Gibson guitars are renowned for their incredible sound, quality craftsmanship, and timeless style.
But what is the process like behind the scenes that makes these guitars so special? In this article, we’ll take a look at the step-by-step process of how Gibson guitars are made, from the selection of the perfect wood to the final product.
From the wood selection process to quality control to accessorizing the guitar, you can learn the complete story of how Gibson guitars come to life.
Read on to find out more about the amazing process of how Gibson guitars are made!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Gibson guitars are made using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.
The process begins with selecting the right wood, which is then cut into the desired shape and routed to allow for binding and inlays.
After the basic shape is finished, the wood is then stained and lacquered.
Finally, the pickups, hardware, and electronics are installed before the guitar is set up and tested for playability.
The Wood Selection Process
When it comes to building Gibson guitars, the wood selection process is one of the most important steps.
The wood used to make a Gibson guitar is incredibly important, as it has a major influence on the sound and playability of the instrument.
Gibson guitars are typically made of mahogany, maple, rosewood, ebony, and alder.
Each of these woods has its own unique properties, and the combination of these woods can create a distinct tone and feel for each Gibson guitar.
When selecting the wood, Gibson takes into consideration the grain pattern, density, and weight of the wood, as well as its ability to resonate and produce a full, balanced sound.
The wood is also inspected for quality and durability.
Once the wood is chosen, it is cut and shaped to the desired specifications, then routed for the pickups and other hardware.
Once the wood is cut and shaped, it is sanded and finished with a sealant to protect the wood from humidity and other environmental factors.
This sealant also helps to give the guitar a uniform look and feel.
After this, the wood is assembled into the complete Gibson guitar with precision and care.
The final product is a high-quality instrument that any musician would be proud to own.
Shaping and Routing the Wood
Once the right wood is selected for the body and neck of the Gibson guitar, the next step is to shape and route the wood to the desired specifications.
This process begins by cutting the wood into the desired size and shape with a saw, router, or other cutting tools.
After the wood is cut to the proper size, it is then routed for the pickups and other hardware.
This involves using a router to cut out areas for the pickups, bridge, and other components to be placed.
Once the routing is complete, the wood is then sanded down to create a smooth surface for the finish to be applied.
Sanding the wood helps to ensure that it is smooth and even to the touch.
The sanding process also helps create a better seal for the finish, ensuring the guitar looks as good as it sounds.
Finally, the wood is finished with a sealant to protect it from the elements and give it a beautiful, glossy appearance.
Sanding and Finishing
The sanding and finishing process is essential in creating a Gibson guitar that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also structurally sound.
After the wood for the body and neck have been cut and shaped to the desired specifications, the wood is then sanded to remove any rough edges and to ensure a smooth surface.
After the sanding process is complete, a sealant is applied to the wood to protect it from damage and to give it a glossy finish.
This sealant is often a combination of lacquer and varnish, and is applied in multiple coats to ensure that the wood is properly sealed.
It is important to note that the sanding and finishing process can take several days, as each coat needs to be applied and allowed to dry before the next one can be applied.
Finally, once the sealant has dried, the wood is then ready to be assembled into the complete guitar.
Assembling the Guitar
The final step in the Gibson guitar-making process is assembling the instrument.
This step requires skill and patience to ensure that all of the components are correctly put together and that the instrument is functioning properly.
First, the neck is attached to the guitar body with screws.
The neck is then secured with a truss rod to ensure that the shape and tension is correct and the guitar can be played with ease.
Next, the pickups, bridge, and other hardware are securely installed.
After all the components are installed, the guitar is strung up with the strings of the musicians choice.
The strings are then adjusted to the desired tension and the guitar is tuned.
Finally, the guitar is given a final inspection and any finishing touches are applied before the instrument is ready for its new owner.
Gibson guitars are renowned for their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Each instrument is made with the utmost care and precision, ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.
From selecting the right wood to carefully assembling the components, the Gibson guitar-making process is one that is revered around the world.
Quality Control
At Gibson, quality control is an essential part of the process for making their iconic guitars.
Every step of the process is closely monitored and inspected to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship.
From the selection of the right wood for the body and neck to the selection of hardware, every step is inspected for quality and accuracy.
After the wood is routed for the pickups and other hardware, it is sanded and finished with a sealant before being assembled.
This is to ensure that the instrument is properly sealed and protected from the elements.
After the instrument is built, it is then tested for sound and playability before it is shipped out.
This rigorous quality control process ensures that each Gibson guitar is made with the same high standard of quality, which is why they are some of the most sought after instruments in the world.
Accessorizing the Guitar
Once the wood has been cut and shaped, the next step in Gibsons process is to accessorize their guitars.
This includes installing the pickups, bridge, and other hardware.
Gibson guitars are usually outfitted with pickups made from Alnico magnets, which are known for producing a warm, vintage-style sound.
Each pickup is carefully installed and wired in place, and the bridge is fitted with the appropriate saddles.
All of this hardware is made from the highest-quality materials to ensure that the guitar will produce the best sound possible.
Additionally, Gibson guitars come with a unique truss rod cover, which is designed to protect the neck and keep it strong and stable.
This cover also serves as an iconic visual identifier for the brand.
Finally, the guitar is strung with strings of the appropriate gauge and tension to ensure optimal sound quality.
Once all of the hardware is in place, the guitar is ready to be played.
The Final Product
The final product of a Gibson guitar is a high-quality instrument that any musician would be proud to own.
It is the culmination of a process that involves the careful selection of premium materials, precise cutting and shaping of the wood, routing for the hardware, sanding, and sealing.
The result is an instrument with exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that can be enjoyed for many years.
The wood used in the construction of Gibson guitars is carefully selected for its quality and tonal characteristics, with the body and neck being crafted from different types.
The wood is then cut and shaped to the desired specifications before being routed for the pickups and other hardware.
These components are fitted to the body in a way that ensures the best possible performance and tone from the instrument.
Once the wood is routed and the hardware is installed, the guitar is sanded and finished with a sealant.
This ensures that the body and neck of the instrument remain in top condition and free from any imperfections.
The finishing process also adds to the beauty of the instrument, giving it a unique and attractive look.
Finally, the guitar is strung up and tuned to the desired pitch.
The strings are then adjusted to the ideal tension, and the instrument is ready to be played.
With its premium materials, careful construction, and unique sound, a Gibson guitar is truly a work of art that any musician would be proud to own.
Final Thoughts
Gibson guitars are an iconic example of craftsmanship and quality.
The process of making one of these masterpieces is a labor of love, involving many steps to ensure the highest quality instrument.
From selecting the wood and routing the body to sanding and finishing, every step is carefully considered to create a masterpiece.
With this knowledge, you can now appreciate the work that goes in to every single Gibson guitar.