Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

archtop.com

1955 Gibson ES-150

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Factory order #: W1708-27

Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25.5" 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: 100% original hardware includes adjustable P-90 single coil pickup; nickel trapeze tailpiece; compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge; beveled 5-ply pickguard, nickel-plated Kluson Deluxe tuners, gold barrel tone and volume knobs. Additional vintage correct 15:1 Kluson Deluxe style tuners installed, original Kluson Deluxe tuners included.

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 25.5" 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 example is from the second to last year of production, and is one of just 193 examples produced in that year. The instrument is in phenomenal 100% original under-the-bed condition with its lustrous Cremona sunburst finish gleaming like a newly minted dime. Without cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, this pristine example is equipped with all its original hardware, including the clear, singing P-90 single coil pickup, with an additional set of recent 15:1 Kluson Deluxe style tuners installed.

At just 5lb. 9oz. this big guitar has a richer, more robust acoustic voice than many carved topped instruments we've played over the years. The action is low and inviting over excellent original fretwork and a gentle C profile neck. Finally, this beauty comes nestled in its original deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case with pink plush lining. A rare opportunity to own a stunning full size, full depth, long scale vintage Gibson electric, in showroom 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 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: Original deluxe brown Lifton arched hardshell case with pink plush lining.

Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends