Strings & Accessories dealer bash is a hit

Gibson Strings & Accessories recently held its second annual Dealer Bash on Sept. 14th, with several leading Midwest dealers attending from as far away as Michigan and Central Indiana. They participated in factory tours, product demonstrations and enjoyed a casual atmosphere where they could meet the sales and support staff, try out a large selection of Gibson and Epiphone guitars and experience the new Gibson Goldtone™ Series and Trace ElliotClass-A tube guitar amplifiers , Trace Elliot acoustic guitar amps and Trace Elliot bass amplification (now is distributed through the Elgin location).

Throughout the tour, owners, managers and sales people saw the various areas where Gibson-branded guitar strings such as Brite Wires, Vintage Reissue and J-200 (as well as an extensive line of fretted instrument strings) are made. They were able to follow the entire process of string manufacturing, along with production of Gibson guitar picks, straps and Gibson Replacement Pickups. One of the highlights was being able to build their very own pickups. Under the guidance of one of Gibson's skilled employees, each person was given the chance to craft a '57 Classic vintage-style humbucker that they could then take with them. Many people who had not seen a pickup being made were fascinated by the process, noting that they had a new-found respect for the amount of time and effort going into manufacturing a Gibson Pickup (which are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the longest in the industry).

After plant tours were concluded, everyone was treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet at a local nightclub, where they were treated to live music by The Smalls and an open jam stage that, along with performances by several attendees and Gibson Strings' staff, featured appearances by such special guests such as Blues legend Lonnie Brooks and Jazz great Nick Colionne.

Here are some photos from the event:

A couple of dealers enjoying their visit.

Customizing their guitars on the Gibson Hot Rod Station.

Building a '57 Classic pickup.

Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks jamming at the party.

Jazz great Nick Colionne

Attendees and Gibson staff jamming at the party.