How ES Guitar Bodies Are Made At Gibson USA | The Process S1 EP3

In this brand new original series, Gibson gives a behind the scenes look at the physical process of how a Gibson guitar is made as well as introducing the artisans who hand-craft these beloved instruments.
In Episode 3 of “The Process,” Gibson’s Master Luthier Jim DeCola takes viewers on an in-depth look at the construction of Gibson’s ES bodies inside the Gibson USA factory.
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[@OzziePete1]

Major props to the dude at 05:14 who ignored the Memo about wearing Gibson attire for the day of filming, and wore his fave Marshall cap instead. Gotta love individuality.

[@melcwan]

i mean he has a les paul tattooed on his arm. basically a walking advert for gibson

[@OzziePete1]

@@melcwan TBH, I did not see that earlier...

[@brinsonharris9816]

It’s his lucky hat. He won’t fly without it.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

Stacy is a beast of player as well.

[@JamesDavis-mm2mi]

I mean marshall and gibson go together like ESP and EMG. so i dont think they saw a problrm

[@nmnmnm9509]

Those who agree Gibson should restore Epiphone's honor and make American custom-made Epiphone models (especially original Epi jazz models ) please👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@goodnightmediaintl]

B I G Y E S Epiphone barely has its own footing anymore. I'd love to see an american made Epiphone Wilshire!

[@nmnmnm9509]

@@goodnightmediaintl Using a brand just to sell cheap products is a wrong decision. Consumers can never be quite happy with a cheap logo on their guitars, (although epi make great guitars)

[@tigertigerpantherfox3714]

Epiphone is older than Gibson & the good news is that Gibson is reviving the Epiphone USA brand so watch this space.

[@goodnightmediaintl]

TigerTigerPantherFox where did you find that out?? I haven’t heard a thing about that edit: I’m excited not mad hahahaha

[@vampeiyre]

@@goodnightmediaintl Today they put out a NAMM press release about Epiphone, one detail is that they're going to do a USA-made Epiphone Texan acoustic guitar.

[@utahprepper8925]

I bought a brand-new 2018, Memphis ES-335 Figured Natural. It is my lifelong dream guitar and I love it. It's easily the best electric guitar I've ever owned and so gorgeous to look at. One thing though - I see these videos talking about how much attention to detail they pay at the factory. My new guitar's tuners were not screwed down! You could see light under all of them! The bushing nuts were loose also. I had to basically "finish" the guitar's build! How could that have slipped by the final assembly people? It was such a glaring error! I don't expect an answer from Gibson though because I emailed them at the time and never got a reply.

[@sethfryslie2002]

I have a 2019 Gibson L-00 and a 2011 Gibson Les Paul melody maker with two pickup. I love both of them. Gibson has been my favorite brand sense I was 4. Now that I've been working full time for about a year (I'm now 20) I can finally afford them. Thank you, for making some of the best guitars I've ever played. 👍🎸❤

[@malpractice5904]

I have bought 3 In the last 2 years. 2 SG and a Les Paul. Couldn’t be happier. The quality is amazing.

[@JoelWetzel]

Watching the quality improve before their eyes must be satisfying and I wish them continued success. When the Custom Shop episode comes out I'll be ready.

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@LuisFGarcia89]

This was awesome i could watch these all day

[@gibsonguitar]

More episodes to come!

[@LuisFGarcia89]

@@gibsonguitar sweeeet

[@pigfender]

I love that JC is still wearing Levi’s. This is a guy who believes in and is bought into the brands he’s worked with. Very excited for this period of Gibson!

[@TheMotorman116]

Levi’s went woke during the blm riots. I’ll never buy or wear them again. Ever.

[@rexnavarro2918]

J.C...THE MAN WITH THE PLAN!

[@shawnmcvey7789]

I lusted for an ES-335 in antique walnut for 20 years, and tried a few imitations along the way. I now have one, and I couldn't be happier.

