Orville Gibson had little to do with the development of the Gibson banjo line. In the late 90s or early 2000s, Gibson introduced the L-1 Robert Johnson acoustic guitar model, the guitar features the historic small L-series body design (25″ scale length), ebony bridge with carved pyramid wings, 3 3/4-inch soundhole diameter, and a Robert Johnson signature inlay at the end of the fingerboard. The L-1 flat-top model is most famous due to the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson playing one in the only know picture of him. The L-1 was reintroduced as a flat-top guitar in 1926. Robert Johnson with a Gibson L-1 flat-top In 1908, the body shape changed a bit, it now had a trapeze tailpiece, a carved artistic twirl with a single pointed cutaway which likely set the stage for future legendary cutaway guitars. In 1906 slotted pegheads were added with “The Gibson” slanted logo and fingerboards were made with a round pointed end that went pass the sound hole. Gibson was commissioned to make these guitars for Montgomery Ward. Robison flattop Cowboy Guitar in Sunburst. In the fall of 1936, Montgomery Ward catalog sold the Carson J. So this picture in the Gibson catalog is from quite early in his career. In 1924 he moved to New York City and was signed to his first recording contract with the Victor Talking Machine Company. He played a major role in promoting country music in being one the earliest singing cowboys on the radio. Robison (Aug– March 24, 1957) born in Oswego, Kansas was an American country music singer and songwriter. Orville’s ideas were further cultivated by numerous loyal Gibson employees who followed after Orville Gibson’s departure.Ĭarson Robison featured in the 1924 Gibson catalog with a Style 0Ĭarson J. There is no question that Orville’s contributions was the seed that allowed for over a hundred years of great instruments that grew from his creativity. Gibson is buried at Morningside Cemetery in Malone, New York.

Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg, New York. Orville Gibson died of endocarditis (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and valves) on August 19, 1918, at 62 years of age, in St. It is not known whether Orville ever returned to Kalamazoo, his instrument work, or the company that bore his name during the period of 1911 to 1918. He returned to the hospital in 1916 and was discharged after another six days of care. Lawrence State Hospital in Ogdensburg (about 80 miles west of Chateaugay), and discharged after eight days on August 26, 1911. In 1911, Orville moved further north to Ogdensburg, N.Y. Orville had claimed that by moving to Saranac Lake, his health improved and that his “weight from 105 pounds to 150 pounds,” much of which he attributed to healthier living and the reduction of stress caused by people and problems that plagued him when he was in Kalamazoo. Orville moved back to New York State and settled in the town of Saranac Lake, where he lived at 24 Ampersand Avenue. Various medical records suggest that he was suffering from a chronic disease, loss of weight, and possibly a mental illness. Orville’s health was deteriorating during the time the Gibson Company was getting underway. The payment of $2,500 for exclusive rights to Orville’s patent, was made in installments of $41.99 per month. In 1908, the Board agreed to pay Orville an annual fee of $500. Initially, the company produced only Orville Gibson’s original designs. He worked on various projects as an inventor and for a period of time, was even listed in the town directory as a music teacher. Orville continued his arms-length association with the Company through 1907 earning most of his income from royalties.

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