Gibson Memphis Factory Tour | GRAMMY Pro All Access

Step inside Gibson’s Memphis guitar factory in this all access tour of the Gibson Beale Street Showcase. Scheduler, Purchaser, Expeditor, et al. Jason Dawson takes GRAMMY Pro step-by-step through the life of Gibson Memphis’ signature ES style guitar, from sheets of wood to the finished product.
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[@matthewscott2299]

This tour was the best tour I've watched for this reason: Jason actually knows what all of these stations are and what they do. He said that he worked all of the stations while working his way up and it shows. He knows what they are doing and it looked like he could get in there and help out if they needed it. Bravo! Nice work.

[@Keyboardman88]

Back in the 70's I visited the original Gibson plant in Kalamazoo 3 times when i played gigs in that city. One of the luthiers told me that the arched top and back on a 330 series is more for looks and style as there is not much sonic resonance in the body with that center block. The hollow bodied jazz boxes are another story. Gibson made a jazz hollow body guitar called the Super 400 CES. The arched tops and backs were not pressed into shape like a 335 etc., but were hand carved from a single block of wood. I had the pleasure of meeting the artisan who did the carving. The top of the guitar was tuned so the bass and treble side were an octave apart in tone when tapped.

[@stephensmith799]

Wow! Skill. A luthier once said that a Strat neck and body should be an octave apart when tapped... Interesting...

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Maybe he meant 335 when talking about the centre block? In any case I agree but I have a 335 from 2012 that sounds and plays exceptionally. The 335 is probably the most versatile Electric guitar made...just look at all the players that use and have used them. They do need to be looked after and well maintained but they should last a life-time.

[@beanotraffini681]

R.I.P Memphis...

[@robinbebbington7063]

I loved that he really knew each process in the factory. Really interesting.

[@stephensmith799]

Like the Netherlands national soccer team learned to play every position on the field...

[@mylord4321]

Start to use UV CURE MUCH STRONGER THAN LACQUER SAVE DRYING TIME AND GIVE A HI Quality finish that will last for many many years and not crack like lacquer dose. Love Gibson 💘 Guitars 🎸 make them better .

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

This has made me appreciate and love my Gibson 335 even more. The Stradivarius of the modern era.Thanks Orville and all the generations that kept this "Art" alive...and will keep it alive.

[@franciskhoury4288]

I agree.

[@yjmrules]

Easily the best factory tour video I've ever seen, informative and moves along nicely.

[@rubentrevino6288]

I could watch this all day drinking dr pepper and eating pizza, superb tour . . . magnificent craftmanship

[@Ben7seven7]

I hope that's New York Pizza you'll be eating :)

[@thedellow2093]

Well that sounds unhealthy

[@pillsburymusic]

This is one of the best factory tour videos I have seen. I like how you got a good description of all the parts of the process, the camerawork is steady, and how distractions like loud machine noise and other people on the tour was edited out.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Try the Rickenbacker tour!!

[@marsattacks7071]

Best virtual visit ever ! Great, complete description of the process. Thanks

[@robertknabe7964]

I wish to thank all those involved in the process of the making of this very informative video...truly amazing and informative. I have learned a lot and have come to realize just how many "hands" are involved in the manufacturing process. Mistakenly, I was under the impression that the manufacturing of the guitars was now done mostly by machines. To see that the precision work is done by hand gives me a greater appreciation for the Gibson product. Thank you very much.

[@pdpatdeschamps29]

Thank you so much for sharing this video !! I can't wait to visit Gibson Factory in Memphis !

[@dannyjoseph5454]

Seeing that natural ES-175 almost brought tears to my eyes-beautiful. The crew there look like they are dedicated to their work. I wish the upper management was able to capitalize on that history and dedication. Last time I was in Memphis, it made me sad to see that they were attempting to lease out part of the factory.

[@bernoulli884]

He is super knowledgeable and really brought into focus how much labour and attention it takes to make one of these. Very cool to watch.

