Get Your Charlie Christian On...1949 Gibson ES-150

1949 Gibson ES-150

This is a one owner beauty! Well experienced but extremely well cared for, and completely cleaned and setup. The action is nice and low and the neck is well broken in. Plays like a jazz dream. The top is arched maple with a gorgeous, aged sunburst finish, has just the right amount of crazing. The back and sides are aged maple, for that distinctive ES-150 tone. The back appears to have had something taped on it at some point  (perhaps a set list) that has caused a bit of bubble to the finish in a small strip. We decided to make sure it was sealed (which it is) to ensure the finish is protected. We did not attempt to mess with the complete vintage original nature of the guitar with any refinishing (We try not to do that). The binding is in excellent condition with the perfect amount of vintage yellowing. The P-90 pickup and electronics are all original and in proper working order. You just can't match the sound of a vintage P-90 with the deep maple body. They won't blow the doors off but the warm tone is unmatched indeed. The neck is solid mahogany with a bit of wear (you'd expect that with a 70+ year old guitar) that actually makes it feel like an old friend. The comfortable C shape is straight and easy on the hand. Looks like there was a refret along the way, so there’s lots of fret and plenty of room across the Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The adjustable bridge is also of Brazilian rosewood and is nicely broken in and easy to dial in the perfect action. When you pick this gal up, you can see why Charlie Christian made these ES-150 archtops his go-to instrument (albeit in a different era with some notable spec differences). She’ll come in the original fitted Geib Gibson brown hardshell case, in excellent condition. All parts and components to this jewel appear original.  Nothing but vintage vibe. A true classic for the jazz musician or the serious collector. They don’t come any finer when they are from this Gibson golden age.