The story of Gibson acoustic guitars

is a legacy of handcrafted excellence that dates back to 1894 when Orville Gibson built his earliest-known instrument–an instrument you can still play today. In the 130 years that followed, Gibson innovations propelled its iconic acoustic models and body shapes–the L-5™ archtop, the round-shouldered J-45™, the square-shouldered Hummingbird™, to name but a few–into people's homes and hearts the world over, via legendary concert appearances and recordings, campfire singalongs, and heirloom instruments passed down through generations.

From Maybelle Carter to The Beatles and Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift, Gibson acoustic guitars have been the choice of icons and provide the soundtrack to our lives. Now it’s time to choose yours. 

The Gibson difference.

Dovetail neck joint

Dovetail neck joint

At Gibson Acoustic in Bozeman, Montana, we pride ourselves on doing more work by hand than any other major manufacturer, on every guitar we build. The necks on our acoustic guitars are still fitted by hand with a dovetail joint for maximum transfer of vibrations, light weight, structural strength, and optimal balance.

Radiused tops and bracing

Radiused tops and bracing

Although nominally flat-top instruments, Gibson acoustic guitars feature domed tops and backs. Unlike the carved top of an archtop or mandolin, this effect is created by subtly radiusing the bracing—typically with a 28’ radius on the top and a 12’ radius on the back—to which the top and back conform when glued. This tension is a key ingredient in the expressive midrange tone of Gibson acoustic guitars.

Evolution and innovation

Evolution and innovation

Gibson acoustic guitars are the product of 130 years of evolution in lockstep with the changing landscape of popular music. From 1922’s trailblazing L-5 with its revolutionary archtop design and f-holes to the Advanced Jumbo and Super Jumbo of the 1930s that answered the call for greater volume and projection, and modern instruments such as the Hummingbird EC with its cutaway body and electronics, Gibson never stands still—because the needs of musicians don’t stand still either.

Original Acoustic Collection
Faithful tributes to the guitars of the Golden Era and beyond are featured in this greatest hits playlist of Gibson classics
Original Collection
Faithful tributes to the guitars of the Golden Era and beyond are featured in this greatest hits playlist of Gibson classics
Modern Collection
Innovation never stops at Gibson. Shop cutting edge acoustics tuned for versatility and modern playability with advanced contemporary features
Artist Collection
From Elvis and Johnny Cash to Miranda Lambert and Nathaniel Rateliff, shop the guitars of your musical heroes here
Custom Select Collection
Find your own voice with these small-batch creations designed and constructed by the artisans of the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop
Murphy Lab Collection
Well-worn favorites, built brand new. Using techniques pioneered by the incomparable Tom Murphy, each expertly aged Murphy Lab instrument is a unique, handcrafted work of art with the character, vibe, and feel of a vintage original.
  • Original Collection
    Faithful tributes to the guitars of the Golden Era and beyond are featured in this greatest hits playlist of Gibson classics
  • Modern Collection
    Innovation never stops at Gibson. Shop cutting edge acoustics tuned for versatility and modern playability with advanced contemporary features
  • Artist Collection
    From Elvis and Johnny Cash to Miranda Lambert and Nathaniel Rateliff, shop the guitars of your musical heroes here
  • Custom Select Collection
    Find your own voice with these small-batch creations designed and constructed by the artisans of the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop
  • Murphy Lab Collection
    Well-worn favorites, built brand new. Using techniques pioneered by the incomparable Tom Murphy, each expertly aged Murphy Lab instrument is a unique, handcrafted work of art with the character, vibe, and feel of a vintage original.

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