Gibson Guitar Reviews

Pros

gibson is a world brand for its products. though not all of the products deserve that name. every now and then poor products come out. (poor in quality or poor in acceptation). But I have to admit, even after being dismissed I still have positive feelings for the brand.
Europe team (with some exception) is very willing, eager to perform and very focussed on team effort. Wonderfull and I am proud to have worked with many of them.

Cons

Never seen a company that is so poorly organized. Corporate officers are like austridges putting their head in the ground when someone makes a remark or gives advice. No one over there listens or react pro-active when ideas are put on the table, only to cover themselves. No support from them what so ever to be expected. Certainly not when their own position is at risk, they cover up their incompetence by getting you sacked. Corporate does not see, seemingly also does not appreciate talent and creativity from its employees.

Advice to Senior Management

Henry, Dave. Please have an interview with anyone that leaves the company, forced or non-forced, and listen to the remarks they make (even if they are a bit biased) . You have the procedure that any new hiring has to be approved by you (after a long and elaborate selection proces), now do the same on the departure. Do not believe everything your corporate officers tell you, because it is not always the reality they picture to you!!
Accept proficiency from local teams and do something with it.
EMPOWER your people, EMPOWER your brand.

Pros

you work at THE Gibson Guitars, Nice perks like discount guitars, gear and event tickets, great people to work with (at least when I worked there) below the management level

Cons

no reviews when promised, no raise when promised, Henry takes forever to "sign-off" on anything, Very cut throat environment at the management level, which trickles down to the other staff.

Advice to Senior Management

Replace henry, because I feel that all of the problems with Gibson Guitars come down from the top. Management is too scared of Henry to make a decision or question anything. Everyone is too scared to take a risk, which could possibly fail, and would then result in them being fired.

Pros

Employees have the opportunity to jump into a global company with a front row seat of the action. If you want to be 'hands on' with one of the most recognized brands in the world, this is the place. Incredible people! World class, talented, smart employees that don't have the agendas found in other companies (speaking to the majority). People have to work together to meet the over-the-top goals. Employees rise to the occasion because they love the brand (and can take tough challenges). This is NOT the place to coast in your career. Great brand. Great product. Ultimately, I'm glad I worked there.

Cons

The expectations are very high for every position which often makes it difficult to keep that kind of a pace long term. Long hours (not because they make you, but it's often the only way to stay on top of the expectations) make balancing family/personal life difficult. If you don't want to be pushed to your next level and are not willing to roll with quick changes and 24 hour deadlines, this place may not be for you.

Advice to Senior Management

Managers and teams have to get approval for every single move. Why not approve the goal then let them run with it? Ultimately, they will be held responsible for the goal and budget anyway, so why micromanage the process? It just slows things down.

Pros

The brands and products are great. The vision of the leader very expansive meaning he wants to change the very nature of the music business and if you want to be part of that opportunity then this is a great place to be. The team he is building is seasoned and capable.

Cons

If you don't like being accountable for your actions and performance then this will be a difficult place to work. The infrastructure for systems and communication is dated and needs improvement.

Advice to Senior Management

Keep pushing the business to be better. Its tough at times to be pushed but as any good coach knows, "no pain, no gain". This company is not where it is today without a demanding leader.

Pros

pay and benefits are ok despite a raise in a few years. vaction buy back program is cool and there are alot of wonderful people that work there.

Cons

through many changes in management, the morale of hourly employees is at an all time low. the middle management is the weakest link, made up of power hungry, incompetent, hourly- turned- salary employees, who have no idea how to talk to or treat the rest of the employees. i have worked in production based environments for close to 15 years, and this is by far the most poorly managed place i have ever worked. the communication between management and hourly employees is horrible, working hours are constantly changing with little, or no notice, making it nearly impossible to plan anything resembling a life outside of work. while quality is not the worst in the business, it is nowhere near the top, due in large part to unreasonable production goals and a "good enough" attitude by the management, who have the final say. they dance around problems and temporarily fix them in order to avoid the wrath of the companies owner, who tries to micromanage everything, despite being uninformed of lots of problems that are hidden from him by middle management, who are scared to death of him. to most of the management, they couldnt care less about quality as long as production goals are met. if things dont change, the already sinking reputation or the company will suffer greatly despite some promising ideas for future products.

Advice to Senior Management

in my time at gibson there has been many changes in the upper management, but little or no changes in middle/lower management. until that happens, things will continue to decline.

Pros

People think it's really cool that I work at Gibson.....If they only knew the real story!

Cons

This place works you to death, makes false promises about your pay, and makes you work mandatory overtime at the last minute, even if you have plans already for the weekend. I've been promised a significant pay raise for one year, still haven't received it. Been strung along long enough! Can't wait to exit the premises. This place shouldn't even be allowed to operate-too many unethical practices. I've lost all respect for this place! Don't work there-you'll be sorry!

Advice to Senior Management

When you promise your employees rewards and pay raises, and that employee has worked hard to earn them, then Gibson needs to follow through. Enough with the lies already.

Pros

This should be such an awesome company. The product is outstanding. Employees are bright , talented, forward thinking individuals who want nothing more than to be the reason the corporation excels.

Cons

This is a sick environment in which to work. Employees are treated as nothing. The main objective is to be a non intity.

Advice to Senior Management

Allow management to manage; allow employees to do the job they were hired to do. Recognize those who contribute to the success of the corporation. Employees in all areas are goal oriented, yet cannot accomplish their objectives because of the incessant fear of drawing attention and facing termination. This corporation should be re-named Gibson Skating Rink.

Pros

Cool instruments and some of the other lower level employees are very nice

Cons

Management spends all day/night trying not to upset the unstable CEO
Henry will lie to you directly for his entertainment and then fire you because of his lies

Advice to Senior Management

Either get rid of Henry as CEO or just sell the company to Peavey

Pros

History of product, good workers, potential

Cons

What a mess. Lack of communication. Lack of needed tools/parts to complete tasks.

Advice to Senior Management

Let the new hires you just brought in do their job and give them, and us, what is needed to run the plant more efficiently. Please. Most of us want to do a good job but you make that difficult at best.

Pros

The Brand is well recognized.

Cons

The ownership seems to be focused on micromanagement.

Advice to Senior Management

Stop micro managing.