Gibson
Since 1902
Gibson Guitar Corporation is one of America's most iconic guitar manufacturers, founded in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Renowned for legendary models like the Les Paul, SG, and ES series, Gibson has shaped the sound of rock, blues, and jazz for over a century. The company is synonymous with premium craftsmanship, innovative design, and the rich, warm tones that have defined countless classic recordings.
123
Years in Business
15M+
Guitars Sold
$800M
Annual Revenue
Complete Gibson Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Gibson guitars.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,200
+8% vs last year
eBay Listings
2,800
Active listings
Sold This Month
1,200
+6% vs last month
Price Range
$800-$25,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Complete Gibson Product Lineup
Gibson guitars have been the choice of legends, from Jimmy Page to Slash, defining the sound of rock and blues for generations
Les Paul Series
Iconic solid-body electric guitars
Classic mahogany body with maple cap
Affordable version without binding
Value-oriented authentic Les Paul
Contemporary features and playability
Premium ebony fretboard model
Vintage-spec construction and tone
SG Series
Lightweight double-cutaway electrics
Classic SG with mahogany body
P-90 pickup configuration
Contemporary neck profile and features
Affordable authentic SG experience
Single pickup simplicity
Worn finish aesthetic
Hollow & Semi-Hollow
ES series and acoustic electrics
Semi-hollow body with center block
Smaller body ES-335 style
Full hollow body archtop
Single cutaway semi-hollow
Iconic acoustic with square shoulders
Classic round shoulder acoustic
King of the flat-tops jumbo acoustic
Radical V-shaped electric
Modernistic angular body shape
Reverse body with mini-humbuckers
"Gibson guitars have been the choice of legends, from Jimmy Page to Slash, defining the sound of rock and blues for generations"
Gibson Timeline
Company Founded
Orville Gibson founded the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd. in Kalamazoo, Michigan, initially focusing on mandolins.
First Archtop Guitar
Introduced the L-5 archtop guitar, revolutionizing acoustic guitar design with its carved top and f-holes.
L-5 Electric
Created one of the first commercially successful electric guitars by adding a pickup to the L-5 model.
ES-150 Launch
Released the ES-150, the first commercially successful electric guitar, popularized by Charlie Christian.
Les Paul Model
Introduced the Les Paul solid-body electric guitar in partnership with musician Les Paul, competing with Fender's Telecaster.
Flying V & Explorer
Launched the radical Flying V and Explorer models, initially unsuccessful but later becoming iconic designs.
SG Introduction
Introduced the SG (Solid Guitar) as a replacement for the Les Paul, featuring a thinner, double-cutaway body.
Les Paul Revival
Reintroduced the Les Paul model due to popular demand, sparked by blues and rock guitarists like Eric Clapton.
Norlin Era Begins
Acquired by Norlin Industries, beginning a controversial period of cost-cutting and quality concerns.
Management Buyout
Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman, and Gary Zebrowski bought Gibson from Norlin, beginning the modern era.
Custom Shop Established
Founded the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, focusing on high-end, limited edition, and custom instruments.
New Ownership
Emerged from bankruptcy under new ownership, refocusing on core guitar manufacturing and quality.
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each Fender model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Les Paul Buying Guide
Pickup Configuration
Classic humbuckers (57 Classic, Burstbucker) vs. modern options (490R/498T): Vintage PAF-style offer warmer tone, modern provide higher output
Top Wood
Figured maple cap vs. plain maple: Figured adds visual appeal and slight tonal brightness, plain focuses on pure tone
Neck Profile
Traditional vs. Modern vs. Slim Taper: Different thickness affects playability and comfort for various hand sizes and playing styles
SG Buying Guide
Pickup Options
Humbuckers vs. P-90s: Humbuckers offer versatility and noise reduction, P-90s provide vintage single-coil bite with fuller body
Weight & Balance
Lightweight mahogany body can cause neck dive: Look for proper strap button placement and consider neck weight when playing standing
Neck Joint
Traditional set neck vs. modern variations: Affects sustain, tone transfer, and upper fret access for different playing needs
ES-335 Buying Guide
Center Block
Maple center block reduces feedback while maintaining hollow body character: Essential for high-volume playing situations
F-Hole Size
Traditional vs. modern f-hole dimensions affect acoustic resonance and overall tonal character of the instrument
Bridge & Tailpiece
ABR-1 bridge vs. Nashville bridge: Different string spacing and intonation characteristics affect playability and setup