Seems what you're really interested is recent Gibson history -- not going all the way back to Orville Gibson, Lloyd Loar etc. -- with an emphasis on the acquisition of Flatiron and its amalgamation into the Gibson acoustic instrument operation. Who made what style of mandolin when, stuff like that.
You probably want to talk to Joe Vest, who worked at G until starting his own shop recently, and is familiar with the information for which you're looking. He posted his phone number and e-mail address on the Cafe in May, so I guess it's OK to give it to you:
615-865-8797 bigjoev@bellsouth.net
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
Bookmarks