Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'

Subject: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: burntstump
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 10:32 AM

Why is it that some Gibson acoustic guitars have the words "The Gibson " on the headstock?

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: billhudson
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 10:38 AM

That I don't really know but as these years roll by I have enjoyed that sound (I have a J-45 and a J-50)and for me just can't get better. I have tried many other brands but always come home to Gibson.

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: Bruce MacNeill
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 10:49 AM

I have 2 Gibson guitars and they're great. I did a Google search and didn't come up with much but one hit seemed to indicate "Vintage Guitars" accociated with "The Gibson" on the head. How old is the guitar in question?

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: Bruce MacNeill
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 11:03 AM

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson6.html indicates that a 1926 L-O model had "The Gibson" on the head. You might check that site for more information.

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 11:41 AM

As a general rule, the "The Gibson" headstock inlay indicates a more expensive instrument with higher grade appointments than one with just "Gibson". For one thing, the "The Gibson" logo is always inlaid, while the plain "Gibson" logo is usually a decal. That doesn't necessarilly mean they sound any better, just that they're fancier.

Some other makers have adopted the inclusion of the "The" to indicate their own premium grade instruments. For example, Weber Mandolins' top of the line F-5 Fern carries a "The Weber" logo.

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: Melissa
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 12:15 PM

I understood that 'The Gibson' was older/early instruments. I admired a 'The Gibson' mandolin a while back--from 1919 and it had the prettiest tuning keys I've ever seen.

Subject: RE: Acoustic guitars with 'The Gibson'
From: Terry McDonald
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 12:30 PM

As the proud owner of four Gibsons, I was pleased to see that both Tim Hart and the other chap were playing Gibsons on last night's BBC Maddy Prior programme. I've always thought Martins are over-rated....