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1951 Gibson ES-300

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SN#: A-8707 FON#: 8159-16

Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .86/.99 1st/10th fret

Materials: Arched figured maple top, back, and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge.

Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes triple parallelogram trapeze tailpiece; adjustable P-90 pickups and electronics; compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge; clear gold barrel tone and volume knobs, black beveled 5-ply pickguard, adjustable truss rod. Vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners.

Notes: Debuting in 1940, the ES-300 was in its debut Gibson's top-of-the line electric guitar. Originally sporting a huge 7" diagonally oriented pickup, the electronics were changed the following year to a smaller diagonal pickup in the bridge position. Revived in mid-1946, the ES-300 was fitted with a single P-90 pickup until 1948, after which the ES-300 was shipped with twin pickups, two volume controls and a master tone knob on the upper bout.

One of the rarest postwar Gibson electrics, this full-depth, long scale model appeared in the catalog only until 1953. This handsome example has been maintained in fine original condition, crafted with lustrous flame maple throughout, and subtly shaded original Cremona sunburst finish. Free of cracks, the guitar shows little in the way of pick, buckle, or fingerboard wear. Even the jack area is notably absent the typical stress cracks found in Gibson electrics of this era.

The vintage lacquer finish shows some typical age checking, and the honest smooth thumbwear of a pro-played veteran. The hardware and electronics are all original as well, with vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners installed. The action is low and inviting, with a fresh high-precision setup over fine original fretwork, with a comfy gentle C profile neck. The P-90 pickups are clear and detailed, and the full depth, long scale 17" L-5 style body produces one of the finest acoustic voices to be found on any electric guitar.

Rare, handsome and elegantly playable, this ES-300 is a classic Gibson big-box jazzer, with a warm, vibrant voice. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound 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: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.

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