The Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue in Cardinal Red is a meticulously crafted tribute to Gibson's first neck-through guitar. Developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, this model is based on a historic original – a homage to the iconic design by automotive designer Ray Dietrich. The Firebird style with its long "wings" and slim centre section remains unforgettable, thanks in part to legends like Johnny Winter, Keith Richards, and Eric Clapton. The Epiphone reissue features classic specs such as the slimline through-neck made from a combination of mahogany and walnut, together with modern build quality and excellent value for money. It is aimed at players who want to experience not just the look, but also the feel and signature sound of the original, without having to spend five-figure sums.
At the heart of this Firebird is a nine-ply neck-through construction made of mahogany and walnut, which ensures maximum stability and rich sustain. Mahogany wings fitted on either side give the guitar its classic "reverse body" look. The compact body features a wraparound "Lightning Bar" bridge for greater sustain and resonance. In terms of electronics, the Epiphone stays close to the original: A hand-wired Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbucker with AlNiCo-5 magnets delivers the crisp, biting tone that made this guitar a favourite in Rock, Blues, and Indie, and the pickup is controlled via a master volume and master tone control that each feature high-quality CTS pots and a Mallory capacitor, offering a true purist setup with an authentic vintage soul!
This guitar is aimed at players who love vintage flair and favour clear, singing lead tones. It is intentionally stripped back: Just one pickup, no switches, no unnecessary extras – just uncompromising quality and immediate response and attack, making it ideal for guitarists who value feel and dynamics. This guitar is therefore sure to hit the mark with guitarists who are in search of that '60s sound but don’t want to compromise on playing comfort. Guitarists looking for a striking design and a sonically direct instrument will also find a reliable partner in the Epiphone 1963 Firebird I Reissue Cardinal Red. Because of its more complex construction, higher price point, and weight, it is less suitable for beginners, but offers experienced musicians all the more expressiveness, along with a rich Rock & Roll legacy.
Today, Epiphone is known only as the Asian budget offshoot of Gibson. Yet both companies were once independent, equal, and also bitter rivals. The roots of Epiphone go back to the 1870s and to Anastasios Stathopoulo, a Greek instrument maker, who emigrated to America in 1903 with his son Epaminondas (“Epi” for short). Epi changed the name of the firm to the “Epiphone Banjo Company” after taking over the family business in 1928. During this year, Epiphone also began to manufacture guitars, which rapidly came to dominate their sales. In 1957, Epiphone was taken over by C.M.I., which already included Gibson, but continued as a separate brand until 1970, when manufacturing was outsourced to Asia. Well-known Epiphone models include the Casino, played by the Beatles, and the Sheraton, John Lee Hooker’s instrument of choice.
The 1963 Firebird I Reissue Cardinal Red is tailor-made for classic rock and blues tones, but will also cut a fine figure in Indie, Garage Rock, and experimental genres. Thanks to its bright, assertive sound character, it pairs beautifully with tube amps and with fuzz or overdrive pedals, in addition to which its fast response makes it a dependable partner both in the studio and on stage, particularly as the pickup is top-tier quality. Those who prefer minimalist setups will love the single-pickup configuration and intuitive handling - whether they are performing with a combo amp in a club or with a half-stack on a big stage, this Firebird delivers a tone that always stands out, and with the sturdy Epiphone Custom hardshell case included, it is ready to go wherever the music dictates.
Gibson USA Firebird Mini-Humbucker
The mini-humbucker installed here comes straight from Gibson USA and uses AlNiCo-5 magnets to produce a clear, brilliant tone with more focused mids than traditional PAFs. This gives the Firebird its signature bite, perfect for single-note lines and Classic Rock riffs. The pickup's smaller format provides quicker transients, especially noticeable when playing with a clean or crunch sound. Combined with the guitar's bridge and neck-through design, the result is a distinctive, sustaining tone that holds its own in a full band setting without overpowering the other instruments.