{{Short description|American musical instrument manufacturer}} {{about|a musical instrument manufacturer|the train station in Valley Stream, New York|Gibson station }} {{More citations needed|date=May 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox company | name = Gibson, Inc. | logo = Gibson Guitar logo.svg | logo_size = 150 | image = GMFT0 Gibson Guitar Factory, Memphis.jpg | image_size = 200 | image_caption = Gibson Guitar Factory in [[Memphis, Tennessee]] in May 2009 | former_name = Gibson Guitar Corp. and Gibson Brands, Inc. | type = [[Privately held company|Private]] | industry = [[Musical instrument]]s | fate = | predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = --> | successor = <!-- or: | successors = --> | founded = {{Start date and age|1894}}<ref name="Gibson History">{{Cite web |title=Gibson History |url=http://www.gibson.com/press/press_history.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429194553/http://www.gibson.com/press/press_history.asp |archive-date=29 April 2012 |access-date=20 May 2012 |website=Gibson Corporate Press Kit |publisher=Gibson Guitar Corp.}}</ref> in [[Kalamazoo, Michigan]] | founder = [[Orville Gibson]] | hq_location_city = [[Nashville, Tennessee]] | hq_location_country = United States | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{unbulleted list| * [[César Gueikian|Cesar Gueikian]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/23/05/n32170418/gibson-brands-announces-ceo-transition |title=Gibson Brands Announces CEO Transition |publisher=PR Newswire |via=Benzinga.com |date=2023-05-02 |access-date=2023-05-02 |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502200919/https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/23/05/n32170418/gibson-brands-announces-ceo-transition |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=AboutUs>{{cite web |url=https://www.gibson.com/en-US/About-Us |title=About Gibson |publisher=Gibson Brands |access-date=2023-05-03 |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503112231/https://www.gibson.com/en-US/About-Us |url-status=live }}</ref> }} | products = [[Electric guitar|electric]] and [[steel-string acoustic guitar|acoustic]] guitars, [[bass guitar|basses]], [[string (music)|strings]] | owner = [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts|KKR & Co. Inc.]]<ref name="KKR Portfolio">{{Cite web |title=KKR Portfolio |date=June 19, 2014 |url=https://www.kkr.com/businesses/kkr-portfolio |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001073255/https://www.kkr.com/businesses/kkr-portfolio |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="KKR to Gibson Bidders: ‘We Own the Company’ Until Debt Is Repaid">{{Cite news |date=August 2018 |title=KKR to Gibson Bidders: 'We Own the Company' Until Debt Is Repaid |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-01/kkr-to-gibson-bidders-we-own-the-company-until-debt-is-repaid |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109171135/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-01/kkr-to-gibson-bidders-we-own-the-company-until-debt-is-repaid |url-status=live }}</ref> | num_employees = | num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) --> | parent = | subsid = {{collapsible list| * [[Baldwin Piano Company|Baldwin]] * [[Epiphone]] * [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]] * KRK Systems * [[Mesa Boogie]] * [[Steinberger]] * [[Tobias (bass guitar company)|Tobias]] * Chibson }} | brands = {{collapsible list| * [[KRK Systems|KRK]] * [[Epiphone]] * [[Maestro]] * [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]] * [[Steinberger]] * [[Gibson Amplifiers]] * [[Dobro]] * [[Gibson Kalamazoo|Kalamazoo]] * [[Original Musical Instrument Company|Original]] * [[Orville by Gibson|Orville]] * [[Tobias (bass guitar company)|Tobias]]<ref name="brands">[http://www.gibson.com/press/brands.html Gisbon Brands at Gibson Press website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705173909/http://www.gibson.com/press/brands.html |date=2014-07-05 }}, retrieved 10 Dec 2014</ref> * Baldwin Signature Series * [[Slingerland Drum Company|Slingerland]] * Talent * Chibson }} | website = {{URL|https://www.gibson.com}} }}
'''Gibson, Inc.''' (formerly '''Gibson Guitar Corporation''' and '''Gibson Brands Inc.''') is an American manufacturer of [[Guitar manufacturing|guitars]], other [[musical instrument]]s, and professional audio equipment from [[Kalamazoo, Michigan]], and now based in [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gibson: Private Company Information |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=28990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625204921/http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=28990 |archive-date=2017-06-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 12, 2013 |title=Drop the guitar: Gibson rebrands |publisher=Memphis Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/blog/morning_call/2013/06/drop-the-guitar-gibson-rebrands.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225181007/http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/blog/morning_call/2013/06/drop-the-guitar-gibson-rebrands.html |archive-date=2014-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Koe |first1=Crystal |title=Gibson Brands Inc. is now just Gibson again, to reflect its “focus and objective to make the best guitars in our history” |url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/gibson-brands-130-anniversary-rename/ |access-date=3 June 2024 |work=Guitar.com |date=March 28, 2024 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603200357/https://guitar.com/news/music-news/gibson-brands-130-anniversary-rename/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Gibson |url=https://www.gibson.com/en-US/About-Us |website=Gibson |access-date=3 June 2024}}</ref>
[[Orville Gibson]] started making instruments in 1894 and founded the company in 1902 as the '''Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd.''' in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to make [[mandolin]]-family instruments.<ref name="Gibson History" /> Gibson invented [[archtop guitar]]s by constructing the same type of carved, arched tops used on [[violin]]s. By the 1930s, the company was also making flattop acoustic guitars, as well as one of the first commercially available [[semi-acoustic guitar|hollow-body electric guitar]]s, used and popularized by [[Charlie Christian]]. In 1944, Gibson was bought by [[Chicago Musical Instruments]] (CMI), which was acquired in 1969 by Panama-based conglomerate Ecuadorian Company Limited (ECL), that changed its name in the same year to Norlin Corporation. Gibson was owned by Norlin Corporation from 1969 to 1986. In 1986, the company was acquired by a group led by Henry Juszkiewicz and David H. Berryman. In November 2018, the company was acquired by a group of investors led by private equity firm [[Kohlberg Kravis Roberts]] (KKR).
Gibson sells guitars under a variety of [[brand name]]s<ref name="brandnames">{{Cite news |last=Ayala Ben-Yehuda |date=9 April 2007 |title=Gibson Guitar embraces China, Latin markets |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-gibson-dc-idUSN0826234720070409 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924113433/http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/04/09/industry-gibson-dc-idUSN0826234720070409 |archive-date=2015-09-24}}</ref> and builds some of the world's best-known guitars. Gibson was at the forefront of innovation in acoustic guitars, especially in the big band era of the 1930s; the [[Gibson Super 400]] was widely imitated. In 1952, Gibson introduced its first solid-body electric guitar, the [[Gibson Les Paul|Les Paul]], which became its most popular guitar to date—designed by a team led by [[Ted McCarty]].
In addition to guitars, Gibson offers consumer electronics through the Gibson Pro Audio division, which includes [[KRK Systems|KRK]].
