I know this facility intimately. I spent the last 8 years of my 47 year industrial maintenance electrician career there. It takes every skill imaginable to keep it going. Jim always does a great tour and has a wonderful relationship with the maintenance team. I’m feeling very nostalgic and a little terrified watching this. ☮️
My dream job! I'm an industrial electrician and a hugh Gibson fan. I've always tinkered with guitars and amps, building tube amps as a hobby. I've always dreamed of marrying my two lives together working as an electrician in a guitar facility and working for Gibson around all those beautiful guitars would be awesome. I've done alot of PLC work, alot of VFDs, proxes, sensors of pretty much every type. My last job was working for Weyerhaeuser in an osb mill. Absolutely hugh facility, it was a complete clinic for learning industrial electrical, you name it and I've probably worked on it lol. Did they use PLCs here? How about Variable frequency drives? I've dealt with mostly Allen Bradley PLCs and VFDs but also some others. I went from using PLC as mostly a troubleshooting tool to learning how to program and often times programming work arounds in order to keep equipment with minor malfunctions running till down day etc. Just wondering what kind of work it was for you there. Good day man!
@@michaelknight4041 you name it and they pretty much have it. It’s a wood working plant so the technology runs from 1940’s to present day. Lots of CNC machines and unique like the mill hose and air bag presses built in house. Very interesting, challenging and fast paced. Good luck with your career. Mine is behind me now. I followed the money so it took me all over the country and allowed me to be involved in some pretty amazing projects. A lot of my stories are pretty fantastic and I lived ever one of them. 1975 - 2022.☮️
@@dennismullins4930well heres to ya bud! I know I've never wanted for a job since getting my journeymans twenty years ago. Glad to hear its been good to you. Enjoy your retirement sir!
Great comment plant. I'm trying to retire soon and don't need to spend the money but seriously thinking about it after watching this with my mouth hanging open, drooling the whole time. I can't believe they don't cost more!!! BTW ease up on the captain all, I would have trouble focusing as well. Im sure Jim didn't give it a second thought.
I'm blown away by Jim's knowledge on every department. Usually people working at higher level only knows things at higher level. He knows all the processes and that shows that he is very passionate about his work.
it's awesome to not just see the factory, but also see and hear the workers. Gibson is clearly not a place, where people would go because of need. But rather because of passion for instruments and music and you can feel that.
Yes he seems so distracted. He is not a very attentive listener. half of the information explained to him he seems to be ignoring and saying yea yea. so when he says yea that means he s not listening.
I love how Lee takes the time and opportunity to talk to all these employees on the lines. Genuine passion and love for guitars and people who make them
Halfway into the video I must say, the craftsmen in this video are absolute legends… so much manual and physical labor where people really care to make something nice. Gotta respect it!
@@drconflict629I know right? I watch Trogly unbox and show off new Gibsons and more often than not he points out blemishes and tooling marks that shouldn't be on the guitars given the price they cost
@@drconflict629agreed. Watching this tour I kept thinking about how impressive it all was. However, I’d remember the incessant and unacceptable tuning problems and paint flaws at the neck/headstock joint. Clearly, it’s not on the workers or this guy who gave the tour. Hell, first thing he brought up was that he had a list for the new owners. In my opinion, it’s that all encompassing “legacy” mindset. I agree, it’s important but if the instrument can’t stay in tune like a $500 cnc knockoff then something has to change.
Love how Lee takes the time to talk to the workers. It's the first time I watch a factory tour video in its entirety! I usually get bored after 10 min but Lee's contagious enthusiasm made may stick till the end!
@CharliePutz: That's about what I was about to say. (So I "liked" your comment, and add mine to yours.) I feel like adding: it must also have been a delight for the Gibson people to show a visitor around who is in the know AND in awe. So, Lee and Pete, thank you for sharing this with us. (I would have enjoyed more input from Pete, in addition to Lee's.) I do wish that all these Gibson people will have a copy (or a mere URL) of this video at their homes, with some reminder "at hh:mm:ss it's ME doing my job!".
yeah it'd be easy for some people to act "cool" and unimpressed, but Lee is a conduit for how I'd be if I'd gone to the factory. I got to go to the Gibson Garage in Nashville about 18 months ago, and I was in just as much awe seeing all those gorgeous guitars. If I became independently wealthy, I'd try to move to a city with a guitar production center and try to get involved in building them, even if I was just a sander.
I didn't expect to be here for two hours, but I ended up watching the whole thing and it was indeed fascinating. One of the better comprehensive tours I've seen!
This is the best tour of the Gibson plant I've seen by a long way. Lee asked all the fanboy questions we would all ask, and they gave him incredible access being such a great distributor for them.
Makes me appreciate the people who designed all the automated machinery. Huge respect to the people who actually make it happen in the factory as well 👌
That was the best Sunday night TV for many a year! Who needs Netflix or Amazon when you can watch stuff like this? Shows just how much work goes into making a Gibson, incredible time and effort.
These factory warehouse blogs are so effective. I kind of want to get a flame top 335, as if I were a rich man. The Captain’s true excitement and enthusiasm are what makes him such a great salesman.
I went on a factory tour of the Memphis plant in April 2018 and walked out with an incredible prototype 335 :) As a life-long Gibson fanboy since my first one from my parents in 1981 , I’ve been hooked . To take the tour, walk in that factory history and pick up a guitar made and personally signed ( and a few months later, the builder replied to me on Facebook ) was quite a surreal experience . If you ever have the opportunity, go see a factory tour - it will be a real emotional experience .
