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Monday November 27th, 2000
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
If you've followed the last several creations of Gibson Custom's Master Luthier, Bruce Kunkel, you are more than likely a fan. From the 20th Century Tribute Guitar that raised the bar of guitar craft forever, to the breathtaking beauty of the Art Deco series, Bruce has been building the instruments that will shape the history of Gibson for years to come.
When you look at these works of art, it becomes clear that there is a passion involved. After all, no skill, no matter how concise, is capable of translating the vision of its creator convincingly unless it is fueled by a love for it, for its subject. Bruce Kunkel has the benefit of a deep passion for the subject matter he covers, and the rare skill to present that visually. The 20th Century Tribute Guitar and Art Deco series are each a tribute to something the he feels deeply about, that he researches and respects.
With that in mind, Bruce came to us with an idea recently and requested that he proceed on a work of art that held great personal meaning to him -- the Birth of Christ. While the concept seemed a natural, we had to think about that for a minute.
Not everyone adheres to the Christian idea of how and when Christ came to us. Many, in fact some say most, hold beliefs outside of those of Christians on a worldwide scale. Who might be offended? Should we try and recognize all faiths? What about non-faiths? Big questions no doubt, but one we felt could be answered in the simplest terms. Let the artist interpret his beliefs. More importantly, let him share those as he chooses, as he is inspired to.
So before the threat of controversy strikes and before the images here are released to the world at large, we'd like to offer a sneak peak of Gibson Custom's Tribute to The Birth of Christ. All issues aside, this is one of the most beautiful guitars we've ever had the pleasure of presenting. It features, hands down, the most complex and extensive hand carving that has ever been offered on an instrument as well as a mix of materials and crafts that are nothing short of stunning.
The Birth of Christ guitar will be finished during the month of December and featured on a very special section of gibson.com, which will document its creation using many of the same pictures you see here. We'll continue to update you as the guitar makes its way through finish and completion. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this piece of history as it unfolds before your eyes.
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