Rare Vintage Gibson E-150 1936 Aluminum Lap Steel, Gibson's First Electric Guitar

Here is a very rare and historically significant guitar, a 1936 Gibson E-150 aluminum lap steel—Gibson’s first electric guitar model! There were only 98 of these produced and it’s not known how many exist today since it’s thought that some were scrapped during the World War 2 metal drives. Serial numbers for this model started at #110 in 1935 and production went to early 1936. Since this is #205, it’s most likely a 1936 model and also likely to be one of the last ones ever made.

This E-150 is all-original and in very good condition. It was definitely played and has some scratches and small pits in the aluminum. There is some wear around the volume knob from use. The bakelite volume and tone knobs are in good shape (one innovation on this model is that tone knob). Another innovation is that this was Gibson’s first bar magnet pickup, later nicknamed the Charlie Christian. The pickup and controls function well and the sound is terrific—it can really sing! Black logo looks great, as does the unbound ebony fingerboard with dots and fret markers. Metal bridge and nut look great. Open-back tuners function well and one of the tuner shafts (D if tuned standard) is bent a little but not too bad. Serial number is stamped clearly at the neck heel. This beauty is heavy too at 8lb, 14 oz and comes with the old but non-original case shown in the photos.  You don’t see this model often (if ever); thanks for checking it out!