Lee, your enthusiasm is what makes this incredibly special. We are all geeking out together with you in this historical company's factory. This is what makes Gibson and Gibson.
Having bought an SG Standard 10 months ago, I found it fascinating to see the sheer craftsmanship and diligence that goes into these instruments. What a great tour, I could almost smell the wood while watching. I appreciate my SG all the more since seeing this.❤
Still got my first Gibson. A black SG standard. My mom bought it for my twelfth birthday. I've played it pretty much daily, its got some battle scars but its been well loved
"fascinating to see the sheer craftsmanship and diligence that goes into these i😅😅nstruments" um...about that...Gibson genuinely have the worst QC out of every major guitar manufacturer, especially for their price points.
Best video by far of the Gibson factory clearly shows why Gibson Guitars-costs so much fantastic insight into how your Gibson was made and processed I love mine even more now
ok racist- i suppose "they" all just look the same...! i suppose you haven't noticed you can't say things like this anymore...oh wait- just re-read the handbook- sorry for the confusion... didn't actually "see" the people in question...was just listening and saw your comment (not to mention, i thought Stanley Tucci was the protag in the 90s urban hit "Boyz in tha Hood"...ok good sir proceed. I'll let you get back to the video, it's nearly time for Lee's 20 min mark Blackstar gush-fest
A couple of years after hearing about gibson's potential bankrupcy, etc, its heartening to see that this special company is now in great hands. Jim is a great example of how a person should rise to the top, having done the hard yards himself understanding the process inside out. all the staff seems highly motivated and most seem to be guitar people truly appreciative of their surroundings and putting care into the instruments they send out to the world
Yes it's always a huge asset and workers go into management. Look at Boeing. It used to be management was promoted engineers. So they cared about the product and insured quality remained the priority over financial gain and ludicrous bonus payments for the top 5. Then McDonnel-Douglas merged with Boeing and the management took over Boeing, consisting of business types focused on profits. And now people are a scared to fly Boeing as they used to be when they saw an MD83 at the gate or a DC10. Gibson (and Fender) had been sold multiple times and management had become focused on profit. The new management at Gibson has actually made me want to buy one the first time in 20 years. The Antique Natural Flying V would look very pretty next to my cherry 98 V :). It only has an Epiphone to keep it company and the two feel lonely and outnumbered by the Les Paul style guitars. And 1700€ is more cash than I would even spend on a car but the factory tour does make you appreciate what a modern day Gibson entails. And the Epiphones are very good too now. It's a good time to buy guitars. Cheap high quality and the name brands had to step up there game to justify the price and everyone's product gets better, the 250€ Harley Bentons, the 500€ Epiphones and the 2500€ Gibsons...
Gibsons are my favorite guitars and I was mind blowing watching this video! Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations Gibson Guitars, congratulations Andertons TV, Lee and Pete! Thank you!
Jim is such a passionate dude, shame Lee couldn't give him the attention he deserves when he talks to him instead of just thinking about what he wants to say next, the dude deserves the respect
I thought the very same thing while watching... bit annoying and disrespectful. I appreciate Jim's attention to detail and his backstories. As a recent first-time Gibson (Les Paul Tribute) owner, Jim's passion reinforces while I (finally) chose to pay a little more for a US-made Gibson quality and value. PRS also does it right - but Gibson is the OG.
@@DVBandDad8 I'm glad I not the only one who noticed that. in fact early on in the tour. Great tour Jim. Lee, you need to be more receptive your host.
I love seeing all the Gibson employees who are so great at their jobs. Also love hearing how long people have been with the company. Must be a good place to work.
@@Zolbat Don’t blame the employees because of poor management. These are Americans who are trying to make a living and want to make the best possible guitars they can to last you a lifetime and more.
This is the first time ever in all Andertons channel history when Lee never stopped smiling for entire video. Lee thank you for what you’ve doing. I was enjoying every second of this video too. Little Lee in a sweet shop. Sorry Lee I had to say it:)
What a breath of fresh air to see how much manual labor still goes into producing these guitars. Now I know why they are priced as such. If I could, I would. Nice job.
This is a great in-depth factory tour and it’s good how they include the employees and get them to describe their jobs. I’ve worked in big wood working factories where the head in charge and bosses don’t even know their employees names
That was wonderful. I admit that I’m a huge fan of Gibson but there is still something special about seeing all the people, machinery and materials that make my favorite objects come into being. Loved it!
A child in a candy store! That's what Lee must be feeling like! I'm just as excited by just watching this video, so thank you Andertons and Gibson for this!
The good news is that instead of running all their dogs they can't sell in stores over with construction equipment like the old days now they just sell all that garbage in the Demo/Mod shop. That probably helped the profit margins greatly
As a design and process engineer, I found this fascinating, I am retired now and learning to play guitar, this is the intersection of many of my interests, I missed my calling, I should have worked in a guitar factory, maybe in another life. This was a great tour, I have already watched the Custom Shop video and found it equally entertaining, thanks again to Andertons and Gibson!
Have seen so many factory tours lately....refreshing to finally have one that gets into more details and questions we all have. The premier guitar ones in particular don't really go into any of the process. Thanks for actually asking questions like "who and how do you grade the tops?"
I have an es-335 that was pressed on that top press in 1976 or 1975. It's so cool to see a piece of machinery that helped build the guitar my grandfather bought new in '76.
Have to say not really being a Gibson enthusiast but having spent 4 years as an Industrial Systems Engineer in very high tech heavy engineering CNC manufacturing facility I'm impressed with the Gibson factory. Very interesting video. Luv and Peace.
I've seen three or four of these Gibson tours and i still watch with the same wonder and appreciation. I have one Les Paul, and watching these always makes me want another. That 'blonde' SG is calling to me now.... Wood craft is a beautiful thing. Combine it with guitars/music and a 70 -year legacy and all of its inherent iconography and you have something truly special.
You guys have a lot of fans, but how many fans flew all the way to England from America, took a train to Guilford-shire, walked half a mile just to come say hi and visit the store? 😁. Love the channel, love the store, love the staff. It was a pleasure meeting everybody.
Lee's utterly genuine enthusiasm is infectious. This is great to watch. On the bucket list to go to Nashville and do the whole factory visit etc. I just love the history and the heritage. The fact about that press for the 335s is amazing. To think that everyone's came from that, including all those famous artist guitars, is mind-blowing.
El Capitano & the Danish one, on tour.... Proof that they can both actually survive outside of the Anderton's studio, without any additional life support.
Lol I flew from Seattle to London caught the train out to guildford to check out the coolest guitar shop in the UK thinking maybe I’ll get to meet these guys and they’d flown to Memphis 😂. No worries the shop was cool and crammed full of gear. That and Guildford is a jem of a town!
Lol... I hope you at least brought something small home to remember the UK, like a Marshall stack perhaps? They are much cheaper on the other side of the pond. I see US prices on some European gear and it makes my heart ache. The mini Plexi costs as much in the US as a full sized one here. You can always use that as a justification for flying here. It pays for itself if you buy enough amps :) Add an espresso machine too. They cost half for made in Italy stuff. And the used market for Gibsons and Fenders is better in the US. So you get a bunch of Gibsons used, sell them in Europe, use the profits to buy amps, sell in US and repeat until your flying first class weekly and keep some of those guitars and amps for yourself until Joe Bonamassa starts incessantly knocking on your door because he smelled a 59 LP.
I enjoyed watching this extensive tour. I still have that Guitar Player issue in the 80's with the Gibson Factory Tour article. Factory techniques really go a long way. Jim de Cola really knows his stuff by the way he talks and shows the processes shown during the tour.
Noticed a huge difference to Gibson factory tours from some years ago, in general organisation and tidiness, and friendliness and engagement of the colleagues. I think the new management is making a real difference.
AFAIK, Jim DeCola and the current CEO and front office are pretty much the same as they were for the past 10 years or so. They probably correctly realized that PR was important at some point in between then and now, especially Jim who was around for the beginnings of Peavey's epic hand grenade moment
Lee's head was on a constant swivel! Truly a candy store for guitarists. What a privilege to get to go through this factory and see how the magic is created.
So awesome to see just how they make their guitars, and thank you for correctly calling it a router and not a rooter like I’ve heard it described as here on UA-cam!
Thanks to the awesome Jim DeCola and an enthusiastic Lee (and production crew) for this thorough and fascinating Gibson USA factory tour! As a long time Gibson owner this was really instructive and gratifying. Nice to see some new SG finish colors (especially British Racing/Emerald Green and TV Yellow), hopefully they will be available in Canada in 2024 but probably they are UK/US dealer exclusives only.
Great buzz around the place with Jim giving literal pats on the back to the staff. He makes it pretty clear early on that he was over the old management. The last year or so is the first time I've ever actually considered buying a Gibson (know other curious Fender guys too) , so the good vibes are radiating outwards.
Shoutout to Lee for being extremely real and unphased by execs when talking to these factory workes. For a well-off guy who runs a business this guy is so kind and unpretentious, really appreciated.
I'm holding my absolutely perfect 2022 50's Standard as I'm watching this!😂 Anyone else? I'm talking to my guitar like......See!!!! this is where you were born!!😂
I happened to have my ES335 to hand watching this, amazing moment to see the machine that pressed the top and back of my guitar way back in 1963 when the machine was in Kalamazoo.
IMHO it's a graceful equilibrium, as ever. And, more important, their goodbye. They're in their 80s not under 30, as for their last efforts together. Different people, different world. I just say thank you.
My name is Erik. I'm 60 yrs old. I'm a casual player. I've been in love with Gibson guitars since 1976 when I first saw the movie The Song Remains the Same on Showtime in my home in Edmonds, Washington. When I saw Jimmy Page holding that guitar and playing the way that he does it was an epiphany religious experience moment for me. I've been obsessed with Gibson Les Pauls and most of the Gibson lineup ever since then. I now have 21 Gibson guitars in my collection. Some days, I will just sit and watch TV on the weekends and not even play, just sitting there staring at 3, 4, or 5 guitars that I will set out in front of me on guitar stands. The Les Paul shape being what I consider the most perfect shaped electric guitar ever invented. As I watch this tour of the Gibson Factory, I feel as though it would be a religious pilgrimage to the holiest of historical sites on Earth. Before I die, I must make this pilgrimage to complete my Voyage Through My Life. Thank you for posting this!
Have you never been on a tour? Like at a museum or something? Do you ignore all the exhibits and everything you went to there to see and only pay attention to the tour guide? No. You look and take everything in while listening to the guide explain what it is you're looking at so you get a better understanding. They literally point to stuff for people to look at while they're talking.
@@rockerseven I’ve been the Gibson USA, Gibson Custom Shop, three times , when I was in the Music industry………NEVER did I turn my back , or just walk away, from the guide, while he was speaking……….totally disrespectful and selfish to all…..Lee need’s to apologize to Gibson, the gracious and generous guide, as well as his viewers………..
