GIBSON ORIGINAL ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound.
THE GIBSON BLUE A small town in Michigan is where Gibson’s history began. Today, Gibson offices and manufacturing facilities span the globe. Gibson’s most unique facility is perhaps the bluegrass manufacturing facility in Nashville, Tennessee. An exceptional vision by Gibson’s President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz has brought Gibson’s Original Acoustic Instruments (OAI) division to our most important customer — you. The OAI manufacturing facility, contained within The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase, is the first of its kind in the United States. The state-of-the-art facility is located in one of the Mills Corporation’s shopping and entertainment venues — Opry Mills. The uniqueness of this concept is that the you can actually view the instruments being made. The factory tour reveals the craftsmanship and talented individuals behind the making of the world’s finest bluegrass instruments. Located directly across from the world famous Grand Ole Opry, The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase factory tour is available Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like more information concerning Gibson’s OAI manufacturing facility or one of Gibson’s quality instruments, please check us out at www.gibson.com or contact us at 1-800-4-GIBSON. From start to finish, every Gibson banjo, Dobro®, and mandolin is carefully handcrafted at The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase. Truly a unique concept in showcasing the craftsmanship that is a part of the Gibson legacy. Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments — the cornerstone of legendary sound. The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase — the national home of a true American genre of music. All very simply — legendary.
GRASS
SHOWCASE
Gibson customers are fascinated by the workmanship and quality that goes into each Gibson instrument.
Our facility also houses a state-of-the-art stage, sound, and lighting system with theatre-style seating, full service restaurant and bar that is available for rental. Recent events have included television and video shoots, showcasing of new talent, fan club events, parties and charity events.To inquire about renting The Showcase phone us at 615.514.2200 ext 2244. And, you never know when you might catch an impromptu jam session going on.
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HOW THE LEGEND BEGAN Gibson, a name that for over 100 years has defined quality, craftsmanship, innovation, and legendary sound. This tradition began in 1894 with one man’s dream in a home workshop in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The legendary man was Orville Gibson. With no formal training to limit his vision, Orville created an entirely new style of mandolin and guitar, with carved tops, arched like the top of a violin. His creations were so different and revolutionary that he was granted a patent on his mandolin design in 1898. By 1910, Gibson mandolins had become so popular that they virtually replaced all previous styles of fretted instruments. Always striving to be innovative, Gibson later introduced banjos into the Gibson line of acoustic instruments. A Gibson original acoustic instrument could be found in almost every performers hand of the era. Since those early days, Gibson has continued the tradition of original advances in design, quality construction, and craftsmanship. The Dobro® line of instruments was added to the Gibson family to complete the line of acoustic instruments. Gibson’s Original Acoustic Instruments have become the very cornerstone of legendary sound.
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THE LEGEND CONTINUES Today the market is flooded with a variety of acoustic instruments. The Gibson name still can be found making history in the hands of legendary performers. Legends like Earl Scruggs, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, J.D. Crowe, Josh Graves, Tom Swatzell, and Al Perkins have been making groundbreaking music for years. And they’ve always done it on Gibson instruments. Legends like these choose Gibson instruments because they know they can rely on our consistent craftsmanship, exceptional playability and legendary tone year after year. The grand traditions Orville Gibson first set continue at Gibson — and so, the legend continues for the generation of the 21st Century. New artists and legends alike play Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments. Shouldn’t you?
Orville Gibson
Gibson F-5 Master Model Loar Reissue
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GIBSON MANDOLINS “The Gibson,” for over 100 years, has defined the word mandolin. Starting with the original design of the F-style mandolin it remains the only one true mandolin despite the many copies on the market today. With original advances in design and construction, Gibson has remained the choice of musicians the world over. All Gibson mandolins are hand-built to precise graduations, specific tap-tunings, hand-fit dovetail neck joints, superior wood selection and hand-stained thinly applied finishes. The result is an instrument of impeccable fit and finish with unsurpassable tone and built in the grand tradition we first set. Gibson mandolins are not only the definitive mandolin to purchase, they are an investment. Gibson instruments consistently retain their resale value, and over time, actually increase in value. If one looks at the number of professional mandolin players and compares the number of Gibson mandolins to all other brands, Gibson outranks the competition in number and tone. Become one of the elite — own a Gibson.
Sam Bush
Gibson Sam Bush Signature Model
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Gibson F-5G
Gibson A-5L
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Gibson F-9
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INTRODUCING THE SLEEK F-9 AND T H E G U I TA R I S T S C H O I C E — T H E G I B S O N M - 6 The F-9’s no-frills design gives it a sleek look that is unique among traditional mandolins, with black binding on the top of the body, no fingerboard inlay and a Vintage Brown finish — a hand-stained light chocolate color with an extremely thin satin lacquer outer coat. The F-9 has all the design features that gave the F-5 its legendary tone, including a hand-fitted dovetail neck joint, solid maple neck, sides and back, solid spruce top, and a hand-tuned tone chamber. The Gibson M-6 features an A-style mandolin body with a short-scale guitar neck that makes every guitarist an instant multi-instrumentalist. The M-6 is tuned an octave higher than a standard guitar, so that the high E-string matches the highest open string on a mandolin. Guitarists can get the tone of a mandolin without having to adapt to a different tuning.
Gibson M-6
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U N S U R PA S S E D C R A F T S M A N S H I P Every Gibson and Flatiron mandolin has received the greatest care and hand attention to detail possible. Every one is a work of art with tone and playability to match. Our craftsmen have hundreds of hours of training in the art of wood selection, carving, binding, inlay, fretting, set-up and playing of the instruments. No other instrument manufactured today has the loving care put into each Gibson mandolin.
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Earl Scruggs Standard
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EARL SCRUGGS BANJOS Earl Scruggs is credited for pioneering the three-finger banjo style now accepted as “the method” of playing the instrument. Earl’s style has been one of America’s great contributions to the music world. Earl’s banjo has evolved over the years, just as Earl has. Each model in the Earl Scruggs line features figured maple, a beautiful lacquer finish, and multiple binding. Gibson is proud to be the exclusive manufacturer of the only banjos worthy of Earl’s name.
Earl Scruggs
Earl Scruggs 49 Classic
J Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe
Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special
Earl Scruggs Special
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Standard Banjo — RB-75 J.D. Crowe
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S TA N DA R D B A N J O S Gibson has been a world leader in acoustic instrument design since Orville Gibson redefined fretted instruments in the 1890s. For over 100 years, players have sought to own an original Gibson. We are proud to continue to offer our banjos with the original metal composition for the tone ring, hand-engraved metal parts, and traditional construction. J. D. Crowe
Standard Banjo — RB-250
Standard Banjo — RB-3
GIBSON MANDOLINS MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
INLAY
TONE BAR
HARDWARE
FINGER REST
CASE
F-5 Master Model
Hand-rubbed Varnish Cremona Sunburst*
Double Bound Ivoroid
Master Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Silver Plate Hand-engraved; Reproduction Bridge
’20s Style Reproduction
’20s Style Rectangular Deluxe Hardshell
F-5L Fern
Hand-stained Fern Sunburst**
Double Bound White
Abalone Fern
Tuned Parallel
Gold Plate Hand-engraved
Doublebound
Rectangular Hardshell
A-5L
Cremona Sunburst**
Double Bound Ivoroid
Reproduction Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Gold Plate Hand-engraved
Doublebound
Shaped Hardshell
F-5G
Cremona Sunburst; Top, Shaded Sides, Back & Neck**
Double, Top Bound Ivoroid
Reproduction Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate Hand-engraved
——
Shaped Hardshell
Sam Bush Model
Bushburst**
Double Bound White
Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate Hand-engraved
——
Shaped Hardshell
F-9
Satin Vintage Brown
Top Bound Black
Gibson Script
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate
——
Shaped Hardshell
M-6
Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green**
Top Bound Ivoroid
Fluer de Lis
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate
——
Shaped Hardshell
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BANJOS MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
INLAY
WOOD
HARDWARE
CASE
Earl Scruggs Standard
Exact Replica, Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs 49 Classic
Exact Replica, Amber Brown**
Multiple Antique
Bow Tie
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe
Exact Replica, Antique Amber Brown**
Multiple Antique
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Satin Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special
Antique Rich Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Special
Exact Replica, Antique Amber Brown**
Multiple Abalone
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Granada
Rich Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Highly Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-3 Standard
Antique Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Standard
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-3 Wreath
Antique Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Wreath
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Antique Walnut** RB-4
Multiple Antique
Flying Eagle
Walnut
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Antique RB-75 J.D. Crowe Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Style 75
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-250
Mahogany**
Single
Modified Standard
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Gibson RB
Natural, Vintage Brown, Oxblood
Black
Snowflake
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
* Denotes Hand-brushed Original Style Varnish Finish ** Denotes Lacquer Finish Colors shown in this catalog are presented as accurately as possible. Due to variations and limitations in photographic and lithographic processes, actual colors may vary. Gibson reserves the right to change specifications without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please check our products out on the internet at www.gibson.com.
