Gibson were responsible for some of the finest, most stylish guitars and basses of the last half century, but particularly during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The vast majority of Gibson's current models were conceived in this period. Most were high quality instruments; made by skilled craftsmen using great woods. Gibsons reputation was built upon these guitars. The rock and roll guitar boom lead to massive sales and Gibson's peak in 1965.

Gibson produced guitars in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in several buildings, but primarily at a plant in Parsons Street. Guitars had been built there since 1917, and almost all Gibson, and 1958-1969 Epiphones were created here. Gibson left for Nashville in 1984, and now former Gibson guitar builders make guitars the way they were made in their heyday under the name of Heritage guitars.

Gibson Basses

Instruments like the EBO, EB2, EB3 and Thunderbird have attained iconic status, and many lesser brands imitated these designs. Other models have been largely forgotten, only to enjoy a come-back when a famous artist is seen sporting them. The RD artist, Ripper and Victory spring to mind as basses of choice for Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, the G3 for Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt, and the Les Paul Triumph for Oasis bassist Paul McGuigan.