Happy Birthday, Gibson!

Today in History: In 1902, The Gibson Mandolin Guitar Company was formed.
http://youtu.be/3vARFwbhLOM

A body with a mass of black, curly hair for a head, and there, dangling in front of Slash was that gold-top Gibson Les Paul that he so casually and naturally played. That was the beginnings of my appreciation of Gibson guitars. Such was early on in my studies of the guitar, way back in the late 80s. Previous metal guitars just didn't have that draw to me. Not that I was some sort of art critique at the time, but even then, I could see the classic style, hear the warm sound, and appreciate the blues look in the world of rock n roll.

My first guitar was a beautiful, solid body Yamaha. Natural blond wood, great shape, nice, and only $20 at a garage sale. Note: don't let your buddy price and sell your guitar. She was dropped and the fret board split off the neck and would never played the same. Next Note: don't let your drummer try to mimic your limited ability to play the guitar behind your head. As far as Gibson goes, I merely have an Epiphone, though she has been nearly rebuilt with Seymore Duncans and other Gibson bits. She plays great and began my true love affair of the Gibson style.

Having worked in a guitar shop during my youth, I always loved playing a few licks on the Gibson's that came through, full body, hollow body, acoustics, all of them. This was purely a professional practice, as before casing the guitars back up to return them to the customer we had to make sure they were set up to a high standard. Right. The classic rounded out neck, the heavy body, the clean and warm sound. Any who, my tribute to their greatness is this silly blog post and my usual emphasis of preference to my students. The other styles are great, love Fender, I have a PRS, no one guitar brand speaks for all guitars. However, it is my opinion, you rock, Gibson. Happy Birthday.

My Les Paul.