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Average Price: $5,999

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of vintage allure and modern functionality with the Gibson CF-100E, a rare gem in the world of acoustic-electric guitars. First introduced in the 1950s and cherished by guitar enthusiasts for its rich tonal quality, this model has been revived to offer musicians an authentic playing experience. Its compact body size makes it an ideal choice for both stage performances and intimate settings, while the quality craftsmanship ensures it resonates with clarity and warmth.

This guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, providing excellent projection and a well-balanced sound. The mahogany body complements the top with its rich, warm tones, creating a dynamic range that suits various music genres. What sets the CF-100E apart is its innovative P-90 pickup, which captures the acoustic essence of the guitar with remarkable fidelity, offering a true-to-life amplified sound that maintains the guitar's natural character and nuance.

Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, the Gibson CF-100E delivers a versatile performance that adapts to your playing style. Its classic design, combined with modern enhancements, makes it a timeless addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for superior projection
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, rich tone
  • P-90 pickup for authentic acoustic-electric sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Classic 1950s-inspired design with modern enhancements
  • Compact body size suitable for various performance settings

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model CF-100E
Finish Sunburst
Year 1951 - 1959
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson CF-100
Model Sub-Family Gibson CF-100E
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Surface Mounted Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What kind of tonal characteristics can I expect from the Gibson CF-100E?

The Gibson CF-100E offers a warm and rich tone, thanks to its mahogany back and sides combined with a spruce top. The concert body shape provides a balanced sound with clear highs and warm lows, ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming styles.

Is the Gibson CF-100E suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson CF-100E is equipped with a surface-mounted pickup, making it suitable for live performances. While it doesn't have an active preamp, it can still deliver a clear amplified sound when plugged into an acoustic amplifier or PA system.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson CF-100E affect playability?

The Gibson CF-100E features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates smooth playability. Its rosewood fretboard and 19 frets provide a classic feel, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced players.

What makes the Gibson CF-100E unique compared to other acoustic-electric guitars?

The Gibson CF-100E stands out with its vintage design from the 1950s and its unique combination of a concert body shape with a surface-mounted pickup. This blend of features offers a distinct tonal character and aesthetic that appeals to collectors and performers alike.

Does the Gibson CF-100E work well for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the concert body shape and balanced tonal quality of the Gibson CF-100E make it an excellent choice for fingerstyle playing. The spruce top and mahogany back provide clarity and warmth, enhancing the nuances of fingerpicking techniques.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1957 Gibson CF-100E

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1957 Gibson CF-100E by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1957 Gibson CF-100E

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2016 Gibson CF-100E Reissue Cutaway Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2016 Gibson CF-100E Reissue Cutaway Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson CF-100E played by Joe Robinson by Carter Vintage Guitars

1957 Gibson CF-100E played by Joe Robinson

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson CF 100e acoustic guitar demo by TallToadMusic

Gibson CF 100e acoustic guitar demo

TallToadMusic

TallToadMusic

Video thumbnail for 1951 Gibson CF-100E in Very RARE Natural Finish | CME Vintage Demos by Chicago Music Exchange

1951 Gibson CF-100E in Very RARE Natural Finish | CME Vintage Demos

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson CF100E - Rare Guitar Demo by Jason Sinay

1957 Gibson CF100E - Rare Guitar Demo

Jason Sinay

Jason Sinay

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Classic gear: Gibson CF-100E | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson CF-100E, though overshadowed by its more famous siblings, is a hidden gem that showcases remarkable craftsmanship and vintage charm. Its unique cutaway design and solid spruce top deliver a rich, resonant tone perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. Notably, this model has garnered attention from legendary musicians, affirming its legacy in acoustic guitar history. However, its limited production and historical context mean it may not suit everyone, especially those seeking the more mainstream appeal of Gibson's other models. Overall, for collectors and enthusiasts, the CF-100E is a delightful discovery worth exploring, but it may lack the widespread recognition that some buyers expect.

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Artist usage

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See how Marc Bolan uses Gibson CF-100E

Marc Bolan

Singer, Guitarist

T. Rex

...
Verified via YouTube

Marc can be seen playing the Gibson CF-100E while performing "Life's A Gas" as a duet with Cilla Black

Genre Usage

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