[@yestoES355]

Don’t know about the recent ES models, but my 1994 custom shop historic ES-355 is my favorite guitar of all time. It’s my heart and soul and the best guitar I’ve ever played. Love my LP and Tele too, but none come close to the ES guitars

[@jimbonacum8917]

Several years ago I fulfilled one of my dreams when I acquired a 2001 ES 335 that had been manufactured in Memphis. And as far as I am concerned there aren't enough good things to say about it. The fit and finish are flawless. It is incredibly versatile and you can play anything on it from sedate cocktail lounge music to thrash metal. They are not cheap, but if you are a serious guitarist and you can come up with the scratch you should treat yourself to one. One thing though that you should be aware of is that they are much heavier than you expect because of the center block. Even though they look like a hollow bodied instrument they can weigh as much as a Les Paul. I believe that they have introduced some models with weight relief but I haven't played one. But no matter. The block combined with the hollow sides is the key to the magic.

[@iainfreeman5112]

Love these videos so far. How about some for the acoustic Montana factory (if they’re not on the way already).

[@sturbojones]

They are!

[@TheOriginalHoser]

I now understand the amount of labour and love it takes to build these , I'll be buying one

[@graemero5532]

Brilliant series, thanks Gibson

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

Gibson and Epiphone are my favorite guitar brands because the guitars and basses they have look and sound all around great, making guitars and basses like the Les Paul, Doublecut, Flying V, ES, Firebird, and Thunderbird suitable for any rock genre and comfortable to play. They don't need to be all over the top nor having sharp edges to be great instruments. Fender and Squier may not be for me, but you do what feels right for you. Rock on.

[@In_MT]

Really enjoying the "new " Content!

[@voyager7]

As the episode ends, JC says "Our #1 quest was quality". As an exclusively Epiphone player, I have seen the 2020+ models bear that same paradigm out, flowing from Gibson to Epi. Very glad to be getting back into guitars at a time when the ship and course are clearly in good hands!

[@LeeHoMusic]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO, I ORDERED MINE 2 WKS AGO, WAITING TO ARRIVE TO EUROPE (THOMANN), CANT WAIT!

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I recently bought a red ES-335 from the Demo Shop. All of my recent Gibson purchases and playing tell me that Gibson quality is back in a big way

[@alexismalicsi3814]

one of My dream job is to work to factory in gibson. I love guitar so much.

[@JB54379]

I own a few Gibson Les Pauls and love them but my Gibson ES-335's are probably my favorite playing and sounding guitars. They really are a guitar that can do everything and sound great no matter what your playing style or music style! The Gibson Memphis factory was amazing at doing these 335's and all other ES models in their time. A shame Gibson closed that factory.

[@jbkivontop]

Love Gibson guitars!

[@LPCustom3]

I love the fact that it looks like the plays are glued together with Hide Glue!

[@davidw4664]

Bought a 2020 Les Paul standard, my first Gibson. Quality is great love this guitar.

[@interpolagent9]

Thanks for the informative video. A Gibson semi-hollowbody is on my wish list.

[@timlilly]

Excellent stuff guys. Probably why I have a house full of 'em.

[@pneh]

Part 4; how to pre-break headstocks...cant wait!

[@matthewajello1299]

UT oh, someones mad at the company because they dropped their guitar and they need someone to blame

[@strat-man-du8716]

Matthew Ajello man who’d have thought a musical instrument would be fragile!😆

[@trevor-johnsen]

Imagine how fragile a piano is

[@TheMotorman116]

Perhaps you should design a guitar that is mongoloid-proof.

[@teodelnorte]

Nice job guys. I purchased a Sixties Cherry last month. I like those t-type pickups a lot

[@lorenhartman801]

Did anyone else notice at 4:22 that the masking tape on the fretboard peeled away, so they painted the fretboard 😂. Tooootally passed qc

[@dev--null]

It is just paint, easy to clean off the fret-board. There is always a bit of spray after painting that needs to be cleaned.

[@martinrangel4741]

I love my PRS singlecuts

[@teddymarshall352]

Good stuff @nickperri

[@DerekWM1]

nick is fucking TOPS right?

[@prospectnyc]

@1:05 Gibson thinline models were not introduced in 1958. It was 1955 with the ES-225T.