On May 1, 2018, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Gibson Guitars Files For Bankruptcy Protection |language=en |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2018/05/01/607373593/gibson-guitars-files-for-bankruptcy-protection |access-date=2018-05-03 |archive-date=May 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503014231/https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2018/05/01/607373593/gibson-guitars-files-for-bankruptcy-protection |url-status=live }}</ref> and announced a restructuring plan to return to profitability by closing down unprofitable consumer electronics divisions such as Gibson Innovations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-05-02 |title=US guitar firm Gibson goes bust |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-43967923 |access-date=2018-05-03 |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703210548/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-43967923 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mattise |first=Jonathan |date=2018-05-02 |title=Gibson guitar maker sees a future with bankruptcy protection |language=en-CA |work=CTVNews |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/gibson-guitar-maker-sees-a-future-with-bankruptcy-protection/ |access-date=2018-05-03 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502222017/https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/gibson-guitar-maker-sees-a-future-with-bankruptcy-protection-1.3911795 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Resnikoff |first=Paul |date=2018-10-02 |title=It's Over: Gibson Guitar Is Officially Exiting Chapter 11 Bankruptcy |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/10/02/gibson-guitar-bankruptcy-exit/ |access-date=2021-03-22 |website=Digital Music News |language=en-US |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923012949/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/10/02/gibson-guitar-bankruptcy-exit/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Gibson expects to emerge from bankruptcy next month |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2018/10/03/gibson-expects-to-emerge-from-bankruptcy-next.html |access-date=2021-03-22 |website=www.bizjournals.com |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921171857/https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2018/10/03/gibson-expects-to-emerge-from-bankruptcy-next.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In January 2020, the company launched Gibson TV, an online television network focused on guitars and music culture.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horsley |first=Jonathan |date=8 January 2020 |title=Gibson just launched its own online TV network |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/tune-up-and-tune-in-gibson-launches-its-very-own-online-tv-network |access-date=2021-04-20 |website=guitarworld |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=2020-06-30 |title=GibsonG TV Releases New Documentary Series "The Process" |url=https://www.mayhemmusicmagazine.com/gibson-tv-releases-new-documentary-series-the-process/ |access-date=2021-04-20 |website=Mayhem Music Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420085945/https://www.mayhemmusicmagazine.com/gibson-tv-releases-new-documentary-series-the-process/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==History== ===Beginnings=== {{multiple image | align = left | image1 = Orville Gibson pre-1910.jpg |total_width = 450 | caption1 = [[Orville Gibson]], founder | image2 = Gibson Mandolin Family, National Music Museum, Vermillion, South Dakota.jpg | caption2 = Gibson line of [[Mandolin orchestra]] instruments, early 1900s. <!-- | image3 = Gibson mandolin Glinka's museum Moscow Russia.jpg | caption3 = [[:ru:Gibson|Gibson]] mandolin <div style="line-height:110%;">with Russian pickup in {{ill|Glinka's museum|ru|Российский национальный музей музыки}} (Moscow, Russia)</div> --> | image4 = Guitare harpe.jpg | caption4 = [[Harp guitar]] ({{circa|1912}}). }} Gibson patented a single-piece [[mandolin]] design in 1898 that he believed provided a unique sound quality.<ref name="a" /> Orville Gibson began to sell his instruments in 1894 out of a one-room workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1902, the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd. was incorporated to market the instruments. Initially, the company produced only Orville Gibson's original designs.<ref name="b" /> The company moved into the [[Gibson, Inc. Factory and Office Building]] in 1917. Orville died in 1918 of [[endocarditis]] (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and valves).<ref name="a">{{Cite web |title=Orville H. Gibson, 1856–1918 |url=http://www.siminoff.net/pages/gibson_background.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225211328/http://www.siminoff.net/pages/gibson_background.html |archive-date=2011-02-25 |access-date=2011-01-28 |website=Siminoff.net}}</ref>
{{multiple image | align = right | total_width = 350 | image1 = 1924 Lloyd Loar F-5 (SN75846), Virzi (SN10002) (2010-09-18 00.27.59 by Joseph Brent) clip1.jpg | caption1 = 1924 [[Gibson F-5|F-5]] mandolin <small>(with [[f-hole]]s)</small> | image2 = Gibson L-5 (1928), Maybelle Carter, CMHF clip1.jpg | caption2 = 1928 [[Gibson L5|L-5]] acoustic guitar | image3 = Gibson ES-150.png | caption3 = [[Gibson ES-150|ES-150]] electric guitar (1936–1957) | image4 = Gibson RB-1 (1933), RB-00 (1940), PB-3 (1929) banjos at the American Banjo Museum.jpg | caption4 = [[Prewar Gibson banjo]]s: RB-1 (1933), RB-00 (1940), PB-3 (1929) }}
The following year, the company hired designer [[Lloyd Loar]] to create newer instruments.<ref name="b">{{Cite web |date=2008-06-24 |title=Gibson Dusk Tiger |url=http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Dusk-Tiger/Next-Generation.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120080634/http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/Dusk-Tiger/Next-Generation.aspx |archive-date=2011-01-20 |access-date=2011-01-28 |website=Gibson.com}}</ref> Loar designed the flagship [[Gibson L-5|L-5 archtop guitar]] and the [[Gibson F-5]] mandolin that was introduced in 1922, before leaving the company in 1924.<ref>{{harvnb|Wheeler|1992|pp=100–101}}</ref> In 1936, Gibson introduced its first "Electric Spanish" model, the [[Gibson ES-150|ES-150]], followed by other electric instruments like [[steel guitar]]s, [[banjo]]s and [[mandolin]]s.
Following Loar, Guy Hart was the next major figure to influence the company. Musician-writer Walter Carter called the next two decades "The Guy Hart Era" and spelled it out in his definitive history of the company:.<ref>"Gibson, 100 Years of an American Icon" (General Publishing Group, Los Angeles, 1994)</ref>
"Guy Hart ran Gibson from 1924-1948 -- the most important period in the company history since the debut of Gibson instruments at the turn of the century and, moreover, the period of greatest innovation for the guitar since the emergence of the six-string guitar in the late 1700s. As the guitar rose to prominence, so did Gibson. Under Hart's management, Gibson developed the Super 400 … still considered the best of their kind … the flattop line and the SJ-200 [that] put Gibson in a class by itself [and] Gibson's prominent place in the electric guitar market."
During the global economic depression of the 1930s Hart "kept the company in business and kept the paychecks coming for the workers," in part by introducing a line of high-quality wooden toys. "And as the country began its economic recovery in the mid 1930s, he ... opened new markets overseas." Then in the 1940s he led the company through World War II by converting the factory to wartime production, winning an Army-Navy "E" award for excellence. After the war he returned the factory to instruments before he retired.
During [[World War II]], instrument manufacturing at Gibson slowed due to shortages of wood and metal, and Gibson began manufacturing wood and metal parts for the military. Between 1942 and 1945, Gibson employed women to manufacture guitars. "Women produced nearly 25,000 guitars during World War II yet Gibson denied ever building instruments over this period", according to a 2013 history of the company. This denial was contradicted by historical statements. Gibson folklore has also claimed its guitars were made by "seasoned craftsmen" who were "too old for war".<ref name="lister">{{Cite web |last=Lister |first=Kat |date=2014-04-23 |title=The Forgotten Women of Kalamazoo |url=http://www.feministtimes.com/the-forgotten-women-of-kalamazoo/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627010807/http://www.feministtimes.com/the-forgotten-women-of-kalamazoo/ |archive-date=2014-06-27 |access-date=2014-09-15 |website=Feminist Times}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Thomas|2012}}</ref> In 2023, a 1943 Gibson Southern Jumbo was listed for sale with an asking price of $18,500.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1943 Gibson Southern Jumbo dreadnought acoustic from WWII listed on Reverb |url=https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/gibson-rare-southern-jumbo-acoustic-1943-sale-reverb/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608212033/https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/gibson-rare-southern-jumbo-acoustic-1943-sale-reverb/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | total_width = 350 | image1 = Gibson Les Paul 1953.jpg | caption1 = 1953 [[Gibson Goldtop|Les Paul Goldtop]] | image2 = Les Paul 57 Custom.jpg | caption2 = [[Gibson Les Paul Custom|Les Paul Custom]] | image3 = Les Paul Traditional.jpg | caption3 = [[Gibson Les Paul#Standard|Les Paul Standard]] | image4 = Gibson Les Paul Junior (1958).png | caption4 = [[Gibson Les Paul Junior|Les Paul Junior]] }}
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | total_width = 350 | image1 = Gibson L-5 CES.jpg | caption1 = [[Gibson L-5|L-5 CES]] | image2 = Gibson Byrdland.jpg | caption2 = [[Gibson Byrdland|Byrdland]] | image3 = Gibson ES-350T .png | caption3 = ES-350T | image4 = Gibson ES-335 sunburst.jpg | caption4 = [[Gibson ES-335|ES-335]]T }}
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | total_width = 350 | image1 = Gibson Explorer.jpg | caption1 = [[Gibson Explorer|Explorer]] | image2 = Jimi Hendrix's Flying V Gibson Guitar.jpg | caption2 = [[Gibson Flying V|Flying V]] | image3 = Gibson Firebird non-reverse & reverse.jpg | caption3 = non-reverse (left) & reverse [[Gibson Firebird|Firebird]] | image4 = Iommi sg guitar.jpg | caption4 = [[Gibson SG|SG]] }}
In 1944, Gibson was purchased by [[Chicago Musical Instruments]]. The [[Gibson ES-175|ES-175]] was introduced in 1949. Gibson hired [[Ted McCarty]] in 1948, who became president in 1950. He led an expansion of the guitar line with new guitars such as the "Les Paul" guitar introduced in 1952, endorsed by [[Les Paul]], a popular musician in the 1950s. The guitar was offered in Custom, Standard, Special, and Junior models.<ref>{{harvnb|Hembree|2007|pp=74–85}}</ref>
In the mid-1950s, the Thinline series was produced, which included a line of thinner guitars like the [[Gibson Byrdland|Byrdland]]. The first Byrdlands were slim, custom built, L-5 models for guitarists Billy Byrd and [[Hank Garland]]. Later, a shorter neck was added. Other models such as the ES-350T and the [[Gibson ES-225|ES-225T]] were introduced as less costly alternatives.<ref>{{harvnb|Duchossoir|1998|Pp=55–62}}</ref> In 1958, Gibson introduced the [[ES-335]]T model. Similar in size to the hollow-body Thinlines, the ES-335 family had a solid center, giving the string tone a longer sustain.
In the 1950s, Gibson also produced the [[Tune-o-matic]] bridge system and its version of the [[humbucking]] pickup, the [[PAF (pickup)|PAF]] ("Patent Applied For"), first released in 1957 and still sought after for its sound.{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}
In 1958, Gibson produced two new designs: the eccentrically shaped [[Gibson Explorer|Explorer]] and [[Gibson Flying V|Flying V]]. These "[[Gibson Modernistic Series|modernistic]]" guitars did not sell well initially. It was only in the late 70s when the two guitars were reintroduced to the market that they sold well. The [[Gibson Firebird|Firebird]], in the early 60s, was a reprise of the modernistic idea, though less extreme.
===Modernization=== In the late 1950s, McCarty knew that Gibson was seen as a traditional company and began an effort to create more modern guitars. In 1961 the body design of the Les Paul was changed due to the demand for a [[cutaway (guitar)#double cutaway|double cutaway]] body design.<ref>{{harvnb|Hembree|2007|p=110}}</ref> The new body design then became known as the [[Gibson SG|SG]] (for "solid guitar"), due to disapproval from Les Paul himself. The original Les Paul design returned to the Gibson catalog in 1968.
