Gibson, an iconic American brand synonymous with musical innovation and handcrafted quality for over 128 years, continues to solidify its commitment to acoustic excellence with the expansion of its premier craftory in Bozeman, Montana. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has long shaped the soundscape of generations across diverse music genres. The Bozeman facility stands as a testament to Gibson’s enduring legacy of world-class artisanship, legendary artist partnerships, and forward-thinking product development, particularly in the realm of acoustic guitars. This significant investment in Bozeman underscores Gibson’s dedication to meeting the surging demand for its world-renowned acoustic instruments while upholding the unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that define the brand.
Bozeman, Montana, serves as the heart of Gibson’s acoustic guitar production, carrying forward a tradition of instrument making that stretches back to the 1890s. While the world has undergone immense transformations, the art of crafting exceptional acoustic guitars at Gibson Bozeman remains remarkably consistent. These instruments are celebrated for their clear, resonant sound, a result of meticulously selected tonewoods that are expertly crafted to mature and enhance with age. Each guitar features a hand-fitted dovetail neck joint, a hallmark of Gibson’s unwavering commitment to precision and quality. Although Gibson Acoustics initially began production in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, Bozeman emerged as the ideal location for a dedicated acoustic facility following Gibson’s acquisition of the Montana-based Flatiron Mandolin company in 1987. The naturally stable and dry climate of Bozeman provides optimal conditions for acoustic guitar construction, minimizing the detrimental effects of temperature and humidity fluctuations on these delicate instruments. The establishment of the Bozeman facility marked a pivotal resurgence for Gibson’s flat-top guitars, revitalizing their appeal among artists, dealers, and devoted fans.
To address the escalating global demand for Gibson guitars, the company undertook a substantial expansion project, effectively doubling the size of the Bozeman acoustic craftory. This expansion incorporates enhanced machine shop and manufacturing areas, amplified capabilities for the esteemed Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop, and a brand-new artist showroom. This modernized facility empowers Gibson Bozeman to significantly increase the production volume of its legendary acoustic guitar models, including iconic names like the J-45, Hummingbird, Dove, and SJ-200, while simultaneously facilitating the development and introduction of groundbreaking new offerings such as the innovative Gibson Generation Collection. Importantly, this expansion has been carefully executed without any compromise to Gibson’s stringent standards of quality and meticulous attention to detail.
“Gibson acoustic guitars hold an unparalleled iconic status, earned across generations and throughout diverse musical genres,” affirms James ‘JC’ Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “This iconic status has translated into extraordinary demand in recent years. We recognized both a significant opportunity and a clear responsibility to discover a method for producing more guitars by expanding the renowned Gibson Acoustic Craftory right here in Bozeman, Montana. We take immense pride in this expansion and are enthusiastic about the promising future that lies ahead.”
Last week marked a celebratory milestone as Gibson officially inaugurated the expanded Bozeman acoustic guitar facility, commemorating the successful completion of a project that doubled the factory’s original footprint, established in 1988. Gibson’s global leadership team joined the dedicated local Gibson Bozeman staff, alongside prominent Montana business leaders, local dignitaries, and the skilled artisans who meticulously craft Gibson’s world-class acoustic guitar collections, for an exclusive tour of the newly expanded craftory. Gibson’s reputation as a preferred employer on a global scale is further strengthened by this expansion, which will generate over 100 new job opportunities. The company is actively recruiting top talent both locally and nationally to fill these roles. Gibson Acoustic in Bozeman currently employs a workforce of 230 individuals, and this expansion signifies a substantial commitment to the Bozeman community and the broader guitar industry.
Gibson’s unwavering dedication to acoustic guitar innovation and production in Bozeman ensures that the legacy of these exceptional instruments will continue to inspire and empower musicians for generations to come. The expanded Gibson Bozeman facility is not just a factory; it is a vibrant hub of craftsmanship, a testament to American manufacturing excellence, and a symbol of Gibson’s enduring commitment to shaping the future of music.
