
Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop have teamed up again to create the Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I – an authentic replica of the guitar designed by legendary automotive designer Ray Dietrich. When it was launched in 1963, the Firebird™ was Gibson’s first neck-through-body model, and it went on to be used by players in a wide range of genres, including blues legend Johnny Winter, Keith Richards and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music, to name a few.
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird I delivers vintage Firebird specifications at an accessible price, including a 9-plyneck-through-body made of mahogany and walnut with mahogany body wings to either side. Kluson® planetary geared “banjo” tuners anch or the strings at the headstock, whilea Wrap around Lightning Bar bridge holds things down at the other end and ensures exceptional sustain. While in keeping with the vintage 1963 Firebird I’s stripped-down specifications, the electronics are also premium and include a Gibson USA Firebird mini humbucker™ pickup with Alnico 5 magnets, CTS® potentiometers, a Mallory™ capacitor, and a Switchcraft® 1/4” output jack, giving this remarkable recreation not only the look but the sound of a classic Firebird I. An Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom hardshell case is also included.