Gibson Century 6 Model Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1952), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, blue lacquer finish, maple body, original brown tolex hard shell case.
Starting in the late 1940s the BR-2 Century was one of Gibson's all-time strikingly modernistic creations, a truly unique concept in playable art. This lovely royal blue Populuxe delight was the second iteration of that whimsical concept, launched in 1951. This fairly early example likely dates to 1952, as it lacks a serial number introduced in 1953 but has the plastic fingerboard introduced in early '52. The Century steel was positioned as a midline-priced piece of futuristic design, a bit less deluxe than its upscale sister the Ultratone but featuring a similar oblong asymmetrical body and back-painted Lucite fingerboard.
The instrument's visual character was originally the work of the industrial design firm Barnes & Reinicke, hired by Gibson at the end of WWII to add some new flavor to the company's recipe -- and boy, did they! This second version of the Century features a deep blue/green lacquer finish on the body, set off with lighter blue, grey, and gold accents. The pickup and one-piece metal bridge are covered by molded, back-painted shell -- no unsightly electronics here!
Under that blue-grey plastic cover (adorned with a gold floral design) sits a familiar Gibson P-90 single coil pickup with adjustable polepieces. This always great-sounding unit provides the tonal muscle to back up the Century's slickly moderne looks. It is controlled by an unusual one-volume, dual-tone-knob circuit for an added range of sound, although the second tone control has a fairly subtle effect. These are capped with the deep-profile numbered amber plastic "barrel" knobs of the period.
The 1950s-era Century was produced in relatively small numbers (228 shipped out in 1952), but remains one of Gibson's most unique and visually striking instruments, with a nicely rounded tone that hots up nicely when pushed. This one comes in its very fine original rectangular hard case which is the little brother to other Gibson cases of the era, covered in brown with a pink plush lining.
Overall length is 32 1/4 in. (81.9 cm.), 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 22 3/8 in. (568 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This is a nice example of this Populuxe classic overall, showing for the most part only some fairly minor wear. The original blue/green lacquer finish retains great color with some small chips and dings (mostly to the edges) but no heavy play wear. The instrument is mostly original; the only alteration is later Kluson tuners with metal buttons. These fit the original holes perfectly. The pickup, pots, caps and knobs are still original and intact, everything works as intended.
This Century is a fine-playing and sounding steel, offering a typical warmer Gibson tone compared to the brighter contemporary Fender or Rickenbacker instruments. Even after 70 years these Century and Ultratone models are still unique and in any musical gathering the most futuristic thing in the room! The original pink-lined brown case is very well preserved with only light wear and the plastic handle and "star" Gibson badge still intact. Overall Excellent - Condition.
