From 1925 through 1961 Gibson, Inc. of Kalamazoo, Michigan produced over 40 brands of musical instruments that did not carry the Gibson name. Many of these brands may be familiar with such names as Kalamazoo, Recording King, National and Washburn, while many others are names that only a handful of avid Gibsonites will know like Werlein Leader, Grinnell, Truett, and many more.

This book is a complete guide to all of the other brands Gibson produced complete with detailed descriptions, photos and rare examples of existing instruments from collectors around the world. If you’re hoping to find that diamond in the rough at the local garage sale, this guide will familiarize you with even the most obscure brands Gibson made.

While there is much that is not known about many of the Gibson-made brands, this book takes an in-depth look at all of the known brands Gibson made from 1929 to 1961 including Ambassador, Capital, Cromwell, Fascinator, FDH, Grinnell, Hayden, Kalamazoo, Kel Kroydon, Liberty, Henry Mason, Marshall Special, Martelle, Mastertone Special, Old Kraftsman (Spiegel), Oriole, Paynes for Music, Recording King (Montgomery Ward), Reznick Radio Special, S.S. Stewart, Tex Star, Trujo/Truett, Washburn, and Werlein Leader.