I been playing strats for years. Have other guitars . But i always wanted a les paul. Buy once cry once. Now i feel complete guitar wise. Gibson les paul black beauty is the one i chose. Very Happy with it. 😊
Really enjoyed the video! It's great to see the effort and people behind each Gibson guitar. Jim Decola did an excellent job explaining every detail in the guitar construction, and it's awesome how open he was about the process. Makes every penny spent on it well justified. Thanks for sharing this! 🤩🎸
I have 4 Gibson Les Pauls including a custom model and they are just beautiful and they all sound different. The work involved in making these great guitars is inspiring. This was so nice to watch.
I loved how detailed these factory your videos are and I love that the manufacturers are so forthcoming in their manufacturing process. I can’t wait for the Martin tour.
Many moons ago when I was driving cross country I stopped in at the Memphis location to do a factory tour. I was the only person who showed up for the tour so they said hell with it and took me everywhere around the factory and let me play tons of amazing guitars while I was there. It was a really awesome experience I'll never forget.
I know this facility intimately. I spent the last 8 years of my 47 year industrial maintenance electrician career there. It takes every skill imaginable to keep it going. Jim always does a great tour and has a wonderful relationship with the maintenance team. I’m feeling very nostalgic and a little terrified watching this. ☮️
Awesome, thank you for what you do!
My dream job! I'm an industrial electrician and a hugh Gibson fan. I've always tinkered with guitars and amps, building tube amps as a hobby. I've always dreamed of marrying my two lives together working as an electrician in a guitar facility and working for Gibson around all those beautiful guitars would be awesome. I've done alot of PLC work, alot of VFDs, proxes, sensors of pretty much every type. My last job was working for Weyerhaeuser in an osb mill. Absolutely hugh facility, it was a complete clinic for learning industrial electrical, you name it and I've probably worked on it lol. Did they use PLCs here? How about Variable frequency drives? I've dealt with mostly Allen Bradley PLCs and VFDs but also some others. I went from using PLC as mostly a troubleshooting tool to learning how to program and often times programming work arounds in order to keep equipment with minor malfunctions running till down day etc. Just wondering what kind of work it was for you there. Good day man!
@@michaelknight4041 you name it and they pretty much have it. It’s a wood working plant so the technology runs from 1940’s to present day. Lots of CNC machines and unique like the mill hose and air bag presses built in house. Very interesting, challenging and fast paced. Good luck with your career. Mine is behind me now. I followed the money so it took me all over the country and allowed me to be involved in some pretty amazing projects. A lot of my stories are pretty fantastic and I lived ever one of them. 1975 - 2022.☮️
@@dennismullins4930well heres to ya bud! I know I've never wanted for a job since getting my journeymans twenty years ago. Glad to hear its been good to you. Enjoy your retirement sir!
Fabulouse!!!
You can tell Lee's enthusiasm is genuine. Films like this do more for Gibson's reputation than any advertising campaign.
The Chinese plants don't look any different.
@@maplebonesafter watching epiphones factory and this one, epiphone might arguably be more handwork than these honestly…
Great comment plant. I'm trying to retire soon and don't need to spend the money but seriously thinking about it after watching this with my mouth hanging open, drooling the whole time. I can't believe they don't cost more!!! BTW ease up on the captain all, I would have trouble focusing as well. Im sure Jim didn't give it a second thought.
I'm blown away by Jim's knowledge on every department. Usually people working at higher level only knows things at higher level. He knows all the processes and that shows that he is very passionate about his work.
No, these guys need to know all processes ... absolutely normal
"Usually people working at higher level only knows things at higher level" you must have worked at crappy places, that's not normal at all.
He's master luthier, it's his job...
Jim DeCola was with Peavey when they made guitars that people actually wanted to buy. Also with Fender. He has been around the block a time or two
@@neilpatrickhairlessi had a late 70s Peavy patriot that was an absolute workhorse of a guitar. Its one I wish I'd never let go of.
it's awesome to not just see the factory, but also see and hear the workers. Gibson is clearly not a place, where people would go because of need. But rather because of passion for instruments and music and you can feel that.
I'm impressed to know that's where my 22 les paul came from
@@rayfabris2512 And I saw the jig that made my Flying V :)
Every time Lee visits a factory. It's like seeing a toddler visiting Disney World for the first time.
Yes he seems so distracted. He is not a very attentive listener. half of the information explained to him he seems to be ignoring and saying yea yea. so when he says yea that means he s not listening.
Yep the equivalent of the old saying of the dog seeing a squirrel. Lee’s eyes are all over the place as the guy is talking to him.
Lol 😅
@@papinguitars nah, hes a very clever man. he's absorbing everything.
"Ooh, look at that!"... Disappears off screen
I love how Lee takes the time and opportunity to talk to all these employees on the lines. Genuine passion and love for guitars and people who make them
Halfway into the video I must say, the craftsmen in this video are absolute legends… so much manual and physical labor where people really care to make something nice. Gotta respect it!
yes, the robots hard work really pays off ! they need a break!
And yet they make plenty of flawed instruments for absurd prices.
@@drconflict629yes, just like prs
@@drconflict629I know right? I watch Trogly unbox and show off new Gibsons and more often than not he points out blemishes and tooling marks that shouldn't be on the guitars given the price they cost
@@drconflict629agreed. Watching this tour I kept thinking about how impressive it all was. However, I’d remember the incessant and unacceptable tuning problems and paint flaws at the neck/headstock joint. Clearly, it’s not on the workers or this guy who gave the tour. Hell, first thing he brought up was that he had a list for the new owners. In my opinion, it’s that all encompassing “legacy” mindset. I agree, it’s important but if the instrument can’t stay in tune like a $500 cnc knockoff then something has to change.
