Gibson Guitar Company History
Gibson Guitar was founded in the 1890s by Orville Gibson, a mandolin maker from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Today, the company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and it is one of the largest guitar manufacturers in the United States. Gibson produces an array of guitars, including the popular Les Paul electric guitar.
Other People Are Reading
-
Background
-
The Gibson company went on to invent various types of guitars through the 1960s, including archtop guitars and, eventually, electric guitars. The ownership of the company has also changed many hands. Gibson suffered financially from the late 1960s to 1986, when it was owned by the Norlin corporation. In 1986, present-day owners Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman bought Gibson Guitar and turned it in to a successful, privately held corporation.
Products
-
One of Gibson Guitar's most famous models is the Les Paul. The original Les Paul electric guitar was designed in the early 1950s by Ted McCarty and endorsed by musician Les Paul. In addition to this model, other Gibson guitars include the Explorer and the Flying V. These two futuristic-looking guitars were debuted in the late 1950s.
-
Fun Fact
-
In 2007, Gibson, along with German-based robotics company Tronical Gmbh, developed the "Robot Guitar." The instrument can tune itself in approximately two seconds, thanks to special robotics technology.
Famous Ties
-
Legendary musicians who have endorsed Gibson models include B.B. King, Chet Atkins and Howard Roberts. Additionally, the company has built custom guitars for rockers Jimmy Page and Aerosmith's Joe Perry.
Community Service
-
In 2002, Gibson Guitar formed the Gibson Foundation to improve the lives of children around the world. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to charities including Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF.
-
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
... What many of you are not aware of... Gibson Guitar was founded in the 1890's by Orville Gibson in Kalamazoo, Michigan! I wish I had bought every guitar I had the chance to purchase in the 60's and 70's...
