Press Releases
Gibson: “Theodore” Original Guitar Design Drawn by Ted McCarty in 1957 Debuts 65 Years Later As First Release in the Gibson Archive Collection
| Gibson’s legendary former president Theodore “Ted” McCarty helped develop some of the most iconic electric guitars ever created such as the Les Paul, ES-335, Flying V, Explorer, SG, and Firebird. On March 18, 1957 (3/18/1957), at the height of his creative output, Ted detailed and signed a drawing for a new solid body instrument concept which was never produced, until now. Today, on March 18, 2022, 65 years from the date Ted sketched the guitar (pictured above), Gibson Custom Shop is proud to introduce the “Theodore” as the first-ever Gibson Archive Collection release. Ted’s influential drawing represented a turning point in Gibson guitar history and as a result, the new Theodore is now a testament to his vision and prolific output of influential guitar designs. Theodore’s lightweight and balanced construction is comfortable and with powerful P-90 pickups, the guitar delivers effortless sustain, alongside a rich diversity of tones. For this Gibson Archive Collection release only 318 (aka March 18), total Theodore instruments will be made across three different colors, Natural, Cherry, and Ebony. Theodore features an alder body, scimitar headstock, double Florentine cutaways, and a walnut center strip. Every Theodore will include a deluxe package with a Historic-style brown hardshell exterior and pink interior guitar case, as well as a leather strap, a print of Ted McCarty’s original signed drawing of the guitar, a 1957-style catalog print, and a Certificate of Authenticity booklet. From then, till now, Gibson’s legendary guitars are handcrafted and American-made to this day. Explore the first-ever Gibson Archive Collection release, the “Theodore” HERE. |
| Click on the image above to play the video. |
| Above: the Gibson Archive Collection “Theodore” in Ebony, Natural, and Cherry. Gibson Archive Collection “Theodore” photos, HERE. |
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| Above: the new Gibson Archive Collection “Theodore” in Natural, Ebony and Cherry. |
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| Above: Ted McCarty. Gibson:GIBSON.COM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GIBSON TV Epiphone:EPIPHONE.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE Kramer:KRAMERGUITARS.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE MESA/Boogie:MESA/BOOGIE.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK KRK:KRKMUSIC.COM | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE Maestro:MAESTROELECTRONICS.COM | @MAESTROELECTRONICS | GIBSON TV Gibson App:GOOGLE PLAY | APPLE APP STORE About Gibson:Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 128 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson Brands has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson Brands portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson Brands is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson Brands. Learn more at Gibson.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Gibson TV, and Instagram. |
