Gibson guitars & basses | A legacy of excellence
When it comes to the best blues and rock guitars on the planet, only one brand is good enough for the likes of major musicians including Slash, Jimmy Page, and Alex Lifeson.
Gibson has been creating some of the most iconic electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses for over 100 years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. If you’re in the market for a new instrument that combines playability and performance with timeless elegance, a Gibson guitar might be in your future.
Gibson USA electric guitars | Iconic for a reason
Gibson has forever changed the course of music history with their iconic line of electric guitars. And perhaps no guitar has had more influence than the Gibson Les Paul. The Les Paul remains the benchmark for solidbody guitars everywhere and is played by some of the biggest names in the music industry.
You can also find rockers like AC/DC’s Angus Young playing another member of the Gibson solidbody electric guitar club: the Gibson SG. There’s hardly anything more Rock n’ Roll than the SG’s “devil horns.”
Beyond the solidbody electric guitar, Gibson also makes one of the most iconic semi-hollow electric guitars with the ES line. Whether you choose the ever-popular ES-335 'dot'; or the no-expense-spared ES-355, you won’t be disappointed with the versatile tone of the humbuckers or the premier build quality that comes with a Gibson ES electric guitar.
If you want a little more uniqueness for your stage presence, the Gibson Designer Series guitars take the iconic Gibson sound and put them into different shapes to suit any style. Check out brag-worthy instruments like the Gibson Explorer, Firebird, Flying V, and Moderne models.
Gibson always likes coming out with new gear, especially unique limited run models or artist series. Keep up with the latest news to check out all the amazing things happening from Gibson guitars.
Gibson acoustic guitars | Timeless sound
Gibson isn’t all about hard rock and blues. Sometimes, they like to calm it down with some nice acoustic tunes. And just like their amazing electric guitars, Gibson acoustics are some of the most popular and best-sounding guitars on the market due to their incredible engineering and quality build materials.
The Gibson J45 has been a staple in the acoustic world since 1942 and still sets the benchmark for what an acoustic guitar should sound like. It’s nicknamed “The Workhorse” for a reason; it’s always there with a roadworthy build quality and show-stopping balanced tone.
Since its release in 1937, the Gibson SJ200 has been dubbed “King of the Flat-Tops.” Known for its incredible sound quality and playability, this guitar has been a staple on countless stages across the world. It’s hard to miss with its super jumbo shape and iconic mustache bridge — and what’s classier than a guitar with a mustache!?
And don’t think Gibson left out the aspiring singer/songwriter. For a guitar that sounds good enough for any stage but tough enough to handle all the bumps the road might throw its way, the Gibson Songwriter Series takes tried-and-true acoustic guitar building techniques and applies them to a playable and durable modern acoustic. Gibson Songwriter Series acoustic guitars come in a variety of colors, shapes, and tonewoods, so you can choose the perfect one to fit your unique style.
Gibson Custom Shop | Best of the best
Looking for a little more pizazz in your guitar setup? The Gibson Custom Shop is considered the pinnacle of quality, craftsmanship, and sound quality. It’s hard to find a better guitar anywhere! These works of art are mostly handcrafted by master luthiers, ensuring the absolute best of the best when it comes to guitars.
You can find a Custom Shop version of just about every model Gibson makes, but one of the most coveted guitars would have to be the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul. They come in all finishes and specs to suit even the most hardcore audiophiles.
There’s also a wide selection of Historic Reissue Series guitars that are painstakingly built to meet every minute specification of the legendary guitars of yesteryear. You could still own that vintage-inspired Gibson Les Paul you’ve always dreamed of without needing a time machine.
Lifestyle and accessories | Look the part
Gibson does more than just provide high-quality guitars and basses. They also offer all the accessories and gear you need to stay on top of instrument maintenance and show off your Gibson pride.
If you want matching strings for your Gibson guitar, you can find all different kinds of strings to suit your playing style and preference. From rounndwound electric strings and phosphor bronze acoustic strings to bass strings and even short scale strings, you can find exactly what you need to sound your best.
And what would a Gibson guitar be without its incredible Gibson pickups? Gibson revolutionized the pickup world with a wide array of legendary humbuckers and single coil pickups, including the iconic Gibson PAF. When you’re ready to make your guitar sound even better, grab a set of Gibson pickups and hear the difference.
Once you’re armed with the latest Gibson gear, head to the apparel store to show off your Gibson pride. You can find everything from shirts and hats to bar stools, wall clocks, and more.
History of Gibson
In 1894, Orville Gibson began selling his one-piece mandolins out of a one-room workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Because they were made in one piece, they were more durable than the other mandolins of the time, making Gibson’s workshop quite popular with local musicians.
With such success in the mandolin market, the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd. was officially incorporated in 1902, and Orville began marketing his designs to a much wider audience.
In 1919, the Gibson company hired a designer named Lloyd Loar who was the mastermind behind the now-iconic Gibson L-5 archtop guitar and the Gibson F-5 mandolin. Both of these instruments revolutionized the market and solidified Gibson as a leader in musical instruments.
Between 1924 and 1948, the company was run by Guy Hart, who was responsible for the most innovation and growth in the company’s history. He’s responsible for pushing guitar manufacturing and developing some of Gibson’s greatest creations, including the Gibson Super 400 and the flat-top SJ200 acoustic guitar — both of which were considered the best guitars of their time (and to many, still are).
As electric guitars began to grow in popularity, so did Gibson. In 1952, Gibson paired with popular musician Les Paul to create a solidbody electric guitar that would forever change the music industry: the Gibson Les Paul.
Over the next several years, Gibson continued to develop new thinline semi-hollow guitars and hollow-body guitar models, like the Byrdland, ES-225T, and the still-popular ES-335. This was also the era in which the legendary Gibson PAF humbucking pickup was created (which stands for “Patent Applied For”). Many guitarists still seek the sound of this iconic pickup!
Today, Gibson maintains its dedication to quality and craftsmanship. They’re world-renown for their incredible instruments and timeless designs. Their business portfolio includes other well-known music brands, including Epiphone, Mesa Boogie, Kramer, and KRK Systems. If you’re looking for a top-notch guitar that’ll stand the test of time, a Gibson might be for you!