[@adrianprophett470]

Fantastic Journey my Son & Grandson had the Opportunity to Visit &have a Moment us journey Around the GIBSON FACTORY.... The Song Will Still Remain. The Same

[@jamesfyffe2610]

5/9/2021.... I just ordered my ES VOS 335 1964 custom shop vintage burst... scheduled to be shipped at the end of July. I’m 58 years old and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas ! 😄. 🇺🇸👊🏼

[@ppg19782]

Nice congrats..... Am same age.....that's bucket list accessories....🤪🤪🤪🎸🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘

[@fatherjacques]

Very intersting video. I have learned a lot. Your host was awesome. He knows his product!

[@barnwsa1]

I came over from the UK & had a factory visit last year,really enjoyed it but thought this video showed just as much. I own a 2014 Bourbon Burst Memphis ES 355 so it was great to see just where it had been crafted.

[@jonviol]

Stunning! Thanks Jonny

[@scottyhughes9179]

great video, thanks. Best one I have seen. I own a 1964 Gibson, Kalamazoo-made ES-125 TCD - I love to this very day, I have had it since I was a young player.

[@falconoilcompany]

A really interesting tour thanks very much

[@stepbackjack4194]

Very informative and great presentation by Jason. The annoying music was distracting.

[@jasstack]

Totally agree. No need for music.

[@dalehobbs8782]

Great video with excellent detail. I have played guitar for years and own a number of Fender, PRS , Gibson and G&L models. I also own a 2015 ES-Les Paul, which I bought about 18 months ago at a great price, primarily because I don't think people like that model, as its now discontinued. An excellent guitar, and glad I watched this video to see the detail in the build process. Thanks

[@bluehazeboy]

I've just bought an es les Paul,love the way it feels & it plays amazing ♥️

[@jimkeogh5151]

music playing in the background is annoying

[@artysanmobile]

jim keogh Utterly clueless video producers just don’t know any better. So amateur hour.

[@davidjohnson3166]

jim keogh Thanks, I really didn’t notice before. I was just totally impressed with how the ES guitars are made. Gibson certainly focuses on craftsmanship.

[@acousticshadow4032]

My first thought - what a GD shame this excellent tour is marred by kitschy music.

[@mtacoustic1]

Managed to snag a Memphis built 2017 (?) "DEMO" 335 in ebony off of REVERB. Sounds & plays as beautiful as it looks! These luthiers are real artists! Always wondered how they matched up the internal wood block with the curved tops - now I know.

[@memphismama_3675]

This was so cool to watch. :)

[@AllSpace]

just simply beautiful craftsmanship...GIBSON

[@Gary-hj2lc]

Been on the Gibson factory tour when in Memphis 2017. Good learning experience

[@rokguitarstar]

I have a new appreciation for Gibson Guitars

[@iananslow494]

We came here in 2017 , great tour , shame it’s gone now

[@Hillcapper1]

Great video by a knowledgeable guy. Always wonder why Gibson haters bother watching a video about the Gibson manufacturing process.

[@toneloke7489]

You can see why acoustic and semi acoustic guitars cost more than solid bodies, all the crazy amount of labor that goes into it.

[@BIKE589ak]

Every single ES that all those greats played came off that press.... wow.

[@txpete1597]

I think they’re worth every penny, the ES 335 is my dream guitar that I plan to own one day. The closest thing I have to one is an Epiphone Lucille, which I’ve gone thru with new electrics and pickups. I thoroughly enjoyed the video which shows all the work that goes into building these great guitars.

[@fly3po1]

A true labor of love!!!

[@macaius]

I love the Memphis factory tour and hosted by Kevin Costner!

[@henryrudolph1952]

Hi from New Zealand, EXCELLENT tour, have played guitar since I was 6 yrs now 58. Always want a original Gibson both semi hollow and solid les paul. Already have fender strat and tele. When I tour America next? Memphis will be on the visit list!

[@j.staley7425]

That was great!

[@Randetroit]

I miss working at the Nashville plant, although it was hard and rewarding work! I imagine, many of these fine employees, went to work at the Nashville plant when the Memphis plant closed! Great video! And Great team work!

