Snubbed for 62 years: Epiphone finally makes left handed Firebird

If you have any familiarity with the history of Gaskell Guitars you know that from the very beginning I have condemned Gibson and Epiphone for their on-and-off, atrocious support and consideration for left handed guitarists. For over 60 years, their budget brand Epiphone never made a left handed Explorer nor a left handed Firebird guitar despite the brand being under Gibson, the original producers of Explorers and Firebirds. Epiphone has been a Gibson brand since 1957. The Gibson Firebird was released in 1963.

Epiphone guitars are made in China. Gibson has a dedicated factory there for Epiphone. production. They are budget versions of Gibsons. They are pretty good guitars for their price.

Thanks to our friends at Leftyfretz it has been revealed that in 2025 Epiphone is offfering a left handed Firebird. Visit: https://leftyfretz.com/epiphone-inspired-by-gibson-custom-lefties/

This is the first time ever.

But do not celebrate this, my fellow lefty guitarists. That would be like celebrating the end of the flogging you have endured by some sadistic torturer that will never face justice for it. It's no cause for celebration. Gibson and Epiphone's treatment of left handed guitarists is the commercial version of domestic abuse. They have been feeding you a "You can't have it" for over 60 years. Because you are a lefty guitarist. Really let that sink in.

I said it in the beginning. I say it now. Do not support guitar companies that don't support you. If you have five or six thousand dollars for a custom left handed guitar you don't go anywhere else - you come to me. If you can't afford a custom left handed guitar, get an off-the-shelf lefty guitar from Schecter. They are the #1 lefty-friendly, mass-production guitar brand in the world. They are good guitars and a great company. You know I have a lot of good things to say about them - and not much for the rest.

So, Epiphone now offering lefty Firebirds? After 62 years? That tells you right there what they think of you.

There has never been a legitimate reason for why Gibson didn't make left handed guitars other than because of a fundamental disrespect for left handed guitarists.

Remember that.

And to cap it off, here in Australia they want to charge AU$3,439 for one. For AU$1500 or so more I can make you a custom lefty Firebird exactly to your specifications and in whatever colour or finish you like, made right here in Australia, not China.