~1938 Gibson EH150 Sunburst

Gibson EH150 c 1938 | $1475 | (v2429) The mid-thirties catalog claims: "Another guitar miracle by Gibson - a true undistorted tone amplified by electricity." All hyperbole aside, that so-called 'Charlie Christian' pickup does sound really good! Charlie Christian was, of course, a great jazz guitar innovator who played a '30s Gibson archtop with the newly minted electric 'bar' pickup, and the rest is history. This pick up innovation by Gibson was used successfully on their line of lap steel guitars, too, and today rank among the best sounding lap-steel guitars ever produced by any factory!

The first EH (Electric Hawaiian) steels appeared in the mid-thirties. By 1938 they were quite refined featuring the classic Gibson sunburst, figured maple tops and multiple bindings on the tops, backs and fingerboards. This example dates to that time period and features, in addition to the afore mentioned appointments, a 'split bar' Charlie Christian pu, the pearl '4-diamond' headstock inlay and the unusual Grover tuners that appeared about this time in the Gibson line. Icing on the cake is the attractive Geib tweed case with the black and red 'racing' stripes.

The lap steel measures 32 1/2" across head to toe. Scale length is 21 1/4".

The guitar appears to be all original, including its tweed case and hand rest/bridge cover. There are no prior repairs evident. The electronics function as expected, with some 'scratch' when turning the tone/volume knobs. The finish is original and shows some nicks and dings from use and age, but overall a very solid piece, pleasing to look at and producing a sound that is quite lush to the ear and filled with vintage tone.

Comes with its original Geib tweed case.

Check out the sound clip!