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    Where guitars were made

    All 13 brands on record, 1833 to 2026, on one map. The map shows the plants: each dot is a factory or workshop building guitars that year. Press play to watch the plants open, close and move abroad, and the names change hands. The line below the map counts the companies at the top of each brand’s ownership, so you can see the trade gather under fewer owners. Each year is built from the ownership, parent company and production records, and every one of them cites its source.

    13Brands on record
    11Corporate owners
    34Plants building
    6Countries
    105Sources behind 2026
    2026

    Guitar factories building in 2026

    Plant outside the USAPlant in the USAPlant no longer buildingOnly the country or region is knownA line moves plant (dashed: earlier moves)

    Each dot is a plant where a brand on record was building guitars. Bigger dots built for more than one brand. 12 plants building in 2026 have no location on record and are not drawn.

    Who owned the names in 2026

    Latest changes

    1. 2024Heritage Ascent first on record, owned by PlazaCorp Realty Advisors (Kalamazoo) and investors, built at Heritage Ascent builder (unverified)[162, 83, 163, 183]
    2. 2023Guild Westerly Collection (China) passes to Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. through Cordoba Music Group, LLC[148, 120, 149, 180, 181, 182, 151]
    3. 2023Guild GAD (China) passes to Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. through Cordoba Music Group, LLC[148, 120, 149, 180, 181, 182, 132]
    4. 2023Guild DeArmond (Korea) passes to Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. through Cordoba Music Group, LLC[148, 120, 149, 180, 181, 182, 125]
    5. 2023Guild USA passes to Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. through Cordoba Music Group, LLC[148, 120, 149, 180, 181, 182, 152]
    6. 2021Harmony Standard Series (import) passes to Caldecott Music Group through BandLab Technologies[16, 164, 165, 166, 178, 179, 169]

    Owners over time

    Each year, how many brands are on record and how many companies sat at the top of their ownership. When the owner line drops below the brand line, one company held more than one name. Click the chart to jump to a year.

    0713
    18501875190019251950197520002025
    Show as a table
    YearBrandsCorporate ownersPlants buildingCountries
    18331111
    18832211
    18923321
    19024431
    19045531
    19356662
    19467772
    19528882
    19578782
    19669892
    1974109102
    197598102
    19818792
    19829792
    1985109123
    1987119133
    19881210143
    1995129215
    20001310306
    2008139296
    20141310296
    20151311326
    20261311346

    Only the years when the brand or owner count changed, plus the first and latest.

    Sources

    Every year above is computed from eras, and an era cites the ownership, parent company and production facts it was derived from. Every source behind every year is listed here. Disputed dates are left out of the eras until a reviewer settles them.

    1. 1
      Wikipedia: wiki/C. F. Martin %26 Companygraded community
      • "run by the same family for six generations"Martin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
      • "relocated to Nazareth… in 1839"Martin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
    2. 2
      A Family Business (The Martin Story)graded primary
      • Since 1833, C. F. Martin & Co.® has remained family owned and operated—six generationsMartin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
    3. 3
      C. F. Martin & Co. Announces Retirements & New Leadership Appointmentsgraded primary
      • Owner and Chairman of the Board of the 192-year-old companyMartin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
    4. 4
      C F Martin Co Inc (International Directory of Company Histories)graded secondary
      • Located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, since 1839, the company has been run by the same family for six generations.Martin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
    5. 5
      Martin Guitar CEO Chris Martin IV announces retirementgraded secondary
      • Family ownership of the Nazareth, Pennsylvania-based company... will continue.Martin USA (Nazareth), 1833–1839
    6. 6
      bluegrasstoday: original martin factory added to national register of historic placesgraded secondary
      • "primary site… until 1964 when a new plant was opened… on Sycamore Street"Martin USA (Nazareth), 1859–1964
    7. 7
      gretschguitars: support/historygraded primary
      • "in 1883… Friedrich Gretsch… founded his shop in Brooklyn"Gretsch Brooklyn, 1883–1916
      • "In 1984, Fred W. Gretsch… purchased Gretsch back"Gretsch Traveling Wilburys (Korea), 1988–1990
      • In late 2002 a deal was struck for Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to handle Gretsch Guitars manufacturing and distributionGretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
    8. 8
      Harmony Companygraded community
      • "founded in 1892 by Wilhelm Schultz"Harmony Chicago, 1892–1916
      • "briefly imported 'reissue' Harmony guitars"Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2000–2017
      • "USA made Harmony Guitars are built in Kalamazoo, Michigan by the Heritage Guitar Company"Harmony USA (BandLab/Vista), 2018–2021
    9. 9
      Harmony history threadgraded community
      • "Between 1945 and 1975, the Chicago firm mass-produced about ten million guitars… peaked in 1964-1965, selling 350,000"Harmony Chicago, 1892–1916
      • "ceased in 1975, and sold the Harmony name"Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2000–2017
    10. 10
      Wikipedia: wiki/Gibson (guitar company)graded community
      • "Gibson was owned by Norlin Corporation from 1969 to 1986"Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1969–1970
      • "acquired by a group led by Henry Juszkiewicz and David H. Berryman"Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    11. 11
    12. 12
      Gibson Brand Book: Epiphone overviewgraded secondary
      • "STATHOPOULOS EMIGRATE TO AMERICA (1904)"Epiphone New York/Philadelphia, 1904–1920
    13. 13
      acousticmusic: guitar music research/guitar information/large shop guitar builders/gretschgraded secondary
      • "Manufacturing continued for 3 years at the 60 Broadway factory"Gretsch Brooklyn, 1916–1967
      • "In 1967, Fred Gretsch, Jr. sold the Gretsch Company to… D. H. Baldwin"Gretsch Brooklyn, 1967–1970
      • "merged Gretsch with Kustom in November 1979… Baldwin went bankrupt in 1983"Gretsch Brooklyn, 1967–1970
    14. 14
      guitarinsite: gretsch factoriesgraded community
      • 60 Broadway, Brooklyn (1916)Gretsch Brooklyn, 1916–1967
    15. 15
      craveguitars: brands gretsch six-string synopsisgraded community
      • in 1916, manufacturing and offices moved to larger premises, still in BrooklynGretsch Brooklyn, 1916–1967
    16. 16
      A brief history of Harmony guitarsgraded secondary
      • "In 1916, Sears purchased the Harmony Guitars brand"Harmony Chicago, 1916–1940
      • "in 2018… Harmony was reborn as part of the BandLab Technologies portfolio"Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2017–2021
    17. 17
      Department Store Guitar History: The Long Shadow of the Sears Harmonygraded community
      • Sears-Roebuck acquired the guitar maker ostensibly to take control of the ukulele market.Harmony Chicago, 1916–1940
      • Harmony was a major player until around 1940, when the company was sold back to Harmony executives.Harmony Chicago, 1940–1975
    18. 18
      Melody Instrument Companygraded community
      • The Harmony Musical Instrument Company was purchased by Sears, Roebuck & Co in 1916Harmony Chicago, 1916–1940
      • until December 21st, 1940 when The Harmony Company, under Sears Roebuck, ceased operationsHarmony Chicago, 1940–1975
    19. 19
      Wikipedia: wiki/Epiphonegraded community
      • In 1951, a four-month-long strike caused a relocation of the company from New York City to Philadelphia.Epiphone New York/Philadelphia, 1920–1951
      • "relocated Epiphone's manufacturing… from Philadelphia"Epiphone New York/Philadelphia, 1951–1957
      • where production of both ranges took place until 1969Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
      • In 2002, Epiphone began producing a range of higher quality instruments under the "Elite Series" moniker which were built by Terada and FujiGen in Japan.Epiphone Japan special models, 2002–2018
    20. 20
      Wikipedia: wiki/Hoshino Gakkigraded community
      • "1929: The Hoshino company starts Hoshino Gakki Ten Inc."Ibanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1935–1966
      • "1969: Hoshino Gakki Ten starts to use the FujiGen… factory"Ibanez Japan (FujiGen: J Custom, Prestige), 1969–1981
      • "1981: Hoshino changes company name… to Hoshino Gakki"Ibanez Japan (FujiGen: J Custom, Prestige), 1981–now
    21. 21
      特集！Ibanezインタビュー！～歴史編～ (Ibanez interview: history)graded community
      • 昭和4年（1929年）には別会社として星野書店から独立したのですがIbanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1935–1966
    22. 22
      Ibanez (Ibanez Wiki)graded community
      • The Ibanez brand name dates back to 1929 when Hoshino Gakki began importing Salvador Ibáñez é Hijos guitars from Spain.Ibanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1935–1966
    23. 23
      Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd. Company Historygraded secondary
      • By 1929, Hoshino established its own musical instruments company, Hoshino Gakki Ten,Ibanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1935–1966
      • The following year, the company changed its own name to Hoshino Gakki Co.Ibanez Japan (FujiGen: J Custom, Prestige), 1981–now
    24. 24
      Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanezgraded community
      • "After the Tama factory stopped manufacturing guitars in 1966"Ibanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1935–1966
      • "After the Teisco String Instrument factory closed in 1970"Ibanez Japan early (Tama, Teisco), 1966–1970
      • "also been made in other Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Indonesia"Ibanez Korea, 1985–now
    25. 25
      Harmony Companygraded community
      • "In 1975 the Harmony Guitar Co. in Chicago ceased operations and had a huge three-day auction."Harmony Chicago, 1940–1975
    26. 26
    27. 27
      Fender ownership historygraded secondary
    28. 28
    29. 29
    30. 30
    31. 31
    32. 32
      Fender factoriesgraded community
    33. 33
      bluebookofguitarvalues: guitar amplifiers/manufacturers/guildgraded secondary
      • "started in 1952 by Alfred Dronge"Guild USA, 1952–1956
      • "New York City from 1952 to 56"Guild USA, 1952–1956
    34. 34
      Guild (manufacturer history) - Blue Book of Guitar Valuesgraded secondary
      • Guild was founded in 1952 by Alfred Dronge (who did hire great guitar builders).Guild USA, 1952–1956
      • In 1966, electronic parts producer Avnet Inc. bought Guild Musical Instruments, and Alfred Dronge stayed on as president.Guild USA, 1966–1971
      • In mid-August of 1986, Avnet sold Guild to a management/investment group from New England and Tennessee.Guild USA, 1966–1971
      • defaulted on bank obligations in November of 1988, leading to a court supervised financial restructuring.Guild USA, 1986–1989
      • The Faas Corporation of New Berlin, WI (now U.S. Musical Corporation) bought Guild in January, 1989.Guild USA, 1989–1995
    35. 35
      Guild (Acoustic Guitar magazine feature, AG282, hosted by Guild)graded secondary
      • The Guild Guitar Co. was founded in 1952Guild USA, 1952–1956
      • Another big change for Guild came in 1995, when Fender purchased the company.Guild USA, 1995–2001
    36. 36
      bluebookofguitarvalues: electric guitars/manufacturers/guildgraded secondary
      • "larger workshop in Hoboken… late 1956"Guild USA, 1956–1966
    37. 37
      acousticmusic: research/guitar information/large shop guitar builders/guildgraded secondary
      • "By the end of 1971, all factory operations had been transferred to Westerly"Guild USA, 1956–1966
      • "bought by Avnet for about $5,000,000 in July of 1966"Guild USA, 1966–1971
    38. 38
      guitarinsite: epiphone factoriesgraded community
      • "In 1957, Chicago Musical Instrument Company (CMI), the parent company of Gibson, acquired Epiphone."Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
      • The company has produced guitars for Epiphone under an OEM agreement since 1995.Epiphone Indonesia, 1995–2018
      • In 1998, the company received a full license to produce Epiphone guitars.Epiphone Japan special models, 1998–2018
      • In 2002, Terada signed an OEM agreement with Epiphone.Epiphone Japan special models, 2002–2018
      • "Several Chinese factories have produced Epiphone guitars"Epiphone China, 2002–2018
      • "In 2004, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao… owned by Gibson"Epiphone China, 2004–2018
    39. 39
      How Gibson rescued Epiphone in the late-1950sgraded secondary
      • once everything was on the move, CMI set up Epiphone Inc. of Kalamazoo.Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
    40. 40
      Epiphone history 1957-present (Gibson era) - Blue Book of Guitar Valuesgraded secondary
      • For the sum of $20,000, Gibson had acquired its once mighty rivalEpiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
      • in the last few days of 1969, ECL bought CMIEpiphone Kalamazoo, 1969–1970
      • When Gibson was sold to Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman, and Gary Zebrowski in 1986Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    41. 41
      Gibson Guitar Corp. Company Historygraded secondary
      • McCarty also led CMI to purchase rival Epiphone in 1957, giving Gibson greater control of the market.Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
      • new owners took over in 1986, Henry Juszkiewicz and David Berryman, who bought the company for $5 million.Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    42. 42
      brief epiphone historygraded community
      • Chicago Musical Instrument (CMI) purchases Epiphone (announced May 10, 1957).Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
    43. 43
      fandom: wiki/Epiphonegraded community
      • "made beside the Gibson factory at 224 Parsons"Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1957–1969
    44. 44
      guitar: features/martin guitar historygraded secondary
      • "62,000-square-foot Sycamore Street facility… That was in 1964."Martin USA (Nazareth), 1964–now
      • "since the early 1990s, Martin's Navajoa factory has turned out strings, ukuleles and Backpackers… DXM series to Navojoa, in 2004"Martin Backpacker (Mexico), 1990–now
      • "DXM series to Navojoa, in 2004"Martin DXM (Mexico), 2004–now
    45. 45
    46. 46
      A Brief History of Guild Guitarsgraded secondary
      • In 1966, Guild was sold to the Avnet Corporation, albeit with Alfred Dronge still at the helm overseeing production.Guild USA, 1966–1971
    47. 47
      The Convoluted History of Guild Guitarsgraded community
      • Guild was bought by Avnet for about $5,000,000 in July of 1966.Guild USA, 1966–1971
      • In mid August of 1986, Avnet sold Guild to a management/investment group from New England and Tennessee.Guild USA, 1986–1989
      • And this group sold Guild to the FAAS Corporation (Chuck Faas) which changed name to U.S. Music Corporation.Guild USA, 1989–1995
      • The Fender Musical Instrument Company (FMIC) bought Guild from U.S. Music Corporation in November 1995.Guild USA, 1995–2001
    48. 48
      Guild Guitar Factoriesgraded community
      • Guild was sold to the Avnet Corporation in 1966Guild USA, 1966–1971
    49. 49
      Hamer Guitarsgraded community
      • "acquired by… Fender… on December 31, 2007"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 1966–2008
    50. 50
      Kaman Corporation Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2007graded primary
      • On December 31, 2007, we completed the previously announced saleOvation USA (New Hartford), 1966–2008
      • We sold our Music segment on December 31, 2007 for $119.5 million to Fender and recorded a pre-tax gain of $18.1 million.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    51. 51
      Kaman Corporation Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008graded primary
      • On December 31, 2007, we completed the sale of all of the capital stock of our wholly owned subsidiaryOvation USA (New Hartford), 1966–2008
    52. 52
      Kaman Corp. 8-K exhibit 99.1 (Ovation/KMC sale closing)graded primary
      • on December 31, 2007, the company completed its previously announced saleOvation USA (New Hartford), 1966–2008
    53. 53
      Fender to close Ovation factory in Connecticutgraded secondary
      • "built Ovation… for the last 47 years"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 1966–2008
    54. 54
      Fender to cease US production of Ovation guitarsgraded secondary
      • "Fender will now make Ovation guitars in China, South Korea and Indonesia"Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2014–2015
    55. 55
      GretschTech: The Baldwin Eragraded primary
      • The sale was completed on July 31, 1967.Gretsch Brooklyn, 1967–1970
      • parent company Baldwin United declared bankruptcy in late 1983.Gretsch Brooklyn, 1967–1970
    56. 56
      mmone: guild guitarsgraded secondary
      • "opened in 1967 in Westerly"Guild USA, 1967–1986
      • "moved to Fender's headquarters in Corona… until 2004"Guild USA, 2001–2004
      • "2004, when Fender acquired Tacoma"Guild USA, 2004–2008
    57. 57
      more info about norlingraded community
      • In December of 1969, E.C.L. Industries, Inc. took control of CMI.Epiphone Kalamazoo, 1969–1970
    58. 58
    59. 59
      Wikipedia: wiki/Epiphone 5102T / EA 250graded community
      • "started importing Epiphone-branded instruments from the Matsumoku company in 1970"Epiphone Japan, 1970–1986
    60. 60
      fandom: wiki/Epiphonegraded community
      • After Matsumoku closed in 1987Epiphone Japan, 1970–1986
      • "Samick began building Epiphones in 1984… The Korean factory stopped making Epiphones in 2002."Epiphone Korea, 1984–1986
      • "a few special models still made in Japan"Epiphone Japan special models, 1987–2018
      • "Epiphone began contracting out to a number of different manufacturers"Epiphone Korea, 1995–2018
    61. 61
      chicagomusicexchange: blogs/news/the evolution of the gretsch soundgraded community
      • "moved to Booneville, Arkansas in 1970"Gretsch Baldwin Arkansas, 1970–1981
    62. 62
      jedistar: gretsch 2/ampgraded secondary
      • "Production continued in Arkansas until 1981"Gretsch Baldwin Arkansas, 1970–1981
    63. 63
      slickdeals: f/18215926 taylor 317e grand pacific dreadnought acoustic electric guitar w hardshell casegraded unverified
      • "bought American Dream and renamed it the Westland Music Company"Taylor USA, 1974–1987
    64. 64
      taylorguitars: issue/2021 issue 2/cover story/keeping good companygraded primary
      • "on December 31… signing the documents to officially transition the ownership"Taylor USA, 1974–1987
      • on December 31, while you were ramping up your holiday celebrations, Kurt and Andy and I were signing the documents.Taylor Tecate (Mexico), 2020–now
    65. 65
      taylorguitars: about/50th anniversary timelinegraded primary
      • they decide to call the new business Westland Music Company.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
      • Westland Music Company changes its name to Taylor Guitars.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
      • Bob and Kurt buy out partner Steve Schemmer, incorporate as Taylor-Listug, Inc.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
      • After Radding announces he plans to sell the American Dream, Bob Taylor, Kurt Listug and Steve Schemmer … partner up and borrow money to purchase the shopTaylor USA, 1974–1987
    66. 66
      Taylor Guitars company history (timeline)graded primary
      • Westland Music Company changes its name to Taylor Guitars.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
      • Bob and Kurt buy out partner Steve Schemmer, incorporate as Taylor-Listug, Inc.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
    67. 67
      About Taylor Guitarsgraded primary
      • Taylor Guitars is now proudly 100% employee owned.Taylor USA, 1974–1987
    68. 68
      ranchandcoast: people/taylor guitars celebrates 50 yearsgraded secondary
      • "American Dream… in Lemon Grove"Taylor USA, 1974–1987
    69. 69
      bluebookofguitarvalues: gretsch company history 1973-presentgraded secondary
      • Baldwin had experimented briefly with guitar production at their Mexican organ facilities, producing perhaps 100 Southern Belle guitars (basically renamed Country Gentlemans) between 1978 and 1979.Gretsch Baldwin Arkansas, 1978–1979
    70. 70
    71. 71
      Hoshino Gakki (Wikipedia)graded community
      • Hoshino changes company name from Hoshino Gakki Ten to Hoshino GakkiIbanez Japan (FujiGen: J Custom, Prestige), 1981–now
    72. 72
      星野楽器(株) インターネットエラベル企業情報graded secondary
      • 設立 1981年11月Ibanez Japan (FujiGen: J Custom, Prestige), 1981–now
    73. 73
      Fender Japangraded community
    74. 74
    75. 75
    76. 76
      Fender Japan Historygraded community
    77. 77
    78. 78
      Squier Historygraded community
    79. 79
      Squiergraded community
    80. 80
      Squier Factoriesgraded community
    81. 81
    82. 82
      heritageownersclub: forums/topic/35999 heritage historygraded community
      • "was incorporated on April 1, 1985"Heritage USA, 1985–2016
    83. 83
      Changes at Heritage Guitar roil staff luthiersgraded secondary
      • Space was to be reserved for Heritage, which was formed in 1984 when Gibson abandoned the building and moved their operations to Nashville.Heritage USA, 1985–2016
      • Heritage was purchased in 2016 by Archie Leach and Jeff Nicholson of PlazaCorp Realty Advisors Inc.Heritage USA, 2016–now
    84. 84
      Heritage history (Heritage Owners Club forum thread)graded community
      • Heritage Guitar Inc. of 225 Parsons Street in Kalamazoo, Michigan was incorporated on April 1, 1985.Heritage USA, 1985–2016
    85. 85
      Heritage Guitars - About Us (site footer)graded primary
      • During the spring of 1985, several Kalamazoo guitar luthiersHeritage USA, 1985–2016
    86. 86
      Builder Profile: Heritage Guitargraded secondary
      • In the spring of 1985, Lamb, formerly the Gibson plant superintendent,Heritage USA, 1985–2016
    87. 87
      chicagomusicexchange: blogs/news/inside heritage guitarsgraded community
      • "During the spring of 1985, they purchased space at the iconic factory along with its original guitar-making equipment."Heritage USA, 1985–2016
    88. 88
      fandom: wiki/PRS Guitarsgraded community
      • "Paul Reed Smith set up a partnership to create a factory in Annapolis"PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    89. 89
      Guitar Heaven: Paul Reed Smith Makes Guitarsgraded secondary
      • With the help of an investor he formed a limited partnership, raising $500,000 in capitalPRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    90. 90
      Gibson Guitar Corp. v. Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP, 423 F.3d 539 (6th Cir. 2005)graded primary
      • PRS founder Paul Reed Smith ("Smith") began manufacturing custom guitars in the mid-1970s and opened a guitar factory in 1985.PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    91. 91
      PRS media roomgraded primary
      • Paul Reed Smith, Managing General Partner of PRS GuitarsPRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    92. 92
      A Closer Look at the 1985 PRS Serial Number 5graded primary
      • In April of 1985, PRS Guitars formally began operations in our first ever factory in Annapolis, Maryland.PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    93. 93
      Inside Annapolis: Paul Reed Smith feature (2007)graded secondary
      • we developed a strong team and launched PRS Guitars, Limited Partnership.PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    94. 94
      crutchfield: learn/prs guitars usa factory tour.htmlgraded secondary
      • "in 1985 he opened the first PRS factory in Annapolis"PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    95. 95
      PRS staff post: moved into the Stevensville factory in January 1996graded community
      • "PRS moved into the Stevensville factory in January 1996"PRS Core and Private Stock, 1985–1996
    96. 96
      Gibson Brands requested court protection from its creditors (May 1, 2018)graded secondary
      • "Gibson Brands requested court protection from its creditors"Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    97. 97
      Gibson Brands chapter 11 docket: Notice of Effective Dategraded secondary
      • "November 1 2018 Effective Date - Notice of Effe[ctive Date]"Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    98. 98
      Docket index, In re Gibson Brands, Inc. (Notice of Effective Date)graded primary
      • Notice of Effective Date Notice of (I) Entry of Confirmation Order, (II) Occurrence of Effective DateEpiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    99. 99
      Gibson Brands Plan of Reorganization Confirmedgraded primary
      • the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has confirmed the Company's plan of reorganization.Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    100. 100
      Gibson Guitars Names New Leadership And Exit From Bankruptcygraded secondary
      • the investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) will assume majority ownership control of Gibson.Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    101. 101
      TTAB Cancellation No. 92084591, filing 4 (Delaware certificate of amendment, Gibson Brands, Inc. to Gibson, Inc.)graded primary
      • CHANGING ITS NAME FROM "GIBSON BRANDS, INC." TO "GIBSON, INC."Epiphone Japan, 1986–1987
    102. 102
      jedistar: guildgraded secondary
      • "1989 Sold to FAAS Corporation"Guild USA, 1986–1989
    103. 103
      Gruhn, George (biography)graded secondary
      • Guild Guitars, executive vice president of research and development and artist relations, 1986-88.Guild USA, 1986–1989
    104. 104
      Wikipedia: wiki/FUJIGENgraded community
      • and from then on have made Epiphone Japan solid body guitarsEpiphone Japan special models, 1998–2018
      • some Gretsch models and their own branded FGN guitarsGretsch Japan early-Fender-era models, 2003–2006
    105. 105
      Fender Custom Shopgraded community
    106. 106
    107. 107
    108. 108
      assemblymag: articles/98037 hand craftsmanship meets high tech at taylor guitarsgraded secondary
      • "4,700-square-foot factory in Santee, CA, in 1987"Taylor USA, 1987–1992
      • "In 1992, Taylor moved to a 25,000-square-foot factory in El Cajon."Taylor USA, 1992–2020
    109. 109
      The Story of Gretschgraded secondary
      • In 1984 Fred made good on his promise when he and his wife Dinah bought the Gretsch Company back from Baldwin.Gretsch Traveling Wilburys (Korea), 1988–1990
      • In 2002 Gretsch and Fender announced an alliance that granted Fender exclusive rights to develop, market, and distribute Gretsch guitars.Gretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
    110. 110
      Fred #4: Fred W. Gretsch – Leading The Return Of 'That Great Gretsch Sound.'graded primary
      • His offer was accepted, and in November 1984, Fred was able to fulfill his 17-year dream of buying back the Gretsch Company.Gretsch Traveling Wilburys (Korea), 1988–1990
    111. 111
      A brief history of Gretsch guitarsgraded secondary
      • In 1984, the couple bought the Gretsch brand backGretsch Traveling Wilburys (Korea), 1988–1990
      • In 2002, Gretsch and Fender Musical Instruments Corp announced a strategic partnership.Gretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
    112. 112
      reverb: news/the rebirth of gretsch guitarsgraded secondary
      • "a series of Korean-made electrics named for the Traveling [Wilburys]"Gretsch Traveling Wilburys (Korea), 1988–1990
      • "chose Terada, an experienced firm in Nagoya"Gretsch Professional Collection (Japan), 1989–2003
      • "starting officially on the first day of 2003"Gretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
    113. 113
    114. 114
      reverb: news/how to date a gretsch guitargraded secondary
      • "1989 - present: Japan (Terada factory)"Gretsch Professional Collection (Japan), 1989–2003
      • "1995 - present: US (Custom & Masterbuilt Series)"Gretsch Custom Shop, 1995–2003
      • "Starting in 1999… budget-level Electromatic… in Korea"Gretsch Electromatic, 1999–2003
      • "CY = China - Yako"Gretsch Electromatic, 2000–2003
      • "JF = Japan - FujiGen Gakki"Gretsch Japan early-Fender-era models, 2003–2006
      • "JD = Japan - Dyna Gakki"Gretsch Japan early-Fender-era models, 2003–2006
      • "IS = Indonesia – Samick"Gretsch Streamliner, 2016–now
    115. 115
    116. 116
      kpbs: podcasts/the finest/how taylor guitars changed the guitar industry and helped revitalize agraded secondary
      • "102 guitars per day… Tecate… about 700 per day"Taylor USA, 1992–2020
    117. 117
      blogspot: 2025/11/the convoluted history of guild guitars.htmlgraded community
      • "FMIC bought Guild from U.S. Music Corporation in November 1995"Guild USA, 1995–2001
    118. 118
      fender: newsroom/news/408graded primary
      • "(May 6, 2014)… letter of intent to sell the Guild guitar brand"Guild USA, 1995–2001
    119. 119
      premierguitar: artists/cordoba music group acquires guildgraded secondary
      • "Upon finalization of the sale, Cordoba Music Group is expected to begin production in Oxnard, Calif."Guild USA, 1995–2001
    120. 120
      Fender Musical Instruments Corporation announces intent to sell Guild brand to Cordoba Music Groupgraded primary
      • Guild joined the FMIC family in 1995Guild USA, 1995–2001
      • finalized a letter of intent to sell the Guild guitar brand and related assets to Cordoba Music GroupGuild DeArmond (Korea), 2014–2023
    121. 121
      Guild in the Post-Fender Eragraded secondary
      • When Fender bought the company in late 1995, Guild was headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island.Guild USA, 1995–2001
    122. 122
      Fender Musical Instruments Company (International Directory of Company Histories)graded secondary
      • In 1995, Fender acquired the Guild Guitar Company, a Rhode Island-based manufacturer of handmade electric and acousticGuild USA, 1995–2001
    123. 123
      Wikipedia: wiki/PRS Guitarsgraded community
      • "In 1996, the company moved to its present facility in Stevensville on Kent Island"PRS Core and Private Stock, 1996–now
      • "since 2019 production has been moved to Cor-Tek factories in Indonesia and China"PRS SE, 2019–now
    124. 124
      Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanez GIOgraded community
      • "produced in either China or Indonesia"Ibanez GIO, 1997–now
    125. 125
      fandom: wiki/Guild Guitar Companygraded community
      • "manufactured in Korea under the DeArmond brand name"Guild DeArmond (Korea), 1998–2014
    126. 126
    127. 127
    128. 128
      gretsch-talk: threads/gretsch korean plants.105525graded community
      • "KP = Korea - Peerless"Gretsch Electromatic, 1999–2003
    129. 129
    130. 130
    131. 131
      gretsch-talk: threads/what year did electromatic production move from korea to china.218618graded community
      • "transitioned to China between June and July of 2021"Gretsch Electromatic, 2000–2003
    132. 132
      acousticguitarforum: forums/showthread.php?p=5240671graded community
      • "made at a factory in China under a contract"Guild GAD (China), 2000–2014
    133. 133
      Harmony historygraded community
      • The Harmony trademark and all intellectual property was acquired in 2009 by Westheimer corpoaration in Northbrook, IL.Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2000–2017
    134. 134
      HARMONY trademark registration 71688732graded primary
      • GLOBAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO., INC., A DIVISION OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TRADE CONSULTANTS, LTD.Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2000–2017
    135. 135
      musicradar: news/the story of prss se guitar linegraded secondary
      • "the entire line was made by World Musical Instrument Co in Incheon, Korea"PRS SE, 2000–2019
      • "a facility, in Indonesia, that is PRS Guitars… just PRS"PRS SE, 2018–now
      • "initially PT Wildwood, and now… Cor-Tek (Cort)"PRS SE, 2018–2019
    136. 136
      gretschguitars: 2014/01/ten years of the gretsch custom shopgraded primary
      • "Fender acquired licensing for the manufacture, distribution and marketing… in 2002"Gretsch Custom Shop, 2003–2004
      • Gretsch Custom Shop is now located in the rolling hills of Corona, Calif.Gretsch Custom Shop, 2004–now
    137. 137
      fender newsroom: gretsch celebrates 15 years of the gretsch custom shopgraded primary
      • With Stern tied up with Benedetto, Fleming and Fender’s George Blanda were tabbed to build the first-ever custom U.S.-made Gretsch models, which debuted at the 2004 winter NAMM Show.Gretsch Custom Shop, 2004–now
    138. 138
      Fender to buy Kaman Music Corp.graded secondary
      • "closing is set to happen by January 1, 2008"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    139. 139
      Ovation sold to Drum Workshop (Jan 6, 2015)graded secondary
      • "Yesterday, FMIC announced that KMC Music… has sold the Ovation guitar brand to Drum Workshop, Inc."Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    140. 140
      FMIC announces KMC Music sale of Ovation to DW (Jan 6, 2015); KMC sold to JAM Industries (Feb 12, 2015)graded secondary
      • "FMIC announced that KMC Music… has sold the Ovation guitar brand to Drum Workshop, Inc."Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    141. 141
      Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Announces Sale of KMC Music's Percussion Brands and Ovation Guitars to Drum Workshop, Inc.graded primary
      • as well as the Ovation® guitar brand.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    142. 142
      Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Form S-1 (2012)graded primary
      • In December 2007 we acquired KMC, which was our largest acquisition to date.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    143. 143
      Fender Musical Instruments Corp, Form S-1/A Amendment No. 5graded primary
      • since the acquisition of Kaman Music Corporation (now known as KMC Musicorp), or KMC, in 2007Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2008–2014
    144. 144
    145. 145
      Wikipedia: wiki/Guild Guitar Companygraded community
      • "began production in early 2009, starting with the top-end D-55 and F-50"Guild USA, 2009–2014
    146. 146
      Wikipedia: wiki/Ibanez RGgraded community
      • "Mid-tier guitars produced in a special facility set up in Indonesia."Ibanez Premium (Indonesia), 2010–now
    147. 147
      PRS S2 Series launch release (July 9, 2013)graded secondary
      • "Stevensville, MD (July 9, 2013) -- PRS Guitars' new S2 Series instruments – the S2 Mira, S2 Starla, and S2 Custom 24"PRS S2, 2013–now
    148. 148
      Yamaha Guitar Group press release 2023-02-06graded primary
      • "Guild Guitars… was added to the CMG portfolio in 2014"Guild DeArmond (Korea), 2014–2023
    149. 149
      Cordoba, FMIC finalize sale of Guild Guitarsgraded secondary
      • has announced that it has finalized the sale of the Guild® guitar brandGuild DeArmond (Korea), 2014–2023
    150. 150
      blogspot: 2026/04/ovation solid body electric guitars.htmlgraded community
      • "outsourcing others to a Chinese factory"Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2014–2015
    151. 151
      guitarreviewed: posts/7d090c8ea9b256752ae03e3a1476b661graded unverified
      • "made in China by our skilled factory partners"Guild Westerly Collection (China), 2015–2023
    152. 152
      guitar: features/a brief history of guild guitarsgraded secondary
      • "begin making acoustics in its Oxnard facility in 2015"Guild USA, 2015–2023
    153. 153
      Drum Workshop acquires Ovation (Jan 7, 2015)graded secondary
      • "have finalized an asset sale agreement"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    154. 154
      Fender sells Ovation brand to Drum Workshopgraded secondary
      • announced today that its subsidiary KMC Music, Inc. has sold its OvationOvation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    155. 155
      Ovation Guitars joins the GEWA music family of brandsgraded secondary
      • In 2015 DW became owner of the legendary guitar maker as part of a multi-brand acquisition from Fender/KMC.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
      • GEWA music has recently announced the acquisition of the Ovation guitar brand from longtime partner, Drum Workshop, Inc.Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    156. 156
      Bloomfield instrument distributor moves HQgraded secondary
      • DW also bought the Ovation guitar brand from Fender in that deal.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    157. 157
      Production of Ovation Guitars to Resume in New Hartfordgraded secondary
      • Drum Workshop purchased the brand earlier this year from Fender Musical Instruments Corp.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    158. 158
      Drum Workshop purchases Latin Percussion, Toca Percussion, Gretsch Drums, Gibraltar Hardware, and KAT Percussion from Fender's KMC subsidiarygraded secondary
      • Ovation Guitars and exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Sabian Cymbals are also included in the transaction.Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    159. 159
