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Average Price: $1,695

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$100

$501+

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Description

The Gibson EM-150 Mandolin is a celebrated choice amongst folk and world musicians seeking a rich, resonant sound. A staple in mandolin craftsmanship, this instrument bridges the gap between traditional acoustic tones and modern performance needs. The EM-150 has been a favorite since its introduction, offering a unique combination of solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides that deliver a balanced, warm tonal palette.

Designed to cater to both professional and amateur musicians, the EM-150 features a classic A-style body that enhances its playability and comfort during extended sessions. This mandolin is equipped with a vintage-style single-coil pickup, allowing performers to amplify their sound without sacrificing the instrument’s natural acoustic qualities. With its smooth fingerboard and precise tuning pegs, the EM-150 ensures effortless playability, making it an excellent choice for both studio recording and live performances.

Whether you're strumming in a bluegrass band or adding a mandolin flair to your latest recording, the Gibson EM-150 Mandolin promises to deliver a reliable and inspiring musical experience.

Key Features:

  • A-style body for enhanced playability
  • Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • Vintage-style single-coil pickup for natural amplification
  • Smooth fingerboard for effortless playability
  • Precise tuning pegs for accurate tuning stability
  • Perfect for both professional and amateur musicians

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model EM-150 Mandolin
Year 1950s
Made In United States
Categories Mandolins

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson EM-150 Mandolin best suited for?

The Gibson EM-150 Mandolin is versatile but particularly well-suited for bluegrass, folk, and country music, thanks to its rich, resonant tone and classic design.

Is the Gibson EM-150 Mandolin suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson EM-150 offers excellent sound quality and craftsmanship, it may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage nature and potential maintenance needs.

What are the standout features of the Gibson EM-150 Mandolin?

The standout features include its vintage 1950s craftsmanship, warm tonal quality, and the iconic Gibson build, which offers a unique blend of historical significance and musical versatility.

How does the Gibson EM-150 Mandolin differ from other mandolins?

The Gibson EM-150 Mandolin is distinguished by its electric capabilities, allowing for amplified performance, and its vintage 1950s construction, which provides a distinct tonal character compared to modern mandolins.

Jimi Hocking

Jimi Hocking

Voodoo Child (Slight Return) Electric Mandolin. Gibson EM 150

Video thumbnail for Voodoo Child (Slight Return) Electric Mandolin. Gibson EM 150 by Jimi Hocking

Voodoo Child (Slight Return) Electric Mandolin. Gibson EM 150

Jimi Hocking

Jimi Hocking

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin by Jake Wildwood & Co

1962 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson EM-150 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1962 Gibson EM-150 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin by Jake Wildwood & Co

1952 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin

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 EM-150 Mandolin.

Build quality

  • The EM-150 can show finish checking typical in older nitro-finished instruments, often mistaken for structural cracks.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Rust on pickup poles is common and generally not an issue; they can be left as is without affecting performance.

    Source
  • The original Kluson tuners are prone to crumbling plastic, but replacement buttons are available if needed.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The P90 pickup on the EM-150 functions well, though the mandolin is acoustically quiet and better suited to amplified settings.

    Source
  • Eastman mandolins with K&K pickups are praised for their sound, especially in Celtic music contexts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Belmuse mandolins are noted for quality and customization potential, with Hayes Griffin offering video demos for reference.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An Eastman MD305 with a K&K Mandolin Twin Internal pickup excels without a pre-amp, though punk settings might still require one.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Grace Audio Bix preamp/DI is recommended to enhance an Eastman mandolin setup for durability and quality.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charlie Worsham uses Gibson EM-150 Mandolin

Charlie Worsham

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Premier Guitar titled "Charlie Worsham Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour at Sony/ATV Studios Nashville, Tennessee," Charlie Worsham is seen at the 35:34 mark using a 1960s Gibson EM-150 Mandolin, which is included as part of his studio guitar rig.

See how Tommy Tedesco uses Gibson EM-150 Mandolin

Tommy Tedesco

Guitarist

The Wrecking Crew

...
Verified

According to a Heritage Auction list featured on the Drum Forum website, guitarist Tommy Tedesco owned a 1956 Gibson EM-150 Mandolin, which he used in the soundtrack for "The Godfather: Part III."

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 EM-150 Mandolin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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