Mike “Sarge” Cole has helped bring thousands of Gibson guitars to life, including yours
Following on from episode one, featuring Kathy Kelly, who has worked for Gibson in Nashville for more than 50 years, the latest instalment of Backstage Heroes focuses on Mike “Sarge” Cole. Backstage Heroes shines a light on some of the longest-serving artisans at Gibson craftories in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bozeman, Montana. Since 1987, Cole has helped bring thousands of Gibson guitars to life, including yours. Hit the play button above to hear his story.
Mike “Sarge” Cole first joined Gibson in August 1987, beginning on the neck line, sanding the backs of pegheads and shaping heels on acoustic guitars. At the time, banjos, acoustic guitars, and electric guitars were all being built under one roof in Nashville, allowing Sarge to learn nearly every stage of the guitar-making process.
Over the decades, Sarge worked his way through the fingerboard line, branched out into other departments, and eventually reached final assembly, learning not only how Gibson guitars are built but also how each job affects the next in the process. Today, he works across repair, R&D, and the neck line, passing that knowledge on to the next generation of Gibson craftspeople.
Sarge explains why understanding the entire guitar-making process creates a greater sense of ownership and pride, and why every piece being worked on is more than simply wood—it is something being handed from one craftsperson to another on its journey to becoming a finished Gibson guitar.
He also reflects on the relationship between Gibson and Nashville, the artists and musicians who have passed through Music City, and one of the proudest and most emotional moments of his career: seeing the entire Gibson team come together to honor a longtime employee with his 40th anniversary guitar. Sarge’s story is a reminder that the people behind the guitars are the heart and soul of Gibson, and what makes Gibson so special.
Check out the first episode of Backstage Heroes and shop the Gibson electric guitar collection, handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee.
