A Gibson guitar is a type of electric guitar manufactured by Gibson Guitar Corporation. It has a solid body made out of mahogany or maple, with two humbucking pickups and an iconic headstock design that sets it apart from other guitars. The Gibson sound is unmistakable – warm tones and crisp notes are at the heart of its design, which has been enjoyed by generations of guitarists across all genres of music. The company produces some of the most sought after models in the world, including the Les Paul Standard and Custom as well as semi-hollow body models like the ES-335 and Flying V.
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The history of Gibson guitars
Gibson Guitars, founded by Orville Gibson in 1902, is one of the most iconic and renowned guitar manufacturers in the world. Though initially known for their mandolins and acoustic guitars, they quickly gained recognition for producing some of the best electric guitars on the market. From professional musicians to hobbyists, everyone had a chance to own and experience the quality sound that only Gibson could provide.
The company’s fame skyrocketed with their invention of what many now consider as ‘the holy grail’ – The Les Paul model. This single-cutaway beauty boasted an impeccable shape and came fitted with two humbucking pickups that produced some of the richest tones ever heard from a guitar. Many more models were released throughout the years such as Flying V and Explorer but none reached such high acclaim as The Les Paul did.
In 2019 after over 115 years of production, Gibson faced immense financial struggles which resulted in them filing for bankruptcy protection – something almost unheard of within this industry before then. Fortunately after restructuring plans were finalized they reemerged stronger than ever with renewed commitment to continuing their legacy well into future generations.
Types of Gibson guitars and their distinctive features
When it comes to guitars, the iconic Gibson brand is one of the most recognizable in the world. With a long and impressive legacy dating back to 1902, Gibson has produced an array of models over the years that have gone on to define genres of music such as blues, rock n’ roll and jazz. One of their distinct features is that they all feature a unique construction known as ‘set neck’, which gives them unparalleled resonance and tonal clarity.
In terms of types, there are several categories under the Gibson name that all offer something different. Perhaps one of the most popular designs amongst professionals is the Les Paul model, which first released in 1952. This solid body guitar is renowned for its warm midrange sound and robust sustain thanks to its mahogany body and maple top combination. On top of this, it boasts two humbucker pickups (as opposed to single-coils) giving it some serious crunch when used with distortion effects.
Finally we come onto acoustic Gibsons, which arguably present some of their best offerings due to their superior build quality compared to many electric models on the market today. The J-45 flat top stands out from its peers with its unique tone wood combination – Sitka Spruce & Mahogany – making for a more ‘woody’ tone overall than other acoustics currently available on the market today. Players can enjoy extra comfort while playing thanks to its slim profile shape designed specifically for smaller hands or those who prefer lower action setups.
Celebrity musicians who play Gibson guitars
Gibson guitars have been around for over a century and continue to be the choice of many musicians. Many famous artists from various genres such as rock, folk, blues and country are known to use Gibson guitars in their performances. One of the most iconic Gibson guitar players is none other than Chuck Berry, who used his Gibson ES-335 to create some of his most memorable hits like ‘Johnny B Goode’ and ‘Maybellene’. Other legendary musicians who play these instruments include: Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones Keith Richards and Bob Dylan.
More contemporary music acts that also use Gibsons include Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien and Johnny Marr from The Smiths. Further down the line there are bands like Paramore who have embraced the sound of Gibson Les Pauls during their live sets as well as recording sessions at home. As well as this there are guitarists like John Mayer who uses a variety of Gibsons including SG models when performing with his trio on stage or in studio recordings.
For those interested in heavy metal music, many lead guitarists opt for Gibson Flying V’s such as Kirk Hammett from Metallica and Dave Mustaine from Megadeth; both renowned names in the world of metal music. In addition to this Slash has become synonymous with playing his custom made Les Paul throughout Guns N Roses career until present day solo work too. Ultimately it is clear why Gibson guitars remain a timeless classic for professionals worldwide – its versatility for any genre being second to none.
How to care for your Gibson guitar
If you are the proud owner of a Gibson guitar, it is important to take proper care of your instrument. A guitar can be an expensive investment, and with proper maintenance, you can enjoy playing it for years to come. It’s also important to note that guitars can differ in size and shape, so some steps might be more applicable than others.
One key element of caring for your Gibson guitar is keeping the strings tuned. This should be done before every practice or performance, as tuning helps keep the sound consistent and ensure a pleasant listening experience. You may also want to use high-quality strings specifically designed for electric guitars like yours – this will help them last longer and provide better overall sound quality.
If not properly stored between uses, exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture could damage your Gibson guitar’s body or its components such as pickups or controls. To prevent this from happening, always store your instrument in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Keeping an eye on the humidity levels in where you store it is also beneficial – if possible try to keep them around 45%. These simple steps should help protect your instrument over time and ensure that you get many enjoyable hours out of it.
Tips for purchasing a Gibson guitar
When looking to purchase a Gibson guitar, there are several factors to consider before making the decision. It is important to understand the differences between models and how they can influence sound quality. Different features such as pickups and hardware can create different sounds. Each model is crafted differently with its own unique tone, so it is best to listen for yourself before deciding which one will be right for you.
It is also essential that you take into account the construction of the guitar itself when considering your purchase. Look at details such as neck joint, fretboard radius, nut width and bridge type – these all have an impact on the feel of the instrument and should not be overlooked when evaluating a Gibson guitar. Examine whether it has been built with mahogany or maple wood; this will affect both weight and tone.
Research what other people think about the product before buying your Gibson guitar. Read online reviews from verified customers in order to get an idea of their experience with that particular model – if others were satisfied then chances are you will be too.
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