      glencampbellforums: viewtopic.php?t=341graded community
      • "the factory will resume production in October, 2015"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    160. 160
      GEWA purchases Ovation Guitarsgraded secondary
      • "Custom Shop will focus on… Adamas models"Ovation USA (New Hartford), 2015–2020
    161. 161
      guitar: reviews/electric guitar/gretsch shootout g2420t streamliner g5420t electromatic g6120t plagraded secondary
      • "Streamliner models are made in Indonesia"Gretsch Streamliner, 2016–now
    162. 162
      kalamazoocountry: new owners for heritage guitars in kalamazoograded secondary
      • "a group of investors has bought Heritage guitars and the accompanying building"Heritage USA, 2016–now
    163. 163
      Restoring Gibson legacy: Kalamazoo Heritage Guitars renovating historic plantgraded secondary
      • spearheaded by new owners Archie Leach and Jeff Nicholson, who bought Heritage Guitars in 2016.Heritage USA, 2016–now
    164. 164
      Harmony acquires Stella Guitarsgraded secondary
      • the Singaporean conglomerate that acquired the rights to, and subsequently relaunched, Harmony in late 2017, along with Teisco.Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2017–2021
    165. 165
      Singapore's BandLab Technologies rebrands as Caldecott Music Groupgraded secondary
      • Vista Musical Instruments, CMG's manufacturing and retail division, includes the instrument brands MONOHarmony Westheimer reissues, 2017–2021
      • CMG’s digital division, BandLab Technologies, will continue to design and develop tools and services for music creators.Harmony USA (BandLab/Vista), 2021–now
    166. 166
      NAMM 2018: Harmony guitars back, along with new ampsgraded secondary
      • However, we do know that BandLab Technologies, the same company that has relaunched Teisco, is behind the Harmony brand now.Harmony Westheimer reissues, 2017–2021
    167. 167
      Gibson emerges from bankruptcy (Oct 23, 2018)graded secondary
      • "Nov. 1, when… KKR assumes majority ownership control"Epiphone Japan, 2018–now
    168. 168
      Gibson Brands Emerges from Chapter 11graded secondary
      • an ad hoc committee of Gibson Brands, Inc. noteholders, led by KKREpiphone Japan, 2018–now
    169. 169
      Harmony guitars import line (blog, 2020)graded community
      • "The guitars are now made in China."Harmony Standard Series (import), 2018–2021
    170. 170
      Ovation ownership transfer to GEWA (Dec 22, 2020)graded secondary
      • "deal that was inked in September"Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
      • "February 1, 2021… GEWA Music USA taking over Ovation distribution"Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    171. 171
      GEWA Music acquires Ovation Guitarsgraded secondary
      • Adamas and Applause – two brands associated with Ovation – are also part of the deal, which was finalized in September 2020.Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    172. 172
      GEWA purchases Ovation Guitarsgraded secondary
      • The Adamas and Applause guitar brands are also included in the purchase.Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    173. 173
      Ovation Guitars acquired by GEWA Musicgraded secondary
      • has acquired the Ovation brand from Drum Workshop, Inc.Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    174. 174
      Ovation Guitars has been acquired by GEWA Musicgraded secondary
      • Associated brands Adamas and Applause are reportedly part of the deal, which was inked in September 2020.Ovation imports (Celebrity, Applause, Elite import), 2020–now
    175. 175
      musicinstrumentnews: 2021/01/11/taylor guitars transitions ownership to its employeesgraded secondary
      • "transition to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan"Taylor Tecate (Mexico), 2020–now
    176. 176
      Taylor Transitions to 100% Employee Ownership Through an ESOPgraded primary
      • The company is now officially 100 percent employee owned.Taylor Tecate (Mexico), 2020–now
      • After sharing the news that they had signed the paperwork to make the ownership transition official in late DecemberTaylor Tecate (Mexico), 2020–now
    177. 177
      Taylor Guitars ESOP articlegraded secondary
      • As of Dec. 31, the El Cajon business became 100% employee owned.Taylor Tecate (Mexico), 2020–now
    178. 178
      Caldecott Music Groupgraded secondary
      • Caldecott Music Group revealed as new umbrella of BandLabHarmony USA (BandLab/Vista), 2021–now
    179. 179
      Caldecott Music appoints David Nam Le as MD of Vista Musical and Jon Bahr as Senior Advisor at BandLabgraded secondary
      • Caldecott Music Group was formed as a parent company in 2021 to house three divisions: BandLab, Vista Musical, and NME Networks.Harmony USA (BandLab/Vista), 2021–now
    180. 180
      yamaha: en/news release/files/news/23020701/pdf/2302070101.pdfgraded primary
      • "acquired the equity interest of Cordoba Music Group, LLC… making it a sub-subsidiary"Guild GAD (China), 2023–now
      • Acquisition date: February 7, 2023Guild GAD (China), 2023–now
    181. 181
      Yamaha Guitar Group press release: acquisition of Cordoba Music Groupgraded primary
      • Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Yamaha CorporationGuild GAD (China), 2023–now
    182. 182
      Yamaha Guitar Group acquires Cordoba Music Groupgraded secondary
      • Yamaha Guitar Group, a U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Yamaha CorporationGuild GAD (China), 2023–now
    183. 183
      Wikipedia: wiki/Heritage Guitarsgraded community
      • "In 2024, Heritage launched a new budget line known as the Ascent Collection."Heritage Ascent, 2024–now

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