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DOBROS MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
COVER PLATE
RESONATOR
HARDWARE
BODY
CASE
The Jerry Douglas
Natural Mahogany
Neck & Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Mahogany
Deluxe Hardshell
The Josh Graves
Sunburst
Single Bound Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Brother Oswald
Sunburst
Single Bound Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Tom Swatzell
Dark Cherry Burst
Neck & Body
Engraved Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Al Perkins
Trans Black
Neck & Body
Engraved Poinsettia
Spider
Gold Plate
Maple with f-hole
Deluxe Hardshell
F-60 Squareneck
Darkburst
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
60 D Classic Squareneck
Vintage Sunburst
Single Bound
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
27 Deluxe Squareneck
Vintage Sunburst
Neck, Body & Headstock
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
DM33 Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
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Dobros continued — MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
COVER PLATE
RESONATOR
HARDWARE
BODY
CASE
DM33 California Girl Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
DM33 Dobro D Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Gator Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Sailboat Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
The Rose Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
The Lilly of the Valley Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Dobro Shield Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Neck
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Engraved Chrome Neck & Headstock Chrysanthemum Pattern Roundneck DWF60 Roundneck
Darkburst
Non-bound
DW90 Roundneck
Vintage Sunburst, Double Bound Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green, Trans Black, Natural
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
DW90C Cutaway Roundneck
Vintage Sunburst, Double Bound Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green, Trans Black, Natural
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
Dobrolektric
Vintage Sunburst
Single Bound
Poinsettia
Spider
Mississippi VooDoo
Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Sunrise, Vintage Brown
Tortoise Shell Body
Poinsettia
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Nickel Plate; Figured Maple & Bridge Transducer Mahogany Pickup; P-90 Neck Pickup Gold Plate; VooDoo Magic Pickups
Mahogany with Figured Maple Top
Slimline Deluxe Hardshell
Deluxe Hardshell
Sam Bush Al Perkins Jerry Douglas J. D. Crowe
Earl Scruggs
Josh Graves
SIMPLY LEGENDARY
The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound. The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase • 161 Opry Mills Drive • Nashville, TN 37214 USA • 1.800.4.GIBSON • www.gibson.com © 2002 Gibson Guitar Corp.
