Up for sale, a 1948 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin in perfect working order, complete with a hardshell case. Introduced to enable mandolin players to stand up to the increased volume of their similarly amplified peers on guitar, the EM-150 was originally produced with a Charlie Christian pickup before transitioning to the P-90. Produced towards the end of ‘48, this particular EM-150 electric mandolin dates to the same year as the instrument played by Tiny Moore both during and after his time with Bob Willis’ Texas Playboys. Featuring an early block headstock logo, four-pole P-90 single coil pickup, and original plastics, this EM-150 is 100% original save for a replacement set of tuning machines.

Crafted with a spruce top, maple back and rims, a Honduran mahogany neck, and bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, this EM-150 offers a pronounced midrange kick and smooth treble shimmer. It’s gutsy, lively and extremely responsive to picking dynamics, malleable to a variety of genres, and easily evoking a classic Western swing sound. This EM-150 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-40 strings and ideal action.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Honduran mahogany
• Shape: V, measuring .800” 1st fret, .940” 5th fret
• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, dot inlays
• Frets: Slender, light wear on frets 1-6
• Scale Length: 14”
• Nut: 1 3/16”, bone
• Headstock: Block logo
• Tuners: Strips with pearloid buttons (replacement)

Body Specs:

• Wood: Spruce, Maple
• Pickup: P-90 (vintage-spec rewind, 7.75k ohms)
• Controls: Volume, Tone
• Hardware: Compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge, “wavy top” tailpiece
• Plastics: Five-ply pickguard, unnumbered speed knobs
• Serialization: Four-digit FON (with two-digit batch #) dates to ‘48

There are four repaired splits on top on either side of the bass-side F hole and one beneath the controls on the spruce top. The Sunburst nitro lacquer finish exhibits tight lacquer checking, with pick scuffing through the finish along the strum path on top, moderate buckle rash central to the back, and various minor dings and scuffs consistent with use. The lacquer on the neck profile has a worn-in, easy-playing feel, with palm wear along the shoulders and spine.

A modern hardshell case is included.