Take the Gibson Factory Tour

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:14 pm

Thought this might be an interesting contrast for those of you who have had the pleasure of touring the Rickenbacker factory...

http://www.gibson.com/products/gibson/plant_tour/pt0.html

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:11 pm

This looks more like the Gibson Factory I know....

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:29 am

Very interesting. No cool CEO in sight though...

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:11 am

Thats the origional factory here in Kalamazoo - it is now home to Heritage Guitars, which is the instrument pictured.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:31 am

Note the painter without a breathing apparatus...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:51 am

What strikes me most about these photos and also the photos I've seen of Gretsch's Terada (Japan) factory, is how old, decrepit, and just plain dirty they are. Somehow, they manage to produce good-looking instruments.

However, I learned during my apprenticeship (and it's something I maintain in my own shops and drill into my students):

It's much less stressful to work in a clean, light environment.

And, SAFER

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:01 pm

I noticed the lack of a breathing apparatus also. I was hoping for her sake they have a REALLY strong exhaust fan system! But then her hair was laying down...

Paul, I too was struck with the factory differences.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:46 pm

They couldn't cope with CAL-OSHA, who would probably write 'em up or shut 'em down...

(apologies to Bruce Springsteen for this one...)

Tonight, tonight, the burst is bright...
Out of my way, mister, you'd best keep.
I wear no mask but the time is right
For sprayin' in the streets!

eatswodo · Post by **eatswodo** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 2:08 pm

I wonder how they managed to secure the services of the "one and only male scraper"?

I also missed the photo of the bondo applicator, who so lovingly filled the crevices in an brand-new SG I saw hanging in my local GC a few months ago.

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:17 pm

Bondo adds sustain.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:39 pm

Isn't that the new Music Man bass? Oh, wait...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:41 pm

Here's a link to Gibson's new Epiphone factory in China, which opened in 2001. Talk about clean and consistent!

http://www.epiphone.com/FactoryTour/qdtour.html

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:13 am

I've been to Gibson's OMI Showcase at Nashville's Opry Mills Mall. They have large windows between the factory (mandolins, banjos, & dobros) and the store. There are kiosks throughout the store, where final setups are done.

I've also been to Gibson's Memphis facility, where their hollow bodies are produced. Although, I didn't tour the factory, I did visit the Rock N Soul Museum, which is located on the upper floor of facility.

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:40 am

I visited the Nashville showroom and factory about three weeks ago. I entered wearing my new Rickenbacker t-shirt proudly. The only thing I bought there was another copy of the Bacon and Day Rickenbacker book. How's that for brand loyalty, eh?

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:18 am

How cheeky of you Darren!