Outstanding video. I could listen to Jim DeCola all day. What a gent and truly knowledgeable guy.
Love how Lee takes the time to talk to the workers. It's the first time I watch a factory tour video in its entirety! I usually get bored after 10 min but Lee's contagious enthusiasm made may stick till the end!
@CharliePutz: That's about what I was about to say. (So I "liked" your comment, and add mine to yours.) I feel like adding: it must also have been a delight for the Gibson people to show a visitor around who is in the know AND in awe.
So, Lee and Pete, thank you for sharing this with us. (I would have enjoyed more input from Pete, in addition to Lee's.) I do wish that all these Gibson people will have a copy (or a mere URL) of this video at their homes, with some reminder "at hh:mm:ss it's ME doing my job!".
yeah it'd be easy for some people to act "cool" and unimpressed, but Lee is a conduit for how I'd be if I'd gone to the factory. I got to go to the Gibson Garage in Nashville about 18 months ago, and I was in just as much awe seeing all those gorgeous guitars. If I became independently wealthy, I'd try to move to a city with a guitar production center and try to get involved in building them, even if I was just a sander.
@@TVsBen How about moving to Britain, to the city where the female luthier lives that has been on a regular Andertons video with Lee? ;-)
lol he's condescending to everyone
Gracias, muy interesante.
The part about that single ES press machine pressing every single ES Gibson guitar ever made…🤯🤯🤯 Incredible
I absolutely love these factory tours. They also help realise why certain guitars have to come in at the price point they do.
This is by far the best Gibson factory tour i´ve ever seen.
Thanx a lot, captain Lee.
I didn't expect to be here for two hours, but I ended up watching the whole thing and it was indeed fascinating. One of the better comprehensive tours I've seen!
Not everyone gets to do what they love. You two are truly blessed.
This is the best tour of the Gibson plant I've seen by a long way. Lee asked all the fanboy questions we would all ask, and they gave him incredible access being such a great distributor for them.
Makes me appreciate the people who designed all the automated machinery. Huge respect to the people who actually make it happen in the factory as well 👌
That was the best Sunday night TV for many a year! Who needs Netflix or Amazon when you can watch stuff like this? Shows just how much work goes into making a Gibson, incredible time and effort.
Lee’s pure joy makes the video all the better. You can’t fake that level of excitement and passion.
These factory warehouse blogs are so effective. I kind of want to get a flame top 335, as if I were a rich man. The Captain’s true excitement and enthusiasm are what makes him such a great salesman.
I went on a factory tour of the Memphis plant in April 2018 and walked out with an incredible prototype 335 :)
As a life-long Gibson fanboy since my first one from my parents in 1981 , I’ve been hooked .
To take the tour, walk in that factory history and pick up a guitar made and personally signed ( and a few months later, the builder replied to me on Facebook ) was quite a surreal experience .
If you ever have the opportunity, go see a factory tour - it will be a real emotional experience .
Certainly makes you appreciate the amount of work involved.
you only need to be a rich man if you want Gibson written on it :)
Rich is subjective
@@XieYie-d2bI’m not close to being a rich man but I have 5 electrics and 1 acoustic that say Gibson on the headstock.
Lee, your enthusiasm is what makes this incredibly special. We are all geeking out together with you in this historical company's factory. This is what makes Gibson and Gibson.
Having bought an SG Standard 10 months ago, I found it fascinating to see the sheer craftsmanship and diligence that goes into these instruments. What a great tour, I could almost smell the wood while watching. I appreciate my SG all the more since seeing this.❤
Ive had mine 20 years. It never ends. Mine has been so beat up from countless gigs and practices. I love every dent
Still got my first Gibson. A black SG standard. My mom bought it for my twelfth birthday. I've played it pretty much daily, its got some battle scars but its been well loved
"fascinating to see the sheer craftsmanship and diligence that goes into these i😅😅nstruments" um...about that...Gibson genuinely have the worst QC out of every major guitar manufacturer, especially for their price points.
Man what an impressive individual Jim is. Fascinating to spend some time listening to a master explain his craft. Bravo
What a fantastic video! Thank you Andertons. Lee’s genuine enthusiasm is so infectious!!
Best video by far of the Gibson factory clearly shows why Gibson Guitars-costs so much fantastic insight into how your Gibson was made and processed I love mine even more now
What an incredible host Stanley Tucci is. Great behind the scenes.
touche'
😂😂😂😂😂👌
Lol...😂😅
Laughed so hard at this comment I got a headache 🤣🤣🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
ok racist- i suppose "they" all just look the same...! i suppose you haven't noticed you can't say things like this anymore...oh wait- just re-read the handbook- sorry for the confusion... didn't actually "see" the people in question...was just listening and saw your comment (not to mention, i thought Stanley Tucci was the protag in the 90s urban hit "Boyz in tha Hood"...ok good sir proceed. I'll let you get back to the video, it's nearly time for Lee's 20 min mark Blackstar gush-fest
Thanks Andertons & Gibson, absolute joy to watch. It's blown my mind seeing how much skilled work is done by hand!