[@martinrangel4741]

I love his shirt. Looked online for one but couldn’t find one

[@allenbrininstool7558]

Factory is closed now. I have a 2016 ES 335 Cherry flamed... Will keep it for a family heirloom.

[@captainamerica9353]

And then when you croak it gets sold on eBay.

[@adrianprophett470]

In Memphis My Son. &Grandson Took this Moment

[@rustyshackleford2841]

Welcome to Nashville guys!!!

[@whamni]

I was there some years before this video was made, I wonder, do they still have the shop/showroom, I purchased a 335 there, I still have it. Anyway I enjoyed my tour and watching this brought it all back.

[@triplesevensix291]

Awesome.

[@MrBossei]

Wow! Very interesting! My beloved ES-339 now seems to be a bargain. Great job all of you!

[@billhoang8357]

Greatest guitar on the world! Wonderful work!

[@sadraparsa6149]

Great great video.

[@holmes1978]

Mr. Dawson I have watched many Gibson reviews as a matter of fact others manufacturers as well but being a Gibson fan prematurely your Company " I have never seen such a Excellent review like this before you explained every detail and then some " !!! Outstanding very informative !!! Thank you WOW !!!!!

[@jsnichols1]

Jason is my best friend from high school and one of the smartest dudes you'll ever meet. He is also a fantastic musician, playing guitar and keys on the Memphis scene.

[@nicholasmccarley4191]

Agreed... I was trying to say this in my comment , but it might have gotten lost in translation somehow... I've lost the attention of smaller crowds.

[@erichfouke3677]

Took a tour at that factory last year. Great experience. Just always funny when you can't take photos or videos but then you find videos like this online.

[@kebab_boi]

Erich Fouke they let anyone in for a tour?

[@green323turbo]

They are selling it now :(

[@john564holloway]

Great video, Jason. Love all the details that you intensely explained. I do have a concern for the workers who do the same thing over and over and over...The day after Thanksgiving, I purchased the Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson Signature ES Les Paul and couldn't wait for FedEx to deliver. After inspection, I found smudges of dirt or something in the black/white striped trim around the body and the headstock. Luckily, with a little effort, they wiped off. Also, just below his signature, above the neck, there are streaks in the lacquer that are permanent. I discovered this flaw by letting the light reflect off the lacquer. The black paint that the worker applied in the F holes was sloppy so a black Sharpee did the trick and hid the few exposed white dots of bare wood. Some players have $4,000 sitting in their pocket, some players take over a year to save up $4,000 or they go into debt to make this kind of purchase like I did. So, finding flaws like this is painfully disappointing. I try to keep in mind that nobody's perfect but considering Gibson's reputation, either the skilled worker or the QC team need not let this become so mundane that these flaws slip through. I've seen so many KZbin videos of excited Gibson lovers unboxing their long-awaited dream guitar only to be crushed by flaws and errors. To add more heartache, my ES Les Paul was supposed to include a user's manual and truss rod tool...Now, the good news...In spite of these issues, I wouldn't trade this axe for anything else (other than Jimmy Page's '59 LP). The quality of sound that's produced by the woods, MHS pups and CTS 550K pots make up for it, by far. It's comfortable, plays so dayam good and I'm proud of the antique white color, in which this is Gibson's 1st guitar to apply this color. By the way, the F holes do not take away the Les Paul sound...The best of luck to future buyers and the workers who do this every day...

[@moimeme7839]

Nice to see that😀 thanks a lot😀

[@multilinkacs]

Watched this will changing strings on my 1962 ES335, cherry red. I wonder how it was made in those days !

[@BarrySW19]

Great to see how my ES-339 came to life.

[@paulmoore9785]

i got totally engrossed in that video it was really interesting. gibson guitars are superb I proudly own three. the 335 been my latest addition I'm still getting to know it but loving it so far.

[@shecky308]

Can you make a clip of building the L-5s and Tal Farlows.A nice custom shop film is what is needed.We want the promotion of the big hollow bodies.!

