1950 Gibson ES-150N – Rare Natural Blonde Finish

A beautifully aged example of Gibson’s postwar electric archtop craftsmanship, featuring a rare natural blonde finish, original P-90 pickup, recent professional refret, and original brown hardshell case.

Introduced in 1936, the Gibson ES-150 holds an important place in electric guitar history as the instrument famously associated with jazz pioneer Charlie Christian. Following World War II, Gibson redesigned the ES-150 with a larger 17-inch body and a 25½-inch scale, bringing it closer to the dimensions of the company’s prestigious L-5 archtop. By 1950, the model had evolved into a refined electric jazz guitar, offering excellent acoustic resonance and the warm, articulate amplified voice that helped define the sound of early electric jazz.

This 1950 Gibson ES-150N is an especially uncommon example, finished in a striking natural blonde nitrocellulose lacquer. Unlike the more familiar sunburst models, natural-finish ES-150s are seldom encountered, making this instrument particularly interesting to players and collectors of postwar Gibson archtops.

The guitar features a 17-inch laminated maple body with an arched top and back, parallel bracing, cream binding, and traditional f-holes. Its substantial body produces a lively acoustic response, while the original neck-position P-90 pickup delivers the warm, woody, and articulate electric tone associated with Gibson’s finest postwar instruments. From mellow jazz chords and singing single-note lines to blues and early rockabilly, the ES-150 offers a remarkably versatile vintage voice.

The guitar displays beautifully developed lacquer checking throughout the body, with a rich golden patina reflecting more than seven decades of age. The natural finish reveals the grain of the maple, while the extensive checking across the top and sides gives the instrument a distinctive vintage appearance. The back of the mahogany neck exhibits considerable finish wear from years of playing, lending it the comfortable, broken-in feel that many vintage guitarists appreciate.

Despite its age and visible cosmetic wear, the body remains structurally solid, as described in the previous listing. The guitar was professionally refretted in 2026 with Dunlop 6105 fret wire, providing smooth, comfortable playability and excellent note articulation. The taller, narrower fret profile offers precise fretting and facilitates effortless single-note playing and string bending while preserving the familiar feel of a vintage Gibson neck.

For improved tuning stability and everyday reliability, the original tuning machines have been replaced. The original tuners are included with the guitar, allowing a future owner the option of returning the instrument to its earlier configuration.

The original bridge has also been replaced with a Tune-o-matic-style adjustable saddle mounted on a floating wooden base, providing precise intonation adjustment and convenient action setup. The original bridge is included, preserving an important piece of the guitar’s vintage hardware.

The rosewood fingerboard features pearl trapezoid inlays, while the classic black pickguard, cream-colored tuning buttons, and vintage-style hardware complement the guitar’s understated postwar aesthetic.

The guitar is accompanied by its original brown hardshell case, which remains in good vintage condition. Notably, the original handle is still securely attached and sturdy, an increasingly uncommon feature on cases of this age.

With its full-size archtop body, comfortable mahogany neck, and original P-90 pickup, this ES-150N captures the character of Gibson’s golden-era electric guitars. The recent refret and practical hardware updates make it an especially appealing instrument for musicians seeking authentic vintage tone without sacrificing everyday playability. The inclusion of the original tuners, bridge, and hardshell case further adds to its appeal.

A rare and expressive vintage Gibson that combines historical significance, distinctive natural aging, and the warm, unmistakable sound of a classic 1950s electric jazz guitar.

Specifications

Year

1950

Model

Gibson ES-150N

Finish

Natural Blonde Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Body

17” Arched Laminated Maple

Body Depth

Approximately 3¼”

Bracing

Parallel Maple Bracing

Neck

One-Piece Mahogany

Scale Length

25½” (reported)

Nut Width

1 11/16” (reported)

Fingerboard

Rosewood with Pearl Trapezoid Inlays

Pickup

Original Gibson P-90 Single Coil

Controls

Master Volume and Tone

Bridge

Tune-o-matic-Style Replacement; Original Included

Tuners

Replacement Tuners; Originals Included

Tailpiece

Trapeze Tailpiece

Binding

Single-Ply Cream Body Binding

Frets

Dunlop 6105, Professionally Refretted in 2026

Case

Original Brown Hardshell Case

Factory Order Number: 9299

Condition and Playability

This instrument exhibits the natural aging expected of a well-played vintage Gibson, including extensive lacquer checking, minor surface marks, and significant finish wear along the back of the neck. The maple body retains an attractive golden blonde appearance, with particularly pronounced checking across the top and sides.

The professional 2026 refret with Dunlop 6105 wire provides a refreshed playing surface while retaining the comfortable character of the original mahogany neck. The replacement Tune-o-matic-style bridge allows precise intonation adjustment, and the replacement tuning machines provide practical functionality for regular playing.

Both the original bridge and original tuning machines accompany the guitar, along with its original brown hardshell case in good vintage condition, complete with a securely attached and sturdy handle.

The overall presentation is that of a genuine player’s instrument—one that has been enjoyed and maintained throughout its life, with thoughtful updates that prioritize playability while retaining important original components.