# Gibson Brands

> American guitar manufacturer

**Wikidata**: [Q210278](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210278)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibson_(guitar_company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gibson-brands

## Summary
Gibson Brands is an American guitar manufacturer founded in 1902, known for producing iconic models like the Les Paul, SG, and Flying V. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the company is a pioneer in electric guitar design and remains a dominant force in the music industry.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: January 1, 1902
- **Headquarters**: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- **Founder**: Orville Gibson (1856–1918), an American luthier
- **Key Models**: Les Paul (1952), SG (1961), Flying V (1958), ES-335 (1958), Hummingbird (1960), Thunderbird (1958)
- **Subsidiaries**: Epiphone (1873), Kramer Guitars (1976), Steinberger (1979), Baldwin Piano Company (1862)
- **Owned by**: Baldwin Piano Company, Kramer Guitars, Epiphone, Dobro, TEAC Corporation, Steinberger
- **Products**: Electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, pickups (e.g., P-90)
- **Website**: [gibson.com](https://www.gibson.com/)
- **Wikidata Description**: American guitar manufacturer
- **Aliases**: Gibson Brands, Inc., Gibson Guitar Corporation, Gibson, Inc.

## FAQs
- **What is Gibson Brands known for?** Gibson Brands is known for manufacturing high-quality electric and acoustic guitars, including iconic models like the Les Paul and SG.
- **Where is Gibson Brands located?** The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.
- **Who founded Gibson Brands?** Gibson Brands was founded by Orville Gibson in 1902.
- **What are some of Gibson Brands' most famous guitar models?** Some of Gibson's most famous models include the Les Paul, SG, Flying V, and Hummingbird.
- **Does Gibson Brands own any subsidiaries?** Yes, Gibson Brands owns subsidiaries such as Epiphone, Kramer Guitars, and Steinberger.
- **What types of guitars does Gibson Brands produce?** Gibson produces electric guitars, bass guitars, and acoustic guitars.
- **When was Gibson Brands founded?** Gibson Brands was founded on January 1, 1902.

## Why It Matters
Gibson Brands is a pioneering force in the guitar industry, shaping modern music with its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The company's iconic models, such as the Les Paul and SG, have become cultural symbols, influencing generations of musicians. Gibson's influence extends beyond instrument manufacturing, as it has played a significant role in the development of electric guitar technology and sound. The brand's legacy continues to resonate in the music world, making it a cornerstone of guitar history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the solid-body electric guitar with the Les Paul (1952).
- Introducing the SG model (1961), which became a staple for rock and blues musicians.
- Developing the Flying V (1958), a distinctive double-cutaway design.
- Producing the Hummingbird (1960), a popular acoustic guitar model.
- Owning subsidiaries like Epiphone and Kramer Guitars, expanding its product lineup.
- Manufacturing the P-90 pickup, a key component in electric guitar design.

## Body
### History
Gibson Brands was founded in 1902 by Orville Gibson, an American luthier. The company began as a small workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 20th century. Over the decades, Gibson evolved into a leading manufacturer of guitars, known for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship.

### Key Models
Gibson is renowned for its iconic guitar models, including:
- **Les Paul**: Introduced in 1952, the Les Paul is a solid-body electric guitar that became a symbol of rock and roll.
- **SG**: Launched in 1961, the SG features a distinctive double-cutaway design and has been used by legendary musicians.
- **Flying V**: Designed in 1958, the Flying V is known for its bold, angular shape and powerful sound.
- **Hummingbird**: Introduced in 1960, the Hummingbird is a popular acoustic guitar model.
- **Thunderbird**: A bass guitar model introduced in 1958.

### Subsidiaries and Ownership
Gibson Brands owns several subsidiaries and is associated with other companies, including:
- **Epiphone**: A musical instrument brand founded in 1873, known for its affordable guitars.
- **Kramer Guitars**: An American manufacturer of electric guitars and basses, founded in 1976.
- **Steinberger**: A trademark for guitars and other instruments, founded in 1979.
- **Baldwin Piano Company**: An American company founded in 1862, which owns Gibson Brands.
- **Dobro**: An American guitar brand founded in 1928.
- **TEAC Corporation**: A Japanese company founded in 1953, which owns Gibson Brands.

### Products and Innovations
Gibson produces a wide range of guitars, including electric guitars, bass guitars, and acoustic guitars. The company is also known for its innovative pickups, such as the P-90, which has been used in many iconic guitar models.

### Cultural Impact
Gibson Brands has had a profound impact on the music industry, influencing countless musicians and shaping the sound of modern music. Its iconic models have been used by legendary artists, and the brand's legacy continues to inspire new generations of guitarists. Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation has cemented its place as a leading manufacturer in the guitar industry.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=28990)
3. Library of Congress Authorities
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
7. YouTube API