GIBSON MANDOLINS MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
INLAY
TONE BAR
HARDWARE
FINGER REST
CASE
F-5 Master Model
Hand-rubbed Varnish Cremona Sunburst*
Double Bound Ivoroid
Master Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Silver Plate Hand-engraved; Reproduction Bridge
’20s Style Reproduction
’20s Style Rectangular Deluxe Hardshell
F-5L Fern
Hand-stained Fern Sunburst**
Double Bound White
Abalone Fern
Tuned Parallel
Gold Plate Hand-engraved
Doublebound
Rectangular Hardshell
A-5L
Cremona Sunburst**
Double Bound Ivoroid
Reproduction Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Gold Plate Hand-engraved
Doublebound
Shaped Hardshell
F-5G
Cremona Sunburst; Top, Shaded Sides, Back & Neck**
Double, Top Bound Ivoroid
Reproduction Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate Hand-engraved
——
Shaped Hardshell
Sam Bush Model
Bushburst**
Double Bound White
Flowerpot
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate Hand-engraved
——
Shaped Hardshell
F-9
Satin Vintage Brown
Top Bound Black
Gibson Script
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate
——
Shaped Hardshell
M-6
Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green**
Top Bound Ivoroid
Fluer de Lis
Tuned Parallel
Nickel Plate
——
Shaped Hardshell
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BANJOS MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
INLAY
WOOD
HARDWARE
CASE
Earl Scruggs Standard
Exact Replica, Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs 49 Classic
Exact Replica, Amber Brown**
Multiple Antique
Bow Tie
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe
Exact Replica, Antique Amber Brown**
Multiple Antique
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Satin Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special
Antique Rich Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Earl Scruggs Special
Exact Replica, Antique Amber Brown**
Multiple Abalone
Hearts & Flowers
Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Granada
Rich Amber Brown**
Multiple
Hearts & Flowers
Highly Figured Maple
24k Gold Engraved
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-3 Standard
Antique Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Standard
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-3 Wreath
Antique Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Wreath
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Antique Walnut** RB-4
Multiple Antique
Flying Eagle
Walnut
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo Antique RB-75 J.D. Crowe Mahogany Red**
Single Antique
Style 75
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Standard Banjo RB-250
Mahogany**
Single
Modified Standard
Mahogany
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
Gibson RB
Natural, Vintage Brown, Oxblood
Black
Snowflake
Figured Maple
Nickel Plate
Shaped Hardshell
* Denotes Hand-brushed Original Style Varnish Finish ** Denotes Lacquer Finish Colors shown in this catalog are presented as accurately as possible. Due to variations and limitations in photographic and lithographic processes, actual colors may vary. Gibson reserves the right to change specifications without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please check our products out on the internet at www.gibson.com.
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COLOR
BINDING
COVER PLATE
RESONATOR
HARDWARE
BODY
CASE
The Jerry Douglas
Natural Mahogany
Neck & Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Mahogany
Deluxe Hardshell
The Josh Graves
Sunburst
Single Bound Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Brother Oswald
Sunburst
Single Bound Body
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Tom Swatzell
Dark Cherry Burst
Neck & Body
Engraved Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Al Perkins
Trans Black
Neck & Body
Engraved Poinsettia
Spider
Gold Plate
Maple with f-hole
Deluxe Hardshell
F-60 Squareneck
Darkburst
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
60 D Classic Squareneck
Vintage Sunburst
Single Bound
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
27 Deluxe Squareneck
Vintage Sunburst
Neck, Body & Headstock
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
DM33 Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
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Dobros continued — MODEL
COLOR
BINDING
COVER PLATE
RESONATOR
HARDWARE
BODY
CASE
DM33 California Girl Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
DM33 Dobro D Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Gator Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Sailboat Roundneck
Etched Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
The Rose Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
The Lilly of the Valley Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Non-bound
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Dobro Shield Roundneck
Engraved Chrome Pattern
Neck
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Fan
Spider
Chrome
Chromed Brass
Deluxe Hardshell
Fan
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
The Engraved Chrome Neck & Headstock Chrysanthemum Pattern Roundneck DWF60 Roundneck
Darkburst
Non-bound
DW90 Roundneck
Vintage Sunburst, Double Bound Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green, Trans Black, Natural
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
DW90C Cutaway Roundneck
Vintage Sunburst, Double Bound Trans Red, Trans Blue, Trans Green, Trans Black, Natural
Poinsettia
Spider
Nickel Plate
Figured Maple
Deluxe Hardshell
Dobrolektric
Vintage Sunburst
Single Bound
Poinsettia
Spider
Mississippi VooDoo
Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Sunrise, Vintage Brown
Tortoise Shell Body
Poinsettia
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Nickel Plate; Figured Maple & Bridge Transducer Mahogany Pickup; P-90 Neck Pickup Gold Plate; VooDoo Magic Pickups
Mahogany with Figured Maple Top
Slimline Deluxe Hardshell
Deluxe Hardshell
Sam Bush Al Perkins Jerry Douglas J. D. Crowe
Earl Scruggs
Josh Graves
SIMPLY LEGENDARY
The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound. The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase • 161 Opry Mills Drive • Nashville, TN 37214 USA • 1.800.4.GIBSON • www.gibson.com © 2002 Gibson Guitar Corp.