A couple of years after hearing about gibson's potential bankrupcy, etc, its heartening to see that this special company is now in great hands. Jim is a great example of how a person should rise to the top, having done the hard yards himself understanding the process inside out. all the staff seems highly motivated and most seem to be guitar people truly appreciative of their surroundings and putting care into the instruments they send out to the world
Yes it's always a huge asset and workers go into management. Look at Boeing. It used to be management was promoted engineers. So they cared about the product and insured quality remained the priority over financial gain and ludicrous bonus payments for the top 5. Then McDonnel-Douglas merged with Boeing and the management took over Boeing, consisting of business types focused on profits. And now people are a scared to fly Boeing as they used to be when they saw an MD83 at the gate or a DC10.
Gibson (and Fender) had been sold multiple times and management had become focused on profit. The new management at Gibson has actually made me want to buy one the first time in 20 years. The Antique Natural Flying V would look very pretty next to my cherry 98 V :). It only has an Epiphone to keep it company and the two feel lonely and outnumbered by the Les Paul style guitars. And 1700€ is more cash than I would even spend on a car but the factory tour does make you appreciate what a modern day Gibson entails. And the Epiphones are very good too now. It's a good time to buy guitars. Cheap high quality and the name brands had to step up there game to justify the price and everyone's product gets better, the 250€ Harley Bentons, the 500€ Epiphones and the 2500€ Gibsons...
Gibsons are my favorite guitars and I was mind blowing watching this video! Absolutely fantastic! Congratulations Gibson Guitars, congratulations Andertons TV, Lee and Pete! Thank you!
I love seeing Lee's excitement at each process. He's definitely someone who's living his best life! Beautiful stuff.
Jim is such a passionate dude, shame Lee couldn't give him the attention he deserves when he talks to him instead of just thinking about what he wants to say next, the dude deserves the respect
yeah that really pissed me off...
I've seen Lee do that quite a few videos
I thought the very same thing while watching... bit annoying and disrespectful. I appreciate Jim's attention to detail and his backstories. As a recent first-time Gibson (Les Paul Tribute) owner, Jim's passion reinforces while I (finally) chose to pay a little more for a US-made Gibson quality and value. PRS also does it right - but Gibson is the OG.
That is what ADHD does to you, can't keep attention for much, he's probably trying as he'll to focus but no can't do
@@DVBandDad8 I'm glad I not the only one who noticed that. in fact early on in the tour. Great tour Jim. Lee, you need to be more receptive your host.
Thank you, Lee, Pete, and Jim for this wonderful tour around Gibson, enjoyed every minute of this journey.
I love seeing all the Gibson employees who are so great at their jobs. Also love hearing how long people have been with the company. Must be a good place to work.
Gibson didn't strike me as a company that would be so open to show almost all of their process. Very impressive!
wouldn't be surprised if this is only possible now thanks to Cesar
@@ogfdnbvjkfdn seems quite obvious to me. Actually kinda changed my mind about the company in this video alone
@@Zolbat Don’t blame the employees because of poor management. These are Americans who are trying to make a living and want to make the best possible guitars they can to last you a lifetime and more.
@@werewolflover8636 I didn't
They have a lot of damage control to achieve
10 years of my life was spent in the Rough Mill at Gibson. Its a very cool process and a great group of people to work with.
Good to see Gibson back at full strength doing a great job 👏
Thousands of dreams and memories they are creating with every guitar. Thanks to all are involved on that. And thanks guys for this great video
This is the first time ever in all Andertons channel history when Lee never stopped smiling for entire video.
Lee thank you for what you’ve doing. I was enjoying every second of this video too.
Little Lee in a sweet shop. Sorry Lee I had to say it:)
What a breath of fresh air to see how much manual labor still goes into producing these guitars. Now I know why they are priced as such. If I could, I would. Nice job.
As much as I love Fender, when you compare their manufacturing process to Gibson's, you can't possibly justify their +3K price tag vs Gibson.
This is a great in-depth factory tour and it’s good how they include the employees and get them to describe their jobs. I’ve worked in big wood working factories where the head in charge and bosses don’t even know their employees names
That was wonderful. I admit that I’m a huge fan of Gibson but there is still something special about seeing all the people, machinery and materials that make my favorite objects come into being. Loved it!
guy is putting his heart and soul into teaching Lee the process but Lee's so in awe at the factory it barely seems like he's paying attention lol
This was an amazing watch! Thanks to you and Gibson for allowing it. Just awesome to see.
A child in a candy store! That's what Lee must be feeling like! I'm just as excited by just watching this video, so thank you Andertons and Gibson for this!
Fascinating! Thanks so much. And thanks to Jim and all for a great tour!
It is awesome to see how much care and attention Cesar has put into getting Gibson back to being a brand everyone can respect, and appreciate again.
That's because Anderton's was filming. 😁
Those will be the best guitars they put out this year lol
I hope that's true. I wish he'd stop being pointlessly litigious, though.
@@wbfaulki wish they would go harder. Too many rip offs
The good news is that instead of running all their dogs they can't sell in stores over with construction equipment like the old days now they just sell all that garbage in the Demo/Mod shop. That probably helped the profit margins greatly
As a design and process engineer, I found this fascinating, I am retired now and learning to play guitar, this is the intersection of many of my interests, I missed my calling, I should have worked in a guitar factory, maybe in another life. This was a great tour, I have already watched the Custom Shop video and found it equally entertaining, thanks again to Andertons and Gibson!
Have seen so many factory tours lately....refreshing to finally have one that gets into more details and questions we all have. The premier guitar ones in particular don't really go into any of the process. Thanks for actually asking questions like "who and how do you grade the tops?"
Phil McKnight did a factory tour of Kiesel with Jeff; worth a look IMO
@@zoomzoom3950phil is the best, real honest dude in my short months/ 1 year watching him.
