Essential Information About the 1963 Firebird I Guitar
- Faithful replica co-developed with Gibson Custom: 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through construction, mahogany body wings, legendary Firebird silhouette.
- Premium electronics: Gibson USA Firebird Alnico 5 mini-humbucker, CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitor, Switchcraft jack.
- Vintage hardware: Kluson "banjo" planetary tuners, Wraparound Lightning Bar bridge, 3-ply pickguard with Firebird logo.
- Stage-ready: remarkable sustain, simple hand-wired Volume/Tone control, hard case included.
A Mythical Design by Ray Dietrich
Designed in 1963 by the legendary designer Ray Dietrich, the Firebird introduced neck-through construction at Gibson. This 1963 Firebird I "Inspired by Gibson Custom" from Epiphone faithfully reproduces the original recipe in every aesthetic and functional detail. Adopted by blues and rock icons, it stands as a heritage piece, here made accessible without compromising on key specifications.
For Which Guitarist and Styles?
Designed for intermediate to expert musicians, the Firebird I will also appeal to ambitious beginners seeking an inspiring and durable instrument. Its single high-output mini-humbucker shines in blues-rock, classic rock, garage, indie, and edgy riffs, while remaining convincing in dynamic clean tones and expressive crunch.
The Sound
The Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbucker with Alnico 5 magnets delivers precise attack, sculpted highs, and tight lows, with present mids that cut through the mix. The
neck-through construction enhances stability, sustain, and projection, while the Wraparound Lightning Bar bridge efficiently transmits vibrations. The simple
Master Volume and
Master Tone circuit (CTS/Mallory) offers a wide palette, from authoritative twang to compact overdrive, without losing the typical Firebird definition.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To maintain the original feel and tuning stability, opt for nickel electric strings .010-.046, a quality 6.35 mm straight jack cable, a comfortable strap (with attachment points on all three historic locations), and a stable guitar stand. The dedicated hard case is provided for transport and protection.
Technical Specifications
Body
- Shape: Firebird
- Construction: 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through
- Body wings: mahogany
- Finish: gloss
Neck
- Profile: 1963 Firebird
- Scale length: 24.75" / 628.65 mm
- Fingerboard: Indian laurel
- Radius: 12" / 304.8 mm
- Neck material: 9-ply mahogany/walnut
- Number of frets: 22
- Frets: Medium Jumbo
- Nut: Graph Tech
- Nut width: 43.0 mm / 1.69"
- Inlays: mother-of-pearl dots
- Assembly: neck-through construction
Hardware
- Finish: nickel
- Bridge: Wraparound Lightning Bar
- Tuners: Kluson "banjo" planetary
- Pickguard: 3-ply white, red hot-stamped Firebird logo
- Truss rod: dual-action
- Truss rod cover: black, gold Epiphone logo
- Control knobs: gold with silver reflectors
- Plates/covers: black, stamped "Inspired by Gibson Custom" logo
- Strap buttons: 3 (bottom, shoulder, neck heel), historic locations
- Mounting rings: nickel
Electronics
- Bridge pickup: Gibson USA Firebird Mini-Humbucker, Alnico 5 magnets
- Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone, hand-wired with CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitor
- Output jack: Switchcraft 1/4" / 6.35 mm
Miscellaneous
- String gauge: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
- Case: hard case included
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