G IBSON O RIGINAL
A COUSTIC I NSTRUMENTS
The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound.
T HE G IBSON B LUE
A small town in Michigan is where Gibson’s history began. Today, Gibson offices and manufacturing facilities span the globe. Gibson’s most unique facility is perhaps the bluegrass manufacturing facility in Nashville,
Tennessee. An exceptional vision by Gibson’s President and Chief Executive Officer Henr y Juszkiewicz has
brought Gibson’s Original Acoustic Instruments (OAI) division to our most important customer — you.
The OAI manufacturing facility, contained within The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase, is the fir st of its kind in
the United States. The state-of-the-art facility is located in one of the Mills Corporation’s shopping and entertainment venues — Opry Mills. The uniqueness of this concept is that the you can actually view the instruments being made. The factory tour
reveals the craftsmanship and talented individuals behind the making of the world’s finest bluegrass
instruments.
Located directly across from the
world famous Grand Ole Opry, The
Gibson Bluegrass Showcase factory
tour is available Monday through
GRASS S HOWCASE
Our facility also houses a state-of-the-art
stage, sound, and lighting system with
theatre-style seating, full service restaurant
and bar that is available for rental. Recent
events have included television and video
shoots, showcasing of new talent, fan club
events, parties and charity events.To inquire
about renting The Showcase phone us
at 615.514.2200 ext 2244. And, you never
know when you might catch an impromptu
jam session going on.
Gibson customers are fascinated by the
workmanship and quality that goes into
each Gibson instrument.
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like more information concerning Gibson’s OAI manufacturing
facility or one of Gibson’s quality instruments, please check us out at www.gibson.com or contact us at
1-800-4-GIBSON.
From start to f inish, every Gibson banjo, Dobro
®
, and mandolin is carefully handcrafted at The Gibson
Bluegrass Showcase. Truly a unique concept in showcasing the craftsmanship that is a part of the Gibson
legacy. Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments — the cornerstone of legendary sound. The Gibson Bluegrass
Showcase — the national home of a true American genre of music. All very simply — legendary.
HOW THE LEGEND BEGAN
Gibson, a name that for over 100 years has defined quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and legendary sound.
This tradition began in 1894 with one man’s dream in a home workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The legendary man was Or ville Gibson. With no formal tr aining to limit his vision, Or ville creat ed an entirely new
style of mandolin and guitar, with carved tops, arched like the top of a violin. His creations were so different
and revolutionary that he was granted a patent on his mandolin design in 1898. By 1910, Gibson mandolins
had become so popular that they virtually replaced all previous styles of fretted instruments. Always striving
to be innovative, Gibson later introduced banjos into the Gibson line of acoustic instruments. A Gibson original acoustic instrument could be found in almost every performers hand of the era.
Since those early days, Gibson has continued the tradition of original advances in design, quality construction, and craftsmanship. The Dobro
®
line of instruments was added to the Gibson family to complete the
line of acoustic instruments.
Gibson’s Original Acoustic Instruments have become the very cornerstone of legendary sound.
S IMPLY L
EGENDARY
Orville Gibson
THE LEGEND CONTINUES
Today the market is flooded with a variety of acoustic instruments. The Gibson name
still can be found making history in the hands of legendary performers. Legends
like Earl Scruggs, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, J.D. Crowe, Josh Graves, Tom Swatzell,
and Al Perkins have been making groundbreaking music for years. And
they’ve always done it on Gibson instruments. Legends like these choose
Gibson instruments because they know they can rely on our consistent
craftsmanship, exceptional playability and legendary tone year after year.
The grand traditions Orville Gibson first set continue at Gibson —
and so, the legend continues for the generation of the 21st Century.
New artists and legends alike play Gibson Original
Acoustic Instruments. Shouldn’t you?
M AND
GIBSON MANDOLINS
“The Gibson,” for over 100 years, has def ined the word mandolin. St ar ting with the original design of the
F-style mandolin it remains the only one true mandolin despite the many copies on the market today. With
original advances in design and construction, Gibson has remained the choice of musicians the world over.
All Gibson mandolins are hand-built to precise graduations, specific tap-tunings, hand-fit dovetail
neck joints, superior wood selection and hand-stained thinly applied finishes. The result is an instrument
of impeccable fit and finish with unsurpassable tone and built in the grand tradition we first set.
Gibson mandolins are not only the definitive mandolin to purchase, they are an investment. Gibson instruments consistently retain their resale value, and over time, actually
increase in value. If one looks at the number of professional mandolin players and compares the number of Gibson mandolins to all other brands, Gibson outranks the competition in number and tone. Become one of the elite — own a Gibson.
