GIBSON ORIGINAL

ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS
The Cornerstone of Legendary Sound.

THE GIBSON BLUE

A small town in Michigan is where Gibsons history began. Today, Gibson offices and manufacturing facilities span the globe. Gibsons most unique facility is perhaps the bluegrass manufacturing facility in Nashville,
Tennessee. An exceptional vision by Gibsons President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz has
brought Gibsons 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 Corporations 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 worlds 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 Gibsons OAI manufacturing
facility or one of Gibsons 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.

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 mans 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.
Gibsons Original Acoustic Instruments have become the very cornerstone of legendary sound.

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
theyve 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. Shouldnt you?

Orville Gibson

Gibson F-5 Master Model

Loar Reissue

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

L
Gibson F-5L Fern

Gibson F-5G

Gibson A-5L

Gibson F-9

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-9s 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

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.

Earl Scruggs Standard

EARL SCRUGGS BANJOS

Earl Scruggs is credited for pioneering the three-finger banjo
style now accepted as the method of playing the instrument.
Earls style has been one of Americas great contributions to
the music world. Earls 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 Earls name.

Earl Scruggs

Earl Scruggs 49 Classic

J
Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe

Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special

Earl Scruggs Special

Standard Banjo RB-75 J.D. Crowe

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

Standard Banjo RB-3 Wreath

Standard Banjo RB-4

Standard Banjo Granada Flying Eagle or Hearts & Flowers

Gibson RB Banjo

THE GIBSON RB
Keeping in Gibsons fine tradition of excellence in craftsmanship, the birth of a new banjo has arrived. The
Gibson RB banjo has the same exceptional tone and quality as the Mastertone line of banjos, but at a more
affordable price. Based on tried and true Gibson designs, this instrument is an excellent addition to the
Gibson family of instruments.

HAND-CRAFTED QUALIT Y
Each Gibson banjo neck is hand-rolled
by one of our quality craftsmen making
each and every banjo we produce unique.

MORE THAN A CENTURY OF TRADITION

One of many groups that tour The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase watch in fascination as a Dobro

neck is hand-rolled by one of Gibsons talented Dobro builders. Each and every Gibson instrument
is hand-fretted just like they were more than a century ago.

Squareneck Series 60 D Classic

THE SQUARENECK SERIES

Originally designed for Hawaiian music, the squareneck Dobro evolved into another unique sound for
country and bluegrass music. Played with a slide bar on the lap, or specially strapped for playing upright, the
squareneck has the bluesy and mournful sound of which every player dreams.

Squareneck Series 27 Deluxe

Squareneck Series F-60

N AT U R A L P E R F E C T I O N
Great care and attention to detail
is used in the crafting of each and

every Dobro with quality checks

at every stage of production
resulting in beautiful perfection
of sound, tone and looks.

Roundneck Series DM33H Hawaiian (front)1

T H E M E TA L B O DY S E R I E S
Dobro metal body resophonic guitars produce the sound of the Delta Blues soulful, crying, and heartfelt
music directly from the spirit of the river. Gibson Dobros are faithfully reproduced to capture the original
American sound. Stamped and hand-welded, etched with beautiful art patterns and plated, these instruments are a true work of art in look and sound.

Roundneck Series DM33H Hawaiian (back)1

Roundneck Series DM33C California Girl (back)1

Roundneck Series DM33D Dobro D (back)1

Roundneck Series DM33G Gator (back)1

Roundneck Series DM33S Sailboat (back)1

Etched design
Engraved design

Roundneck Series The Chrysanthemum (front)2

Roundneck Series The Rose (back)2

Roundneck Series The Lily of the Valley (back)2

Roundneck Series The Dobro Shield (back)2

Roundneck Series The Chrysanthemum (back)2

AT T E N T I O N T O D E TA I L
Attention to detail is the key to a great instrument. Every Dobro must go through twenty
quality control steps to make the final grade.
Every employee is a resophonic player and this
shows in the end product. The best made,
played by the best Dobro.

Etched design
Engraved design

Roundneck Series DW90 Cutaway

THE ROUNDNECK SERIES

Dobro resophonic guitars are also available in a standard guitar neck configuration. Get that famous
Dobro sound while playing a regular style guitar. Every guitarist can play a resophonic guitar with no
special training and can broaden their sound without years of practice in learning a new instrument.

Roundneck Series DW90

Roundneck Series DWF60

R
Dobrolektric

Mississippi VooDoo

Artist Series The Jerry Douglas

THE ARTIST SERIES

The Dobro guitar owes its popularity to the wide variety of styles pioneered by many great musicians. We
are proud to offer the collector these limited edition models, designed and signed (also available unsigned)
by the worlds most influential Dobro guitarists. All models available with square or roundnecks.

Artist Series The Josh Graves

Artist Series The Al Perkins

Artist Series The Tom Swatzell

Artist Series The Brother Oswald

Jerry Douglas

Josh Graves

Al Perkins

Tom Swatzell

Brother Oswald

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

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.

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

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

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.