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GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS
ON EBAY
While working in his tiny Kalamazoo, Michigan shop on a hot summer afternoon in 1894, Orville Gibson could not have known the affect his instruments would have on the music world. Starting with strong convictions about instrument design and quality, Orville created a whole new family of guitars and mandolins and later inspired generations of craftsmen to produce some of the finest instruments the world has ever heard or seen.
Born in Chateagay, New York in 1856, Orville had relocated to Kalamazoo by 1881 and worked as a shoe clerk. But his great love for woodworking and a passion for music started him thinking long and hard about guitar and mandolin design. His research convinced him that the best vibrating characteristics were found in solid, unbent, unstressed, carved wood. Applying violin construction ideas, and inventing some new ones, his new mandolins and guitars had carved tops and backs instead of flat ones. They became an instant success when introduced 1894.
When orders began coming in faster than they could be filled, Orville was finally persuaded to set up a company to manufacture instruments with his designs. The "Gibson Mandolin - Guitar Co., Ltd" was incorporated on October 11, 1902 with Orville Gibson as a consultant, not as a manager, since he had no interest in running the day to day operations.
The next 15 years were the heyday of the mandolin orchestra and Gibsons were quickly established as the best instruments. Innovations like raised pickguards, intonation - compensating bridges, slimmer necks, and more modern carving techniques developed rapidly and sales increased. The company relocated four times, finally opening the famous factory at 225 Parsons Street in 1917. Because Kalamazoo was located in the "furniture belt" of Western Michigan, the company had access to the best woodworking machinary available as well as a pool of exceptionally talented woodworkers. They made full use of both.
Orville Gibson, as well as the craftsmen and engineers who followed him, believed that handwork and manufacturing could produce large numbers of high-quality instruments. Two basic policies were established at Gibson which continue to this day. Buy or invent machines for dangerous or repetitive operations requiring great accuracy. Employ a highly skilled worker when the human touch or the musicians ear is needed.
This unique combination of man and machine is one of the main reasons Gibson has endured so long and well : A Gibson is built with a careful combination of high precision tools and craftspeople who love their work. They’re built by musicians, for musicians.
Acoustic instruments and banjos were also evaluated, historic models revived, and new designs created. In 1990, Gibson opened a state of the art facility for acoustic production in Bozeman, Montana where the dry climate made building conditions ideal.
Gibson celebrated 100 years of inspired musical instrument design and production in 1994. Then and now, Gibson products offer an unbeatable combination or performance and value for any musical purpose. Continuing in the tradition of providing "American Guitars - Built by American Musicians" each Gibson is an investment in your musical future, and an example of one of the greatest traditions in music history.
GIBSON ACOUSTIC GUITARS
ON EBAY
While working in his tiny Kalamazoo, Michigan shop on a hot summer afternoon in 1894, Orville Gibson could not have known the affect his instruments would have on the music world. Starting with strong convictions about instrument design and quality, Orville created a whole new family of guitars and mandolins and later inspired generations of craftsmen to produce some of the finest instruments the world has ever heard or seen.
Born in Chateagay, New York in 1856, Orville had relocated to Kalamazoo by 1881 and worked as a shoe clerk. But his great love for woodworking and a passion for music started him thinking long and hard about guitar and mandolin design. His research convinced him that the best vibrating characteristics were found in solid, unbent, unstressed, carved wood. Applying violin construction ideas, and inventing some new ones, his new mandolins and guitars had carved tops and backs instead of flat ones. They became an instant success when introduced 1894.
When orders began coming in faster than they could be filled, Orville was finally persuaded to set up a company to manufacture instruments with his designs. The "Gibson Mandolin - Guitar Co., Ltd" was incorporated on October 11, 1902 with Orville Gibson as a consultant, not as a manager, since he had no interest in running the day to day operations.
The next 15 years were the heyday of the mandolin orchestra and Gibsons were quickly established as the best instruments. Innovations like raised pickguards, intonation - compensating bridges, slimmer necks, and more modern carving techniques developed rapidly and sales increased. The company relocated four times, finally opening the famous factory at 225 Parsons Street in 1917. Because Kalamazoo was located in the "furniture belt" of Western Michigan, the company had access to the best woodworking machinary available as well as a pool of exceptionally talented woodworkers. They made full use of both.
Orville Gibson, as well as the craftsmen and engineers who followed him, believed that handwork and manufacturing could produce large numbers of high-quality instruments. Two basic policies were established at Gibson which continue to this day. Buy or invent machines for dangerous or repetitive operations requiring great accuracy. Employ a highly skilled worker when the human touch or the musicians ear is needed.
This unique combination of man and machine is one of the main reasons Gibson has endured so long and well : A Gibson is built with a careful combination of high precision tools and craftspeople who love their work. They’re built by musicians, for musicians.
Acoustic instruments and banjos were also evaluated, historic models revived, and new designs created. In 1990, Gibson opened a state of the art facility for acoustic production in Bozeman, Montana where the dry climate made building conditions ideal.
Gibson celebrated 100 years of inspired musical instrument design and production in 1994. Then and now, Gibson products offer an unbeatable combination or performance and value for any musical purpose. Continuing in the tradition of providing "American Guitars - Built by American Musicians" each Gibson is an investment in your musical future, and an example of one of the greatest traditions in music history.
