older one with humbuckers, dot inlays and no neck binding. No raised body center thingy, no funky steinberg tuners, no "faded" finish.

I need something that'll hold its own for pseudo metal type jams, with gainy Tool style riffing. I'm guessing it comes with generic pickups, but that's easy enough to upgrade if I have to. What's the overal build quality though, is there any reason to NOT make a lowball offer?
I'm not concerned about "the" firebird tone. I'm not into blues or 60s/70s rock, this one would be used for heavy disorted shit only.

There's still a bit of wiggle room for price negotiations btw. What would would be an okay deal?

Thanks!

[MechaGodzilla]

i don't know the specifics of that model but check it's proper firebird build (through neck, however many pieces of wood etc) otherwise it might just be an awkwardly shaped sg with a more delicate headstock that doesn't fit any cases/gig bags

[frigid midget]

Yeah, it's not one of those older ones with the bolt-on neck. It's neck throug, but doesn't have the raised center part on the body.

Overal it'll probably still be an akwardly shaped SG, which I'm totally fine with actually

It's an aesthetics thing more than anything really. Everyone and their moms are rocking Sg's, and I'm one of the few people whi dig the oddball Firebird look. And I actually don't find it any more akward or uncomfortable to play than a Les Paul, with its thick body, sharp edges, heavey weight,...

Comes with a case too btw, so no worries there

Just wondering if it'll do agressive stuff better than my fenders do. But yeah, if it doesn't sound too different from an SG, I guess it'll probably get me in the ballpark

[Zork]

One of my ex bandmates had one, it sounds and plays basically like a les paul. I have a japanese copy of a traditional Firebird that seems to be very, very close to the original. Total different beast. The Epi Studio is pretty dull and bassy in comparision. Maybe have a look at the latest Epi Firebird reissues from 2020? I think they look much cooler as well with the smaller Pickups, narrower pickguard and the raised middle section.