Gibson F-5 Master Model
Loar Reissue
Gibson Sam Bush Signature Model
Sam Bush
OLINS
Gibson F-5L “Fern”
Gibson F-5G
Gibson A-5L
M AND
Gibson F-9
Gibson M-6
INTRODUCING THE SLEEK F-9 AND
THE GUITARISTS CHOICE — THE GIBSON M-6
The F-9’s no-frills design gives it a sleek look that is unique among traditional mandolins, with black binding
on the top of the body, no fingerboard inlay and a Vintage Brown f inish — a hand-st ained light chocolate
color with an extremely thin satin lacquer outer coat. The F-9 has all the design features that gave the F-5 its
legendary tone, including a hand-fitted dovetail neck joint, solid maple neck, sides and back, solid spruce top,
and a hand-tuned tone chamber.
The Gibson M-6 features an A-style mandolin body with a short-scale guitar neck that makes every guitarist
an instant multi-instrumentalist. The M-6 is tuned an octave higher than a standard guitar, so that the high
E-string matches the highest open string on a mandolin. Guitarists can get the tone of a mandolin without
having to adapt to a different tuning.
OLINS
UNSURPASSED CRAFTSMANSHIP
Every Gibson and Flatiron mandolin has received the
greatest care and hand attention to detail possible. Every
one is a work of art with tone and playability to match.
Our craftsmen have hundreds of hours of training in the
art of wood selection, carving, binding, inlay, fretting,
set-up and playing of the instruments. No other
instrument manufactured today has the
loving care put into each Gibson mandolin.
EARL SCRUGGS BANJOS
Earl Scruggs is credited for pioneering the three-f inger banjo
style now accepted as “the method” of playing the instrument.
Earl’s style has been one of America’s great contributions to
the music world. Earl’s banjo has evolved over the years, just as
Earl has. Each model in the Earl Scruggs line features f igured
maple, a beautiful lacquer finish, and multiple binding.
Gibson is proud to be the exclusive manufacturer of the only
banjos worthy of Earl’s name.
Earl Scruggs 49 Classic
BAN
Earl Scruggs Standard
Earl Scruggs
JOS
Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe
Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special
Earl Scruggs Special
BAN
Standard Banjo — RB-75 J.D. Crowe
Standard Banjo — RB-3
Standard Banjo — RB-250
STANDARD BANJOS
Gibson has been a world leader in acoustic instrument design since Orville Gibson
redefined fretted instruments in the 1890s. For over 100 years, players have sought to
own an original Gibson. We are proud to continue to offer our banjos with the original metal composition for the tone ring, hand-engraved metal par ts, and traditional
construction.
J. D. Crowe
Standard Banjo — RB-3 Wreath
Standard Banjo — RB-4
Standard Banjo — Granada Flying Eagle or Hearts & Flowers
JOS
THE GIBSON RB
Keeping in Gibson’s fine tradition of e xcellence in cr aftsmanship, the birth of a new banjo has arrived. The
Gibson RB banjo has the same exceptional tone and quality as the Mastertone line of banjos, but at a more
affordable price. Based on tried and true Gibson designs, this instrument is an excellent addition to the
Gibson family of instruments.
BAN
Gibson RB Banjo
HAND-CRAFTED QUALITY
Each Gibson banjo neck is hand-rolled
by one of our quality craftsmen making
each and every banjo we produce “unique.”
JOS
MORE THAN A CENTURY OF TRADITION
One of many groups that tour The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase watch in fascination as a Dobro
®
neck is hand-rolled by one of Gibson’s talented Dobro®builders. Each and every Gibson instrument
is hand-fretted just like they were more than a century ago.
D OB
THE SQUARENECK SERIES
Originally designed for Hawaiian music, the squareneck Dobro
®
evolved into another unique sound for
country and bluegrass music. Played with a slide bar on the lap, or specially strapped for playing upright, the
squareneck has the bluesy and mournful sound of which every player dreams.
Squareneck Series — 60 D Classic
Squareneck Series — F-60
Squareneck Series — 27 Deluxe
ROS
NATURAL PERFECTION
Great care and attention to detail
is used in the crafting of each and
every Dobro
®
with quality checks
at every stage of production —
resulting in beautiful perfection
of sound, tone and looks.
