[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 48 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             GIBSON GUITAR--ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 1994

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join musicians around the 
world and congratulate the Gibson Guitar Co. on the 100th anniversary 
of its founding.
  Although I am not a musician, I know of the fine reputation Gibson 
Guitars have in the music community. Among the great artists who have 
owned and played a Gibson guitar are Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Jimi 
Hendrix, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Aerosmith, Slash of Guns 
N' Roses, and Bob Dylan.
  The future of the company was pretty grim several years ago because 
of continued financial losses. In fact, the company had cut staff and 
had closed all of its divisions except one line of electric guitars. 
But the company was rescued by a team of investors led by Henry 
Juszkiewicz, who is now chairman and whom I am pleased to call a 
friend. And the company is back to manufacturing more than 80 models of 
both acoustic and electric guitars.
  Gibson was founded in Kalamazoo, MI, by amateur guitarist and 
woodworker Orville Gibson. Gibson revolutionized guitarmaking by 
applying the construction principles of the violin to his guitars. An 
echo of that innovation is the f-hole sound sound construction 
pioneered by the company in its hollowed-bodied electric guitars--a 
technique borrowed from the violin.
  In 1924, the Gibson Co. produced the first electric guitar. Later 
came innovations to prevent warpage and feedback, as well as other 
innovations that have defined industry standards.
  Gibson is now headquartered in Nashville, ``Music City, U.S.A.'' The 
company sells about 200,000 guitars a year, from a relatively 
inexpensive line to custom-made models costing more than $100,000. But, 
to artists everywhere, Gibson is among the best names in the business. 
That's why it is ever present on the concern stage and in the recording 
studio.
  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Henry Juskiewicz and his 
employees on a job well-done and wish them every success for the next 
100 years of business.

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