Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,000
High-end/Boutique
$999
$2500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Experience the magic of a vintage guitar with the Gibson ES-150, a distinguished piece of Gibson's history that has beautifully withstood the test of time. A pioneer in the ES, or Electric Spanish series, the ES-150, first launched in 1936, holds a significant place in Gibson's legacy. Its production was halted during World War II, but it made a triumphant return in 1946, boasting a number of redesigned elements. The most notable of these was the replacement of the "Charlie Christian" pickup with a P-90, infusing this historic instrument with a fresh, dynamic sound. Immerse yourself in a soulful musical journey with the Gibson ES-150, a vintage treasure that resonates with the echoes of history.
Key Features:
- Part of Gibson's historic ES, or Electric Spanish series
- Originally launched in 1936, re-released in 1946 with updated features
- Replaced "Charlie Christian" pickup with a P-90 for a more modern sound
- Ideal for collectors and music enthusiasts who value vintage instruments
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-150 |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1946 - 1956 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-150 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
-
What is the tonal character of the Gibson ES-150?
-
The Gibson ES-150 is known for its warm, rich tone with a pronounced midrange, making it ideal for jazz and blues. Its single-coil pickup provides a classic, vintage sound that is both smooth and articulate.
-
Is the Gibson ES-150 suitable for modern music styles?
-
While the Gibson ES-150 excels in jazz and blues due to its warm tone, it can be used for other styles that benefit from its vintage sound. However, it may not provide the high-gain output required for heavier genres.
-
What type of pickup does the Gibson ES-150 have?
-
The Gibson ES-150 features a single-coil pickup, delivering a classic, clear sound with a focus on midrange frequencies, which is perfect for jazz and blues styles.
-
Does the Gibson ES-150 have a cutaway design?
-
No, the Gibson ES-150 features a non-cutaway design, which contributes to its traditional aesthetic and tonal warmth, though it may limit upper fret access.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson ES-150?
-
The Gibson ES-150 is constructed with a maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, combining to produce its warm, resonant tone and classic appearance.
Videos
PREMIER GUITARS
Listen to this Original 1938 Gibson ES-150
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-150.
Build quality
-
The ES-150 is noted for its larger 17" lower bout compared to the ES-125's 16.25", impacting resonance and overall sound projection.
Source -
Some ES-125 models have an amazing neck with low, fast action, rivaling expensive modern jazz guitars despite being originally intended as student-grade instruments.
Source
Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
-
Tuning pegs often deteriorate on older models, but replacements or pre-aged sets can be sourced for approximately $60.
Source -
Fret wear is a common issue but not a major expense unless structural problems are present.
Source -
ES-125s, often lacking labels due to their low-end status, can have fast, low action that enhances playability.
Source
User experience
Features and functionality
-
The ES-150DC combines a full hollow body with a double cutaway design, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern elements not commonly found together.
Source
Use cases and applications
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the photo for Nick Waterhouse's album Never Twice he is clearly wielding a Gibson ES-150 sans pickguard.
"A Gibson Les Paul goldtop reissue, a ’56 Fender Stratocaster, a Fender “No-Caster” #0590, a ’58 Gibson ES-150, a National Resophonic steel, and a late-’30s Gibson L-00."
Mary Osborne used an EH-150 or similar model to establish the “Electric Spanish” guitar as a format that was here to stay. Other makers such as Epiphone, Gretsch, Stromberg, and D’Angelico took up the flag, but Gibson was never really toppled as the classic jazz rig of choice.
http://www.gibson.com/news-lifestyle/features/en-us/legendaryrigsclassicjazz.aspx
In the image provided by Ytimg, Tampa Red is seen using a Gibson ES-150, demonstrating his connection to this classic hollowbody electric guitar.
He had four or five guitars including one ES-150 he’d brought to New York. Through John, I was able to buy it from her, along with his little round-shouldered amplifier. You can see it in many pictures of me with Goodman and, later, with Nick Grido at the Commodore Hotel.
In his official website, this guitar is listed as part of his gear: https://www.milesokazaki.com/about/gear
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-150 has been featured on the following albums:
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 ES-150, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Gibson Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
julianwolf2Gear IQ 13060
-