Gibson's production mix in the 1960s had to respond to a changing buyer's market. In 1969, Gibson executive Julius Bellson noted that "Four years ago, electric guitars account for almost 70 per cent of our guitar sales. Today their sales are below 50 percent."<ref>"Gibson Strings Customers Along" (AP story). Hillsdale (MI) Daily News, 2 October 1969, 8.</ref>
On December 22, 1969, Gibson parent company Chicago Musical Instruments was taken over by the South American brewing conglomerate ECL. Gibson remained under the control of CMI until 1974 when it became a subsidiary of Norlin Musical Instruments. Norlin Musical Instruments was a member of Norlin Industries which was named for ECL president Norton Stevens and CMI president Arnold Berlin. This began an era characterized by corporate mismanagement and decreasing product quality.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = horizontal | total_width = 350 | image1 = Gibson2000 (508x345).jpg | caption1 = Gibson left [[Kalamazoo]] in 1984, and their previous factory became [[Heritage Guitars]] | image2 = Gibsonshowcase.jpg | caption2 = Gibson Showcase at [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] }}
Between 1976 and 1984, production of Gibson guitars was shifted from Kalamazoo to [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. The Kalamazoo plant kept going for a few years as a custom-instrument shop, but was closed in 1984; several Gibson employees led by plant manager Jim Duerloo, plant superintendent Marv Lamb and J.P. Moats established [[Heritage Guitars]] in the old factory, building versions of classic Gibson designs.
The company was within three months of going out of business before it was bought by Henry E. Juszkiewicz, David H. Berryman, and Gary A. Zebrowski in January 1986.<ref>{{harvnb|Hembree|2007|p=306}}</ref> Gibson's wholesale shipments in 1993 were an estimated $70 million, up from $50 million in 1992. When Juszkiewicz and Berryman took over in 1986, sales were below $10 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Bryan |title=Saving Gibson Guitars From the Musical Scrap Heap |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 13, 1994 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/business/saving-gibson-guitars-from-the-musical-scrap-heap.html |access-date=8 October 2018 |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619040139/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/13/business/saving-gibson-guitars-from-the-musical-scrap-heap.html |url-status=live }}</ref> New production plants were opened in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], as well as [[Bozeman, Montana]]. The Memphis facility was used for semi-hollow and custom shop instruments, while the Bozeman facility is dedicated to acoustic instruments.
===Since 2007=== Gibson purchased [[Garrison Guitars]] in 2007.<ref name="capur">{{Cite news |last=Baird |first=Moira |date=July 4, 2007 |title=Garrison Guitars sold to Gibson |work=[[The Telegram]] |url=http://www.thetelegram.com/Employment/2007-07-04/article-1446367/Garrison-Guitars-sold-to-Gibson/1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407032031/http://www.thetelegram.com/Employment/2007-07-04/article-1446367/Garrison-Guitars-sold-to-Gibson/1 |archive-date=2012-04-07}}</ref> In mid-2009, Gibson reduced its work force to adjust for a decline in guitar industry sales in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last=Duncan |first=Walker |date=2009-03-23 |title=Sources: Gibson adds to layoff tally | Make and Buy | NashvillePost.com: Nashville Business News + Nashville Political News |url=http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2009/3/23/sources_gibson_adds_to_layoff_tally |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001235030/http://nashvillepost.com/news/2009/3/23/sources_gibson_adds_to_layoff_tally |archive-date=2011-10-01 |access-date=2011-01-28 |website=NashvillePost.com}}</ref>
In 2011, Gibson acquired the Stanton Group, including [[Cerwin Vega]], [[KRK Systems]] and [[Stanton Magnetics|Stanton DJ]]. Gibson then formed a new division, Gibson Pro Audio, which will deliver professional grade audio items, including headphones, loudspeakers and DJ equipment.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=2011-12-05 |title=Gibson Guitar Acquires Market-Leading Pro Audio Companies KRK, Cerwin-Vega! and Stanton: Companies Join to Form New Entity—Gibson Pro Audio Division |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gibson-guitar-acquires-market-leading-pro-audio-companies-krk-cerwin-vega-and-stanton-135019503.html |access-date=7 October 2025 |agency=[[PR Newswire]] }} {{void|Fabrickator|comment|replace ssource url http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111206/BUSINESS06/312060036/Gibson-Guitar-increases-high-tech-lineup-purchase}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In June 2020, Cerwin Vega Inc. acquired Cerwin Vega from Gibson.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cerwin-Vega Inc. Acquires Cerwin-Vega! Pro & Home Brands From Gibson |url=https://audioxpress.com/news/cerwin-vega-inc-acquires-cerwin-vega-pro-home-brands-from-gibson |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=audioXpress |language=en}}</ref> On May 21, 2021, Stanton was sold to inMusic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=inMusic – Home of the world's premier music industry brands |url=https://www.inmusicbrands.com/news/articles/inmusic-adds-stanton-to-its-family-of-premier-music-technology-dj-and-audio |access-date=2021-04-20 |website=www.inmusicbrands.com |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420085944/https://www.inmusicbrands.com/news/articles/inmusic-adds-stanton-to-its-family-of-premier-music-technology-dj-and-audio |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Gibson announced a partnership with the Japanese-based [[Onkyo|Onkyo Corporation]] in 2012. Onkyo, known for audio equipment and home theater systems, became part of the Gibson Pro-Audio division.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-01-04 |title=Gibson Expands Pro Audio Division |url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/gibson-pro-audio-0104-2012%5C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209152705/http://www.gibson.com/en%2Dus/Lifestyle/News/gibson%2Dpro%2Daudio%2D0104%2D2012/ |archive-date=2012-02-09 |access-date=2012-02-09 |website=Gibson.com}}</ref> In 2013, Gibson acquired a majority stake in [[TEAC Corporation]]. In 2014, Gibson acquired the [[wOOx Technology|Woox]] consumer electronics brand from Royal Philips. In October 2017, Gibson announced plans to relocate its Memphis operations to a smaller location and plans to sell the Memphis property. Gibson opened its Memphis facility 18 years before, which occupies just a portion of a massive 127,620 square foot complex. According to the ''[[Memphis Daily News]]'', Gibson planned to search for a new facility for its Memphis operations and would stay in the current spot for the next 18 to 24 months. The facility, which sits across from the [[FedExForum]] along South B.B. King Boulevard, was listed for $17 million.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gibson Guitar Factory Looking For New Home|url=https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2017/oct/20/gibson-guitar-factory-looking-for-new-home/|website=Memphis Daily News|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>
Since its opening, the Gibson Memphis shop mostly focused on building hollow and semi-hollowbody guitars, such as the famed ES series. Presumably, this shuffling of assets was meant to address Gibson's well-publicized financial troubles.
Gibson issued a press release about the move, with former CEO Henry Juszkiewicz stating: :"We are extremely excited about this next phase of growth that we believe will benefit both our employees, and the Memphis community. I remember when our property had abandoned buildings, and Beale Street was in decline. It is with great pride that I can see the development of this area with a basketball arena, hotels, and a resurgent pride in the musical heritage of the great city of Memphis. We continue to love the Memphis community and hope to be a key contributor to its future when we move nearby to a more appropriate location for our manufacturing based business, allowing the world the benefit of our great American craftsmen."<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 November 2017 |title=Gibson Set to Sell Memphis Guitar Factory – Reverb News |url=https://reverb.com/news/gibson-set-to-sell-memphis-guitar-factory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107014304/https://reverb.com/news/gibson-set-to-sell-memphis-guitar-factory |archive-date=7 November 2017 |access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> In December 2017, the Gibson Guitar Factory building in downtown Memphis was sold for $14.1 million to Somera Road, an investment company in New York.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gibson Memphis looking to hire workers for manufacturing|url=https://www.actionnews5.com/story/38874696/gibson-memphis-looking-to-hire-workers-for-manufacturing|website=www.actionnews5.com|date=2018-08-14|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en|first=Joe|last=Birch}}</ref> Two years later Gibson closed the Memphis factory and moved hollow-body production to Nashville. It also moved its Nashville headquarters to [[Cummins Station]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stennett |first=Desiree |title=Gibson to move guitar production from Memphis to Nashville |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/money/business/development/2018/12/03/gibson-guitar-factory-memphis-production-nashville/2191334002/ |access-date=2021-03-22 |website=The Commercial Appeal |language=en-US |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423012859/https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/money/business/development/2018/12/03/gibson-guitar-factory-memphis-production-nashville/2191334002/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson moving headquarters to Downtown Nashville |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2019/07/16/gibson-moving-headquarters-to-downtown-nashville.html |access-date=2021-03-22 |website=www.bizjournals.com |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920002158/https://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2019/07/16/gibson-moving-headquarters-to-downtown-nashville.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2019, Gibson founded the Murphy Lab, a division within the Custom Shop that specializes in creating [[Relic'ing|aged replicas]] of classic Gibson guitar models. Led by luthier and guitar restoration expert [[Tom Murphy (luthier)|Tom Murphy]], the Murphy Lab released its first collection of guitars in March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maxwell |first=Jackson |title=Gibson Unveils First Round of Murphy Lab Relic'd Guitars |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/gibson-unveils-first-round-of-murphy-lab-relicd-guitars |access-date=2021-04-13 |website=Guitar Player |date=January 22, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131062102/https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/gibson-unveils-first-round-of-murphy-lab-relicd-guitars |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-12-10 |title=Gibson creates the Murphy Lab, a division of the Custom Shop dedicated to creating historically accurate guitars |url=https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-murphy-lab-new-custom-shop-head/ |access-date=2021-04-13 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB |archive-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413191041/https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-murphy-lab-new-custom-shop-head/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2021, Gibson announced that [[Lzzy Hale]] was being named the first female Gibson [[brand ambassador]].<ref name=lha>{{Cite web|first=Matt |last=Parker |date=2021-07-16|title=Lzzy Hale announced as Gibson's first female Brand Ambassador|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/lzzy-hale-gibson-brand-ambassador|access-date=2021-07-31|website=guitarworld|language=en}}</ref>
