The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V with Maestro Vibrola in Ember Red is a premium recreation of Gibson's groundbreaking original Firebird, combining authentic neck-through construction with genuine Gibson USA pickups and high-quality electronics.

Its 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through construction, solid mahogany body wings, Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers and Maestro Vibrola give it the distinctive attack, clarity and sustain that set a Firebird apart from more conventional twin-humbucker guitars.

This pre-owned example is presented in Excellent Condition, showing only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and well presented. Serial number 24101522883. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Epiphone
Model	Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V
Finish	Ember Red
Type	Neck-Through Electric Guitar with Maestro Vibrola
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Serial Number	24101522883
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Premium vintage-inspired Firebird with genuine Gibson USA pickups
Best For	Blues, classic rock, alternative, indie, hard rock and live performance

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Epiphone 1963 Firebird V is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent Condition means the guitar shows very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and particularly well presented.

It is an excellent choice for a player looking for a clean pre-owned example of one of Epiphone's higher-specification Inspired by Gibson Custom models.

What’s Included?

✔ Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

The guitar shows only very light cosmetic signs of previous ownership consistent with its Excellent condition grading.

No repairs or modifications are noted.

Serial Number: 24101522883

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Epiphone Firebird has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers tested
• Three-way pickup selector checked
• Volume controls tested
• Tone controls tested
• Output jack checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Kluson planetary tuners checked
• ABR bridge assessed
• Maestro Vibrola operation checked
• Hardware inspected
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Maestro Vibrola function
• Hardware
• General playability

Wooden instruments can move slightly during transportation as temperature and humidity change, so minor adjustment may occasionally be desirable according to individual playing preference.

What Makes The Epiphone 1963 Firebird V Special?

The Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V goes considerably further than simply recreating the Firebird's distinctive shape. Its 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck runs through the body, with solid mahogany wings attached on either side, reflecting the construction method that made the original 1963 Firebird so unusual.

Genuine Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers, premium CTS, Mallory and Switchcraft electronics, Kluson banjo-style tuners and a Maestro Vibrola make this a particularly serious Epiphone. It captures much of the character of an early Firebird while remaining far more attainable than a Gibson Custom recreation.

Key Features & Benefits

9-Ply Neck-Through Construction

The mahogany and walnut neck runs continuously through the centre of the guitar rather than joining the body with a conventional set-neck joint. This construction is central to the Firebird design and gives the instrument its distinctive structural feel and resonant response.

Gibson USA Firebird Mini-Humbuckers

Both positions use genuine Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets. They deliver more clarity, attack and upper-mid definition than many conventional full-size humbuckers while still providing hum-cancelling performance and enough output for driven rock tones.

Maestro Vibrola

The Maestro Vibrola gives the guitar the visual character of a classic Firebird V while allowing expressive pitch movement for chords, sustained notes and atmospheric playing without turning the instrument into a modern locking-tremolo design.

Premium Electronics

CTS potentiometers, Mallory capacitors and Switchcraft switching and output components give the control circuit a specification closer to premium Gibson-family instruments than conventional entry-level Epiphone electronics.

1963 Firebird Neck Profile

A dedicated 1963 Firebird neck profile contributes to the model's vintage-inspired feel, while the 12" fingerboard radius and medium-jumbo frets keep the instrument practical for modern bending, lead playing and chord work.

Kluson Banjo-Style Planetary Tuners

The distinctive rear-facing Kluson planetary tuners are an important part of the original Firebird design and contribute significantly to the guitar's unmistakable headstock appearance.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Epiphone 1963 Firebird V vs Standard Epiphone Firebird

A standard Epiphone Firebird delivers the famous reverse-body design at a more accessible price, while this Inspired by Gibson Custom model moves considerably closer to vintage specification with neck-through construction, genuine Gibson USA pickups, premium electronics, Kluson planetary tuners and Maestro Vibrola.

Epiphone 1963 Firebird V vs Gibson Firebird

A USA Gibson Firebird offers American manufacture and its own production specification, while this Epiphone is particularly compelling for players who want a high level of historically inspired detail and genuine Gibson electronics without moving into the higher price bracket of a USA instrument.

Epiphone 1963 Firebird V vs Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V

The Gibson Custom version focuses on the highest level of historical recreation, materials and USA Custom Shop construction. The Epiphone offers many of the characteristics that define the original design at a significantly more accessible level, making it better suited to players who intend to use the guitar regularly rather than approach it primarily as a premium collector instrument.

Who Is It For?

Firebird enthusiasts – Ideal for players who want a serious recreation of the original neck-through Firebird design.

Blues and blues-rock players – Firebird mini-humbuckers provide excellent clarity and bite for expressive lead work and pushed valve-amp tones.

Classic rock guitarists – The combination of twin Gibson pickups, long-bodied construction and Maestro Vibrola naturally lends itself to vintage-inspired rock sounds.

Alternative and indie players – Its distinctive tonal response and expressive vibrato system make it particularly useful for atmospheric, textural and effects-based guitar work.

Working musicians – Premium electronics and versatile pickup tones make this more than a visually distinctive stage guitar.

Players wanting a premium Epiphone – A strong option for musicians looking beyond standard Epiphone production into the higher-specification Inspired by Gibson Custom range.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Hard rock
• Alternative
• Indie
• Psychedelic rock
• Garage rock
• Progressive rock
• Americana
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Lead guitar
• Rhythm guitar
• Effects-based rigs
• Vintage-style valve amplifiers

Why Choose A Firebird?