Roundneck Series — DM33C California Girl (back)
1
D OB
Roundneck Series — DM33H Hawaiian (front)
1
Roundneck Series — DM33H Hawaiian (back)
1
THE METAL BODY SERIES
Dobro
®
metal body resophonic guitars produce the sound of the Delta Blues — soulful, crying, and heartfelt
music directly from the spirit of the river. Gibson Dobros
®
are faithfully reproduced to capture the original
American sound. Stamped and hand-welded, etched with beautiful art patterns and plated, these instruments are a true work of art in look and sound.
Roundneck Series — DM33G Gator (back)
1
Roundneck Series — DM33S Sailboat (back)
1
Roundneck Series — DM33D Dobro D (back)
1
ROS
1
Etched design
2
Engraved design
Roundneck Series — The Dobro Shield (back)
2
D OB
Roundneck Series — The Chrysanthemum (front)
2
Roundneck Series — The Lily of the Valley (back)
2
Roundneck Series — The Rose (back)
2
ROS
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Attention to detail is the key to a great instrument. Every Dobro
®
must go through twenty
quality control steps to make the final grade.
Every employee is a resophonic player and this
shows in the end product. The best made,
played by the best — Dobro
®
.
Roundneck Series — The Chrysanthemum (back)
2
1
Etched design
2
Engraved design
Roundneck Series — DW90
D OB
Roundneck Series — DW90 Cutaway
Roundneck Series — DWF60
THE ROUNDNECK SERIES
Dobro
®
resophonic guitars are also available in a standard guit ar neck configuration. Get that famous
Dobro
®
sound while playing a regular style guitar. Every guitarist can play a resophonic guitar with no
special training and can broaden their sound without years of practice in learning a new instrument.
ROS
Dobrolektric
Mississippi VooDoo
D OB
Artist Series — The Jerry Douglas
Artist Series — The Al Perkins
Artist Series — The Josh Graves
THE ARTIST SERIES
The Dobro
®
guitar owes its popularity to the wide variety of styles pioneered by many great musicians. We
are proud to offer the collector these limited edition models, designed and signed (also available unsigned)
by the world’s most influential Dobro
®
guitarists. All models available with square or roundnecks.
Artist Series — The Brother Oswald
ROS
Artist Series — The Tom Swatzell
Jerry Douglas Josh Graves Al Perkins Tom Swatzell Brother Oswald
S
PECIFI
GIBSON MANDOLINS
MODEL
F-5 Master
Model
F-5L
Fern
A-5L
F-5G
Sam Bush Model
F-9
M-6
COLOR
Hand-rubbed
Varnish
Cremona
Sunburst*
Hand-stained
Fern Sunburst**
Cremona
Sunburst**
Cremona
Sunburst; Top,
Shaded Sides,
Back & Neck**
Bushburst**
Satin Vintage
Brown
Heritage Cherry
Sunburst, Trans
Red, Trans Blue,
Trans Green**
BINDING
Double Bound
Ivoroid
Double Bound
White
Double Bound
Ivoroid
Double,
Top Bound
Ivoroid
Double Bound
White
Top Bound Black
Top Bound
Ivoroid
INLAY
Master
Flowerpot
Abalone Fern
Reproduction
Flowerpot
Reproduction
Flowerpot
Flowerpot
Gibson Script
Fluer de Lis
TONE BAR
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
Tuned Parallel
HARDWARE
Silver Plate
Hand-engraved;
Reproduction
Bridge
Gold Plate
Hand-engraved
Gold Plate
Hand-engraved
Nickel Plate
Hand-engraved
Nickel Plate
Hand-engraved
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
FINGER REST
’20s Style
Reproduction
Doublebound
Doublebound
——
——
——
——
CASE
’20s Style
Rectangular
Deluxe
Hardshell
Rectangular
Hardshell
Shaped Hardshell
Shaped Hardshell
Shaped Hardshell
Shaped Hardshell
Shaped Hardshell
BANJOS
MODEL
Earl Scruggs
Standard
Earl Scruggs
49 Classic
Earl Scruggs
Golden Deluxe
Earl Scruggs
Flint Hill Special
Earl Scruggs
Special
Standard Banjo
Granada
Standard Banjo
RB-3 Standard
Standard Banjo
RB-3 Wreath
Standard Banjo
RB-4
Standard Banjo
RB-75 J.D. Crowe
Standard Banjo
RB-250
Gibson RB
COLOR
Exact Replica,
Amber Brown**
Exact Replica,
Amber Brown**
Exact Replica,
Antique Amber
Brown**
Antique Rich
Amber Brown**
Exact Replica,
Antique Amber
Brown**
Rich Amber
Brown**
Antique
Mahogany Red**
Antique
Mahogany Red**
Antique Walnut**
Antique
Mahogany Red**
Mahogany**
Natural, Vintage
Brown, Oxblood
BINDING
Multiple
Multiple
Antique
Multiple
Antique
Multiple
Multiple
Abalone
Multiple
Single
Antique
Single
Antique
Multiple
Antique
Single
Antique
Single
Black
INLAY
Hearts &
Flowers
Bow Tie
Hearts &
Flowers
Hearts &
Flowers
Hearts &
Flowers
Hearts &
Flowers
Standard
Wreath
Flying Eagle
Style 75
Modified
Standard
Snowflake
WOOD
Figured
Maple
Figured
Maple
Figured
Maple
Figured
Maple
Figured
Maple
Highly Figured
Maple
Mahogany
Mahogany
Walnut
Mahogany
Mahogany
Figured Maple
HARDWARE
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
24k Satin Gold
Engraved
24k Gold
Engraved
24k Gold
Engraved
24k Gold
Engraved
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
CASE
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
Shaped
Hardshell
* Denotes Hand-brushed Original Style Varnish Finish
** Denotes Lacquer Finish
Colors shown in this catalog are presented as accurately as possible. Due to variations and limitations in photographic and lithographic processes, actual color s may var y.
