The Gibson Guitar Corporation is one of the most historic, respected, and revered instrument manufacturers in the United States. Founded in 1890 by Orville Gibson, it is among the oldest instrument manufacturers still operating today. Take a look below to find out the full history of Gibson Guitars Incorporated and what exactly they’ve done over the years.
In 1890, Gibson founder Orville Gibson had a fantastic idea. At the time, there was no such thing as a guitar – especially the electric guitar that Gibson has since become known for. There was, however, a stringed instrument very similar to the guitar called a mandolin. Orville Gibson, of course, started his career by making these in Kalamazoo, Michigan. But his mandolins weren’t like any other on the market at that time. They had a solid wood top that was arched, along with a solid, straight back. All previous mandolins had a bowl shaped back, much like a lute. These had a tendency to slip off the player’s leg when sitting down. Gibson’s innovation, as simple as it may seem, was groundbreaking in that it made the mandolins easier to manufacture, richer sounding, and more comfortable to play.
In 1902, Gibson decided to incorporate his mandolin creating company. After about a decade of working and selling his mandolins out of a single room, he was ready to expand. The company started off by producing only the original design until 1919, when they decided to branch out further. They came up with archtop instruments that were no longer mandolins, but actual guitars as we know them today. Their most successful line through the 1920’s, in fact, was the L-5, which was designed as a guitar as opposed to a mandolin. Gibson’s first foray into electric instruments began in the 1930’s. They “electrified” several types of instruments, including banjos, mandolins, and steel guitars. Companies such as Fender were in the fray, developing their own as well. But Gibson brand electric instruments were even then considered to be the best.
In the early 1940’s, as the United States invaded Europe and the Pacific, a severe lack of domestic wood and metals forced Gibson to transform their business. In an effort to help the allies, they assembled several types of military tools. Towards the end of the war, Gibson was bought by a company named Chicago Musical Instruments. They took over the business and selling side of the operation while letting Gibson continue to make the guitars without any input or interference from Chicago Musical Instruments.
As the 1950’s began, the switch in focus from acoustic guitars to electric was in full swing. This switch was due in large part to the hiring of Ted McCarty as president. He saw that Fender was having great success selling their Telecaster line of guitars, and it was up to Gibson to come up with an equally impressive response. Needless to say, they did. In 1952, the first Gibson Les Paul was released. The development and release, spearheaded by McCartney, would prove to be an industry changing innovation. It had a solid body, electric pickups, a three way switch, and four combined volume and tone control knobs. Its design, elegantly contoured and shaped, was an immediate hit among musicians. Gibson expanded the line in the mid 50’s with the thinner, sleeker Thinline series. It appealed to guitarists who wanted something that would fit their style well and be easy to play standing up. The style caught on quickly, and soon became a mainstay in Gibson's product line.
In the late 50’s Gibson Guitars decided that a change in direction was again needed. Known for elegance and somewhat understated instruments, they began making new lines of guitars to put the company on the cutting edge of guitar design. In 1958, they revealed both the Gibson Explorer and Gibson Flying V. Then, in 1961, they introduced the SG, or Solid Guitar, to accommodate consumers’ requests for a double cutaway guitar. At first, the three were something of a failure. The guitars had sharper, fiercer lines. They looked aggressive. And they certainly didn’t carry with them the feel or nostalgia of old acoustic instruments. But, with the rise of English bands in America, Gibson’s popularity came roaring back. Hard rock bands hailing from Britain, like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the Who, used Gibson guitars in the studio and onstage. American culture at large changed in the 60’s, and Gibson rode the wave expertly. Even their most experimental guitars – the Explorer and the Flying V – began to catch on with the rise of hard rock and metal. The Les Paul, meanwhile, quickly became the quintessential instrument for blues and rock n’ roll.
In 1969, Gibson was again bought out. They, along with parent company Chicago Musical Instruments, were acquired by a huge brewing company from South America named E.C.L. Unfortunately, the quality of their guitars is believed to have suffered during this period, because of mismanagement. E.C.L. simply didn’t have the know-how or resources to run a guitar manufacturing company of Gibson’s size successfully. But, just as their demise was becoming imminent, Gibson was rescued by a buyout. New CEO Henry Juskiewicz took his place at the head of the company, and remains there today. Since Juskiewicz’s entrance into the leadership role, Gibson has taken a very positive direction. Their manufacturing improved greatly, and new plants were opened. Today, Gibson makes their electrics in Nashville, their Custom Shop guitars in Memphis, and their acoustics in Bozeman, Montana.
In the early 1990’s Gibson ownership also changed the philosophical direction of the company. Instead of just making and selling guitars, they began dabbling in environmentally conscious manufacturing and philanthropy. They began supporting several non-profit foundations, and eventually even created their own. Additionally, Gibson started implementing a new policy of wood harvesting for their guitars. It is more responsible and conservative, and has proved to be a huge success for the company’s image and sales. Today, under their now not-so-new but still innovative management, Gibson continues to thrive. Their philanthropic efforts continue, and their sales have stayed relatively steady despite the Recession of 2008. By all accounts, Gibson will continue to hold its place as one of the most prestigious guitar manufacturers in the country. And, with the help of talented musicians all over the world, their elegant instruments will continue to be seen and revered across the musical landscape.