I hope these fellas dont shill for gibson in this episode.
I have an es-335 that was pressed on that top press in 1976 or 1975. It's so cool to see a piece of machinery that helped build the guitar my grandfather bought new in '76.
This is the kind of video I live for. Love seeing how everything is put together. Thanks Captain, Pete n crew.
Have to say not really being a Gibson enthusiast but having spent 4 years as an Industrial Systems Engineer in very high tech heavy engineering CNC manufacturing facility I'm impressed with the Gibson factory.
Very interesting video.
Luv and Peace.
Well done boys, I’ve seen a bunch of Gibson factory tour videos but this is by far the best one.
I definitely agree
I've seen three or four of these Gibson tours and i still watch with the same wonder and appreciation. I have one Les Paul, and watching these always makes me want another. That 'blonde' SG is calling to me now.... Wood craft is a beautiful thing. Combine it with guitars/music and a 70 -year legacy and all of its inherent iconography and you have something truly special.
Simply one of the best UA-cam videos I've seen. Thank you Andertons!
Best sales pitch ever for Gibson. This is just amazing. I've own many Les Pauls since 1994 and I still love this model.
I like how at 1:18:00 Pete is just wandering around the factory un-escorted like he owns the place.
You guys have a lot of fans, but how many fans flew all the way to England from America, took a train to Guilford-shire, walked half a mile just to come say hi and visit the store? 😁. Love the channel, love the store, love the staff. It was a pleasure meeting everybody.
Every time I see videos about the how Gibson builds there guitars just reinforces why they’re worth every penny
Agreed. My thoughts exactly. And with no slave or child labor involved. 👍
What about your tv and phones and everything else you have and use every day that’s made with “child labor”?
Mine was made in South Korea @carlc2597
Lee's utterly genuine enthusiasm is infectious. This is great to watch. On the bucket list to go to Nashville and do the whole factory visit etc. I just love the history and the heritage. The fact about that press for the 335s is amazing. To think that everyone's came from that, including all those famous artist guitars, is mind-blowing.
El Capitano & the Danish one, on tour.... Proof that they can both actually survive outside of the Anderton's studio, without any additional life support.
I've been watching 'Night Sky' and it's like they go out the door and realise they can survive. 😂
I think a bucket of coffee is considered life support when travelling like they have!
Jim is so knowledgeable and a great communicator! Fantastic video- thank you!
Lol I flew from Seattle to London caught the train out to guildford to check out the coolest guitar shop in the UK thinking maybe I’ll get to meet these guys and they’d flown to Memphis 😂. No worries the shop was cool and crammed full of gear. That and Guildford is a jem of a town!
Lol... I hope you at least brought something small home to remember the UK, like a Marshall stack perhaps? They are much cheaper on the other side of the pond. I see US prices on some European gear and it makes my heart ache. The mini Plexi costs as much in the US as a full sized one here. You can always use that as a justification for flying here. It pays for itself if you buy enough amps :) Add an espresso machine too. They cost half for made in Italy stuff. And the used market for Gibsons and Fenders is better in the US. So you get a bunch of Gibsons used, sell them in Europe, use the profits to buy amps, sell in US and repeat until your flying first class weekly and keep some of those guitars and amps for yourself until Joe Bonamassa starts incessantly knocking on your door because he smelled a 59 LP.
Now that I watched the last 20 minutes of it, the guy giving the tour did excellent job of making it easy to understand.
So cool to see they have a stage right in the factory!
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
These types of videos take me to a happy place!
Amazing tour, and a reminder why it's so important to support the brands we love, being built by the people that know them best.
I enjoyed watching this extensive tour. I still have that Guitar Player issue in the 80's with the Gibson Factory Tour article. Factory techniques really go a long way. Jim de Cola really knows his stuff by the way he talks and shows the processes shown during the tour.
Noticed a huge difference to Gibson factory tours from some years ago, in general organisation and tidiness, and friendliness and engagement of the colleagues. I think the new management is making a real difference.
AFAIK, Jim DeCola and the current CEO and front office are pretty much the same as they were for the past 10 years or so. They probably correctly realized that PR was important at some point in between then and now, especially Jim who was around for the beginnings of Peavey's epic hand grenade moment
This is going to the the most epic series of video Anderton has ever put out.
Lee’s doing his best Greg Wallace impression!
Love how Lee goes to the gibson factory and talks about the fender factory. The reaction is priceless.
Well done! Lee & the boys. Really enjoyed this tour. Jim is a walking encyclopedia! I appreciate my Les Paul Studio all the more now.
Lee's head was on a constant swivel! Truly a candy store for guitarists. What a privilege to get to go through this factory and see how the magic is created.
Absolutely Fascinating. Im so glad Gibson has the quality control that it has these days.
Absolutely the best Factory Tour I have ever seen. Thanks
The filming, edit, colour grading and everything about this is next level stuff. It's a beautiful looking film 👌
So awesome to see just how they make their guitars, and thank you for correctly calling it a router and not a rooter like I’ve heard it described as here on UA-cam!
Thanks to the awesome Jim DeCola and an enthusiastic Lee (and production crew) for this thorough and fascinating Gibson USA factory tour! As a long time Gibson owner this was really instructive and gratifying. Nice to see some new SG finish colors (especially British Racing/Emerald Green and TV Yellow), hopefully they will be available in Canada in 2024 but probably they are UK/US dealer exclusives only.
Yeah! I am an SG lover and noticed the new colors immediately. Can't wait to see them in stores.
