It Turned the Guitar World Upside Down - Literally! Created by legendary automotive designer (and visionary) Ray Dietrich, the 1963 Firebirds literally reversed conventional concepts for guitar bodies and headstocks. You can bet heads turned when any guitar player took to the stage with one of these unusual instruments strapped on. Players like Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter and Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) found their combination of looks and sound to be perfect for their needs (though, of course, Clapton played many Gibsons through the years). Now, we are recreating the same Gibson high level of craft and quality in each miniature.