===Bankruptcy=== On May 1, 2018, the company filed for [[Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code|Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] protection. As part of its debt restructuring, the company closed and liquidated the unprofitable Gibson Innovations division, which was focused on selling audio equipment outside of the U.S., allowing Gibson to focus on its most profitable ventures, such as musical instruments. The production of Gibson and Epiphone branded guitars was not interrupted by the bankruptcy. Additionally, $135 million was provided by existing creditors to provide liquidity to maintain existing operations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snyder |first=Eric |date=1 May 2018 |title=Gibson files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2018/05/01/gibson-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy.html?ana=fbk |access-date=2 May 2018 |website=Nashville Business Journal |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213122746/https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2018/05/01/gibson-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy.html?ana=fbk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2018 |title=Gibson files for bankruptcy in a deal to renew its guitar business |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-01/gibson-files-for-bankruptcy-with-deal-to-renew-guitar-business |access-date=2 May 2018 |archive-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502120239/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-01/gibson-files-for-bankruptcy-with-deal-to-renew-guitar-business |url-status=live }}</ref>
Later that year Juszkiewicz stepped down as CEO and assumed the role of [[consultant]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2018 |title=Gibson Brands reaches global settlement and files amended plan of reorganization |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gibson-brands-reaches-global-settlement-and-files-amended-plan-of-reorganization-300708532.html |access-date=25 September 2018 |website=PR Newswire |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925142120/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gibson-brands-reaches-global-settlement-and-files-amended-plan-of-reorganization-300708532.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and a new management team was put in place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rau |first=Nate |date=23 October 2018 |title=Gibson taps JC Curleigh as CEO to lead iconic guitar company out of bankruptcy |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2018/10/23/nashville-gibson-guitar-company-names-jc-curleigh-its-new-ceo/1737836002/ |access-date=25 October 2018 |website=Nashville Tennessean}}</ref> The company exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2018.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
===Record label=== In July 2021, Gibson announced the launch of Gibson Records, a record label focused on releasing "guitar-centric music, across genres", with its first album being the fourth studio album from [[Slash feat. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators]], ''[[4 (Slash album)|4]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seah, Daniel |date=July 27, 2021 |title=Gibson Debuts New Record Label With Album From Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators |url=https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-records-slash-myles-kennedy-conspirators-new-album-bmg/ |access-date=August 10, 2021 |website=Guitar.com |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810230332/https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-records-slash-myles-kennedy-conspirators-new-album-bmg/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Legal actions== ===Origin of "lawsuit guitars"=== In 1977, Gibson sued [[Hoshino Gakki]]/[[Ibanez#The "lawsuit" guitars|Elger Guitars]] for copying the "open book" headstock. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Ibanez replaced the headstock with a revised design.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fjestad |first=Zachary |date=June 16, 2010 |title=Ibanez "Lawsuit Era" Les Paul Custom Copy |url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Ibanez_Lawsuit_Era_Les_Paul_Custom_Copy |url-status=live |journal=Premier Guitar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103031025/http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Ibanez_Lawsuit_Era_Les_Paul_Custom_Copy |archive-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref>
In 2000, Gibson sued [[Fernandes Guitars]] in a Tokyo court for allegedly copying Gibson designs. Gibson did not prevail.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-08-19 |title=Northwestern Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property | Vol 4 | Iss 2 |url=http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/njtip/v4/n2/5/Port.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814115226/http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/njtip/v4/n2/5/Port.pdf |archive-date=2011-08-14 |access-date=2012-05-09 |website=Law.northwestern.edu}}</ref>
===PRS=== Gibson also sued [[PRS Guitars]] in 2005, to stop them from making their Singlecut model. Initially successful,<ref name="injunction">{{cite court |litigants=Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Paul Reed Smith Guitars, L.P. |vol=325 |reporter=2d 841 |opinion= |pinpoint= |court=M.D. Tenn. |date=2004 |url=http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0387p-06.pdf |access-date= |quote= |postscript= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193723/http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0387p-06.pdf |url-status=live }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0387p-06.pdf |title=05a0387p.06 |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-date=January 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115004431/http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/05a0387p-06.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit]] reversed the lower court's decision and ordered the dismissal of Gibson's suit against PRS.<ref>{{cite court |litigants=Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP |vol=423 |reporter=F.3d 539 |opinion= |pinpoint= |court=6th Cir. |date=2005 |url=http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/2005_Gibson_Abridged.pdf |access-date= |quote= |postscript= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110042348/http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/2005_Gibson_Abridged.pdf |url-status=live }} {{Cite web |url=http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/2005_Gibson_Abridged.pdf |title=Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP |access-date=November 26, 2013 |archive-date=November 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110042348/http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/IP/2005_Gibson_Abridged.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
===FWS raids & Lacey Act violation=== Gibson's factories were raided in 2009 and 2011 by agents of the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]] (FWS). In November 2009, authorities found [[Illegal logging in Madagascar|illegally imported ebony wood from Madagascar]].<ref name="Tennessean_25Aug2011">{{Cite news |last1=Wadhwani |first1=A. |last2=Paine |first2=A. |date=25 August 2011 |title=Gibson Guitar raided but lips zipped |work=[[The Tennessean]] |url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110825/NEWS01/308250049/Gibson-Guitar-raided-but-lips-zipped |url-status=dead |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110826162620/http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110825/NEWS01/308250049/Gibson-Guitar-raided-but-lips-zipped |archive-date=26 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lind |first=J.R. |date=29 December 2010 |title=Federal agent: Gibson wood investigation likely to result in indictments |url=http://nashvillepost.com/news/2010/12/29/federal_agent_gibson_wood_investigation_likely_to_result_in_indictments |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922020344/http://nashvillepost.com/news/2010/12/29/federal_agent_gibson_wood_investigation_likely_to_result_in_indictments |archive-date=22 September 2011 |website=NashvillePost.com}}</ref> A second raid was conducted in August 2011,<ref name=Tennessean_25Aug2011/> during which the FWS seized wood imports from India that had been mislabeled on the US Customs declaration.<ref name="Gibson_25Aug2011">{{Cite web |date=25 August 2011 |title=Gibson Guitar Corp. responds to federal raid |url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/gibson-0825-2011/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912034604/http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/gibson-0825-2011/ |archive-date=12 September 2011 |access-date=1 September 2011 |publisher=Gibson Guitar Corp.}}</ref><ref name="WMCTV">{{Cite news |last=Trotter |first=J. |date=25 August 2011 |title=Endangered lemurs could be connected to Gibson raid |work=WMCTV.com |url=http://downtown.wmctv.com/news/news/58234-endangered-lemurs-could-be-connected-gibson-raid |url-status=dead |access-date=26 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051722/http://downtown.wmctv.com/news/news/58234-endangered-lemurs-could-be-connected-gibson-raid |archive-date=25 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="Mohan 2012"/> Gibson Guitar Corp. filed a motion in January 2011 to recover seized materials and overturn the charges, which was denied by the court.<ref name="Gibson_26Aug2011">{{Cite web |date=26 August 2011 |title=Update: CEO's Outrage Gets Media Buzzing |url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/ceo-outrage-0826-2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913050212/http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/ceo-outrage-0826-2011/ |archive-date=13 September 2011 |access-date=1 September 2011 |publisher=Gibson Guitar Corp.}}</ref><ref name="SoundAndFair">{{Cite web |date=19 January 2011 |title=Gibson Guitars fails to squash illegal wood investigation |url=http://soundandfair.org/gibson-guitars-fails-to-overturn-illegal-madagascan-rosewood-and-ebony-charge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402235834/http://soundandfair.org/gibson-guitars-fails-to-overturn-illegal-madagascan-rosewood-and-ebony-charge |archive-date=2 April 2011 |access-date=1 September 2011 |publisher=Sound & Fair}}</ref>