Gibson reserves the right to change specifications without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please check our products out on the internet at www.gibson.com.
CATIONS
Dobros continued —
MODEL
DM33 California
Girl Roundneck
DM33 Dobro D
Roundneck
Gator
Roundneck
Sailboat
Roundneck
The Rose
Roundneck
The Lilly of the
Valley
Roundneck
Dobro Shield
Roundneck
The
Chrysanthemum
Roundneck
DWF60
Roundneck
DW90
Roundneck
DW90C
Cutaway
Roundneck
Dobrolektric
Mississippi
VooDoo
COLOR
Etched Chrome
Pattern
Etched Chrome
Pattern
Etched Chrome
Pattern
Etched Chrome
Pattern
Engraved Chrome
Pattern
Engraved Chrome
Pattern
Engraved Chrome
Pattern
Engraved Chrome
Pattern
Darkburst
Vintage Sunburst,
Trans Red, Trans
Blue, Trans Green,
Trans Black, Natural
Vintage Sunburst,
Trans Red, Trans
Blue, Trans Green,
Trans Black, Natural
Vintage
Sunburst
Heritage Cherry
Sunburst, Sunrise,
Vintage Brown
BINDING
Non-bound
Non-bound
Non-bound
Non-bound
Non-bound
Non-bound
Neck
Neck & Headstock
Non-bound
Double Bound
Double Bound
Single Bound
Tortoise Shell
Body
COVER PLATE
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Fan
Poinsettia
Poinsettia
Poinsettia
Poinsettia
DOBROS
MODEL
The Jerry Douglas
The Josh Graves
The Brother
Oswald
The Tom Swatzell
The Al Perkins
F-60 Squareneck
60 D Classic
Squareneck
27 Deluxe
Squareneck
DM33
Roundneck
COLOR
Natural
Mahogany
Sunburst
Sunburst
Dark Cherry
Burst
Trans Black
Darkburst
Vintage
Sunburst
Vintage
Sunburst
Etched Chrome
Pattern
BINDING
Neck & Body
Single Bound
Body
Single Bound
Body
Neck & Body
Neck & Body
Non-bound
Single Bound
Neck, Body &
Headstock
Non-bound
COVER PLATE
Fan
Fan
Fan
Engraved Fan
Engraved
Poinsettia
Fan
Fan
Poinsettia
Fan
RESONATOR
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
HARDWARE
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Gold Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Chrome
BODY
Mahogany
Maple
Maple
Maple
Maple with f-hole
Figured Maple
Figured Maple
Figured Maple
Chromed Brass
CASE
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
RESONATOR
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
Spider
——
HARDWARE
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Chrome
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate
Nickel Plate;
Bridge Transducer
Pickup; P-90 Neck
Pickup
Gold Plate;
VooDoo Magic
Pickups
BODY
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Chromed Brass
Figured Maple
Figured Maple
Figured Maple
Figured Maple &
Mahogany
Mahogany with
Figured Maple
Top
CASE
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
Slimline Deluxe
Hardshell
Deluxe
Hardshell
The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound.
The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase • 161 Opry Mills Drive • Nashville, TN 37214 USA • 1.800.4.GIBSON • www.gibson.com
© 2002 Gibson Guitar Corp.
Jerry Douglas
Sam Bush
J. D. Crowe
Al Perkins
Earl Scruggs
Josh Graves
S IMPLY L EGENDARY
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