Dave Hunter from the Gibson Lifestyle Blog has an interesting article that should appeal to bluegrass flatpickers discussing the various tonewoods used in the construction of acoustic flat-top guitars online.

The Article covers the various woods used through out the construction of an acoustic guitar and provides some insight and reasoning behind why these species have become the de facto standards for solid wood guitar construction.

I have focused a lot of scrutiny in past installments of Gibson Tone Tips on the woods used to construct electric guitars, but this time out let’s shine the light on a breed of instrument where you can really hear the wood at work: the acoustic flat-top guitar. Wood type and body shape/style really are the determining factors in the voice of any flat-top, all of which coalesce successfully or otherwise according to the skill with which the construction has been rendered, with some significant influence from other factors such as the type and pattern of the top bracing. Dave Hunter - Gibson Lifestyle Blog

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Gibson has announced a new “Period Inspired Limited Gibson Victorian F5 Mandolin” that will be limited to a run of 15 instruments. It will be available beginning in May.

The Victorian F5 Mandolin was designed using the best appointments and attributes of the F5 and F4 models.

The “Victorian” has a 1 piece figured Maple back, as well as figured Maple on the sides and neck, a Red Spruce top, Ivroid bound f-holes, top, back, neck and headstock and Hide Glue Construction is used throughout.

Each Gibson Victorian F5 Mandolin is finished in a Traditional Victorian F model Black top / Red Burst Back with an Aged Oil Varnish / French Polish overcoat. Other appointments include Nickel Waverly Tuners, 2 foot adjustable ebony bridge and a Victorian style elevated Tortoisoid Pickguard. More information on the Victorian F5 can be found on Gibson’s site.

The Gibson Victorian mandolin has each of the time-proven features that the most discerning mandolin players demand of their instruments while combining the beloved details of both the F4 and F5 mandolins. The Victorian mandolin is constructed of figured maple back, sides and neck, and a red spruce top with f-holes-all held together with hot hide glue. As a special touch for this mandolin, all of these instruments are made with a one-piece figured maple back, stunningly accentuated in an early teens Victorian Era Red Sunburst finish. Additionally, the peghead face will feature a Gibson “double flower pot” inlay, used for the first time since the pre-truss rod era ended. The beautifully figured F5-length neck is topped by an ebony fingerboard with a subtle radius that finishes over the body with an F4-style fingerboard end. Other features include a period correct “black-face” top, F4-style pickguard and side clamp, and nickel-plated Waverly “arrow-point” tuners with ivoroid buttons. The fingerboard, body, and f-holes are also gracefully adorned with ivoroid binding. In keeping with the patina of those original models, the Victorian mandolin comes with an aged varnish finish and the same soul-stirring tone. The Gibson Limited Victorian F5 mandolin is the result of a decade of innovation and craftmanship, and can only be owned by 15 fortunate players. Look for a Victorian mandolin at a dealer near you this May. Each instrument will come complete with a hardshell case and an accompanying Certificate of Authenticity. Gibson.com

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Gibson Guitar and TC Group, leaders in professional audio industry, have announced they are planning to merge. The announcement was made during the NAMM 2008 show in Anaheim, California by Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and CEO of TC Group, Anders Fauerskov.

The TC Group, headquartered in Risskov, Denmark, develops and manufactures audio products for audio professionals and musicians. The company has a number of brands of pro audio technology and produces amplifiers, speakers, digital processors, guitar pedals and other audio products.

“This merger will revolutionize the music industry for many years to come. The synergy between the two companies will allow us an enormous advantage in the development of new audio technologies and brings together two of the world’s most poweful brands.”Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Guitar

The announcement marks a preliminary agreement between the two companies. Under the terms of the new acquisition, Anders Fauerskov will remain based in Europe, and serve as Chief Operating Officer of the new combined Gibson Guitar Corp. The two companies expect to finalize the deal by the end of February 2008.

For more information, visit the Gibson Guitar Website.

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… We have a final holiday treat for you. Actually, Gibson, the well known maker of fine acoustic instruments, has the treat for you. It’s tailor-made for the true-blue bluegrasser.

And, thanks to Greg Cahill of Special Consensus for passing this along. Have a look by clicking on this link:
http://www.gibson.com/Holiday2006Allstars.aspx

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Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments and SamBush.com are teaming up to bring you an opportunity to win a Sam Bush Signature mandolin. This mandolin is a replica of Sam’s personal F-5 and is reminiscent of the highly prized 1930’s Gibson F-5, but with the subtle nuances that make Sam’s mandolin, and his sound, so unique. From the wider neck, to the radiused fingerboard and larger frets, this mandolin is Gibson’s tribute to the modern mandolin master and the luthier’s craft. Other features include 30’s style inlays on the headstock, block inlays on the fingerboard, Sam’s personal string spacing, a signature tailpiece cover, and Sam’s personal preference — a shaped case.

Entries must be recieved by 11:59 CST Oct. 8, 2007 and can be submitted online.

For the official contest rules please visit Gibson’s web site.

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