The Firebird offers a very different experience from a Les Paul, SG or conventional double-cutaway guitar. Its neck-through construction, reverse body shape, unusual tuners and Firebird-specific pickups all contribute to an instrument with its own identity rather than simply another variation on the traditional Gibson humbucker formula.

Firebird mini-humbuckers are particularly important to that character. They retain hum-cancelling operation but produce a sharper, more articulate response than many full-size humbuckers, making them excellent for guitarists who want clarity without moving completely into single-coil territory.

The Maestro Vibrola further broadens the instrument's expressive range, making the Firebird equally comfortable with traditional blues phrasing, vintage rock and more atmospheric contemporary playing.

Story & Context: The 1963 Firebird

The original Gibson Firebird was launched in 1963 and was radically different from the company's established Les Paul and SG designs.

Automotive designer Ray Dietrich helped create its striking reverse-body shape, and Gibson adopted an unusual 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck-through structure with body wings attached on either side. It became Gibson's first neck-through-body electric guitar.

The model subsequently found favour with players across blues and rock, with the combination of Firebird mini-humbuckers and distinctive construction helping establish a voice of its own.

The Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V was created in collaboration with Gibson Custom to bring substantially more of that original design philosophy into the Epiphone range, including the neck-through construction, premium electronics, banjo-style tuners and Maestro Vibrola.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Epiphone
Model	1963 Firebird V
Collection	Inspired by Gibson Custom
Finish	Ember Red
Body Shape	Firebird
Body Finish	Gloss
Construction	Neck-Through
Neck Material	9-Ply Mahogany / Walnut
Body Wings	Solid Mahogany
Neck Profile	1963 Firebird
Fingerboard Material	Indian Laurel
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Fingerboard Inlays	Mother of Pearl Trapezoid
Nut Material	Graph Tech
Nut Width	43mm / 1.69"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson USA Firebird Mini-Humbucker, Alnico 5
Bridge Pickup	Gibson USA Firebird Mini-Humbucker, Alnico 5
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Potentiometers	CTS
Capacitors	Mallory
Pickup Selector	3-Way Switchcraft
Output Jack	Switchcraft 1/4"
Bridge	Epiphone ABR
Tailpiece	Maestro Vibrola
Tuning Machines	Kluson Banjo-Style Planetary
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Pickguard	3-Ply White with Firebird Logo
Serial Number	24101522883
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The Gibson USA Firebird pickups and control circuit are passive and connect to a suitable amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1963 Firebird V with Maestro Vibrola is a genuinely impressive interpretation of one of Gibson's most distinctive electric guitars.

The neck-through mahogany/walnut construction, genuine Gibson USA Firebird pickups, premium electronics, Kluson planetary tuners and Maestro Vibrola make the specification feel meaningfully more premium than a conventional Epiphone Firebird.

Finished in striking Ember Red, presented in Excellent Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is an excellent choice for someone seeking authentic Firebird character in an instrument designed to be played regularly.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can provide access to premium instruments at a more attractive price while still allowing you to buy from an established specialist retailer.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, helping you make an informed choice about the condition and character of the exact instrument you are purchasing.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major city-centre showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience with new, used and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with new and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this Firebird.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Speak to our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards your next purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a genuine Gibson Custom Shop guitar?

No. This is an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom model developed in collaboration with Gibson Custom. It incorporates a number of premium and historically inspired specifications while remaining an Epiphone instrument.

Does it have genuine Gibson pickups?

Yes. It is fitted with two Gibson USA Firebird mini-humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets.

How are Firebird pickups different from conventional humbuckers?

Firebird mini-humbuckers tend to have a clearer, sharper and more focused response than traditional full-size humbuckers, making them particularly good for articulate lead work, clean playing and overdriven tones where note definition matters.

Is the guitar neck-through or set-neck?

It uses genuine neck-through-body construction, with the 9-ply mahogany/walnut neck running continuously through the centre of the instrument.

What does the Maestro Vibrola do?

The Maestro Vibrola allows expressive pitch movement for chords and individual notes. It is designed for subtle to moderate vibrato effects rather than the extreme pitch changes associated with a locking tremolo system.

Does the Maestro Vibrola require a different playing technique?

Not significantly. It can simply be ignored when not required, while the arm provides an additional expressive option for players who enjoy vibrato effects.

What are the unusual tuners on the Firebird?

The guitar uses Kluson banjo-style planetary tuners, a distinctive feature associated with early Firebird designs. Their orientation contributes to the instrument's characteristic headstock appearance.

Is the Firebird comfortable to play standing up?

Yes, although its long body gives it a different balance from a Les Paul or SG. Using a suitable guitar strap and positioning the instrument correctly makes the Firebird very effective as a live-performance guitar.

Is it suitable for high-gain music?

Yes. The Gibson USA Firebird pickups retain good definition under gain and can work very well for hard rock and heavier styles, particularly for players who prefer clarity over an extremely compressed high-output pickup sound.

Does it need a battery?

No. The guitar uses completely passive electronics.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is this suitable for studio recording?

Yes. Its combination of clear Firebird pickups, individual volume and tone controls and distinctive resonant character gives it a useful tonal identity that can sit differently in a mix from a conventional Les Paul or SG.

Can I try this guitar in store?

Yes. This individual pre-owned Firebird can be viewed at the Fair Deal Music Birmingham showroom, subject to availability.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal for getting a closer look at the condition and individual character of a pre-owned guitar before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.