The [[United States Department of Justice]] found emails from 2008 and 2009 in which Gibson employees discussed the "gray market" nature of the ebony wood available from a German wood dealer—who obtained it from a supplier in Madagascar—as well as plans to obtain the wood. It filed a civil proceeding in June 2011,<ref name="WMCTV" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 2011 |title=Gibson/Lacey Act Update |url=http://www.hfbusiness.com/article/doj-says-gibson-lacks-legal-standing-claim-ownership-ebony# |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005063528/http://www.hfbusiness.com/article/doj-says-gibson-lacks-legal-standing-claim-ownership-ebony |archive-date=5 October 2011 |access-date=10 July 2011 |publisher=Home Furnishings Business}}</ref><ref name="mongabay.com">{{Cite web |date=7 July 2011 |title=Endangered species trafficking: What did Gibson Guitar know? |url=http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0706-ebony_gibson.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823185415/http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0706-ebony_gibson.html |archive-date=23 August 2011 |access-date=23 August 2011 |website=Mongabay.com}}</ref> the first such case under the amended [[Lacey Act of 1900#Amendments|Lacey Act]], which requires importing companies to purchase legally harvested wood and follow the environmental laws of the producing countries regardless of corruption or lack of enforcement.<ref name=mongabay.com/> Gibson argued in a statement the following day that authorities were "bullying Gibson without filing charges" and denied any wrongdoing.<ref name="Gibson_25Aug2011" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stern |first=Andrew |date=25 August 2011 |title=Gibson Guitar to fight U.S. probe of its wood imports |publisher=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industry-us-gibsonguitar-probe-idUSTRE77O7KC20110825 |url-status=live |access-date=1 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108220708/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/25/industry-us-gibsonguitar-probe-idUSTRE77O7KC20110825 |archive-date=8 January 2012}}</ref> Arguing against the federal regulations and claiming that the move threatened jobs, Republicans and [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] members spoke out against the raids and supported Juszkiewicz.<ref name="CSMonitor_7Aug2012">{{Cite web |last=Schelzig |first=E. |date=August 7, 2012 |title=Gibson Guitar Corporation admits to importing endangered wood |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0807/Gibson-Guitar-Corporation-admits-to-importing-endangered-wood |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306154004/http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0807/Gibson-Guitar-Corporation-admits-to-importing-endangered-wood |archive-date=6 March 2015 |access-date=November 24, 2014 |publisher=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]}}</ref>
The case was settled on August 6, 2012, with Gibson admitting to violating the Lacey Act and agreeing to pay a fine of $300,000 in addition to a $50,000 community payment. Gibson also forfeited the wood seized in the raids, which was valued at roughly the same amount as the settlement.<ref name="BBC_6Aug2012">{{Cite news |last=Black |first=R. |date=6 August 2012 |title=Gibson settles discord on timber |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19153588 |url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114014442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19153588 |archive-date=14 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="wri.org">{{Cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=C. |last2=Grant |first2=A. |date=4 May 2011 |title=Are your wood products really certified? |url=http://www.wri.org/stories/2011/05/are-your-wood-products-really-certified |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508155007/http://www.wri.org/stories/2011/05/are-your-wood-products-really-certified |archive-date=8 May 2011 |access-date=23 August 2011 |website=Wri.org}}</ref> However, in a subsequent statement Gibson maintained its innocence with Juszkiewicz claiming that "Gibson was inappropriately targeted" and that the government raids were "so outrageous and overreaching as to deserve further Congressional investigation." Juszkiewicz continued to state, "We felt compelled to settle as the costs of proving our case at trial would have cost millions of dollars and taken a very long time to resolve."<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2012 |title=Gibson Comments on Department of Justice Settlement |url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/Gibson-Comments-on-Department-of-Justice-Settlemen.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129134857/http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/Gibson-Comments-on-Department-of-Justice-Settlemen.aspx |archive-date=29 November 2014 |access-date=November 24, 2014 |publisher=Gibson Guitar Corporation}}</ref>
Gibson reclaimed some wood stock that was confiscated during the raids,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson launches 'Government Series' guitars with tonewood seized in 2011 raid |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/2/gibson-launches-government-series-guitars-tonewood/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628184431/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/2/gibson-launches-government-series-guitars-tonewood/ |archive-date=28 June 2017 |access-date=27 April 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]}}</ref> and produced a new series of guitar marketed to draw attention to the raids and seizures.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Faughnder |first=Ryan |date=15 February 2014 |title=Gibson guitars made with government-seized wood are sold out |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-gibson-guitar-20140215-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20150821144715/http://articles.latimes.com/2014/feb/15/entertainment/la-et-ct-gibson-guitar-20140215 |archive-date=21 August 2015}}</ref>
In the midst of the controversy, commentators stated that the raid was a politically motivated act of retaliation by the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama administration]], since Juszkiewicz had frequently donated to [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politicians. Chris Martin IV, the CEO of Gibson competitor [[C. F. Martin & Company]], had donated over $35,000 to the [[Democratic National Committee]] and [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] candidates in the same time period. Martin featured several guitars in its catalog made with the same Indian wood as Gibson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Now the Gibson Guitar Raids Make Sense |url=http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/052313-657569-gibson-guitar-raid-like-tea-party-intimidation.htm?p=full |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Investor's Business Daily |quote=According to C.F. Martin's catalog, several of their guitars contain 'East Indian Rosewood,' which is the exact same wood in at least 10 of Gibson's guitars. So why were they not raided and their inventory of foreign wood seized? Grossly underreported at the time was the fact that Gibson's chief executive, Henry Juszkiewicz, contributed to Republican politicians...By contrast, Chris Martin IV, the Martin & Co. CEO, is a long-time Democratic supporter. |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607071111/http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/052313-657569-gibson-guitar-raid-like-tea-party-intimidation.htm?p=full|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''Los Angeles Times'' also reported in 2012: "C.F. Martin & Co. markets a line of guitars built entirely with FSC-certified wood, and others that include certified woods."<ref name="Mohan 2012">{{cite news|last=Mohan|first=Geoffrey|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-namm-gibson-20120124,0,7282435.story|title=Wood protection law creates splintering in guitar industry|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 24, 2012|access-date=January 20, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125080434/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-namm-gibson-20120124,0,7282435.story|archive-date=January 25, 2012|url-status=dead|url-access=limited}}</ref>
===Paper Jamz=== Gibson filed a lawsuit November 18, 2010, in Federal court, the Central District of California, against [[WowWee]] USA and its [[Paper Jamz]] battery-operated guitar toys, charging trademark infringement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson Sues Over Paper Jamz |url=http://www.guitarnewsdaily.com/gibson-sues-over-paper-jamz.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202190223/http://www.guitarnewsdaily.com/gibson-sues-over-paper-jamz.html |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Guitar News Daily, November 25, 2010|date=November 25, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |title=Gibson Sues WowWee over Paper Jamz Guitars |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373499,00.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203005859/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373499,00.asp |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=PC Magazine, November 27, 2010}}</ref> The lawsuit claimed the Paper Jamz toy guitars copied the looks of some of Gibson's famous guitars, the [[Gibson Les Paul]], the [[Gibson Flying V]], the [[Gibson Explorer]], and the [[Gibson SG]]. On December 21, 2010, Gibson was granted a request for an injunction against WowWee and retailers in the United States which were selling Paper Jamz guitars: [[Walmart]], [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]], [[Big Lots]] stores, [[Kmart (United States)|Kmart]] Corporation, [[Target Corporation]], [[Toys "R" Us]], [[Walgreens]], [[Brookstone]], [[Best Buy]], [[eBay]], Toywiz.com, and [[Home Shopping Network]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2010 |title=Gibson Granted Injunction Against Paper Jamz Guitars |url=https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Gibson_Granted_Injunction_Against_Paper_Jamz_Guitars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427235053/https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Gibson_Granted_Injunction_Against_Paper_Jamz_Guitars |archive-date=April 27, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Premier Guitar, December 22, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hasselback |first=Drew |date=23 December 2010 |title=Gibson obtains injunction against WowWee's Paper Jamz guitars |work=Financial Post, December 23, 2010 |url=http://business.financialpost.com/legal-post/gibson-obtains-injunction-against-wowwees-paper-jamz-guitars |url-status=live |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064321/http://business.financialpost.com/legal-post/gibson-obtains-injunction-against-wowwees-paper-jamz-guitars |archive-date=February 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Biggs |first=John |title=Gibson Forces WowWee to Pull Paper Jamz Guitars |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/12/28/gibson-forces-wowwee-to-pull-paper-jamz-guitars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064200/https://techcrunch.com/2010/12/28/gibson-forces-wowwee-to-pull-paper-jamz-guitars/ |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=TechCrunch, December 28, 2010|date=December 28, 2010 }}</ref> The case was dismissed with prejudice (dismissed permanently) January 11, 2011 by Federal Judge R. Gary Klausner.<ref>{{cite court |litigants=Gibson Guitar Corp. v. WowWee USA, Inc. et al |court=Central District of California |date=2011 |url=https://www.unitedstatescourts.org/federal/cacd/487851/ |access-date=February 2, 2018 |quote=That this action is dismissed with prejudice without costs or attorneys fees; That the funds deposited by plaintiff to secure the preliminary injunction be returned to plaintiff. }}{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Katie |title=Wowwee/Gibson Guitars dispute settled |url=https://www.toynews-online.biz/marketing/wowweegibson-guitars-dispute-settled |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064333/https://www.toynews-online.biz/marketing/wowweegibson-guitars-dispute-settled |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=ToyNews |date= January 7, 2011}}</ref>
