Gibson ES-150 Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar, c. 1940, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, sunburst top, dark stained back and sides finish, maple back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, brown hard shell case.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 16 1/8 in. (41 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
This is a well-used and funky old Gibson with a great sound, very different from the traditional "jazz" archtops the company is usually associated with. This late pre-war ES-150 has a single metal-covered pickup in the bridge position, giving it the snarl and bite more associated with blues or country playing. The pickup itself is the first ancestor of the venerable P-90 with adjustable poles, and was only used by Gibson during this particular period.
This guitar has seen a lot of use. There is finish wear overall, especially to the back of the neck. The tuners are replaced and the pickguard is missing; the bridge is old, but not original. The pickup is original; some owner in the distant past installed a Fender Esquire-like tone circuit switch that modifies the tone in 3 different settings. The wiring on this has been redone, as it had deteriorated, but it is kind of a cool idea! The original pickguard is included, but is showing early signs of celluloid decomposition and so is not mounted on the guitar.
Overall this is a cool and slightly unusual player's guitar, with a great funky mojo! Generally Very Good Condition.
