A Guitar Is Born

Watch some of the finest instruments in the business take shape on a tour of the Gibson factory in Memphis.

Visitors peer over the shoulders of women meticulously trimming excess paint from the bodies of handmade Gibson guitars, which fetch thousands of dollars apiece. "Gentlemen, don't be offended," says the tour guide. "From this point on, no men are allowed."

Only female artisans shave down the paint. If they nick the wood, the guitar won't be sold. So each woman works at a slow and steady pace: It takes all day to shave a single guitar. "Most men don't have the patience for that," our guide says.

Jimmy Hayslip, today's guide, is not one to mince words or fret about political correctness. That's why he's one of the most popular guides at the Gibson guitar factory in Memphis. Jimmy grew up next door to Elvis. Roy Acuff sold him a car. He knew Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. So in addition to learning how guitars are made, you'll catch an earful of great stories on his tour of the factory.

"Gibson guitars are handmade," he says. "No two are alike." It takes a full four weeks to finish one. During the tour, you can see batches taking shape under the hands of skilled specialists. Even for someone who can't play a chord, it's a fascinating process, like watching a piece of art being created before your eyes.

A top-selling electric guitar company, Gibson is headquartered in Nashville, but it has this factory in Memphis too. They also make mandolins, banjos, and Dobros. After the tour, stop by the gift shop to strum a tune (or hear someone who can) on one of these beautiful instruments. Guitars cost $1,000 to $55,000, but a guitar pick makes a portable, authentic, and affordable 50-cent souvenir.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Feb 2007
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