[@kristopher6031]

Enjoying these new videos, my dream Gibson is an explorer

[@petedazer3381]

I want one!

[@davidtreaster4397]

Bring back the 175!

[@aaronrobinson8956]

Great series, and great guitars! You have won my business back.

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for your support!

[@davedavey5]

Gibson will always be no 1 ❤️

[@notformoney5555]

I'm currently waiting for the Gibson ES-345 from Thomann 🙃

[@roo2127]

Good to see the ES line return to the main plant. That line should have never went to Memphis as there is so much expertise still in the USA plant that manufactured those models at an exceptional level. The F-holes used to be on a Jig and the rim lining is basically the same with a more improved fixture. Great Job at USA Keep it up!

[@Burztur99]

For me you are most loved brand of guitars, as warranty card of my LP said "Only Gibson is good enough"

[@Briansm15]

when you realize that the guitar on the right @ 0:22 is a buckethead Les Paul

[@jakesmith4506]

I own 16 Gibson instruments. 11 of them are Les Pauls, one Firebird and one Es-335. 3 SG's Every one of them is fabulous. (geez I had to re calculate. ha ...forgot about those SG's)

[@gibsonguitar]

Thank you for watching

[@retainium]

I'm watching this video on a fancy computer that had the same sticker price as my 2012 ES-339. The computer loses 1/3 of its value every year but my guitar will keep me happy for decades before it goes to someone else. But who knows... maybe OS/2 will make a surprise comeback. ;-)

[@savagefam1205]

I wish I could have a Gibson es 335

[@SuperDrumwolf]

where is the machine that ensures the headstock will break off at some point?

[@henriquemanfrin]

Gibson is STONKS

[@buckhinschwey]

Gibson tv- these videos are great but would be better posting them 1 a day or a couple a week rather than 10 at a time every month or whatever! No hate here though x

[@gibsonguitar]

Thanks for watching! More episodes to come.

[@iainbrighton7847]

@@gibsonguitar Would love to see the processes in use at the custom shop.

[@captainfantasticmcawesomev3381]

I love my gibson guitars, my Les Paul is by far my favorite guitar I’ve ever owned, it just feels right. But I just don’t see why they now go for 3k and my just as equally good tele goes for 1800. I just wish everyone had better/easier access to these amazing guitars.

[@toneyisaiah3556]

I like some of bass guitars made by Gibson and Epiphone.

[@hbbishopjr]

Love the changes you guys have made over the last year. I bought a new 60s Standard and love it. However, I'm pretty disappointed that you didn't add any new colors for NAMM. Really need a goldtop and and Ebony finish for the 60s Standard. Add the Ebony finish to the 50s Standard as well.

[@findrisaputra9450]

Gitar bagus

[@peyotepete4903]

People can say what they want but the still want one

[@johnnygonzales3211]

My favorite guitars I have two standards a 2017 and a 2018 HP😜

[@peachmelba1000]

@ 1:51 ROUGH edges. Change out the cutters. I've seen this kind of rough finish on many Gibsons, particularly in the pickup cavities.

[@ZIGSVIDS]

Cause you like pickup cavity's polished.. Polish the dipstick on the car too ?....

[@peachmelba1000]

@@ZIGSVIDS On a budget guitar I would overlook this kind of stuff, but on a top dollar instrument, everything has to be perfect. It's a sign of a neglectful production attitude, and a QC process that reinforces it. I've been involved in manufacturing for a long time (as a machinist), and trust me, when a rougher surface finish in one spot vs another is called out on blueprint, it still has to he achieved with a sharp cutter. I guarentee, there is no callout for the pickup cavities on a Les Paul to be rougher than any other part of the instrument.

[@ZIGSVIDS]

@@peachmelba1000 Go machine a guitar then. Newsflash, no one sees the cavity . What sort of Gibson do you have?

[@peachmelba1000]

@@ZIGSVIDS I build guitars as well. Not all guitars have pickup rings. Next time you go to your local musical instrument store, look at the routes on a Musicman or an Ibanez or a PRS. You'll see that I'm right. Their pickup cavities will be spotless. Anyway, I don't own a Gibson. I play what I make.

