8 STRING GUITAR

John Gilbert 8 String Guitar

1990 Cedar Top · 8 String Guitar

1990 John Gilbert 8 string guitar #137
with Schlemper Systems amplification system

Tuning: A-D-E-A-D-G-B-E


Gilbert Guitars
1485 la Honda Rd
Woodside, CA 94062

Unlike the conventional 6 string guitar, the 8 string guitar has two extra strings that can act as two extra bass strings or one extra bass string and one extra treble string above the first string. Brian has chosen to extend the lower range of the instrument by using the extra strings on the bass side. They can be retuned to accommodate most keys.

This cedar top 8 string guitar was made in 1990 by now retired luthier John Gilbert (b. 1922). After a career as a tool engineer in California, John Gilbert began another career building guitars in 1974. Gilbert guitars are known for their consistency and precise attention to detail. John Gilbert guitars have been played by such artists as David Russell, Raphaella Smits, Frederic Hand, Konrad Ragossnig, and David Tanenbaum.

John's son, William Gilbert joined his father in 1991 and now builds guitars under his own name.