Gibson guitarsThe Gibson Guitar Corporation takes much responsibility for shaping the music we hear being played in contemporary times. Gibson guitars have a very long history as guitar manufacturers, dating all the way back to the 1890s, meaning they have been in the business of producing fine guitars for over a century. It was not until the 1950s however, that the Gibson guitars
truly hit gold, when they introduced the ever-popular Gibson Les Paul. Despite some
contention between Gibson and Les Paul in the later part of the design
stage, the guitar when launched, became an instant hit. The Les Paul Gold Top is arguably the most sought after classic guitar in history, noted for its incredible depth of tone, and the unique finish, which uses bronze in part of the colouring process, which over the decades takes on a green tint. There are several other Gibson models of note, which should not be left out of this history. The Gibson SG, a solid body, with a double cutaway, was originally intended as a Jazz guitar. However, rock musicians discovered that the SG was entirely capable of making the kind of raunchy sounds that modern rock music demanded, with very little extra help. Thus, the SG became a popular choice for rock musicians looking for something lightweight, and easy to play. Gibson guitars, unlike Fender at the time, were quick to realise where the music industry was heading. Musicians demanded not only tone and quality, but also distinctive style. Gibson created two primary models (along with several not so well known) aimed squarely at the up and coming popular bands. The Gibson Flying V is probably one of the most distinctive guitar designs ever. Certainly, the first to break away from the traditional oval, or pear shaped body design. The Gibson Flying V was released in 1957 as a prototype, before going into mass production a year later in 1958. At this time, it received little acclaim. Just a handful of years later, a largely unknown performer by the name of Jimi Hendrix, would appear on stage with a Flying V, and proceed to stun the crowd. The success of the model was thus secured. The Gibson Explorer was another miss-shaped oddity. It was launched in 1958, and was in almost every way a disaster. The futuristic shape was not received well, and the model was discontinued. In the 1970s, many glam rock bands decided that the strange shape of the Gibson Explorer fitted well with their image, and the guitar became sought after. In 1976, Gibson re-issued the Explorer and it became another successful product in the Gibson stable. Gibson guitars are responsible
for providing a huge percentage of the guitars that have been used to make almost every influential recording in
the last 50 years, a true legend in guitar manufacturing terms. Along with Fender
guitars, the Gison name will last forever Learn and Master Guitar Jamorama guitar JamPlay | ||||||||||
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