Gibson Acoustic
Guitars
When you talk about the best acoustic guitars, the name
“Gibson” jumps to the front of your mind. Gibson has become synonymous with
quality guitars both acoustic and electric. Every player wants to own a Gibson
guitar if not only for the bragging rights alone.
History
Founder Orville Gibson started making mandolins in the
1890’s. These instruments were distinctively made with a trademark arched body
that Orville patented in 1898.
The Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg, Co was established in 1902.
This gave Gibson the ability to not only manufacture his instruments, but
market them as well.
Between the years 1974 and 1984, guitar production was
shifted to Nashville, Tennessee from Kalamazoo. Then in 1986, the company was
bought by a group of three men; Henry E. Juszkiewicz, David H. Berryman and
Gary A. Zebrowski. Gibson Guitar’s survival is directly attributed to the new
ownership.
The new owners opened new plants for guitar production in
Memphis, Tennessee and Bozeman, Montana. The Bozeman plant is focused on the
acoustic guitar lines.
The Gibson guitar company is also responsible for the
Epiphone, Tobias, Kramer, Valley Arts, Kalamazoo and Steinberger names in
guitar. Any one of these could be called the best acoustic guitar as all carry
trademark Gibson quality.
Models
Gibson has a great many models of acoustic guitars
available. From the L-4 series produced between 1913 and 1957 to the Super 200
cutaway custom, all the instruments manufactured are excellent. Many famous
guitarists play Gibson guitars across all genres of music.
From the research I have done, it seems that most of
Gibson’s early models were designed to be competitive with Martin’s line of
acoustics. A version of the X-bracing
introduced by Martin is present in most Gibson acoustic guitars although some
utilize fan bracing or cross bracing.
It is worth noting that even though Gibson is well known for
arch top designed guitars, their flat top acoustics are continuously selected
as the best acoustic guitar for every level of player.
Serial numbers
The Gibson Company developed it’s current serial number
system in the mid 1970’s. The serials are usually eight digits in length and
are stamped on the rear of the headstock. The 1st and 5th
numbers are combined to denote the year of manufacture. The 2nd, 3rd
and 4th numbers tell which day of the month that guitar was
finished. The 6th number tells the location where it was built and
the last two numbers tell the “production run” number.
For instance, serial number 90953762 shows the guitar was
made on the 95th day of 1993 in Memphis, Tennessee and was the 62nd
guitar completed that day.
A “7” in position six means Memphis and a “4” means
Nashville, Tennessee.
Conclusion
Gibson guitars are always a favorite of artists. The big
draw is that real Gibson’s are manufactured in the United States. The quality
is extraordinary and the tone is legendary.
As far as being the best acoustic guitar, that is up to the
individual player. Neck sizes, materials and weight are factors that should be
taken into account. Don’t just buy a Gibson because it’s a Gibson. Buy it
because it fits you as a player.
As with anything, go to a music store and pick up a few
different models, play them and see how they all feel.