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1954 Gibson ES-150

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Factory order #: X9829 in treble soundhole, "ES-150" stamped in bass soundhole.

Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Arched slab-cut maple top, back, and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original hardware includes adjustable P-90 single coil pickup, volume and tone pots, capacitor and wiring; gold barrel tone and volume knobs; nickel raised diamond trapeze tailpiece; compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct hand-antiqued beveled 5-ply pickguard and nickel-plated Kluson Deluxe tuners with white oval keys.

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. (In the last year of production just 6 ES-150s were built, as contrasted with 1273 ES-175 models and a whopping 3090 of the ES-125.)This example is one of just 298 examples produced in its model year, and has been maintained in superb shape. Its deep Cremona sunburst finish is all original and in gleaming condition, without, pick, buckle, or thumb wear. The original P-90 single coil pickup is strong and clear, with excellent detail and transparency.

Gibson's soundboard and back plates in this era are a fraction of the weight of later models, and at just 5lb. 8oz. this feather-weight guitar has a richer, more robust acoustic voice than many carved topped instruments of similar size. The action is low and inviting over excellent original fretwork and the full C profile neck. A few tiny stress cracks by the output jack, typical for Gibsons of this vintage, have been soundly resealed. Finally, this beauty comes nestled in its original deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case. An exceptional opportunity to own a full size, full depth, long scale vintage Gibson electric archtop from the classic era, in extraordinary condition, at a true player's price. Call now.

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 deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case with pink plush lining.

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