[@jambajoby32]

I don’t understand how air holes matter in electric guitars? Isn’t the pickup transmitting a signal from the strings ? How does solid body/semihollow factor in?

[@humanbeing2420]

This series is interesting but it seems more promotional than explanatory to me. I’d love to see something that explains the entire process in extreme detail.

[@torymcevoy701]

Can I trade in my blue Firebird X for a new SG? :-)

[@tmitz73]

Quality guitars at a reasonable price is all we want.....Sure if its a little more $$$ ya save up to go big, to go quality, but it HAS to be great in the end. I play so many new guitars every week, all brands, and imo so many feel cheap and plasticy. I pickup my 88' SE LP or my CS Strat and they feel solid, fitted and finished, they sound woody and responsive.

[@LPCustom3]

The top & back layers look like they're glued with Hide Glue.. The glue is a brown-ish colour like Hide Glue. Vinyl glue is white. Is this what's used? I have a CS `64 ES-335. Mine's really resonent. Thanks! I asked this a year ago and Nobody answered my Q..

[@philfrank9226]

What about the ES Les Paul. Will they continue? I like them.

[@Wade6242]

Makes me want to buy one

[@toneyisaiah3556]

The legendary mud bucking tone is different than Fender basses.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

You couldn't pay me to play a gibson bass.... I've played a lot of basses over the past 23 years and Warwick for me is the highest standard of basses...

[@lewis7890]

I love Gibson but no doubt it will take years of high quality stuff on both gib and epi to restore the damage that has been done to the company and trust

[@billgeezeriommi]

I gotta agree im very nervous to buy one and from what ive been seeing the quality control is still hit or miss but at the prices they charge it should be a consistent hit.

[@seamusforpresident3670]

BillGeezerIommi play it in a shop then

[@simonr7097]

@@billgeezeriommi I've been hearing good things about QC, especially from 2019. As a result, I just bought a SG Jr (given your user name, I'm sure you'd appreciate that P90 tone). I even dared to buy online, and I have no complaint about the quality. A few years ago, I probably wouldn't have considered buying a new Gibson.

[@VN9001]

FF to 2024 now..... Ya, we're still waiting. 😐

[@thetoneknob4493]

you need to make guitars that a kid might be able to afford? Gibson used to make student level guitars but then the vintage ones started a trend in pricing that excludes alot of potential players who end up with a squire classic vibe strat!

[@azrulaiman1394]

Yeeehaaawww guitar

[@RODBIANCHINI]

Thats why Only a Gibson is good enough!!

[@Arthagnou]

I love how haters critisize Gibson for being expensive and brage about "bang for the buck" with guitars made in Chyna....like, its amazing the cost benefit when your factory doesnt have ANY envtironmental standards and uses Slave Labor...really amayzing what you can do when the environment and workers dont matter at all.

[@TheMotorman116]

I know right? There’s nothing wrong with Epiphones, I have two that I enjoy. However, hearing people bitch about the price of Gibsons that are made right here by their fellow countrymen is a little infuriating.

[@Arthagnou]

@@TheMotorman116 Gibson provides a reasonable wage, vacation time, healthcare, 401k, follows environmental regulations both in how the wood is collected and maintained along with pollution regulations and OSHA regulations. China doesnt do any of those things. the complainers are either ill informed Americans or "China Bots".

[@nicolasrivera5310]

And the video where it all gets fucked up? Quality Control!

[@jackturtle131]

Started good with that gutless wonder that runs the show. It took him a long time to show his face again

[@void0094]

Nice that you delete critical and controversial comments

[@MisterTee]

I approached this video with trepidation

[@toneyisaiah3556]

People ofen complain about their tones.

[@ohrofax]

der nitrocellulose lack der jetzt verwendet wird ist nicht der gleiche wie in den jahren 1950 bis 1980, das merkt man schon am süßlichen geruch den die früheren gitarren nicht haben.

[@belo1971]

How to finish it like a 5 years kid !!!!! Hey Guy, watch other brands and just have a look at their finish , woods, paint, laquer etc....Yes, you are LEGEND , no you do not work the wright way ! Got a Gibson es 335 and love it but.... kindest regards

[@herbinator57]

Looks like the Fender factory. Gibson's are just too pricey. This will hurt them in the long run.

