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Average Price: $385

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$799

$2000+

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High-end

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Description

Crafted for the soulful slide guitarist, the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is a nod to the golden era of music with its authentic design and rich, resonant tone. Originally introduced in the late 1940s, this instrument has been a staple for musicians who crave the nostalgic sound of classic lap steel guitars. Its sleek, durable body is designed for ease of playability, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned players alike. Whether you're exploring the depths of Hawaiian music, blues, or country, this lap steel guitar offers a versatile tonal palette that brings every note to life.

The Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is equipped with a single-coil pickup that delivers a warm, articulate sound, ensuring each slide and pluck is heard with clarity. The fixed bridge provides stability in tuning, allowing you to focus on your performance without the distraction of constant retuning. Gibson's craftsmanship shines through in every detail, from the smooth finish to the precision fretwork, making this instrument not just a tool for musicians, but a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Single-coil pickup for warm, clear sound
  • Durable body construction for long-lasting playability
  • Fixed bridge for tuning stability
  • Classic design inspired by the late 1940s models
  • Suitable for various genres including Hawaiian, blues, and country
  • Precision fretwork for enhanced playability and tone

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model BR-9
Made In United States
Categories Lap Steel Guitars
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Frets Fretless
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar?

The Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is designed for Hawaiian and country music styles, offering a unique slide guitar sound that is distinct from traditional guitars.

Does the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar have frets?

No, the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is fretless, which allows for smooth slides and glissandos characteristic of lap steel playing.

How many strings does the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar have?

The Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar is equipped with six strings, similar to a standard guitar, but it is played with a slide for a different tonal experience.

What type of pickup is used in the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar?

The Gibson BR9 Lap Steel features a single-coil pickup, which provides a bright and clear tone suitable for its intended musical styles.

Is the Gibson BR9 Lap Steel guitar suitable for left-handed players?

The Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is designed for right-handed players, and modifications would be required for left-handed use.

Guitarbque

Guitarbque

Gibson BR-9 (1951) Lap Steel

Video thumbnail for Gibson BR-9 (1951) Lap Steel by Guitarbque

Gibson BR-9 (1951) Lap Steel

Guitarbque

Guitarbque

Video thumbnail for 1951 GIBSON BR-9 LAPSTEEL / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1951 GIBSON BR-9 LAPSTEEL / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1950s Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel Guitar by Garrett Park Guitars

1950s Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel Guitar

Garrett Park Guitars

Garrett Park Guitars

Video thumbnail for Dating a 1950's Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel by Zachari Smith

Dating a 1950's Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel

Zachari Smith

Zachari Smith

Video thumbnail for Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel Guitar/Improvised Variations on Sleep Walk by Steve Cunningham

Gibson BR-9 Lap Steel Guitar/Improvised Variations on Sleep Walk

Steve Cunningham

Steve Cunningham

Video thumbnail for 1950s Gibson BR9 lap steel electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1950s Gibson BR9 lap steel electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson BR9 Lap Steel.

Build quality

  • Original knobs often decay; intact originals are uncommon and indicate exceptional preservation.

    Source
  • The Gibson BR9 is a short scale model, around 23 inches, differing from the more common 25-inch scale.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Old cases, like the one included, have become collectible, adding hidden value.

    Source
  • Repairing a BR9 often involves minor costs, with typical fixes being simple resoldering jobs or jack socket repairs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Crumbling tuner pegs are inevitable; replacing buttons costs about $10, and entire machines often need replacement.

    Source
  • Lap steels lack structural issues common in Spanish guitars, focusing repairs mainly on electronics or tuning parts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The old P90 pickups provide a superb tone, making them highly valued and irreplaceable for their unique sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pairing the BR9 with a Fender amp and slide bar creates a powerful setup for exploring various tunings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tracy Bonham uses Gibson BR9 Lap Steel

Tracy Bonham

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Tracy Bonham's Gibson BR9 Lap Steel is seen hanging on the wall, indicating her connection to this instrument.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson BR9 Lap Steel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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