[@alcosound]

I am glad to see the place where my ES-335 Studio has been constructed... (wish I had the money to get an even higher spec version, but I have satisfied my urge already - for now :-) )

[@merman93]

I have to say, being a guitar aficionado for 40 years, this video, and the excellent descriptions by the presenter, have given me a new respect for the instruments coming out of the Memphis factory. I understand why these semi-acoustic models demand the price that they do. I have assembled many bolt on guitars over the decades, and set them up to my specs, and at a fairly reasonable cost, but would never attempt a hollow body, or even a set neck. The comparison to Stradivarius violins is understandable, but possibly a stretch, maybe not too much of one though.

[@tommyapplegate30]

2016 ES335 Studio awesome wine red black binding.

[@utahprepper8925]

I have a beautiful 335 Figured Natural with the dark stained neck. The stain is leaching out into the binding which makes it pink, I guess that's how they did it back in the day because I remember as a kid in the 60's seeing that same effect on a cherry red 335. Mine has a badly cut nut though - the high E keeps slipping off the edge of the fingerboard. Other than that, it's a great guitar. The MHS pups sound fantastic.

[@JIMJAMSC]

Just got my first 2016 LP ES model I had custom ordered. Went with the Goldtop,P90s with slim taper neck. I have 8 Les Pauls,all fairly heavy including a 78 pro that weights 12.5 pounds! This ES weights just over 6. Its time to get rid of my boat anchors and get the ones 8 pounds and less.

[@patrickbrown8540]

Every part of these guitars is one veneer on top of another

[@10bbremer]

AKA plywood..

[@jazzman1954]

So what? The best music ever recorded was with ‘plywood’ guitars.

[@unclefoiley819]

I have a epiphone Les Paul Special that's similar to the es-345. I played it to sawdust. I'm hoping to get a Gibson es-345 someday.

[@williampercival7662]

Tahitian musicians were playing these guitars back in the 50s 60s and the Seventies, awesome. William Percival New Zealand Gardenia Band 🇨🇰 Kia Orana

[@PeterDad60]

Wonderful video and Jason is a very articulate man. I am figuring out how to get my own ES-335, second hand or new. I love the feel of the few ES-335 necks that I have played upon, very much like a good acoustic guitar. I also think the 3-ply woods is a good thickness that provides good resonance. I too have studied Stradivarius and other violin makers and have built from kit's two violins.

[@PeterDad60]

+PeterDad60 I live near Columbia Tennessee so it means a lot to me that we American's in Tennessee are building these Gibson Instruments.

[@101depech]

how about 3 piece necks?

[@PeterDad60]

How about neck through body design? I'm being somewhat obtuse because you question is vague. Do I like a 3 piece neck? Well, yes, yes I do.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Believe my 1996 Gibson "Chet Atkins" Tennessean (ebony) was made at this factory on Beale. Great guitar!

[@ppg19782]

The red one you are holding...gorgeous beast... Are they center block? Due to the pandemic are you manufacturing again? Like that ES... 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘🤘😎😎

[@ivan_emege]

Where the best contemporary Gibson guitars were born. Adieu !

[@frantisca]

RIP Memphis plant... a wall of the legendary brand is being torn down :(

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Rene it is a damn shame, that GIBSON lost the 335 copywrite !!

[@28_gauge]

I took the tour of the factory about 8 years ago. It was very interesting to see all of the different processes that went into making a guitar. Too bad the Memphis factory closed down.

[@101depech]

does anybody know the name of the company that makes inlays he has mentioned ?

[@gringopig]

fantastic ambassador for Gibson!

[@tejanoboi7243]

I love Gibson, quality made guitars!

[@robcrawford9657]

And their banjos were out of this world good,i mean mind blowingly good. no Gibson banjos now though :-(

[@willb3698]

@@robcrawford9657 yes mate. so much good stuff in the past. not just standard guitars.

[@robcrawford9657]

@N R No

[@keithb549]

Impressive Wow this is Gibson at its best

[@galegregory97comcast]

Memphis Gibson guitar YOU GO BOYS

[@LPCustom3]

Are you using the same glue type now as was used in the late 50'/early 60's to glue the top & back layers of the Semi's?

