Gibson Acoustic Guitars

Luc Travers
Gibson Acoustic Guitars

GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS

Gibson acoustic guitars are highly regarded for their quality and sound, and there are several factors that contribute to their greatness. Here are a few of the key elements that make a Gibson acoustic guitar great:

Craftsmanship: Gibson guitars are made with a high level of attention to detail, using only the finest materials and with an exceptional level of craftsmanship. Each guitar is carefully crafted by skilled luthiers who take pride in their work.

Sound quality: Gibson acoustic guitars are known for their warm, rich tone and powerful projection. The sound is achieved through the use of high-quality tonewoods and construction techniques.

Innovation: Gibson has been at the forefront of guitar design and innovation for over a century. From the company's early days, they have continually introduced new features and designs that have helped to shape the sound of modern music.

Iconic designs: Gibson has produced several iconic guitar designs that have become synonymous with the instrument itself. Models such as the J-45, the J-200, and the Hummingbird are instantly recognizable and have been played by countless famous musicians.

Legacy: Gibson has a rich history that spans over a century, and the company's legacy is evident in each guitar that they produce. Owning a Gibson guitar is owning a piece of music history, and the company's reputation for quality and innovation is unparalleled.

A Brief History

Gibson Acoustic Guitars has a long and storied history that dates back over a century. Here are some of the key moments in the company's evolution:

1894: Orville Gibson founds the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd. in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company specializes in mandolins and guitars, and Gibson quickly establishes a reputation for crafting high-quality instruments.

Orville Gibson with one of his early guitars

Orville Gibson with one of his early guitars

1923: Gibson introduces the L-5 acoustic guitar, which becomes a popular model among jazz musicians.

1936: Gibson introduces the Advanced Jumbo acoustic guitar, which features a larger body and more powerful sound than previous models.

1942-1945: Gibson temporarily halts guitar production during World War II to focus on making items for the war effort.

1950s: Gibson introduces several new models, including the J-200, the Hummingbird, and the Dove. These models become popular among country and rock musicians.

1960s: Gibson acquires the Epiphone brand, which had been a competitor in the guitar market. Gibson also introduces the B-45-12 12-string acoustic guitar, which becomes a popular model among folk musicians.

1970s: Gibson moves its acoustic guitar production to Montana and introduces several new models, including the J-200 Artist and the Chet Atkins SST.

1980s: Gibson introduces the Songwriter and the J-100 acoustic guitar models. The company also begins using computer-aided design (CAD) to design and build its guitars.

1990s: Gibson introduces the J-200 Millennium, a limited edition model that celebrates the new millennium.

2000s: Gibson introduces several new models, including the Songwriter Deluxe and the J-45 True Vintage. The company also faces financial challenges and undergoes several changes in ownership and leadership.

Today, Gibson continues to produce a wide range of acoustic guitars, including traditional models like the J-45 and modern designs like the SJ-200 Modern. The company remains one of the most respected and influential guitar makers in the world.

 

Famous GIBSON Acoustic Players

  • Bob Dylan - played a Gibson J-50 acoustic guitar during his early career, and later switched to a Gibson SJ-200.
  • Elvis Presley - played a Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar during many of his live performances.

  • John Lennon - played a Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar during the early years of The Beatles.
  • Neil Young - played a variety of Gibson acoustic guitars throughout his career, including the J-45 and the J-200.
  • Woody Guthrie - played a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar and is known for using the instrument to write many of his famous protest songs.
  • Paul McCartney - played a Gibson J-45 acoustic guitar during the recording of The Beatles' White Album.
  • Sheryl Crow - plays a Gibson Country Western acoustic guitar.
  • Emmylou Harris - plays a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar.
  • Keith Richards - played a Gibson J-200 acoustic guitar during many of The Rolling Stones' live performances.
  • Jimmy Page - played a variety of Gibson acoustic guitars throughout his career, including the J-200 and the Hummingbird.