Mark Agnesi observes a Gibson Sunburst finish being sprayed

Mark Agnesi learns how nitrocellulose lacquer and expert handcraftsmanship define Gibson guitars.

Ever wondered how a Gibson guitar goes from raw wood to rock ’n’ roll legend? In this clip from an earlier episode of The Scene, Mark Agnesi is joined by Jim DeCola, Gibson’s Master Luthier and Product Development expert, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Gibson factory in Nashville, USA, which Gibson refers to as one of its “craftories” and is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Step into the heart of Gibson’s build process, from the first rough cuts in the mill to the final iconic sunburst spray. Witness how Les Paul™ and ES™ model bodies arrive for binding, and how craftspeople apply and scrape binding by hand, wrap bodies with canvas rope, and meticulously sand each top to preserve every curve. As Jim explains, these roles take months to master and represent the pinnacle of skill on the factory floor.

Then, enter the finishing department, where every Gibson guitar receives its legendary nitrocellulose lacquer finish, a thin, breathable layer that enhances resonance and gives each instrument its unmistakable patina. Unlike poly finishes, nitro lets the guitar breathe and ring, staying true to Gibson’s sonic legacy – part of the reason nitrocellulose finishes are so revered.

Watch as Jim and Mark observe a Gibson Sunburst finish being sprayed, a technique invented by Gibson and still only performed by a select few. With just four to six people qualified to spray these finishes, each Sunburst is adjusted by eye to match the wood’s tone and grain, requiring instinct, experience, and total focus.

From CNC milling to hand-sprayed finishes, every detail in the 12 to 16–day process showcases why Gibson guitars are more than just instruments —they’re works of art. Join us as we honor 50 years of craftsmanship in Nashville and celebrate the soul of the Gibson sound.

ABOUT GIBSON
Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 127 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 family of brands includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including @officialepiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original Made To Rock Hard guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, and KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effects pedals. We are dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by Gibson.