===Kiesel Guitars=== Gibson sent a cease and desist letter to Kiesel concerning two models that Kiesel makes—the ultra V and the 'California Singlecut.' According to Jeff Kiesel, Vice President of Kiesel, the letter claims that Kiesel's design infringes upon the Flying V design of Gibson.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2020 |title=Gibson sends cease and desist letter to Kiesel over Ultra-V and California Single models |url=https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-keisel-over-ultra-v-and-california-single-models/ |website=Guitar.com |first1=Cillian |last1=Breathnach |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928134213/https://guitar.com/news/industry-news/gibson-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-keisel-over-ultra-v-and-california-single-models/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Warwick/Framus=== German manufacturer Warwick was sued by Gibson with the claim that one of the models sold under the 'Framus' brand imitated the Flying V and that customers were being misled due to this. Gibson sought a stop on the sales of these guitars and also stated that "Warwick was unfairly exploiting the reputation of the Gibson guitars." The Hamburg regional court initially ruled in favour of Gibson in 2017. However, successive judgements from the Higher Regional Court and the Federal Supreme Court in November 2020 and September 2021 dismissed Gibson's lawsuits.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Matt |date=27 September 2021 |title=Warwick/Framus declares victory over Gibson in Flying V legal battle |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-warwick-dispute |website=Guitar World |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Legal dispute over V-shaped guitars: Meissner Bolte succeeds for Warwick before the German Federal Supreme Court |date=23 September 2021 |url=https://www.meissnerbolte.de/en/news/press-release-warwick/ |website=Meissner-Bolte |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928134209/https://www.meissnerbolte.de/en/news/press-release-warwick/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Dean Guitars=== Gibson sued [[Dean Guitars]] in 2019 over trademark infringement related to several guitar shapes and names.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Maxwell |first1=Jackson |title=Gibson Sues Dean, Luna Guitars |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-sues-dean-luna-guitars |access-date=20 August 2022 |magazine=Guitar World |date=21 June 2019 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820182956/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-sues-dean-luna-guitars |url-status=live }}</ref> The ruling in 2022 found that the [[Dean V]], [[Dean Z]], and Dean Gran Sport body shapes, as well as the Dovetail headstock design and the "Hummingbird" and "Moderne" names were infringing on Gibson's designs. The judgement awarded Gibson $4,000 in damages, far short of the $7 million alleged by Gibson.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Roche |first1=Sam |title=Gibson wins Dean trademark infringement case – but is awarded just $4,000 in damages |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-dean-court-ruling |access-date=20 August 2022 |magazine=Guitar World |date=May 30, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820182957/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-dean-court-ruling |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Trump Guitars === In November 2024, Gibson sent a cease-and-desist letter to Alabama-based 16 Creative, the marketers of Trump Guitars, which had recently announced a line of electric and acoustic guitars endorsed by the president. Gibson claims the guitars infringe on their trademarks, including their classic Les Paul.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson issues cease and desist to Trump Guitars over $12k Les Paul lookalikes |url=https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/trump-guitars-gibson-lawsuit/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB |quote="a cease and desist has been issued against 16 Creative as the design infringes upon Gibson’s exclusive trademarks, particularly the iconic Les Paul body shape." |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126093022/https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/trump-guitars-gibson-lawsuit/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trump's Latest Product Hawk Encounters Big Problems |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-latest-product-hawk-encounters-big-problems/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Daily Beast |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126141712/https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-latest-product-hawk-encounters-big-problems/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meiselas |first=Jordy |date=2024-11-25 |title=BREAKING: Trump Guitars Owner Gets Cease and Desist for Scammy Guitars |url=https://meidasnews.com/news/breaking-trump-guitars-owner-gets-cease-and-desist-for-scammy-guitars |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=MeidasTouch News |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126021220/https://meidasnews.com/news/breaking-trump-guitars-owner-gets-cease-and-desist-for-scammy-guitars |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Instruments== {{Further|Gibson Guitar Corporation product list}} Gibson also owns and makes instruments under brands such as [[Epiphone]],<ref name="Epiphone Official Site">{{Cite web |title=epiphone.com |url=http://www.epiphone.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509070516/http://www.epiphone.com/ |archive-date=2012-05-09 |access-date=2012-05-09 |website=Epiphone.com}}</ref> [[Kramer Guitars|Kramer]],<ref>[http://www.kramerguitars.com/ kramerguitars.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218071428/http://www.kramerguitars.com/ |date=2008-12-18 }} Kramer Official Site</ref> [[Vibrato systems for guitar#Gibson Vibrola|Maestro]],<ref>[http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Maestro/Electrics/ Maestro by Gibson] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719112103/http://www.gibson.com/en%2Dus/Divisions/Maestro/Electrics/ |date=2010-07-19 }} Gibson Official Site</ref> [[Steinberger]],<ref>[http://www.steinberger.com/ steinberger.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207194337/http://steinberger.com/ |date=2011-02-07 }} Steinberger Official Site</ref> and [[Tobias (bass guitar company)|Tobias]],<ref>[http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Tobias/ Tobias] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202121610/http://www.gibson.com/en%2DUS/Divisions/Tobias/ |date=2011-02-02 }} Gibson Official Site</ref> along with the ownership of historical brands such as [[Gibson Kalamazoo|Kalamazoo]],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ken Achard |title=The History and Development of the American Guitar |date=1996 |publisher=Bold Strummer |isbn=978-0-933224-18-6 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=jytNSlng8g4C&pg=PA10&dq=Gibson%20Kalamazoo 10] |quote={{smaller|''Also during the mid to late thirties, Gibson produced a range of cello and flat top instruments under the ''Kalamazoo'' name and at inexpensive prices.''}}}}</ref><ref name="shanzuguitars2009">{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2009 |title=Gibson Kalamazoo |url=http://www.shanzuguitars.com/?p=180 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130163039/http://www.shanzuguitars.com/?p=180 |archive-date=November 30, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref> [[Dobro]],<ref name=brandnames/> [[Valley Arts Guitar|Valley Arts]],<ref name="gibson2013">{{Cite web |date=23 September 2013 |title=Gibson Brands Announces Intention to Acquire Cakewalk Inc. |url=http://www.gibson.com/absolutenm/templates/FeatureTemplatePressRelease.aspx?articleid=1382&zoneid=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095013/http://www.gibson.com/absolutenm/templates/FeatureTemplatePressRelease.aspx?articleid=1382&zoneid=6 |archive-date=2015-05-18 |access-date=10 May 2015 |publisher=Gibson Guitar Corporation}}</ref> and [[Baldwin Piano Company|Baldwin]]<ref name=brandnames/> (including [[Chickering & Sons|Chickering]],<ref name=gibson2013/> Hamilton,<ref name=gibson2013/> and [[Rudolph Wurlitzer Company|Wurlitzer]]<ref name=brandnames/><ref name=gibson2013/>). It also owned [[Slingerland Drum Company]] but it was sold to [[Drum Workshop]] in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-26 |title=DW Buys Slingerland Drum Company from Gibson |url=https://drummagazine.com/dw-buys-slingerland-drum-company-from-gibson/ |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=DRUM! Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411033733/https://drummagazine.com/dw-buys-slingerland-drum-company-from-gibson/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gibson relaunched Kramer Guitars at Winter NAMM 2020 on January 16. Icon, Baretta, Pacer, Focus, and SM-1 are in the original collection with the modern collection including Assault, Striker, Nite-V, and Bass. The artists collaborations for the relaunched Kramer Guitar includes Tracii Guns 'Gunstar Voyager,' the Charlie Parra 'Vanguard' and the Dave Sabo 'Snake-Baret.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 January 2020 |title=Gibson Revamps Kramer with Original and Modern Series {{!}} NAMM 2020 |url=https://reverb.com/news/gibson-revamps-kramer-with-usa-artist-and-original-series-namm-2020 |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=reverb.com |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227044456/https://reverb.com/news/gibson-revamps-kramer-with-usa-artist-and-original-series-namm-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Gibson has long made authorized copies of its most successful guitar designs, under the Epiphone brand name. They are less expensive than those bearing the Gibson name. A former competitor, [[Epiphone]], was purchased by Gibson in 1957 and now makes competitively-priced Gibson-styled models, such as the Les Paul and SG, sold under the Epiphone brand,<ref name="EpiphoneLesPaulStandard">{{Cite web |title=Epiphone Les Paul Standard |url=http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/Les-Paul-Standard.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218185620/http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Les-Paul/Les-Paul-Standard.aspx |archive-date=2012-02-18 |website=Epiphone.com}}</ref> while continuing to make Epiphone-specific models like the Sheraton, Sorrento, and Casino. In Japan, [[Orville by Gibson]] once made Gibson designs sold in that country.<ref name="EpiphoneAHistoryEpiphoneAndGibson">{{Cite web |title=Epiphone: A History – Epiphone and Gibson |url=http://www.epiphone.com/History.aspx#EpiphoneAndGibson |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104095251/http://www.epiphone.com/History.aspx#EpiphoneAndGibson |archive-date=2015-11-04 |access-date=2012-02-22 |website=Epiphone.com}}</ref> Gibson has sought legal action against those that make and sell guitars Gibson believes are too similar to their own.
In 1977, Gibson introduced the serial numbering system in use until 2006.<ref name=need2know/> An eight-digit number on the back shows the date when the instrument was produced, where it was produced, and its order of production that day (e.g., first instrument stamped that day, second, etc.).<ref name=sn/> An exception is the year 1994, Gibson's centennial year; many 1994 serial numbers start with "94", followed by a six-digit production number{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}. As of 2006, the company used seven (six since 1999) serial number systems,<ref name=need2know/>{{Clarify|reason=Does this mean after 2006, which is described in the next graph already? What was the six and 1999 about? |date=November 2018}} making it difficult to identify guitars by their serial number alone. The Gibson website provides a book to help with serial number deciphering.<ref name=need2know/><ref name="sn">[http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/GibsonSERIALNUMBERS.pdf Blue Book of Electric Guitars. Sixth Edition: Gibson Serialization. Edited by S.P. Fjestad] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207112416/http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/GibsonSERIALNUMBERS.pdf |date=2015-02-07 }} Gibson Official Site</ref>
In 2006, Gibson introduced a nine-digit serial number system replacing the eight-digit system used since 1977, but the sixth digit now represents a batch number.<ref name="need2know">{{cite web |url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/ProductSpotlight/GearAndInstruments/Gibson%20Serial%20Numbers/ |title=Gibson Serial Numbers: What a serial number can and can't tell you about your Gibson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202153242/http://www.gibson.com/en%2Dus/Lifestyle/ProductSpotlight/GearAndInstruments/Gibson%20Serial%20Numbers/ |archive-date=2011-02-02 |publisher=Gibson |date=July 17, 2007}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason="but" means in contrast with something – what?|date=November 2018}}
In 2003,<ref name=magart/> Gibson debuted its [[Ethernet]]-based<ref name=mspec/> audio protocol, [[Gibson MaGIC|MaGIC]], which it developed in partnership with [[3Com]], [[Advanced Micro Devices]], and [[Xilinx]].<ref name=magart/> Replacing traditional analog [[Electrical connector|hook-up]]s with a digital connection to "satisfy the unique requirements of live audio performances".<ref name="mspec">[http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Divisions/Audio/MaGIC/THIS%20IS%20MaGIC/ This Is MaGIC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116040438/http://gibson.com/en%2Dus/Divisions/Audio/MaGIC/THIS%20IS%20MaGIC/ |date=2010-01-16 }} Gibson Official Site</ref> This system requires a special [[Pickup (music technology)|pickup]],<ref name="magart">{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HQIAAAAAMBAJ&dq=MaGIC+3com+Gibson&pg=PA12 |title=The MaGIC of Gibson's Digital Guitars |magazine=Maximum PC |date=April 2003}}</ref> and cabling is provided by a standard [[Category 5 cable|Cat-5 Ethernet cable]].<ref name=magart/><ref name=mspec/>
Between 2008 and 2012, the company produced the Gibson ES-359, an upscaled version of the Gibson ES-339, featuring gold hardware, a multi-ply binding on the front and back of the body, and block mother of pearl inlays on the fretboard. The Gibson ES-359 closely related to the Gibson ES-335, although the body is smaller than the ES-355, closer to the size of a Les Paul model. In terms of electronics, the ES-359 uses what Gibson calls the Memphis Tone Circuit, which preserves the high frequencies as the volume is decreased.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}
The Gibson "self-tuning guitar", also known as a "robot model", an option on some newer Les Paul, SG, Flying V and Explorer instruments, tunes itself in about two seconds using [[robotics]] technology developed by Tronical GmbH.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yuri Kageyama |date=December 3, 2007 |title=World's first robot guitar takes care of the tuning |work=[[Seattle Times]] |agency=The Associated Press |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004051225_guitar04.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2007-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205163501/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2004051225_guitar04.html |archive-date=December 5, 2007}}</ref> Under the tradename Min-ETune, this device became standard on several models in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=You take care of the playing – we'll handle the tuning |url=http://www2.gibson.com/Products/min-etune.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129134710/http://www2.gibson.com/Products/min-etune.aspx |archive-date=2014-11-29 |access-date=2014-11-24}}</ref>
In 2013, Gibson introduced the ''Government Series'' of Les Paul, SG, Flying V, Explorer and ES-335 guitars which were constructed solely of [[tonewood]] the US government seized but later returned to Gibson after the resolution of the company's [[Lacey Act of 1900|Lacey Act]] violation in 2011. The guitars were finished in "government grey" and also featured decorations which intended to draw attention to the issue of government. A year later in 2014, Gibson released the ''Government Series II''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson Guitars Announces Government Series II Les Paul |url=http://www.guitarworld.com/gibson-guitars-announces-government-series-ii-les-paul |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926134227/http://www.guitarworld.com/gibson-guitars-announces-government-series-ii-les-paul |archive-date=26 September 2015 |access-date=27 April 2018 |website=guitarworld.com}}</ref> of guitars, which were essentially the same as the first series, only finished in a new color: "government tan".
In 2021, Gibson acquired the iconic electric guitar amplifier brand, [[Mesa Boogie]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson acquires Mesa/Boogie amps |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-acquires-mesaboogie-amps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926134227/http://www.guitarworld.com/gibson-guitars-announces-government-series-ii-les-paul |archive-date=2015-09-26 |access-date=2021-01-06 |website=guitarworld.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maxwell |first=Jackson|date=6 January 2021 |title=Gibson Announces Acquisition of Mesa/Boogie |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/gibson-announces-acquisition-of-mesaboogie |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=Guitar Player |language=en}}</ref>
==Factories== [[File:Gibson, Inc., Kalamazoo, 1936.jpg|thumb|Interior of Gibson, Inc. factory on Parsons Street. 1936]] All Gibson-brand guitars are currently made at two facilities, depending on the type of guitar. [[Electric guitars]] such as the [[Gibson Les Paul]], [[Gibson ES-335]], and the [[Gibson SG]] are made in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. Until 2019, [[Semi-acoustic guitar]]s, such as the [[Gibson ES Series]], were made in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], but that operation moved to Nashville during the company's restructuring as they emerged from bankruptcy protection.
Full [[acoustic guitar]]s such as the [[Gibson J Series]] are made in [[Bozeman, Montana]]. In 2021–2022, Gibson expanded the Bozeman facility from {{convert|23,000|sqft}} to {{convert|48,000|sqft}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dore |first=Helena |title=Gibson announces major expansion at Bozeman facility |url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/business/gibson-announces-major-expansion-at-bozeman-facility/article_77365649-0b0e-54d1-87cd-cec9b490e75b.html |access-date=2021-04-02 |website=Bozeman Daily Chronicle |date=March 4, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422150902/https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/business/gibson-announces-major-expansion-at-bozeman-facility/article_77365649-0b0e-54d1-87cd-cec9b490e75b.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://allmusicmagazine.com/gibson-completes-massive-expansion-of-acoustic-facility-in-bozeman-mt-demand-driven-expansion-doubles-the-size-of-machine-shop-and-acoustic-factory/|title=Gibson Completes Massive Expansion of Acoustic Facility in Bozeman, MT; Demand-Driven Expansion Doubles the Size of Machine Shop and Acoustic Factory|website=All Music Magazine|date=November 21, 2022|accessdate=2022-12-31|archive-date=December 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231051606/https://allmusicmagazine.com/gibson-completes-massive-expansion-of-acoustic-facility-in-bozeman-mt-demand-driven-expansion-doubles-the-size-of-machine-shop-and-acoustic-factory/|url-status=live}}</ref> The new expansion will be providing 100-200 new job opportunities in the area. The Factory itself has been in Bozeman since the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title=Bozeman's Gibson acoustic guitar factory expands, grand opening |url=https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/bozemans-gibson-acoustic-guitar-factory-expands-grand-opening |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=KBZK News |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114005701/https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/bozemans-gibson-acoustic-guitar-factory-expands-grand-opening |url-status=live }}</ref>
While all Gibson-branded guitars have always been built in the United States, either at these two or other prior facilities, other brands owned by the Gibson corporation may be made in other facilities, such as [[Epiphone]]-branded guitars, which are mostly built in a facility in [[Qingdao]], China.
Below are some of the facilities used to produce Gibson instruments, along with years of their operation: {{clear right}} {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%" |- !width=155|Address !width=85|Years of Operation !width=550|Notes |- | 114 So. Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI. | 1896–1897 | This was the "business location" of "O. H. Gibson, Manufacturer, Musical Instruments."<ref name="Wheeler 1992 95">{{harvnb|Wheeler|1992|p=95}}</ref> |- | 104 East Main, Kalamazoo, MI | 1899–1902 | This was Orville Gibson's residence, and he built instruments on the 2nd floor of this location.<ref name="Wheeler 1992 95" /><ref>{{harvnb|Carter|1994|p=12}}</ref> |- | 114 East Main, Kalamazoo, MI | 1902–1906 | The "Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Co, Ltd." was established in 1902.<ref name="Wheeler 1992 95" /> This building, said to be infested with cockroaches, was probably the former Witmer Bakery.{{sfn|Spann|2011|p=1}} |- | 114 East Exchange Place, Kalamazoo, MI | 1906–1911 | Located quite close to the previous location, in Kalamazoo's business district.{{sfn|Spann|2011|pp=1–2}} |- | 521–523 East Harrison Court, Kalamazoo, MI | 1911–1917 | Located about .5 miles from previous location. The building was next to the Michigan Central Railroad, and stood for many decades, until it came down in the late 20th century.{{sfn|Spann|2011|p=2}} |- | 225 Parsons St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007 | 1917–1984 | Also located next to railroad tracks, this facility had major expansions in 1945, 1950, and 1960.<ref>{{harvnb|Wheeler|1992|pp=101, 151}}</ref> Various brands were produced there, including Gibson, [[Epiphone]], (1957–1970)<ref>{{harvnb|Wheeler|1992|p=144}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Bonds|2004|p=318}}</ref> and [[Gibson Kalamazoo Electric Guitar|Kalamazoo]]. During the depression of the 1930s, children's toys were produced there, and during WW2 it produced materials to support the war effort in addition to producing guitars.<ref>{{harvnb|Thomas|2012|p=3}}</ref> Between 1974 and 1984 Gibson moved its manufacturing out of this facility to Tennessee. Most of this move happened in 1974, leaving only acoustic and some semi-acoustic production for this plant.<ref>{{harvnb|Bonds|2004|p=396}}</ref> In 1985, [[Heritage Guitars]] began production, renting part of this facility.<ref>{{harvnb|Bonds|2004|p=406}}</ref> |- | 416 East Ranson, Kalamazoo, MI | 1962–? | Located six blocks south of 224 Parsons St., according to Julius Bellson's book, this building housed the Gibson Electronics Division.