Eh-185?

Len Cascia · From: Worthington, MA, USA

Hi Guys and Gals,
I've been looking at a few EH-185s for sale lately that are 6 string, but in doing my pre-purchase due diligence have also come across some 7 string versions that I was unaware of.
If per chance anyone has a 7 string EH-185 that they are considering selling (or trading for that matter), please let me know.
Thanks, Len
Sorry, forgot the question:
It's that time of year, so while perusing, I've narrowed it down to a birthday EH-150 or EH-185, but would ask some advice from those much more knowledgeable than I.
I have an EH-125 that has quite good sustain (solid one piece mahogany that I love) and have learned that the EH-150 with its removable back since it's hollow, does not. Although there is another variation where the back is either glued or is solid maple(?) and has only a couple of screws showing on the back which I assume controls the height of the pickup. Is this version preferable due to more sustain?
Or am I correct to lean towards the EH-185 whether either 6 or 7 strings? And I assume there is no chance of finding an EH-275?

Noah Miller · From: Rocky Hill, CT

Correct, the "classic" EH-150 has much less sustain than any of Gibson's solid body steels. Later EH-150s used a different pickup and the backs were glued on; those two screws are for pickup adjustment. Even later ones had the Alnico pickup and no screws in the back. The only EH-150s with a notably different sustain are the last ones with a solid body, which are quite similar to your EH-125.

The EH-185 is not only solid, but has a huge metal structure running the whole length of the instrument. It has a ton of sustain as a result, and weighs a ton. If you want sustain, go for the 185 (if you can locate one). A 275 is basically the same instrument with cosmetic enhancements and yes, it's rarer than hen's teeth.

Len Cascia · From: Worthington, MA, USA

Noah, Thanks so much for your reply, I always have enjoyed reading your posts/comments over the years.
The flamed maple EH-150s with the Charlie Christian pickup look cool, and there are a few 7 strings for sale, but I'd probably be disappointed with their sustain as you concur.
The EH-185's weight doesn't scare me since I also play a cast aluminum Dobro 7 string similar to yours that you have in your other topic (that I've been meaning to contribute/comment to with a pic of mine).

Noah Miller · From: Rocky Hill, CT

I should mention that some folks are perfectly happy with the sustain of the EH-150. I'm just not one of them, partly because I've been spoiled by my EH-185 Very Happy

.

Are you looking at examples with the CC pickup or the Alnico with adjustable poles?

Len Cascia · From: Worthington, MA, USA

The 185 with the Charlie Christian looks better to my eye but I've read the slanted pickup (Alnico?)sounds more full and less harsh. I haven't seen/heard either in person and was not aware that the polepieces are adjustable. Problem is I haven't found a 7 string yet and the one CC 185 for sale now appears to be damaged, so I'm leaning towards the Alnico model.
How many strings on your EH-185 and what pickup do you have on it?

Noah Miller · From: Rocky Hill, CT

Mine is a 7-string with the Alnico pickup. I'm not a big fan of CC pickups on steels in general, but the Alnico is indeed a lot fuller sounding, closer in sound to Gibson's post-War pickups. It's also a lot less noisy, though still a single-coil.

Bill Sinclair · From: Waynesboro, PA, USA

While I would love to have a 7-string EH-185, I'm pretty darned happy to have a 7-string EH-150. Mine is one of the solid body versions with the tortoise shell alnico pickup mounted diagonally. Looks and sounds great! I had to replace the fretboard and tuners.

Len Cascia · From: Worthington, MA, USA

Thanks Noah and Bill for the info/pic. Nice guitar Bill.

Len Cascia · From: Worthington, MA, USA

Thanks to all who voted. My search continues for an EH-185.
BTW, I'm finding it curious that each 185 I've seen appears to have the tuners (machine heads) installed backwards? I'm not talking about the buttons/shafts pointing up, the gears are above the button shaft/worm drive, not below, like a regular guitar (string tension should pull gear shaft into the worm drive)? Anyone know a particular reason for this?

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