Gibson is the leading, iconic, handcrafted, American-made guitar brand that has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers, across genres for over 128 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, with a premier acoustic craftory in Bozeman, Montana, Gibson continues a legacy of world-class artisanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product innovations that are unrivaled among musical instrument companies. Gibson has been in major investment expansion mode and prioritizing the acoustic facility and its skilled artisans in Bozeman who create our world-renowned acoustic guitar collections. For more than a century, Gibson acoustics have been played by the most talented and influential music artists who continue to shape sound through modern music.
In Bozeman, Montana, Gibson carries on a tradition of acoustic instruments that dates back to the 1890’s. The world has changed, but this art has stayed much the same: Gibson acoustic guitars deliver a clear, rich sound from carefully chosen tonewoods crafted to improve with age and fit each dovetail neck joint by hand. While production of Gibson Acoustics started in Kalamazoo, MI and moved to Nashville, TN for a period, Bozeman was identified as an ideal location for the new acoustic facility after Gibson purchased the Montana-based Flatiron Mandolin company in 1987. The relatively stable and dry climate in Bozeman is advantageous in building acoustic guitars, which can be greatly affected by swings in temperature and humidity. The early days in Montana marked the rebirth of Gibson’s flat-top guitars in the eyes and ears of artist, dealers, and fans.
To meet the booming demand for guitars, Gibson invested in construction to double the size of the acoustic craftory. With more machine shop and manufacturing space, expanded Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop capabilities, and a new artist showroom, the modernized facility enables Gibson to increase production of its world renowned acoustic guitar models (J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, SJ-200, and more) and expand innovative offerings such as the new Gibson Generation Collection, without compromising on conditions of quality.
“Gibson acoustic guitars have earned their iconic status over many generations and across many genres of music,” says James ‘JC’ Curleigh (President and CEO of Gibson Brands). “This iconic status has turned into exceptional demand over the past few years. We recognized that we had an opportunity and an obligation to find a way to make more guitars by expanding the legendary Gibson Acoustic Craftory right here in Bozeman, Montana. We are proud of the expansion and excited for the future.”
Last week, Gibson opened the doors of its world-renowned acoustic guitar facility in Bozeman to celebrate the completion of a factory expansion which doubled the size of the facility which was originally built in 1988. Gibson global leadership and the local Gibson Bozeman teams were on hand with local Montana business leaders and ambassadors, and our skilled artisans who create our world-renowned acoustic guitar collections to view the new craftory. Gibson is a preferred employer globally and with the massive expansion will be adding up to 100+ job opportunities and recruiting top talent on the local and national level. Gibson Acoustic in Bozeman currently employs 230 people.
Following are photos from the Gibson Acoustic expansion celebration in Bozeman, MT, and a glimpse inside the craftory:
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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. Experience more at Gibson.com and on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Gibson App, Gibson Garage, and Gibson TV.
