Guitar History

The guitar, an instrument synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll, blues and countless other musical genres, boasts a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Originating in ancient civilizations, it has evolved over time, taking on different shapes and forms and leaving a lasting impact on the world of music. Here we’ll explore the rich history of the guitar, looking at its various transformations and innovations that have made it the beloved instrument we know today.

Fender History

Fender company was founded in Fullerton, California in 1946 by Leo Fender, who had a background in electronics and a passion for music. From its early days, Fender set out to create guitars and amplifiers that were reliable, innovative, and accessible to a wide range of musicians.

Gibson History

Gibson is a legendary American guitar manufacturer known for producing high-quality instruments that have been used by many of the world’s most famous musicians. The company was founded in 1902 by Orville Gibson in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Epiphone History

Anastasios Stathopoulos was a Greek luthier born in 1863 who founded a mandolin and violin company in Pellana, Greece in 1873. In 1903, he immigrated with his wife to New York and a year later, started a company that primarily produced mandolins.

Squier History

Jerome Bonaparte Squier and his son Victor Carroll Squier were two English immigrants who started a violin building and repair company in Boston in 1881.

Ibanez History

Matsujiro Hoshino founded a bookstore in 1908 that sold books, sheet music, and musical instruments. Starting in 1921, the store began importing instruments from Europe and the USA, including classical guitars from Salvador Ibanez of Spain.

Martin History

Martin Guitars is one of the oldest and most respected guitar manufacturers in the world, and has been making instruments since 1833. The company was founded by Christian Frederick Martin, a German immigrant who settled in the United States in the early 19th century.

Taylor History

Taylor Guitars is a well-known name in the music industry and has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality acoustic guitars since 1974. The company was founded by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, who met in a repair shop for musical instruments a year earlier.

Gretsch History

Friedrich Gretsch, a German immigrant from Mannheim, began building drum kits and banjos in 1883. After WWI, the company was taken over by his son, Fred, under whose leadership it flourished and gained a reputation for high quality and precision.

Jackson History

Before the early 1980s, Grover Jackson was employed by guitar builder and manufacturer Wayne Charvel. Jackson founded his own company in 1980, focusing on crafting customized guitars for individual customers.

PRS History

Paul Reed Smith, the founder of PRS Guitars, started building guitars as a hobby in college. After graduating, he continued to refine his craft and eventually founded PRS in 1985.

ESP History

ESP is a renowned guitar brand that has been a significant player in the guitar industry since its establishment. The company was founded by Hisatake Shibuya, who was born in 1937 in Sado, a small island located in Japan.