[@jameshuggins1204]

That was awesome. Thanks for the video and the look inside of a highly sought after (for me...) f-hole Gibson. I have only dreamed of owning one and the dream continues... LOL

[@robertamato358]

I didn’t know that Gibson ‘Pleked’ all of their ES guitars now. That is impressive!

[@Tonetwisters]

History channel, here ... Life can be sad, sometime ...

[@jammts1]

DAM I WANT TO WORK THERE, ALL THE STATIONS.

[@markymark560]

This is making me want an ES

[@adrianprophett470]

Walk Talk These. Memories....We Me ..My Son ...Grandson ...Moi

[@sblack48]

Love that tiger striped 335

[@elducko1951]

That was well made. Jason ought to be the one to be the new face of the brand and they should give Agnessi a broom.

[@stuart8663]

Is that music going in the factory? The one you're yelling over? The tour is super interesting, you don't have to foul it up with even more sound. It is what it is.

[@tomscotland]

Morning meeting "make sure you tell 'em we still make 'em the way we made 'em in 59"....

[@sworgan1]

I was there in June it was fascinating and worth every penny of the $15 don't forget to book or its unlikely you'll get a ticket

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

What is that P-90 guitar with a Bigsby he's playing at the beginning? Is that color burgundy metallic? It's gorgeous. That lemon burst with the double creams was also sick. RIP Gibson Memphis. With a few exceptions, this tour makes it look more like the Kalamazoo factory footage from the '60s. The main Nashville factory by comparison looks slip-shod and this Memphis factory does as much detail as the Custom Shop. I understand they split the Memphis employees between both when it closed.

[@kjatexas3679]

I loved that Honeyburst, or was it a Lemonburst 335, with the open pickups, that the employee was detailing. Beautiful guitar, although size wise, I find the 339s more to my liking than the 335s. Both great guitars though.

[@2Phast4Rocket]

I can't believe there are so many manual steps to build the Gibson.

[@ThomasDeLello]

I want one...

[@earlspearl2933]

I cant afford the ES series so I have an old Ibanez Roadstar and a Telecaster . The ES series is part of the American dream . I play my friends 335 and its old . he has it setup like greased lightening . its not heavy like some LesPauls and Telecasters . long live the ES Gibsons !!!

[@frankortolano5886]

Still a beautiful guitar

[@bkul44]

i really loved this video !!! i wish the other gibson factory had quality control like here , is it me but a haven't heard of many complaints about the guitars built at this factory like the complaints of poor workmen ship on the les pauls these days ????

[@Mr.Monster1313]

1 question... does epiphone make a scotty moore model ???? I need one.

[@wildbill2122]

the only thing about this video I did not like was the part where the Gentleman said,referring to a part of the fingerboard process: "We have a compnay that does that for us...". I'd like to know who and where that company is, as if it is not in the USA, well, then that opens a large can of worms....Overall, after watching this...I want an ES-335, a new one, to beat up and abuse and call my very own....

[@julosx]

It's not actually a company, it's mainly individuals like the former Kalamazoo factory workers who cut up and glue the inlays on the fretboard. And yes, these people live in the U.S. and do it at home. Then they send back the finished fretboards to Memphis, Nashville and Bozeman.

[@hadley101]

Interesting, thought it might be Indians that do the rough work as the US Government suggested to Gibson as a way to get them off their back. Maybe the Indian workers rough and slot the rosewood and Americans do the inlay work?

[@BrazenNL]

This was especially strange to me ("we have a company that does that for us") as I've just finished watching a video of their other factory where the machines are right there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJO4YoVqgKmso9k

[@mattyoung4080]

awesome...I would never attempt to build one!

[@hiredgun419]

Coolest work shirt ever! Can I have one since I can't work there?

[@Johaneeeek]

@24:22 that looks like orange paint at the back of the fretboard..nice!

[@Ricken2022]

+johan eugen guitar is not done yet...still has to go to final inspection

[@davestambaugh7282]

Loyd Loar thought up the F holes Orvils all had the eliptical holes

[@GuitarLearner]

he looks sharp and indeed he knows exactly what happened around him nice