Back to the main page Back to category Lap and Pedal Steel Guitars
musical instrument details
Gibson EH-150 lap steel, 1938 Charlie Christian Pickup, FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING
Estimated price for orientation: 1 650 $
Category: Lap and Pedal Steel Guitars
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Type: Electric Brand: Gibson
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. You are looking at the Gibson EH-150 Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1938, S# DGE-3384), assembled in the legendary Kalamazoo, Michigan factory. It is widely considered the tone monster of Gibson’s historical lap steel line up. This 1938 6-string model has the smaller second generation Charlie Christian pick up design, hence the two simple screws on the back. Earlier models had a larger, heavier magnet (4 screws) and the earliest models had a removable back (many screws). The coil structure remained the same throughout. Once the war began in 1941, Gibson lap steels lost some of their appointments and went to alnico pickups, devolving into the (almost student level) Skylark series in the 50s that never captured the tone and playability of the 30s EH models. Notice the undamaged headstock with the clean diamond inlay and classic Gibson logo design, figured maple body and neck, unusually colored rosewood fingerboard and sunburst lacquer finish. Specifications: 22 1/2” scale with wide 2” nickel nut; 32”L, 9”W at lower bout and 1 7/8”D; set neck with 2+ octaves and bridge cover; individual open tuners with metal buttons. Interestingly, the jack is on the player’s side of the lower bout, against the player’s belly. Condition: This 78-year-old example of the EH-150 is in remarkably great shape, with a still shiny original finish showing only minor nicks and crazing. In the photos it’s almost unnoticeable. The tuners are particularly robust, with nary a mark on the metal buttons after all these years. The CC pickup is full and meaty – a luscious tone warmed by the thick maple body. The knobs are original and a fun Deco design. Pots are both clean – the volume knob comes up noiselessly in smooth gradations. The tone knob is also silent, but starting from full bass at 1, it suddenly jumps to a more treble setting at about 3 and doesn’t much change on the way to treble 10. This pot is the only thing you might choose to rework. The Geib Portabilt hard case is in unusually good condition - hinges, clasps and handle are solid.
A.R. Duchossoir’s Gibson Electric Steel Guitars, published only recently, is a highly recommended resource for these guitars. DGE-3384 was purchased by me in 2010. I waited for a fine specimen from a reputable dealer. It has been one of three 30s-40s lap steels I own. Recently I got a Duesenberg Fairytale and just have to let one of the others go. I hate to lose this one. Not many come to market. A dedicated lap steel player will be satisfied by this instrument!
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Type: | Electric |
| Brand: | Gibson |
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING. You are looking at the Gibson EH-150 Lap Steel Electric Guitar (1938, S# DGE-3384), assembled in the legendary Kalamazoo, Michigan factory. It is widely considered the tone monster of Gibson’s historical lap steel line up. This 1938 6-string model has the smaller second generation Charlie Christian pick up design, hence the two simple screws on the back. Earlier models had a larger, heavier magnet (4 screws) and the earliest models had a removable back (many screws). The coil structure remained the same throughout. Once the war began in 1941, Gibson lap steels lost some of their appointments and went to alnico pickups, devolving into the (almost student level) Skylark series in the 50s that never captured the tone and playability of the 30s EH models. Notice the undamaged headstock with the clean diamond inlay and classic Gibson logo design, figured maple body and neck, unusually colored rosewood fingerboard and sunburst lacquer finish. Specifications: 22 1/2” scale with wide 2” nickel nut; 32”L, 9”W at lower bout and 1 7/8”D; set neck with 2+ octaves and bridge cover; individual open tuners with metal buttons. Interestingly, the jack is on the player’s side of the lower bout, against the player’s belly. Condition: This 78-year-old example of the EH-150 is in remarkably great shape, with a still shiny original finish showing only minor nicks and crazing. In the photos it’s almost unnoticeable. The tuners are particularly robust, with nary a mark on the metal buttons after all these years. The CC pickup is full and meaty – a luscious tone warmed by the thick maple body. The knobs are original and a fun Deco design. Pots are both clean – the volume knob comes up noiselessly in smooth gradations. The tone knob is also silent, but starting from full bass at 1, it suddenly jumps to a more treble setting at about 3 and doesn’t much change on the way to treble 10. This pot is the only thing you might choose to rework. The Geib Portabilt hard case is in unusually good condition - hinges, clasps and handle are solid.
A.R. Duchossoir’s Gibson Electric Steel Guitars, published only recently, is a highly recommended resource for these guitars. DGE-3384 was purchased by me in 2010. I waited for a fine specimen from a reputable dealer. It has been one of three 30s-40s lap steels I own. Recently I got a Duesenberg Fairytale and just have to let one of the others go. I hate to lose this one. Not many come to market. A dedicated lap steel player will be satisfied by this instrument!
A.R. Duchossoir’s Gibson Electric Steel Guitars, published only recently, is a highly recommended resource for these guitars. DGE-3384 was purchased by me in 2010. I waited for a fine specimen from a reputable dealer. It has been one of three 30s-40s lap steels I own. Recently I got a Duesenberg Fairytale and just have to let one of the others go. I hate to lose this one. Not many come to market. A dedicated lap steel player will be satisfied by this instrument!