The 1938 custom 8-string EH-150 featured here is truly a fine piece of early Gibson electric custom ordered work. It is know that only 22 8 strings were made between 1937-1941 so this one of the very few that are surviving. (good luck even finding a picture of one ) Gibson offered the option of mounting strings beyond the usual six for only $5 per String. The design of the Eh-150 had to be customized for 8 strings, the neck width had to be wider and the Charlie Christian pick up is also customized to be wider and with extra pole pieces. I am unsure what the switch on the bass side is for it.It looks like a clean job it may or may not be factory installed. The Lap steel will ship out it in its original Custom Gibb case that is really cool just in itself. Someone made a hole in the headstock to most likely to hang It The hole has since been professional filled. To say this is a rare piece is really just an understatement.