1 Topic by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2021-01-20 09:31:16)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: Epi Firebird 1 JB mods

I've had the Epi JB Firebird 1 for a few years now, and there's some things I did to make not seem so Asian "epiphony" and more USA Gibson-like...

  • drilled out the plastic dots on the fretboard and installed some real pearl dots.

  • drilled out the "small" sidedots along the fretboard edge, and relaced them with thicker more vintagey looking white dots.

  • swapped out the Epi trusrod cover for a Gibson one

  • swapped out the white/black/white Firebird logo pickguard for a plain 1-ply white pickguard.

Now it looks like and new old stock Gibson, and I haven't met one person that thinks it's an Epiphone... especially in the midst of my legit Gibsons, it blends right in.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: Epi Firebird 1 JB mods

Nice mods!

Oh, and Nick lives!!

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster

3 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2021-01-22 15:32:02)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Epi Firebird 1 JB mods

HA. Thanks!
It's been a rough couple of years life-wise... so I took a break from the forums. Now I'm back and better than ever.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Epi Firebird 1 JB mods

Let’s see some pics!

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Epi Firebird 1 JB mods

Just sold that guitar. Pained me to do it, but all the others I own are more collectible.
Nice flip as well. bought for $750, sold for $1500

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool