I sat down with JC Curleigh , Chief Executive Officer of Gibson , in the backstage area to discuss his and the company ’ s vision for the Gibson Garage . Curleigh stated , ” When I arrived in Nashville two and a half years ago , I soaked in the Country Music Hall of Fame , Johnny Cash Museum , the Ryman , concerts at the Bridgestone and the Bluebird Café . And I ’ m like where is the best Gibson guitar experience here ? The vision was to have the ultimate Gibson experience here in Nashville . A place where you can explore Gibson , a place where you can play guitars , a place where you can shop and go home with a piece of Gibson !”
I added in one more question . Gibson guitars are represented at guitar shops around middle Tennessee , so why create the Gibson Garage in Nashville ? JC said , “ The guitar experience can be a little intimidating at times . You either know what you want , or someone must connect with you if you ’ re a beginner . We said let ’ s demystify and democratize access . It is for those that want to explore , to those that collect guitars ”.
The Gibson Garage is now open to the public . As a guitar player and collector myself , I plan to go back to the Gibson Garage and take my time on soaking more of it in . I want to plug in guitars and amps I ’ ve never tried and learn more about many of these products . This is not your typical guitar shop and I believe you must experience it for yourself in person to really understand what has been accomplished by the Gibson company and their team . It makes total sense when you are walking around the Gibson Garage , but no other music gear company has created something to this extent showcasing all of the products they have to offer and allowing you to plug and play them all .
Could this be the new future for major music gear brands ? Cesar Gueikan told me , “ We want people to come here and say this was the ultimate guitar experience and I can ’ t wait to come back . And ultimately become a destination in Nashville .”
From my first visit to the Gibson Garage the bigger challenge might be limiting how many people can be allowed inside at a time and not exceed city regulations . If you ’ re a fan of Gibson , Epiphone , Kramer or Mesa Boogie , you will want to add this to your “ must-do ” list the next time you are in Nashville .