Mark Helm
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 11 Jul 2022 10:35 am |
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This lovely royal blue Populuxe delight (likely from 1954) has it's original P-90 and all original electronics that have just been professionally serviced and cleaned).
This model was the second iteration of the whimsical Century 6 concept, launched in 1951. This Century 6 lap steel, like its sister the Ultratone, features a similar oblong asymmetrical body and a Lucite fingerboard.
The instrument's visual character was originally the work of the design firm Barnes & Reinicke, hired by Gibson at the end of WWII to add some flair to the company's recipe. This fairly short-lived version of the model features a deep blue/green lacquer finish on the body, set off with lighter blue, grey, and gold accents. The one-piece metal bridge is covered by molded, back-painted shell (in perfect shape, no cracks):
As stated above, this guitar has its original Gibson P-90 single coil pickup with adjustable pole pieces that sits under a blue-grey plastic cover with a gorgeous art deco gold floral design unique to this model. This always great-sounding unit provides the tonal muscle
to back up the Century's slick modern looks. It is controlled by an unusual one-volume, dual-tone-knob circuit for an added range of sound, although the
second tone control has a very subtle effect.
The early 1950s-era Century was produced in relatively small numbers and remains one of Gibson's most unique and visually striking instruments. This one comes in
its very fine original rectangular hard case which is the little brother to the Gibson cases of the era, covered in brown with a pink plush lining.
Overall length is 32 1/4 in. (81.9 cm.), 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length
is 22 3/8 in. (568 mm.). Width of nut is 2 in. (51 mm.).
This is a pretty clean example of this Populuxe classic overall, showing for the most part only some relatively minor wear. The original blue/green lacquer finish retains great color with some small chips and dings but no heavy play wear. The instrument is almost all original, with two exceptions: the jack plate has been replaced, and the tuners are nice retro Grover Deluxes.
This Century is a fine-playing and sounding steel, with the typical warmer Gibson tone compared to contemporary Fender or Rickenbacker instruments. After nearly 70 years these Century models are still unique and in any musical gathering the most futuristic thing in the room! The original pink-lined brown case has some external wear and has lost part of the leather on the handle, but is fully intact and in good working
condition.
$1200, shipped!
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Remington Steelmaster S8 w/ custom Steeltronics pickup. Vox MV-50 amplifier + an 1940's Oahu cab w/ 8" American Vintage speaker. J. Mascis Fender Squire Jazzmaster, Hofner Club bass, Ibanez AVN4-VMS Artwood Vintage Series Concert Size Acoustic Guitar. 1920s/30s Supertone Hawaiian-themed parlor guitar. Silvertone parlor guitar. |
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