Investing in Gibson Guitars

Gibson guitars are based in Nashville, Tennessee, and are best known for their Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. But did you know that Gibson are also responsible for the Epiphone, Kramer, Steinberger, and Kalamazoo ranges of guitars?

Gibson have been around as instrument manufacturers since 1890 when Orville Gibson ran the show - that's a decent history in the business. They began with mandolins, and currently, aside from their electric and acoustic guitar, they also produce pianos, drums, and amplifiers.

If you're looking for an investment Gibson, the 1950s Gibson Les Paul Standards, Flying Vs, Explorers, and ES-335s are considered to be some of the most valuable fretted instruments in the world. Last year a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard sold at auction for $292,000. That's some nice pocket money...

But if your budget is a bit lower, keep an eye out for the tag "Orville by Gibson". These are authorised Gibson copies made by a Japanese company and have achieved a good reputation for their quality. The older Orvilles are recognised as collectors items in their own right and would suit a more limited budget with good potential for a return on your investment.

(Image by Leo Cinezi)