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1953 Gibson ES-150, Ebony Finish
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Factory order #: Y6252-3
Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16"
Materials: Arched maple top, back, and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
Hardware: Original hardware includes P-90 single coil pickup, pots and capacitor; nickel diamond trapeze tailpiece and open back tuners, adjustable compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct hand antiqued hardware includes wide-bevel 5-ply pickguard, gold barrel tone and volume knobs, and cream tuner buttons.
Notes: Debuting in 1936, the ES-150 was the instrument Charlie Christian made famous: the first commercially successful electric guitar. Originally a 16" guitar, the ES-150 was upsized after the war to L-5 dimensions, with a 17" lower bout and the longer 25 1/2" scale. With it's larger body and longer neck, the 150 is one of very few electric guitars that can hold its own both amplified and unplugged. Larger and more costly than the ES-125, the 17" ES-150 is also much scarcer, produced only between 1947 and 1956.
This instrument is particularly remarkable in that it was produced with an original factory ebony finish, and is the only such example we have seen to date. In addition, at just 5lb, 8oz, the instrument is unusually light in weight, and is probably the most acoustically resonant example of this model we've had the pleasure to play. The guitar is in excellent condition, without pick, buckle or thumbwear, and shows only a few superficial finish dings, some normal fine light checking, and a few typical tiny finish cracks near the jack and controls. The original P-90 pickup is clear and sweet, and the action is low and inviting, over a comfy medium depth gentle C profile neck.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" 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: Original Gibson arched plush hardshell case.
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