Gibson Announces Major Expansion in Bozeman

[tgaume]

I read this article from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle then came to AGF to read the commentary and couldn't find a thread.

"Executives at Wednesday’s ceremony said they plan to more than double the manufacturing space inside Bozeman’s acoustic facility. They also plan to build a custom shop and showroom, which will “celebrate the history and legendary quality of Gibson’s handcrafted acoustic guitars.”"

[tippy5]

I hope they have high quality tonewoods to support the ramp up.

[rmp]

Will there be an area in the new layout that is dedicated to properly cutting the nuts?

because man,, they sure could use an area where they were dedicated to properly cutting the nuts..

[Jengstrom]

Interesting that they are expanding, yet cutting back on the number of models they offer. They must be planning on selling a lot of J-45’s.

Seriously, I know guitar sales are through the roof since the pandemic started, but will this continue once things go back to normal, or even semi-normal? Gibson must think so.

John

[fazool]

I thought the same thing but from the Gibson quote they showed, I got that
these aren't just temporary COVID sales....but also a whole new group of people started playing the guitar, which would mean an enlarged customer base

Originally Posted by Jengstrom

Interesting that they are expanding, yet cutting back on the number of models they offer. They must be planning on selling a lot of J-45’s.

Seriously, I know guitar sales are through the roof since the pandemic started, but will this continue once things go back to normal, or even semi-normal? Gibson must think so.

John

[SkipII]

Gibson would (should) be wise to realize that any current bump in sales is their boat rising with a tide, not necessarily a big demand for their brand in particular.

Never make major capital decisions when your market is at an historic high. Something about "irrational exuberance."

[SkipII]

Gibson continues to hurl down the path of thinking a brand is about them, rather than those who use their product.

As far as this being interpreted as a major market trend rather than a COVID-driven bump, it is worth noting that most who took up guitar during the last year to overcome cabin fever may not buy another guitar, and the one they bought might end up in the closet. While they might "discover" a passion for the instrument, for most it temporarily filled a gap of idle time. When you get a dog to overcome loneliness, it doesn't mean you are on a path to running a kennel.

I wish them well, as undeserved as their "storied" history also attests, but I fear there will be a new bowling alley opened up in a few years if they can't get better at managing their brand, quality, and market penetration. "Vintage" brand equity only goes so far in a world of such diverse choices today.

[Mr. Paul]

Sounds like we will soon have one more reason to visit Montana. Looking forward to more details on the custom shop.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by tippy5

I hope they have high quality tonewoods to support the ramp up.

My recent experience suggests the rosewood they're using is of appalling quality. I was in the market for a Les Paul recently and each one I examined in my local shop had rough, scratchy and unbuffed fretboards. Not good for a guitar costing thousands. The guitars were otherwise impeccably finished, yet the most crucial part, the playing surface, felt like playing corduroy. The Epiphone examples, on the other hand, were very nicely finished. I came away with a Telecaster!

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by tippy5

I hope they have high quality tonewoods to support the ramp up.

I sure hope they have enough high quality skilled labor to support the ramp up too.

[Dotneck]

Originally Posted by Jengstrom

Interesting that they are expanding, yet cutting back on the number of models they offer. They must be planning on selling a lot of J-45’s. Seriously, I know guitar sales are through the roof since the pandemic started, but will this continue once things go back to normal, or even semi-normal? Gibson must think so.

I dunno...they've always been able to sell everything that they make. Even before the pandemic. Maybe they can open up a few more dealers around the country so we can at least see the stock. The only place around here that has them are Guitar Center...I'd rather shop at a five star dealer.

[jpd]

Bozeman has seen a surge of builders "move in" . Gibson has some serious competition in town!...

I know someone in the guitar industry who has been to Bozeman. They say the facility is small and lacks appropriate equpment in some cases, especially around dust managment. The workforce is doing their best with what they have so hopefully this update will get them the environment they need to continue to build fine acoustic guitars.

[Humbuster]

Originally Posted by J-Doug

Someone I know the guitar industry who has been to Bozeman. They say the facility is small and lacks appropriate equpment in some cases, especially around dust managment. The workforce is doing their best with what they have so hopefully this update will get them the environment they need to continue to build fine acoustic guitars.

I have toured the facility and it is tight in there.

Nice folks and they build some great i instruments. I wish them well

[Grizzly Adams]

Glad to see this. I don't currently own one of their guitars, but I do have a F5 Gibson Mandolin that is a killer. I hope they "live long and prosper!"