Gibson got raided again today by the Feds

Denis · August 24, 2011, 07:14:12 PM

This time is was both the Nashville and the Memphis facilities.
I'd post a link to an article but Safari keeps crashing on me.

Grog · August 24, 2011, 07:45:10 PM

Here's one version...........

http://guitarsquid.com/Latest/gibson-raided-by-the-feds-again.html

Dave W · August 24, 2011, 09:57:09 PM

Here's another: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110824/NEWS21/110824021/Federal-agents-raid-Gibson-Guitar-offices-Nashville

The Shavo bass was probably the last straw.

Seriously, if this is connected to the previous raid, you have to wonder if it's an overzealous attempt to pin something on them. Or it could be about something completely different. Guess we'll find out before too long.

Psycho Bass Guy · August 25, 2011, 01:21:38 AM

Dear Lord, the "comments" section on that story...

Of course, that kind of garbage is EXACTLY what I would expect from a Gannett property (speaking as a former employee). ...and by that I mean that most of those "extreme" political views were most likely posted BY employees as a means to drum up webpage hits. They've been caught doing it before.

uwe · August 25, 2011, 04:19:09 AM

This doesn't happen to Ric and it doesn't happen to Fender. But it has happened to Gibson again.

I'm no tree hugger, but after the first raid this is simply sloppy compliance and monitoring work by the company. What kind of law firm do they have?

If you've been raided once and have an investigation running against you, you do your best to prevent it from happening again. You introduce new control mechanisms, have a workable whistleblower policy and co-operate with the authorities rectally if necessary. You don't give them the slightest doubt that raiding you again is unneccessary. What an abysmal failure of Gibson's legal inhouse team and whoever is their law firm (I recommend ritual suicide for them all). Utterly unprofessional. From a legal compliance point of view this is as inane as having shipped basses without trussrods.

I'm rubbing my eyes. How is this company being run? If this was a Clifford Chance client, the involved team would have a lot to answer to. A frigging disaster, no less.

Denis · August 25, 2011, 06:03:32 AM

But no charges were ever filed as a result of the 2009 raids, so I wonder what gives here?
As a member of Global Green it seems to me the company wouldn't risk violating the Lacey Act by doing something so stupid is purposely importing offending wood. And to do it enough times to warrant two large raids by the feds? It's too high profile. There must be something else.

dadagoboi · August 25, 2011, 06:06:38 AM

Quote from: Denis on August 25, 2011, 06:03:32 AM
There must be something else.

Some Fed REALLY pissed off about the FireTurd?

Psycho Bass Guy · August 25, 2011, 06:18:52 AM

Quote from: dadagoboi on August 25, 2011, 06:06:38 AM
Some Fed REALLY pissed off about the FireTurd?

Change you can BELIEVE in!

Denis · August 25, 2011, 06:47:37 AM

Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on August 25, 2011, 06:18:52 AM
Change you can BELIEVE in!

Hahaha!

Dave W · August 25, 2011, 08:15:21 AM

Another story, this time from Memphis: http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-gibson-raid-5,0,7022415.story According to this story, they turned away delivery trucks and loaded evidence into a U-Haul truck, so they must have taken quite a bit.

Sounds like overkill to me. But at least now you can say you have a pre-Fish & Wildlife Gibson.

Spiritbass · August 25, 2011, 03:36:07 PM

http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15327093/federal-agents-raid-gibson-facilities-in-nashville-memphis

Another article...

What is the FireTurd?

Aussie Mark · August 25, 2011, 04:57:36 PM

Quote from: dadagoboi on August 25, 2011, 06:06:38 AM
Some Fed REALLY pissed off about the FireTurd?

I heard they were there to arrest the design engineer responsible for the Reverse Flying V they sold in 2007.

shadowcastaz · August 25, 2011, 06:44:21 PM

I bet its a conspiracy by a group of drummers

Dave W · August 25, 2011, 06:44:44 PM

Quote from: Spiritbass on August 25, 2011, 03:36:07 PM

What is the FireTurd?

The ridiculous Gibson Firebird X guitar. Introduced by Henry J. last fall at a big Apple-style product release, for which he was ridiculed. It hasn't actually made it to release yet.

Freuds_Cat · August 25, 2011, 07:16:18 PM

Quote from: Spiritbass on August 25, 2011, 03:36:07 PM

What is the FireTurd?

The Firebird X guitar takes the guitar instrument to new heights of functionality and usability for the professional player and the aspiring enthusiast. Using technologies that did not exist even a few years ago, we have enhanced an already outstanding instrument to unbelievable performance and creative heights. The enhancements touch every aspect of the instrument, from using improved manufacturing technologies to the latest electronics. Firebird X is like the world's best street legal sports car in looks, feel and performance.

No I'm not trying to parody Gibson. This is verbatim from their website

I think they need a new marketing company as well as a new legal team.