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How They're Made
All Gibson Pickups incorporate superior construction for the absolute peak in performance, even under the most punishing conditions. When you discover how well-made Gibson pickups are, you'll appreciate their value and they bear the Gibson name. That's why they're the choice of top professionals around the world!

No Gaps Between the Pole Pieces and the Baseplate
Gaps between the pole pieces and unit baseplates of a pickup are sources for sound penetration. This can create unwanted feedback that makes pickups "squeal" when used to overdrive amps. The fit between all Gibson Pickup pole pieces and base plates is tight with absolutely no gaps. Gibson threads the pole pieces through the base plate, which eliminates sound penetration in addition to increasing the structural integrity of the unit.

First, let's look at our poor headstock. As far as Gibson head breaks go this is a good one – a nice clean break with no splintering, and it hasn't gone through to the headstock veneer. The first thing to do is to get the tuners, the truss rod cover and the nut off. Use a properly-fitting spanner – not an adjustable – to undo the locking nuts on the tuners: a badly-fitting spanner will round off the corners. When you undo the screws on the tuners and the truss rod cover, especially on a vintage Gibson, put your fingers around the bottom of the screwdriver. This way, if the screwdriver slips it will hit your finger and not the finish on the guitar. Undoing the truss rod nut may pull the two parts apart, depending on where the split is. We now have two flat surfaces that we can clamp together.

You can see from picture 6 that I've made up a backing piece to go around the volute on the Gibson neck. This is important, for if you just try and clamp it together without the backing piece you won't apply an even pressure to the break, and this will result in a bad repair. I've lined the contour with some cork to help distribute the clamping pressure more evenly. Here comes the scary part, as to make sure the glue goes all the way into the break we need to open it up as far as possible without making it worse. I've laid the guitar face down, put a clamp over the top of the head and very gently tightened it up. This way I'll be able to work the glue into the break.

With the joint open, now is a goodtime to clean it out. I'm using compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may be left in the join, though a brush will suffice. We'll first work the glue in using a brush, then fingers. You'll know when it's full of glue when you rub glue in on one side and it comes out the other side. Remove the clamp and wipe any excess glue off with a damp but not wet cloth.

HOW TO CARRY YOUR INSTRUMENT

When not in use, we recommend that you always keep your instrument in a high-quality case or gig bag. This will reduce the possibility of damage due to mishaps and sudden changes in climate or atmosphere.

When placing your instrument in its case, be sure that all the latches are securely fastened. Carry the case with the lid towards your body. In the event that the case falls open, the lid will fall against your body and help prevent the instrument from falling out and suffering damage.

Never put your instrument in the trunk of your car. Extreme temperatures, even on moderate days, are often found in such a closed environment. Likewise, never place anything on top of your instrument.

If you transport your instrument via common carriers such as airline, train, or bus, your instrument may be subjected to rough handling and severe environmental changes. For these reasons, a cargo approved hard-shell or flight case would be required.

 
Over the past 100 years, most Gibson guitars, banjos and mandolins have been finished with nitrocellulose lacquer. (The alternatives are varnish, polyurethane or polyester.) Although nitrocellulose is the traditionally preferred finish, it is not the most durable. It scratches fairly easily, and without the proper care, it can crack or discolor.

With the proper care, a nitrocellulose lacquer finish will retain its beauty and functionality for decades.

Here are the Do's and Don'ts....