Gibson ES-150 Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1936), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
The original Gibson ES-150 is one of the most important electric guitars of all time, and besides its historical value remains a great sounding and unique sounding instrument. Most associated with Charlie Christian, this model was the first really commercially successful electric Spanish guitar and the progenitor of the entire Gibson electric line. While many early electrics from the mid-1930's had a rather mongrel look, the 150 has an understated elegance that undoubtedly helped it gain acceptance on the formal bandstands of the time. While not a fancy guitar, it was the first really professional grade dedicated electric guitar to gain wide professional acceptance. This particular guitar is a very early model with the first "Spanish" version of the famous "CC" bar magnet pickup featuring a single-bound top edge and a straight un-notched blade piece under the strings. A wonderful example of this rare and sought-after instrument.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.). This early ES-150 shows general play wear overall, but appears completely original except for added strap buttons at the base and the heel. There is some moderately heavy wear through the finish on the back of the neck from play in the first 5-fret area, and two scrapes through the finish slightly into the wood on the back down by the heel. The neck actually feels great, with the familiar smooth patina of a well-played old Gibson-the frets have been re-crowned but remain original and in fine playing condition. The finish on the rest of the guitar has the typical small dings and chips, and the finger wear around the tone and volume knobs that is oddly common on this earliest of electrics. All hardware including the "Charlie Christian" pickup, "radio' knobs, tailpiece, Grover tuners and bound celluloid pickguard are original, intact and unaltered. This is one of the nicest early ES-150's we have had-this model was a real workhorse when new and many have been very heavily played and/or modified. An excellent playing and sounding example, complete with the original case in somewhat worn but functional condition. Generally Excellent Condition.
