Have you ever wondered about how popular guitars got their beginnings? I did, and I found out some interesting stuff when I investigated a few top names like Fender, Gibson, Dobro, Jackson, and Yamaha, to find out why they have a place in history. They still continue to be popular models for avid guitarists and even, vintage guitar collectors, as I think you’ll agree!

The History of the Classic Fender Guitars:

Fender Musical Instruments was started in 1946, by Leo Fender. You probably know them best for the Stratocaster and Telecaster models. Leo started manufacturing the solid body guitar in 1954, along with the vibrato (or tremolo bridge), which allows you to bend the strings for a unique sound. Those innovations revolutionized the way guitars sounded then and now. In 1965, Leo Fender sold Fender Guitars, but they still make some great guitars!

The History of the Classic Gibson Guitars:

In 1897, Orville Gibson launched the Gibson Guitars of Nashville, Tennessee. In the early 1950′s, they made the very first solid-body electric guitar, the Les Paul, which was endorsed and designed by guitarist, Les Paul. Eight digit serial numbers were started in 1975 by Gibson and collectors can find out the date and location of guitars that were produced, with this system. In 1993, Gibson bought the rights to the famous Dobro Guitars.

The History of the "Dobro" Guitars:

A single inverted cone resonator style of guitar became commonly known as a Dobro, but the actual Dobro was designed in 1928 when John Dopyera invented and patented the bowl shaped resonator. The inverted cone design had a cast aluminum spider with eight legs sitting on the perimeter of the upside down cone. The Dobro Manufacturing Company was started by John and his four brothers, and the guitars they manufactured contained the patented design. Sometimes, they might be referred to as resophonic guitars, because they were louder than tri-cone designs, which made them popular. The Dobro exclusive rights were sold to Gibson in 1993 and they still manufacture some popular models, including the Phil Leadbetter Limited Edition Dobro.

The History of Jackson Guitars or the "Flying V":

In the late 1970′s a guitar shop that handmade every guitar, became known as Jackson Guitars. Each guitar was autographed by Grover Jackson, the founder. Jackson Guitars became famous in 1980, when Randy Rhodes was forming Black Sabbath and the Randy Rhodes Flying V Guitar was born. The futuristic design was sketched out on a paper napkin and the rest is history. Now, you can find them on stages around the world in woods, colored glittery metallic finishes and even different animal prints featuring solid bodies and vibrato bridges.

The History of Yamaha Guitars:

The Yamaha Company was originally The Nippon Gakki Company of Japan. They originated as a piano business when they started in 1897, but in 1942, they decided to break into the guitar business, with the introduction of their first acoustic guitar. The name was changed to Yamaha over 40 years ago and they introduced affordable and good quality electric guitars and pianos.

Pretty interesting stuff- right? You can learn a lot more about guitars as we explore everything you need to know. Come join us!