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 including a 9-ply neck-through-body made of mahogany and walnut with mahogany body wings to either side. Kluson planetary geared “banjo” tuners anchor the strings at the headstock, while a 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.