Gibson ETB-150 sunburst

Ah what a find! This instrument was only produced in 66 copies between 1938 and 1941. The model presented here dates from 1940. It is an electric tenor banjo which in reality is a banjo in name only since it is closer to a 4 string electric guitar. No resonator, no skin, it’s a hollowbody mounted with….a Charlie Christian specially designed for this model. What a madness ! This pickup is a pure product of the era, and as is often the case with Charlie Christian, it is really really hot, it has incredible dynamics that will make you jump back at the first note. Its resistance is 8.04Kohms. The instrument is generally in excellent condition, with no crack or repairs. The neck is straight and well playable. The bridge is designed with a sort of vibrato that is activated with the palm of the hand. On the side are mounted 2 buttons: a volume and a very effective tone. On one side it gives the sharpest sound you have heard, but it can also go so far as to give it a fairly soft, round and mellow jazz sound. Extremely versatile. Which is exactly the goal. The sound of the banjo was falling into disuse at the time and many players wanted to convert to the sound of the guitar. Many brands therefore manufactured tenor guitars for this purpose. And what about the woods ? The maple is absolutely magnificent and its flames are very well highlighted by a sunburst of the best effect. This is one of the prettiest sunbursts I’ve seen in a long time. Very little black, a little orange. The original firestripe pickguard does not spoil this pretty design. Another curiosity is the mother-of-pearl inlays in the shape of a bow tie, called slashed bowtie. Original tin-can tuners that are perfectly functional and do not move. In original hard case. This Geib case seems to have been painted black a long time ago over the classic striped pattern that we can guess by the transparency. Certainly a very nice discovery which will delight any lover of beautiful pre-war Gibsons.