{{sfn|Bellson|1973|p={{page needed|date=June 2020}}}} The building is still standing as of 2020.{{sfn|Spann|2011|pp=1–2}} |- | Corner of Fulford and Alcott, Kalamazoo, MI | 1964–1970 | Located on the east side of Kalamazoo, according to Julius Bellson's book, this 60,000 sq. ft. building known as Plant 3 was the home of amplifier production, the String Division and pick-up production from 1964 to 1970.{{sfn|Bellson|1973|p={{page needed|date=June 2020}}}} The building is still standing as of 2020.{{sfn|Spann|2011|pp=1–2}} |- | 641 Massman Drive, Nashville, TN, 37210 | 1975–present | This is Gibson's facility for production of their main solid body models, such as the Les Paul and the SG. |- | 1894 Orville Way, Bozeman, MT, 59715 | 1989<ref>{{Cite web |editor-last=Fjestad |editor-first=S.P. |year=2015 |title=Blue Book of Electric Guitars |url=http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/GibsonSERIALNUMBERS.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207112416/http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/GibsonSERIALNUMBERS.pdf |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2015 |website=Gibson Serialization |publisher=Blue Book Publications, Inc |edition=Sixth |orig-year=1999}}</ref>–present | This facility is dedicated to acoustic guitar production. |- | 145 Lt. George W. Lee Av, Memphis, TN 38103 | 2000–2018 | This was Gibson's facility for production of their semi-hollowbody electric guitars. This facility shared the same building as Gibson's Retail Shop and Beale Street "Showcase" location.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gibson Guitar Memphis Factory Tour Directions |url=http://images.gibson.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Lifestyle/PDFs/Memphis-Tour-Brochure-Outside.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821233301/http://images.gibson.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Lifestyle/PDFs/Memphis-Tour-Brochure-Outside.pdf |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |access-date=March 24, 2014}}</ref> |}
==Gibson App== The Gibson App (marketed as "Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar") is a mobile guitar-learning platform developed by Swedish music-technology company Zoundio AB in collaboration with Gibson Brands. It was released in 2021 for iOS and Android devices.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson's new guitar-learning app uses video and AR technology |url=https://musically.com/2021/01/22/gibsons-new-guitar-learning-app-uses-video-and-ar-technology/ |website=Music Ally |date=22 January 2021 |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar |url=https://apps.apple.com/app/id1116032929 |website=App Store |access-date=5 September 2025}}{{cite web |title=Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zoundio.amped |website=Google Play |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref>
===Features=== The app offers interactive lessons with real-time audio feedback, a library of popular songs, built-in tuner and metronome functions, and personalized progress tracking. On iOS devices, it also includes a "Digital Amp" feature that emulates amplifiers and effects without the need for external hardware.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson launches the Digital Amp, an app that uses your iPhone/iPad as a guitar amp |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-digital-guitar-amp |website=Guitar World |date=24 May 2023 |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref>
===History=== The platform evolved from "Amped Guitar", an app developed by Zoundio and promoted with Gibson in 2020, before being rebranded under the Gibson name the following year.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Gibson Gives and Sweetwater Team Up to Offer Free Three-Month Premium Memberships to Amped Guitar |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gibson-gives-and-sweetwater-team-up-to-offer-free-three-month-premium-memberships-to-amped-guitar-301034564.html |publisher=PR Newswire |date=2 April 2020 |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson unveils the Gibson App, “the only guitar app you'll need” |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/gibson-unveils-the-gibson-app-the-only-guitar-app-youll-need |website=Guitar World |date=27 January 2021 |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref>
===Reception=== Independent reviews have noted the platform's beginner-friendly approach, structured learning paths, and placement among contemporary online guitar-lesson services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson: Learn & Play Guitar app review |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/reviews/if-youre-a-beginner-then-youve-lucked-out-with-this-app-the-pathway-is-simply-superb-gibson-learn-and-play-guitar-app-review |website=Guitar World |date=6 February 2024 |access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref>
==Footnotes== {{Reflist}}
==See also== * [[David Harvey (luthier)|David Harvey]] (luthier) * [[Eden of Coronet guitar]] * [[Jim Triggs]] (luthier) * [[Lloyd Loar]] (luthier) * [[List of Gibson players]]
==References== {{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}} * {{Cite book |last=Achard |first=Ken |title=The History and Development of the American Guitar |publisher=Bold Strummer Ltd. |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-933-22418-6 |location=Westport, CT}} * {{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=Tony |title=50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-879-30711-0 |location=San Francisco}} * {{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=Tony |title=The Les Paul Guitar Book: A Complete History of Gibson Les Paul Guitars |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-879-30951-0 |location=San Francisco}} * {{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=Tony |title=Flying V, Explorer, Firebird: An Odd-shaped History of Gibson's Weird Electric Guitars |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-617-13008-3 |location=Milwaukee, WI}} * {{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=Tony |title=The History of the American Guitar: From 1833 to the Present Day |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-617-13033-5 |location=San Francisco}} * {{Cite book |last=Bacon |first=Tony |title=Sunburst: How the Gibson Les Paul Standard Became a Legendary Guitar |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-617-13466-1 |location=Montclair}} * {{Cite book |last=Bellson |first=Julius |title=The Gibson Story |publisher=self-published |year=1973 |location=US}}{{ISBN?}} * {{Cite book |last=Bonds |first=Ray |title=The Illustrated Directory of Guitars |publisher=Barnes and Noble |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-760-76317-9 |location=New York}} * {{Cite book |last=Carter |first=Walter |title=Gibson Guitars: 100 Years of an American Icon |publisher=General Publishing Group |year=1994 |isbn=978-1-881-64939-7 |location=Los Angeles}} * {{Cite book |last=Carter |first=Walter |title=Gibson Electric Guitar Book – Seventy Years of Classic Guitars |publisher=New York |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-879-30895-7 |location=Backbeat Books}} * {{Cite book |last1=Day |first1=Paul |title=The Ultimate Gibson Guitar Book |last2=Carter, Walter |last3=Hunter, Dave |last4=Verheyen, Carl |publisher=Metro Books |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-435-13756-1 |location=New York}} * {{Cite book |last=Duchossoir |first=A. R. |title=Gibson Electrics: The Classic Years |publisher=Hal Leonard |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-793-59210-4 |location=Milwaukee, WI}} * {{Cite book |last=Duchossoir |first=A. R. |title=Guitar Identification: A Reference for Dating Guitars made by Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, and Martin (4th ed.) |publisher=Hal Leonard |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-423-42611-0 |location=Milwaukee, WI}} * {{Cite book |last=Duchossoir |first=A. R. |title=Gibson Electric Steel Guitars: 1935–1967 |publisher=Hal Leonard |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-423-45702-2 |location=Milwaukee, WI}} * {{Cite book |last1=Erlewine |first1=Dan |title=Gibson's Fabulous Flat-top Guitars: An Illustrated History & Guide |last2=Whitford, Eldon |last3=Vinopal, David |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-879-30962-6 |location=San Francisco}} * {{Cite book |last1=Fjestad |first1=Zachary R. |title=Gibson Flying V |last2=Meiners, Larry |publisher=Blue Book Publications |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-886-76872-7 |location=Minneapolis, MN}} * {{Cite book |last=Fox |first=Paul |title=The Other Brands of Gibson |publisher=Centerstream Publications |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-574-24271-3 |location=Anaheim Hills, CA}} * {{Cite book |last1=Gruhn |first1=George |title=Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments: A Photographic History |last2=Carter, Walter |publisher=GPI Books |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-879-30240-5 |location=San Francisco |author-link=George Gruhn}} * {{Cite book |last1=Gruhn |first1=George |title=Electric Guitars and Basses: A Photographic History |last2=Carter, Walter |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2010a |isbn=978-0-879-30974-9 |location=New York |author-link=George Gruhn}} * {{Cite book |last1=Gruhn |first1=George |url=https://archive.org/details/gruhnsguidetovin00gruh |title=Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars: An Identification Guide for American Fretted Instruments |last2=Carter, Walter |publisher=Backbeat Books |year=2010b |isbn=978-0-879-30422-5 |location=New York |author-link=George Gruhn |url-access=registration}} * {{Cite book |last=Hembree |first=George |title=Gibson Guitars: Ted McCarty's Golden Era 1948–1966 |publisher=GH Books |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-423-41813-9 |location=Austin, TX}} * {{Cite book |last=Ingram |first=Adrian |title=The Gibson L5: Its History and its Players |publisher=Centerstream Pub. |year=1997 |isbn=978-1-574-24047-4 |location=Anaheim, CA}} * {{Cite book |last=Ingram |first=Adrian |title=The Gibson 175: Its History and its Players |publisher=Centerstream Pub. |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-574-24223-2 |location=Anaheim, CA}} * {{Cite book |last=Marx |first=Wallace |title=Gibson Amplifiers 1933–2008 |publisher=Blue Book Publications |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-886-76890-1 |location=Minneapolis, MN}} * {{Cite book |last=Spann |first=Joe |title=Spann's Guide to Gibson: 1902–1941 |publisher=Centerstream Pub. |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-574-24267-6 |location=Anaheim Hills, CA}} * {{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=John |title=Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson's 'Banner' Guitars of WWII |publisher=American History Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-983-08278-1 |location=Franklin, TN}} * {{Cite book |last=Wheeler |first=Tom |title=American Guitars: An Illustrated History (rev. and updated ed.) |publisher=HarperPerennial |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-062-73154-8 |location=New York}} {{refend}}
==External links== {{wikiquote}} {{Commons category}} * {{official website}} *[https://reverbzone.com/gibson/ Gibson Guitars Database]
{{Gibson Guitar Corporation}} {{Guitar brands}} {{Mandolin family instruments}} {{Banjo}} {{Nashville companies}} {{authority control}} {{coord|36.1298758|-86.7257458|display=title}}
[[Category:Gibson Brands| 01]] [[Category:Banjo manufacturing companies]] [[Category:Guitar manufacturing companies of the United States]] [[Category:Bass guitar manufacturing companies]] [[Category:Guitar amplifier manufacturers]] [[Category:American companies established in 1902]] [[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1902]] [[Category:1902 establishments in Michigan]] [[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Tennessee]] [[Category:1902 in music]] [[Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018]] [[Category:Mandolin makers]] [[Category:Companies based in Nashville, Tennessee]] [[Category:Companies based in Kalamazoo, Michigan]] [[Category:Companies based in Memphis, Tennessee]] [[Category:KKR & Co. companies]] [[Category:Music of Nashville, Tennessee]]