Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Gibson Announces the Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I

Gibson Announces the Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I

The model features a newly-developed Alnico V Firebird pickup and comes with an Eric Clapton signed backplate.

Nashville, TN (August 20, 2019) -- By acknowledging its iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, Gibson, the legitimate leader in professional instruments proudly presents the Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I. A pre-sale will officially begin on August 20, all Gibson Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I guitars will be sold through Guitar Center and on GuitarCenter.com in the United States as well as through select International Gibson dealers, visit www.gibson.com for further details.

In the 1960's and 70's, Eric Clapton's use of a Gibson Firebird represented some of the most inspired, fiery and influential playing of his legendary career. Although Eric had previously played a Les Paul ES-335 and an SG, it's always been the 1964 Firebird I that Clapton remembers as being a truly outstanding guitar. “I remember one night in particular with the Firebird," explains Eric Clapton. “It was a Cream show in Philadelphia, and it was one of the greatest gigs I ever played."

Gibson Custom Shop is proud to present this limited-edition reissue of Clapton's famous Firebird, made using authentic construction methods and precise dimensions scanned from vintage 1964 Firebird models. Every Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I guitar is outfitted with a newly-developed Alnico V Firebird pickup to recapture the scorching output and searing tones of the original. Each 1964 Firebird I will also feature an Eric Clapton signed backplate, a replica of the strap he used, a reproduction of the guitar's original case, a Certificate of Authenticity booklet and more. A limited quantity of Eric Clapton 1964 Firebird I guitars will be sold through Guitar Center in the United States as well as select International Gibson dealers.

The release of the Gibson Eric Clapton Firebird I will launch simultaneously with the 2019 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, TX, taking place Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21. At the festival, the limited-edition guitar will be displayed in the Guitar Center Village alongside the Gibson ES-335 guitar used by Eric Clapton on numerous landmark recordings, including the enduring Cream hit and festival namesake “Crossroads."

For more information:
Gibson

Stompboxtober continues! Enter below for your chance to WIN today's featured pedal from LR Baggs: The Align Series Reverb! Come back each day during the month of October for more chances to win!

Read MoreShow less

This four-in-one effects box is a one-stop shop for Frusciante fans, but it’s also loaded with classic-rock swagger.

Great, lively preamp sounds. Combines two modulation flavors with big personalities. One-stop shop for classic-rock tones. Good value.

Big. Preamp can’t be disengaged. At some settings, flanger effect leaves a little to be desired.

$440

JFX Deluxe Modulation Ensemble
jfxpedals.com

4
4
4
4


Read MoreShow less

Simple elegance and lush tone define this pair of high-quality, medium-priced guitars designed for players looking for onstage panache and sweet vintage sounds.

Excellent playability, glamour, simplicity, and great tones define this budget-priced but high-quality blast from Gibson’s past.

None, unless you require a neck pickup on your instruments or find the body shape inhibiting.

$1,299

Epiphone 1963 Firebird 1
epiphone.com

5
4
5
4


Read MoreShow less

A classic-voiced, 3-knob fuzz with power and tweakability that surpass its seemingly simple construction.

A classic-voiced, well-built fuzz whose sounds, power, and tweakability distinguish it from many other 3-knob dirt boxes.

None, although it’s a tad pricey.

$249

SoloDallas Orbiter
solodallas.com

5
5
5
4

You’ve probably seen me complain about the overpopulation of 3-knob fuzz/OD pedals in these pages—and then promptly write a rave review of some new triple-knobber. Well, I’m doing it again. SoloDallas’ Orbiter, inspired by the classic circuit of the 1966 Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, stings and sings like a germanium Muhammad Ali. Mine’s already moved to my pedalboard full-time, because it delivers over-the-top fuzz, and allows my core tones to emerge.

Read MoreShow less