Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,000

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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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.

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Listen to this Original 1938 Gibson ES-150

Video thumbnail for Listen to this Original 1938 Gibson ES-150 by PREMIER GUITARS

Listen to this Original 1938 Gibson ES-150

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-150    1950       [LAST GUITAR] by lastguitarcom

Gibson ES-150 1950 [LAST GUITAR]

lastguitarcom

lastguitarcom

Video thumbnail for 1953 Gibson ES-150 available at thatrhythmman.com by That Rhythm Man Guitars

1953 Gibson ES-150 available at thatrhythmman.com

That Rhythm Man Guitars

That Rhythm Man Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES150 Sunburst 1951 played by Tom Punt | Demo by TFOA Demos

Gibson ES150 Sunburst 1951 played by Tom Punt | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

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

  • If confirmed as an ES-150, a price around $1200 is significantly below the typical market value, which can exceed $2500.

    Source
  • Despite its entry-level status, an exceptionally clean 1950 ES-125 was purchased for $3,700, showcasing its collectible appeal.

    Source

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

  • The ES-150 is appreciated for its distinctive bite in sound, particularly useful for genres requiring pronounced tonal character.

    Source
  • One owner found their 1957 ES-125 with P-90s sounds superior to other guitars equipped with the same pickups.

    Source

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

  • The fully hollow construction of the ES-150DC enhances its suitability for playing chords and melodies with a rich, resonant sound.

    Source
  • ES-125s are often deemed affordable vintage guitars, particularly appealing to jazz students seeking a vintage feel.

    Source

Comparisons

  • ES-125 is compared to other models like the ES-350 for being a budget-friendly entry model, while the ES-350 commands higher prices due to its rarity.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick Waterhouse uses Gibson ES-150

Nick Waterhouse

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Performer Magazine

In the photo for Nick Waterhouse's album Never Twice he is clearly wielding a Gibson ES-150 sans pickguard.

See how Bob Margolin uses Gibson ES-150

Bob Margolin

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

"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."

See how Mary Osborne uses Gibson ES-150

Mary Osborne

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Tampa Red uses Gibson ES-150

Tampa Red

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided by Ytimg, Tampa Red is seen using a Gibson ES-150, demonstrating his connection to this classic hollowbody electric guitar.

See how Mundell Lowe uses Gibson ES-150

Mundell Lowe

Guitarist

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Miles Okazaki uses Gibson ES-150

Miles Okazaki

Guitarist, Composer

Mary Halvorson Quartet

...
Verified via Miles Okazaki

In his official website, this guitar is listed as part of his gear: https://www.milesokazaki.com/about/gear

See how Tommy Tedesco uses Gibson ES-150

Tommy Tedesco

Guitarist

The Wrecking Crew

...
Verified
Year: 1941

A Heritage Auction list featured on the Drum Forum website confirms that guitarist Tommy Tedesco owned a 1941 Gibson ES-150.

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.

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1
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1

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