Komaki, Japan
About this listing
1940 Gibson EH-185 2nd Version Lap Steel – Rare Slant P-90 – OHSCA beautiful 1940 Gibson EH-185 2nd Version Lap Steel, featuring Gibson’s distinctive early slanted P-90 pickup and its original-style pre-war appointments.Factory Order Number (FON): F1480-15The EH-185 represented the upper end of Gibson’s electric Hawaiian guitar line during this important period in the development of the electric guitar.This second-version EH-185 features the later pickup design introduced around 1940, replacing the earlier horseshoe/Charlie Christian-style pickup used on the first version. The long pickup is mounted at an angle and features adjustable pole screws accessible from the front.The instrument retains its beautiful Cremona Brown Sunburst finish, figured maple body with multi-bound top and back, bound rosewood fingerboard, nickel script Gibson logo, side-mounted Kluson tuners, and nickel bridge cover with hand rest.Early Gibson Slant P-90One of the most historically interesting features of this EH-185 is its unusual early Gibson slanted P-90 pickup.This pickup represents an important transitional stage in Gibson’s pre-war electric pickup development. Its long, angled design and front-mounted adjustable pole screws distinguish it from both the earlier horseshoe/Charlie Christian-style pickup and later conventional P-90 designs.The pickup is fully functional and produces a strong, rich and clear output.ConditionConsidering that this instrument is approximately 85 years old, it remains in excellent vintage condition.The finish shows natural aging and normal signs of use consistent with a pre-war instrument.Please examine the detailed photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.SpecificationsModel: Gibson EH-185 – 2nd VersionYear: 1940Factory Order Number (FON): F1480-15Finish: Cremona Brown SunburstBody: Figured maple with multi-bound top and backFingerboard: Bound rosewood, V-end, 29 fretsFingerboard Inlays: Dot markersPickup: Early Gibson long slanted P-90Pickup Cover: Tortoise-patternPickup Adjustment: Front-mounted adjustable pole screwsHeadstock Logo: Pre-war nickel script Gibson logoTuners: Side-mounted nickel open-gear Kluson tuners with butterbean buttonsBridge Cover: Nickel bridge cover with hand restOriginal-style hardshell case includedThe EH-185 is one of Gibson’s most distinctive pre-war electric instruments, and surviving second-version examples with this unusual early pickup configuration are seldom encountered.An excellent instrument for collectors of pre-war Gibson electrics, early Gibson pickup designs, and vintage lap steels, as well as players interested in the sound and character of Gibson’s earliest electric instruments.Detailed photographs are provided and form an important part of the description.Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional photographs or information.
PriceA$3,277.53
+ A$445.45 Shipping
