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1952 Gibson ES-150

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Factory order #: Z3265-25 in treble soundhole, "ES-150" stamped in bass soundhole.

Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Arched flame maple top, slab-cut maple back and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; solid bone nut.

Hardware: All original hardware includes adjustable P-90 single coil pickup, volume and tone pots, capacitor and wiring; gold tall barrel tone and volume knobs; nickel raised diamond trapeze tailpiece; compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, beveled 5-ply pickguard, original Kluson Deluxe tuners with hand antiqued oval button keys.

Notes: Debuting in 1936, the ES-150 was the instrument Charlie Christian made famous: the first commercially successful electric guitar. Originally a 16" guitar, the ES-150 was upsized after the war to L-5 dimensions, with a 17" lower bout and the longer 25 1/2" scale. This noncutaway model assumed its final version in 1950, with the bound fingerboard and trapezoidal inlays.

With it's larger body and longer neck, the 150 is one of very few electric guitars that can hold its own both amplified and unplugged. Larger and more costly than the ES-125, the 17" ES-150 is also much scarcer, produced only between 1947 and 1956. (In the last year of production just 6 ES-150s were built, in contrast to some 1273 ES-175s and a whopping 3090 of the ES-125.)

This gleaming example has been maintained in superb condition, with a highly figured flame maple top, slab cut maple back, and all original Cremona sunburst finish without, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Gibson's soundboard and back plates in this era are a fraction of the weight of later models, and at just 5lb. 8 oz. this feather-weight guitar has a richer, more robust acoustic voice than many carved topped instruments of similar size. The original P-90 single coil pickup is strong and clear, with excellent detail and transparency, and the nickel hardware and pickguard are all original. The action is low and inviting over excellent original fretwork and the full C profile neck.

The jack area has been solidly reinforced, and apart from a small patch of wear on the guard, the guitar looks much as it did when it left Kalamazoo over six decades ago. Finally, this beauty comes nestled in its original deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case. An exceptional opportunity to own a full size, full depth, long scale vintage Gibson electric archtop from the classic era, in magnificent condition, at a true player's price. Call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case.

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