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Spann's Guide to Gibson, 1902-1941

From Bohonkie on 9/9/2011 8:31:19 AM

Hey all. I just received a new book and thought I'd pass some info about it along to the good folks here at this group. The title is listed above; it was written by Joseph E. Spann (Centerstream publications).

Most of us will not be fortunate enough to own a Gibson of this period (pre-war) and in that light this book might not be interesting to you. However, if you want to read about the company, its employees, bulidings, processes, and FINALLY have an accurate ledger of serial numbers - you will find this book very valuable.

There are almost 300 pages here; approximately 100 of them are text and photos. The remaining 2/3 of the book contains serial numbers, models, and other data. As you might be aware, Gibson serial numbers have long been, at best, confusing because of their practice of not serializing until the instrument was shipped out (as opposed to Factory Order Numbers). You can read about the reasons why they did this in the book, but the serial numbers listed on the pages are a result of a lot of research by the author.

Mr. Spann also spends time interviewing former employees and even provides a list of everyone he could identify who worked at Gibson during this time period.

Aside from finally being able to confirm my Granada was made in 1928 (the wood was cut in 1918), I got totally lost in the photos of the buildings, operations, people, etc. I mean, there is something spell binding about looking at a photo and wondering if your instrument was in that room, being worked on by those employees, or used that wood. Not to mentions seeing the instruments in their racks and wondering...

If you want to read about Gibson history, a good book is, "Gisbon Guitars, 100 Years of an American Icon" - Walter Carter's update of Julius Bellson's 1973 book, "The Gibson Story." If you want to read about specific instruments you can buy books about Les Pauls, ES-335s, Mastertone Banjos, etc. But this book takes up as a reference source where the others leave off. It is a great companion book to the aforementioned and a fascinating journey into one of American's favorite music companies.

The book usually goes for around $40.

Who knows? Maybe someday you WILL have the opportunity to own, or at least play, one of the instruments from this time period - I certainly hope you all do.

Thanks for your time - m

5 Comments
	banjo5don says: 11/6/2011 11:06:27 AM I also enjoyed Joe's book and for exactly the same reasons!
	Reubenv says: 9/17/2012 7:05:45 PM I know this is an old thread, but i just picked up a conversion and i need this book. Im thirsting for Gibson information and cant get enough! :)
	Bohonkie says: 9/18/2012 4:32:52 PM This is a pretty good book. Lots of confusion out there regarding old Gibsons - this book clears up a lot of it. What conversion did you get? Good luck! m
	eljimb0 says: 12/3/2012 8:11:32 PM I just ordered the book and I am anxious to get about to reading it.
	Bohonkie says: 12/4/2012 10:46:52 AM It's a quick read. I like the photos and the data.
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