Gibson Guitars

Throughout history there are many examples of genius and insanity meeting and producing amazing, ground breaking works in every field, but with an emphasis on those dealing with the arts. The story of Oliver Gibson could fit in this list of examples neatly, with an emphasis on the genius side of the story. While rumored to suffer from mental illness, and in fact dying in a psychiatric institution, the founder of the company that would one day be Gibson Guitar was undoubtedly a forward thinker, a brilliant craftsman, and a visionary.

The Gibson Guitar

The name "Gibson Guitar" produces and image of quality and excitement equal to the incredible sounds that come from one of their famous products. When Oliver Gibson considered recreating the way mandolins were made, he ended up producing the first "Gibson" and found instant success.

The instruments of the day were made by layering strips of wood and bonding them together, producing a flat topped, bowl shaped instrument. Gibson studied the way violins were made and borrowed from that idea, carving a mandolin from a single piece of unstressed wood. The tops and backs were carved in a pleasing way, treating the eye, but the real delight was the sound the new mandolins produced. They were an instant hit.

Music