Can you validate this is a 1940 EH-185

David DeLoach · From: Tennessee, USA

I brought this Gibson EH-185 home today. I love it - this instrument really sings. The pickup is strong and balanced, and the tuners work great. Just a little bit of scratchy in the volume & tone pots but nothing significant. The volume and tone knobs don't match, and I'm not sure which - if either - is original.

The seller told me it was made in 1940. Can anyone help me confirm that?

The S/N is F611-21

Thanks!

Nelson Checkoway · From: Massachusetts, USA

According to A. R. Duchossoir’s reference book “Gibson Electric Steel Guitars” your serial number identifies a 1940 model. The prefix “F” when followed by 3 digits a hyphen and then 2 digits, like yours, signifies a 1940 build. (The only other F prefix guitars from that era are from 1942-43, but they follow the F with 4 digits typically in the 5000-7000 range.) The knob closest to the bridge looks to be the original one. Beautiful steel. Congratulations!

Nelson Checkoway · From: Massachusetts, USA

David - the hexagonal U-magnet pickup on your steel also identifies it as a pre-1941 model. They replaced it with the diagonal alnico pickup with individual pole pieces in late 1940. That feature and the F prefix make this a 1940 guitar all the way!!!

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