FOR SALE: Rare 1938 Gibson Set Complete

[GibsonGuy]

I bought this one-of-a-kind set in 1971 from the original owner and this is the first time I have ever offered it for sale. I would like to see it go to a player, so with Dirk's OK I am posting it on this forum before anywhere else. ALL ORIGINAL 1938 SET includes ES-150 with matching case and EH-150 amp COMPLETE, right down to the amp slip cover and guitar cord! Note that this is one of the earliest ES-150s so it has the genuine Charlie Christian pickup, tapered head, etc. Everything works great including amp. Sadly I never played it, so it even still has excellent original frets. I have seen this model guitar, case, and/or amp offered separately (usually the cheapened versions of later years) but NEVER have I seen anything approaching the completeness, originality, and quality of this offering. If you want the ultimate jazz guitar set, this is it! After much soul searching I am asking just a bit more than others have sold unmatched components for separately: $8,700 for all, and you'll know it was worth every penny! Photos and other details on request. Serious inquiries only please.

[hot ford coupe]

Oh good gravy!! What a fantastic piece of history in one area. If I had the money, I'd gladly pay what you're asking. Many times it takes years to put something like that together. I'm sure it sounds incredible. Thanks ever so much for posting the picture and showing us this fantastic find.

[OldGuitarPlayer]

Wow! That is just incredible. I sure hope it goes to a good home. I cannot imagine having that guitar for so long and never playing it.

[FatJeff]

So, maybe it's just me but I'm suspicious here.

You've got 1 post to your name on these forums. No credibility.

You've owned a 1938 Gibson since 1971 (FORTY YEARS) and you've never played it once? Are you just a collector? And if so, why are you selling it on a forum frequented by people who are probably broke (i.e. jazz guitarists)?

You say "everything works great including amp," yet, by your own words, you've never played it. How do you know that it really does work?

There's only one picture. Seems like you'd want to post about a dozen at different angles. Is something being hidden?

Sorry, but before I fork out close to 10 grand I want more information.

[Bill C]

Originally Posted by FatJeff

There's only one picture. Seems like you'd want to post about a dozen at different angles.

I would supply these to serious enquirers, not plaster them all over the internet

[hot ford coupe]

The post does say "photos and other details on request". I've seen this many times before. Plus, the guy may have checked it just before posting it for sale. As a potential buyer, that's one of the things that I would check. I might even ask the guy to plug it in and play a few lines. I'd also ask why he bought it from the original owner in the first place. Again, as a potential buyer, I would always tread lightly before I spent my dough.

[Bebop Tom]

Isn't that this one:
Seeking info, vintage ES-150..lots of photos in The Vintage Corner Forum

[GibsonGuy]

OWNER RESPONSE: Just checked in and found all the insightful comments. Let me put your minds at ease, one by one (albeit all answers interrelated, as you will see):
1. I don't blame you for suspicions, but let me first address the credibility issue. Yes, I am new to this forum because I am the first to admit I'm not a jazz guitarist; I always thought I would take it up, which is why I bought this instrument in the first place. (I am a player, not a collector and certainly not a dealer.) I've finally concluded that I will go to the grave as a fingerpicking folkie, so my main playing instrument has always been my 1943 Martin D-18 (purchased in 1965, thankfully; no one could be more broke than I am!). I joined this forum for the express purpose of trying to find the right home for the Gibson. It deserves to be played by someone who can do it justice.
2. Groan. By "never played" I did not literally mean I have never picked it up or tried it! I was just trying to explain how it could have 73-year-old frets that still worked great. I have logged a few hours of appreciative playing and I get it out for any jazz visitor who wants to try it, so yes I know it works fine -- everyone who plays it loves both guitar and amp.
3. Thanks for the link to additional photos at the Martin Guitar Forum site. Yes, a friend of mine posted those for me there a couple years ago when I first toyed with the idea of selling it. The only change since then is that I tracked down a replacement rectifier tube for the amp that has the original "coke bottle" shape. All of the other tubes were 1938 original: even the rare 6L6 black metal push-pull output tubes (later 6L6 construction was clear glass).
4. I am happy to address any other questions. This is the real deal (nothing "hidden") and obviously I would expect any buyer to be thoroughly informed and satisfied before committing. In particular, the Martin Forum photos better show that there is a small crack in the top beneath the tailpiece. I was advised that this is routine and inexpensive to fix, but that I should leave it to the buyer to treat as they wish.
5. Sorry for the price, but I have discovered that getting old ain't cheap (!) so I need to ask what I have learned the set is worth. Nonetheless, I hope it goes to a player (hence my post on this forum). I would hate to see this one locked in a vault.

[houseofcharm]

Gibson should buy it.

And I just got one tonight, my 3rd and cleanest but maybe still not as clean as yours. And that amp looks like you just unwrapped it from the box...good luck on the sale.