Gibson Inc., the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, Gibson Amps, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals.
Job Summary The Gibson Custom Shop is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, quality, and sound excellence. Each instrument celebrates Gibson's legacy through accuracy, authenticity, and attention to detail. The Murphy Lab is the pinnacle of the Gibson Custom Shop, where the most desired guitars in the world are crafted. After detailed training, the Aging Specialist works in the Murphy Lab at the Gibson Custom Shop to recreate guitar wear and aging patterns on brand new guitars from production. The Specialist acquires the needed knowledge through continued coaching to simulate wear on the guitar at 4 distinct levels of simulated use.
Essential Functions
- Per the given daily schedule, the Specialist ages different types of Gibson guitars with their pre-determined unique wear pattern at 4 different levels of simulated use.
- Uses unique tools skilfully to modify the painted finish on guitars to create exact replicas of iconic instruments
- Buffs, or spot buffs guitars undergoing the process to add other simulated wear effects
- Uses sandpaper or other abrasive media as part of the process
- May be involved in the “hardware” aging process for metal components
- Works to a standardized daily output requirement
- May be asked to simulate credible wear patterns as needed on special projects or unique reproductions
- Participates in the daily clean-up and maintenance of the Lab-like work area
- Place all hazardous materials in 90 day storage location
- Employee can be asked to perform other duties that are reasonable within the area of expertise
- Adherence to the Gibson Cardinal Safety Rules as per the Gibson Playbook for Cardinal Safety Rules and General Safety Rules
- Obligation to submit Safety observations for identified hazards using the safety observation QR code
- Support the comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure a safe work environment, maintain compliance with regulations, and improvement of our safety processes
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Familiarity with real world examples of “natural” guitar aging patterns
- Woodworking
- Manual skills
- Detail oriented
- Coachable
- Willingness to learn
- A Self-starter
- General knowledge of guitar construction required
- This job is also subject to the signing and understanding of the Confidentiality Agreement.
Required Education and Experience
- Experience with using hand tools to deliver precise results required
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to stand all day and lift guitars throughout the day.
- Basic physical stances and actions (sitting, standing, walking)
- Any necessary adjusted postures for improved angles in the aging process