Great buzz around the place with Jim giving literal pats on the back to the staff. He makes it pretty clear early on that he was over the old management. The last year or so is the first time I've ever actually considered buying a Gibson (know other curious Fender guys too) , so the good vibes are radiating outwards.
Shoutout to Lee for being extremely real and unphased by execs when talking to these factory workes. For a well-off guy who runs a business this guy is so kind and unpretentious, really appreciated.
Lee has heart!
I really like that video. It’s quite mind blowing to think how much work goes into each Gibson. Especially the 335’s.
I'm holding my absolutely perfect 2022 50's Standard as I'm watching this!😂 Anyone else? I'm talking to my guitar like......See!!!! this is where you were born!!😂
Holding my 1997 LP special. My absolutely perfect 2019 SG '61 is in the case for the moment :D
I happened to have my ES335 to hand watching this, amazing moment to see the machine that pressed the top and back of my guitar way back in 1963 when the machine was in Kalamazoo.
@@anthonycraig1458 and mine also in Memphis Tennessee in 2016!!!🤯😂❤️🤟🎸
Holding 2020 modern ❤
@@jconner3891 if it wasn't for the thin neck on the moderns I'd have one! I LOVE the new ebony ones!❤️
IMHO it's a graceful equilibrium, as ever. And, more important, their goodbye. They're in their 80s not under 30, as for their last efforts together. Different people, different world. I just say thank you.
This is what a kid in a candy store looks like...
My name is Erik. I'm 60 yrs old. I'm a casual player.
I've been in love with Gibson guitars since 1976 when I first saw the movie The Song Remains the Same on Showtime in my home in Edmonds, Washington.
When I saw Jimmy Page holding that guitar and playing the way that he does it was an epiphany religious experience moment for me.
I've been obsessed with Gibson Les Pauls and most of the Gibson lineup ever since then.
I now have 21 Gibson guitars in my collection.
Some days, I will just sit and watch TV on the weekends and not even play, just sitting there staring at 3, 4, or 5 guitars that I will set out in front of me on guitar stands.
The Les Paul shape being what I consider the most perfect shaped electric guitar ever invented.
As I watch this tour of the Gibson Factory, I feel as though it would be a religious pilgrimage to the holiest of historical sites on Earth.
Before I die, I must make this pilgrimage to complete my Voyage Through My Life.
Thank you for posting this!
they skipped the part where even though they've been doing it for decades they still manage to F it up
Jim Decola is a fantastic ambassador for Gibson. A wealth of knowledge from every singe department from top to botton of Gibson.
It’s so annoying that he’s looking at you when he’s talking and you’re just look like you’re ignoring him 😂😂
Very annoying and quite disrespectful, both to the fine gentlemen giving the tour, and the viewers
Have you never been on a tour? Like at a museum or something? Do you ignore all the exhibits and everything you went to there to see and only pay attention to the tour guide?
No. You look and take everything in while listening to the guide explain what it is you're looking at so you get a better understanding. They literally point to stuff for people to look at while they're talking.
@@rockerseven I’ve been the Gibson USA, Gibson Custom Shop, three times , when I was in the Music industry………NEVER did I turn my back , or just walk away, from the guide, while he was speaking……….totally disrespectful and selfish to all…..Lee need’s to apologize to Gibson, the gracious and generous guide, as well as his viewers………..
@@GoldtopDudehe also didn't do this. idk what you all complaining about.
@@hallio111 don’t embarrass yourself…
I been playing strats for years. Have other guitars . But i always wanted a les paul. Buy once cry once. Now i feel complete guitar wise. Gibson les paul black beauty is the one i chose. Very Happy with it. 😊
No friggin different than other guitar factories nothing special about this tour
Gibson was found out to be full of crap long ago epiphone are the way to go Gibson is a thing of the past and it's their fault for lying for years.
As someone with an SG Standard 61, I just loved watching that man chisel and glue in that SG neck. Thank you to these guys for the wonderful guitars
The man in black shirt seems disinterested and keeps looking elsewhere whilst the other is talking. Very bad manners.
Really enjoyed the video! It's great to see the effort and people behind each Gibson guitar. Jim Decola did an excellent job explaining every detail in the guitar construction, and it's awesome how open he was about the process. Makes every penny spent on it well justified. Thanks for sharing this! 🤩🎸
Worst qc in guitar history
How so? Exactly what parts exhibit bad QC. Give specifics please.
I could never spend too much time in a wood shop. Working with wood is a rewarding art.
I have 4 Gibson Les Pauls including a custom model and they are just beautiful and they all sound different. The work involved in making these great guitars is inspiring. This was so nice to watch.
They are just assembling pieces. All the “work” is done by machines. Not even the custom shop makes custom instruments.
@@lookingbehind6335 It sounds like you can't afford them so you just like to bad mouth.
I can listen to this dude talking about these processes all day. He comes across like someone that could step in and help at any point in the process.
Jim DeCola could make any model Gibson sells by himself. He's worked for everyone from Peavey to Fender to Gibson
@@neilpatrickhairless I believe it
This is by far the best Gibson factory tour I ever watched.
Awesome in depth factory tour guys, respect to Gibson, Jim and the skilled staff.
I loved how detailed these factory your videos are and I love that the manufacturers are so forthcoming in their manufacturing process. I can’t wait for the Martin tour.
Many moons ago when I was driving cross country I stopped in at the Memphis location to do a factory tour. I was the only person who showed up for the tour so they said hell with it and took me everywhere around the factory and let me play tons of amazing guitars while I was there. It was a really awesome experience I'll never forget.