[@garygrinkevich6971]

Something about walking around your place of employment in slow motion that just reeks of Boomer levels of not giving a fuck, its so perfect for Gibson.

[@yoheff988]

Keep the plywood myth going LOL

[@MOAONAABE]

you guy squeeze bud in those presses?

[@augustjohnnycrashed]

Have a 2016 Freddie King, wood split on top, build quality crap that year

[@tobwood5067]

To many machines for the “handmade guitar” to be $3,000

[@ZIGSVIDS]

Then fuck off... loser

[@tobwood5067]

Excuse me?

[@ZIGSVIDS]

@@tobwood5067 Can't you read ? Fool.

[@stealingtomorrowband]

I agree with that... Machines may speed up the process and make things more consistent... But i definitely don't plan on spending 2-5 grand on a Gibson

[@TheMotorman116]

I got a news flash for you dorks- all guitars around the 3-4k range are made using machines. An all hand made guitar will cost 20+k. From what it sounds like, your sour grapes because you can’t even afford a Gibson, let alone what you’d call a “handmade” guitar.

[@jansabarth9466]

I hope not to get sewed to watch this video without previous permission.. 😂🤣

[@PARAMONARIOS]

Is Mark Agnesi fired already?

[@AlexisGitarre]

THEY RUINED ALL THE STEINBERGER PATENTS

[@cengeb]

they blew it, by trying to expand into stuff, like buying some of the Philips consumer electronics stuff, didn't they wonder why, Philips, was bailing on it? DUH, the Dutch knew something.big FAIL, waste of money

[@CaptainRon1913]

Dude needs a shave

[@pdbordelon]

You watch this and realize why the "high" prices are justified....really we are getting a bargain considering whats involved!

[@pops71]

What a great series! I’m looking forward to seeing the rest.

[@lateleloca7500]

And thats why an ES is expansive ! I didnt imagine before watching this video How complicated it was to build those ES bodies ✌️

[@guitarjules8173]

Makes you lol at people who claim it's just a plywood guitar.

[@guitarghost1]

Nice, send me a 120 anniversary Flying V Aged Cherry and a Les Paul Traditional Desert Burst.

[@matthewpaluch777]

😎👍🇺🇸🥁James, Thank you for selling Slingerland! The iconic brand will return soon, hopefully better than ever!

[@12south31]

I've got an old 60's Slingerland Radio King drumset!

[@dathandsometroll1852]

Been enjoying this so far, and let me just say that I don't own a Gibson yet (I guess I'm close because my only guitar at this point is an Epiphone) but I plan on getting one as my second guitar because: 1. I can see that a lot of love and craftsmanship goes into these guitars be them solid body, or semi-hollow body, 2. my Epiphone has been good to me for the 1.5 years I've had it.

[@eliasportela17]

Hi guys, would anyone know to tell me what type and model of paint they use to pass on the guitar. IS IT TYPE A FOLDER THAT PASSES IN THE GUITAR SOMEONE KNOWS THE NAME ??

[@wiseguy9202]

Love my Gibsons but let's be honest, Gibson is not what Orville imagined at all. So saying 125 years.....No.

[@TheFULLMETALCHEF]

Everyone should be issued a Les Paul Tribute at birth.

[@spitfirekid1]

Gibson electric guitars! Yes!

[@stevemollis5416]

Les Paul Standard is my favorite Gibson. Only have one I bought brand new in 1988 for $550. I would like to retire it and buy a new one.....but they cost too much money. :(

[@90sjedi]

In June I will be purchasing my first gibson a traditional les Paul and I simply cannot wait lifelong dream for 20 years and proud to be a part of the gibson family.

[@gavrilopricip11]

The magic is when they add the Gibson logo on the headstock and turn a guitar worth 900$ into 2000+$ !!

[@TheMotorman116]

Aww sounds like someone awl mad he can’t afford one…

[@philfrank9226]

" Mess up my company", cool!!!