Draft:Gibson MK Guitar Series
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Gibson_Brands in Wikipedia gives some interesting history, noting the ownership by the Norlin corporation from 1969 to 1986, when the Mark Series acoustic guitars were developed. The production was moved from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Nashville, Tennessee starting in 1976.
Dr. M. Kasha, Dr. E. Watson, Dr. Adrian Houtsma, and master luthier Richard Schnieder, began research and development leading to the Mark Series of guitars for Gibson in the early 1970s. Kasha was particularly interested in improving the physics of the guitar. Innovations for the Mark Series included several things - a radical new bracing system and an impedance matching bridge, which has a distinct curving taper shape. [1] [2] [3] Michael Wright, in Vintage Guitar magazine, December 2006 suggests that 431 MK-81s were sold, 1229 MK-72, 1424 MK-53, and 5226 MK-35. The MK Series was offered until 1979, only four years.
Gibson's moving manufacturing from Kalamazoo to Nashville was marked by increased quality issues in manufacturing, likely due to regional differences in humidity. Eventually Gibson discontinued most of their high-end lines, concentrating on more profitable lines. The Mark Series was discontinued, even though sales were on the increase.[4]
Gibson's 1978 price list/catalog listed five models of the Mark (MK) Series - 99, 81, 72, 53, and 35. the Mark 99 was a handcrafted custom instrument and the Mark 81 was the premium model, each featuring gold-plated parts. The MK 99 was listed at $2199.00, MK 81 at $999.00, MK 72 at $749.00, MK 53 at $649.00 and MK 35 at $569.00. This was in contrast to other Gibson acoustic models in same price list as J-200 at $979.00, Dove at $899.00 and J-55 at $639.00. Thus making the Mark Series the most expensive acoustic guitars in the catalog. [5] The Mark Series had a distinct shaped bridge piece and headstock, unlike any other Gibson acoustic guitar.
Master luthier, Antônio de Pádua Gomide has a very interesting article on Kasha-Schneider guitar construction, shown bracing details and discussing frequency responses.
Interestingly the Wikipedia listing of Gibson acoustic guitars doesn't list the Mark Series, likely because it was offered only between 1975 and 1979.
Mark Series guitar serial numbers were stamped in the headstock, for example a serial number starting with a "B" would indicate that the guitar was made in 1974/1975. GuitarHQ.com Gibson Serial Numbers
- ^ Gibson 1976 Flattops and Mark Series Catalog
- ^ The History and Development of the American Guitar, by Ken Achard, 1997, pgs 127 and 128
- ^ "Gibson Mark 53 | Vintage Guitar® magazine". 3 March 2010.
- ^ "Identifying Vintage Guitars, Banjos & Mandolins".
- ^ Gibson Price List Catalog Effective May 15, 1978, Page 11, Mark Series