By Suzanne Z
It never ceases to amaze me that a company with a top name in guitar production, making world-class Gibson Acoustic Guitars, got its start in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
From Humble Beginnings
Kalamazoo, Michigan was a relatively small city in 1894, and Orville Gibson's relatively small musical shop did not draw an undue amount of attention. But Gibson had a burning vision; a vision of creating instruments that excelled even the highest expectations for stringed instruments. Thanks to his dedication and the shared vision of a number of superb craftsmen, Gibson's dream has excelled far beyond his wildest dreams.
One year after Gibson's death in 1919, the renowned classical mandolinist (also an acoustical engineer) by the name of Lloyd Loar was hired by the Gibson Company. He expanded on Orville's original mandolin designs to create the very first fretted instruments to ever have "f" holes. The Master Model F-5 mandolin and the L-5 guitar had tuned tops and backs, another first. The L-5 guitar was adopted by Eddie Lang, a classical guitarist who brought the L-5 into the classical music scene. But this auspicious start was only the beginning.
During the 1920's interesting innovations such as bridges with height adjustment, adjustable truss rods and elevated fingerboards became a part of the guitar industry and by 1924 Loar had produced a prototype electric bass guitar that was conceived about thirty years too soon. Gibson soared through the depression by entering the toy market and introducing a line of affordable Gibson Acoustic Guitars known as the "Kalamazoo" line.
But WWII saw Gibson bought by Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) which in 1948 hired Ted McCarty, a wiz in the music industry, to be President of the Gibson Company. CMI's expectations were met as, in the sixteen years that McCarty was in charge, the company's sales increased by over 1,250%. And that was before electric guitars made it into the music scene. So good were things looking that in 1959 Gibson bought-out their long time competitor Epiphone and used it to sell a subsidiary line of lower-priced Gibson guitars.
With the 1960's came the era of rock and roll that gave the electric guitar its popularity. Not to be outdone, folk music, and an increased interest in jazz sent the demand for acoustic guitars in general, and Gibson Acoustic Guitars in particular, soaring. Gibson was - still - on a roll. But with the slow growth in the music industry, the Gibson owners decided to sell, and were bought in 1986 by a team of music devotees headed by Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman. And as they say, the rest is history.
Famous Models of Gibson Acoustic Guitars
While there are dozens of Gibson Acoustic Guitar models, three models are standouts.
The Gibson J-45
This jumbo dreadnought is considered to be Gibson's most played acoustic guitar. It is simple in shape in construction and has a warm tone and projects volume admirably.
The Gibson Hummingbird
The first Gibson dreadnought with square shoulders, the Hummingbird is rather ornate, giving it a good stage presence, and has hummingbird designs etched on the pick guard.
The Gibson SJ-200
Known affectionately as the Super Jumbo, the Gibson SJ-200 made its debut in 1937 and is conceivably the most famous acoustic guitar in the world - bar none. It has an incredibly full-bodied flavor that is still in high demand with musicians around the globe.
Why a Gibson Acoustic Guitar?
With their high quality and stellar reputation, Gibson guitars are a cut above the rest. When it comes to the demanding specification of acoustic musicians, Gibson Acoustic Guitars are definitely the guitar of choice for those who can afford them.
Find more information about Gibson Acoustic Guitars on my website. Suzanne Z is a guitar enthusiast who loves to write about acoustic guitars. Her website helps thousands of musicians each day find the best acoustic guitars, for all levels of guitarists including advanced and beginner. Also get free online lessons and 100+ free, printable chords.
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