The Rarest Gibson Guitars in the World! Visiting the Gibson Vault with Mark Agnesi & The Music Zoo!

After our walk through of the Gibson Garage, Mark Agnesi took us backstage through the Gibson VIP Artist Lounge (awesome) and walked us through what is apparently the worst kept secret in guitars...the Gibson Vault! We saw some INCREDIBLE pieces including one of the first instruments that Orville Gibson ever crafted, and a 1940 SJ-200 Rosewood that floored us.

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[BlackMarketYoga]

Good thing you guys coordinated your outfits

[nowgearthis]

Maybe build a better case for the 1st ever Orville, no?😂

[lucabrasi]

How nice of Joe Bonamassa to lend Gibson some of his guitars.

[davidscotbrown]

"For the first time ever, guitars left the parlor and guitars went on stage" Well Mark, don't tell any of the classical guitarists in Europe that story.

[ralphk.j]

You should try and find one of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s guitars for the vault, she played many Gibsons in her lengthy career. Definitely deserves more recognition!

[craigs]

That first ever instrument by Orville is sure beautiful. It really should be in one of the wall display cases? A chipboard case that doesn't even remotely fit the instrument with a bit a packing material is what it's kept in. Nice.

[spmartin]

So well done, Mark! Your relaxed demeanor on camera, and deep knowledge is really appreciated. I’ll bet Norm is so proud of you!

[thomasbonnett]

Is it me, or should the first instrument produced by Orville Gibson be behind glass too? I nearly had a heart attack when you whipped the case open.

[dindjarin]

I was working at a guitar shop in 1980 and you could get a 59 Les Paul for like $2500, a 1961 Fender Stratocaster for $1300, I 66 Fender Mustang for $300, a brand new U.S. Fender Stratocaster for $500 with case, New Les Paul were like $850.

[RyanCohen-yx]

WOW
I'm absolutely blown away
I think I would be totally creeped out in that room. Just one of the most important musical instrument companies for all time. Mark & the Gibson company.... Congratulations. I have a USA 2023 Les Paul and it's an absolute treasure. Thank you thank you!

[codycumberland]

I love learning about the major historical moments and stories. Thanks for sharing!

[namnefternamn]

Mark knows a lot about vintage guitars but has some studying to do when it comes to rock n roll history. The brand that pioneered punk is of course Johnny Ramone´s Mosrite.

[voyager]

"The one thing that sets us apart..." The Stathopoulo family called and would like a word ;-)

[anthonym]

Do not (repeat: Do not) let Bonamassa into this room. He's got enough guitars.

[benhaven]

Super rare, one of the first Mr. Gibson made... That's why we keep it in an ill fitting 35 dollar acoustic case.

[rubiera]

Mark's correct about Gibson's presence in various genres but only up to a point. The piano was the most prominent instrument in what became known as Ragtime via composers like Scott Joplin, the early Blues of W.C. Handy and as accompaniment to Mamie Smith to launch the Blues craze. And while a guitar is present in Buddy Bolden's groups it couldn't be heard in pre-electrical Jazz recordings (more often a banjo was used) and the trumpet was the dominant voice in the earliest New Orleans style. Yes, Eddie Lang and Mother Maybelle Carter were playing L-5's but I would not say "guitar created" those genres. And Berliner patented the gramophone in 1887 so recording technology definitely pre-dates Gibson. But great to see a video acknowledging the role of carved top archtop in Gibson's history and not beginning at Les Pauls!

[tylerwillison]

Great video. Mark has truly become an asset for the company. He’s a wealth of knowledge.

[JamesWalshBristolKids]

Thank you guys for doing this walk through. This is great. It is incredible you have Mary Ford’s Gibson SG in the Gibson Vault! Hope to see more soon. 🎉

[stevehughes]

So good, thanks you guys, Mark et al. And you bought the ES 330 back into the line up this week too, love me a cherry, that's on the list in the next month or so !! Keep doing the good stuff, cheers.

[acesteele]

So good to see "Aunt Mary" Ford's SG go from Vegas pawn shop to where it truly belongs, a Gibson vault 💖