Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Firebird

When the Firebird first hit our Sam Ash stores back in the early ’60s, it was like nothing we’d seen — or heard — before. Designed by legendary car designer Ray Dietrich, the Firebird was Gibson’s bold leap into the future, and in 1963, it took flight. Now, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V brings that radical original back to life in jaw-dropping detail. From its 9-ply neck-through construction to its banjo tuners and phoenix-emblazoned pickguard, this reissue doesn't just pay homage — it resurrects the Firebird in all its golden-era glory.

The Boldly Designed Bird

Among Gibson’s more eccentric electric shapes — Explorers, Flying Vs, even the oddball RD — the Firebird holds a truly unique place in the flock. Inspired by Detroit’s golden age of automotive design, the Firebird’s sleek, reverse-body profile and stepped headstock gave it futuristic flair in 1963, and it still turns heads today. But it’s the neck-through design that sets it apart sonically. Crafted from a 9-ply laminate of mahogany and walnut running straight through the body, this construction offers unmatched sustain, resonance, and stability — even when played unplugged, you’ll feel it vibrate in your hands. Paired with lightweight mahogany wings, it’s a guitar that not only looks fast but feels like it was built for liftoff.

Gibson USA Pickups: Firebird Tone Without Compromise

Here’s where this Epiphone truly blurs the line between tribute and heir: under the hood, you’ll find a pair of authentic Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers — not just inspired by the originals, but made to the same standards you’d find in a high-end Gibson. These pickups pack a distinctive tonal punch, sitting perfectly between the brightness of single coils and the heft of full-size humbuckers. They offer brilliant note clarity, tight low end, and a slightly scooped midrange that makes the Firebird’s voice truly stand out. Whether you're chasing vintage rock jangle or searing modern lead tones, these pickups deliver the unmistakable snap and bite that made the original Firebird a cult favorite — now in a package working musicians can actually afford.

Why the ’63 Firebird V?

The Firebird family had plenty of wild siblings when it debuted — from minimalist single-pickup models to tricked-out triple-pickup beasts. But ask any die-hard fan, and they'll point to the 1963 Firebird V as the definitive version. That’s why it was chosen for Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom line. With its twin Firebird mini-humbuckers, bound neck, elegant mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays, and the beautifully expressive Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, this model hits the sweet spot of function and flair. It’s everything the Firebird was meant to be when it first shook up the scene: sleek, radical, and packed with enough sonic firepower to take on any stage. This isn’t just a reissue — it’s a full-throttle revival of one of Gibson’s boldest designs.

Why We Love It

With its neck-through sustain, vintage-voiced Gibson USA pickups, and radical 1963 styling, this Firebird V captures everything we loved about the original — wild, bold, and built to fly.

Features:

• Faithful recreation of the original 1963 Gibson Firebird V, part of Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Custom Series
• 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through construction delivers exceptional sustain and resonance
• Bound rosewood fingerboard with a comfortable 12" radius and vintage-style mother-of-pearl trapezoid inlays
• Dual Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers offer articulate tone with the perfect blend of chime and punch
• Iconic Maestro Vibrola tailpiece provides smooth, expressive vibrato action
• Classic Firebird appointments: Kluson banjo-style tuners, stepped headstock, and phoenix pickguard
• Includes Hardshell Case