Gibson Celebrates 130 Years of Shaping Music
Gibson, the esteemed guitar manufacturer, is celebrating 130 years since Orville Gibson crafted his first instrument in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company’s innovative designs have played a pivotal role in music history, with their instruments wielded by a pantheon of legends across genres.
From Maybelle Carter’s influence on country music with the Gibson L-5 to Bill Monroe’s F-5 mandolin shaping bluegrass, and Eric Clapton’s ‘Beano’ Burst setting new blues standards, Gibson’s impact is undeniable. Icons like Sister Rosetta Tharpe with her SG Custom, Tony Iommi’s SG Special ‘Monkey’, and Jimmy Page’s double neck EDS-1275 have defined rock and metal. Slash’s Les Paul and Bob Marley’s Les Paul Special have also left an indelible mark on music.
Back to the Future Dance Scene
Gibson’s presence has resonated beyond live performances, from Bob Dylan’s 1963 March on Washington to cinematic moments like the Back to the Future dance scene. Cesar Gueikian, President and CEO, states, “As we celebrate 130 years since Orville Gibson started making instruments, I firmly believe that our best years are ahead of us. We are Gibson. Our craftspeople, our global team, our artists, and our fans, together are Gibson.
“In line with this, and to celebrate 130 years, we have changed our name from Gibson Brands back to Gibson, consistent with our focus and objective to make the best guitars in our history.”
Legacy
In homage to its legacy, the company has reverted its name from Gibson Brands to Gibson, emphasizing its commitment to crafting the finest guitars. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, with the Gibson USA craftory, and the Gibson Custom and Gibson Acoustic craftories in Bozeman, Montana, Gibson continues to produce revered models including the Les Paul, SG, Flying V, and more, while also offering custom-made instruments through the Murphy Lab and Made-to-Measure services.
