Gibson Electrics - The Classic Years [Paperback]

A.R. Duchossoir (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Since the inception of the first "electrical" guitars in the 1920s, no other manufacturer has produced a greater variety of professional quality models than Gibson. This book presents a documented account of the instruments released during a highly creative period from the 1930s up to the mid-60s, which saw the coming of age of the electric guitar. It describes all the models that have made history and contributed to establishing the reputation of Gibson. This edition features over 500 illustrations, including 100 in color, and previously unpublished material.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard; Revised edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793592100
• ISBN-13: 978-0793592104
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The detail in this book along with the photos are tops., February 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Gibson Electrics - The Classic Years (Paperback)

I'm not the foremost expert on vintage guitars as I currently own only two pre 1965 Gibson Archtops but this book is outstanding. I have been searching for a source to identify my current guitars and Mr. Duchossoir has provided me so much more. Mr. John Sprung's photos are outstanding as well. They cover the different variants from year to year as well as what hardware, from pickguards to volume knobs, tuners, bridges etc. The most complete book I've ever found with history and personal accounts of each Gibson model. A definite must for any player/collector of vintage Gibson guitars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable reference source on classic gibson guitars, July 5, 2010

By 

B. Chilton "chill cat" (Boone, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gibson Electrics - The Classic Years (Paperback)

This is a highly valuable reference source on Gibson guitars and basses from the "classic era" of Gibson. It is full of details and specifications I have not found in other reference books, online, or published in VINTAGE GUITAR or other magazines. For example, quotes from his interviews with former Gibson President Ted McCarty reveal vast information about the classic years at Gibson that were not systematically published before this book was printed in 1994. And it sounds just like the Ted McCarty I knew from our chats at the Bigsby factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he was for many years after his time with Gibson! The only complaint I have are some typos on specifications and a few descriptive phrases, but where are the good editors today? We've had many years of writings since this 1994 (revised in 1998) book, yet it remains one of my most important references sources on vintage Gibson guitars and basses, such as the many patent blueprint pages.