Small details have never obstructed my clear view of the deep and hidden truth!
He actually asked for - and received - mascara pens on his 16th birthday two days ago. I refused and gave him something manly: a Gibson Firebird V. Well, he had always told me that I should only play Thunderbirds and on his way back in time only recently discovered Johnny Winter. He was over the moon with it. If the kid is so determined to turn rock star (as only a 16 year old can), then he shall at least not blame likely lack of success in reaching that goal on lack of proper equipment.
And I like Firebirds myself, the sustain of those things is endless, yet they have a Fenderish attack and clarity. It always escapes me why guitarists do not play them more often. I don't find the clichée you sometimes read of them of sounding "messy" and "billowing" (allegedly due to the neck-thru construction) in a band setting confirmed at all. Any regular humbucker LP will mud more.
Uwe