well to be honest I just like the body style and the balance of the firebird. I detest mini-buckers. They look like bucker wannabes (looks, not tone mind you). i could put a humbucker in the bridge that I took out of my LP goth (like '57 classic plus) but i have no neck pickup that's not an EMG other than SCs and a cheap old stock bucker. THat LP goth lead pup is the best OEM pup I've ever heard. Anyway back the subject, Green is my favorite color and if I bought the Epi firebird, I'd want different pups in it and there's not much selection as far as minibuckers go. I put the neck on it with the pickguard in place and I believe it creates a simple but striking look. THe control cavity is like the explorer, three in a row but there's a three way toggle inthe middle (again nonfirebirdesque with it not being on the pickguard). I may put and afterburner in the their too. If not, it will probably be a tone. enough rambling. again any advise, criticism, terrorist threats, or tips are welcome.