JULY 3 | GIBSON | BUYOUT
Gibson Buys Garrison Guitars

On July 3, Gibson Guitar acquired Garrison Guitars, a company based in St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada. Gibson will unveil a new series of Gibson-brand acoustic guitars aimed at the median price point at the upcoming 2007 Summer NAMM show. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

According to a statement from Gibson, the acquisition lets the company offer the best acoustic guitars in every major price point. Gibson’s portfolio now includes Gibson acoustic guitars built in Bozeman, Mont., Epiphone acoustic guitars and Garrison acoustic guitars. Gibson plans to ship the new Garrison acoustic guitars by August. They will be Gibson branded.

Garrison’s factory is being retrofitted to produce the new Gibson guitar models and will create more than 40 new, full-time positions to keep up with demand. Gibson is also investing in new equipment and technologies so that further expansion, which is anticipated, can be considered at the location.

Garrison Guitars feature the proprietary Griffiths Active Bracing System, a method of guitar construction where the single unit brace combines all the guitar’s top braces into a single unit. This lets the resonance have an uninterrupted path of travel throughout the instrument and provides enhanced structural stability. Offering a range of instruments in all price points, the Garrison G Series features all solid woods, hardshell cases, bolt-on necks and UV finishes in a variety of wood combinations. The AG Series is an affordable line using the patented bracing system technology. The company also manufacturers all solid wood mandolins and mandolas.

“We are very excited about the recent acquisition of Garrison Guitars and welcome the entire Garrison family to ours,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “This strategic move will give our consumers several new offerings of Gibson acoustic guitars in a price ranges which also provide quality, craftsmanship and sound that only a true Gibson acoustic guitar can offer. We will continue to work with its founder, Chris Griffiths, and expect the popularity of these acoustic guitars to have many musicians worldwide striking a new chord.”

“My co-workers and I are extremely excited about our new beginning as the newest edition to the Gibson family of brands,” Griffiths said. “Being a part of Gibson allows us to do so much more than we could have achieved on our own. Furthermore, Gibson’s reputation for strong community involvement and the expansion and new job creation is sure to impress everyone here in St. John’s, who have supported us so well over the years.”

gibson.com