Homage to the 1936 Gibson E150

[PeteHowlett]

I'm a ukulele maker who is working with an enthusiast to reimagine a class lap steel design. Do you want to see our progress?

[Danny Mitchell]

Yes.

[Tony Russell Davis]

Me too

[WineRider]

A strange request, why join to ask that sort of question.

[PeteHowlett]

Forums are places where information is shared. Comments here will help us in our efforts to make a good instrument. My man is an enthusiast, I'm a maker. Some external input would help us further.

So progress so far. Headstock design is done and now we are working on position markers. By the end of the week I should have the CNC machined mockups done. I'll be able to post some images then. We are looking at a 22.5" scale and a more modern 25" scale... Any thoughts?

Thanks for the encouragement and interest.

[Pop123]

Hi

I have made a number of acoustic guitars that were based on or actual copies of early models, such as guitars made by Antonio De Torress and Martin. It is a satisfying pursuit and as the originals were hand made, you can make very similar guitars using the same tools and techniques. I don't quite get making a Gibson E150 . The original was a factory-made guitar from cast aluminium. It weighs nearly 9 pounds, so heavy lump to have on your lap. It is said that less than a hundred were sold, but even less than that are known to exist today. As the body is almost indestructible, it is a mystery why so few have survived. This is not a criticism, but I believe you could use your skills to make a nicer instrument.

[hickenjr]

Hi

I have made a number of acoustic guitars that were based on or actual copies of early models, such as guitars made by Antonio De Torress and Martin. It is a satisfying pursuit and as the originals were hand made, you can make very similar guitars using the same tools and techniques. I don't quite get making a Gibson E150 . The original was a factory-made guitar from cast aluminium. It weighs nearly 9 pounds, so heavy lump to have on your lap. It is said that less than a hundred were sold, but even less than that are known to exist today. As the body is almost indestructible, it is a mystery why so few have survived. This is not a criticism, but I believe you could use your skills to make a nicer instrument.

I'd definitely much rather see something like a Gibson Console Grande homage.

[PeteHowlett]

This is where we currently are with the design


An homage is not a copy and we are focusing on a 'lap steel' rather than one on a stand.... We are trying to evoke the 'idea' of the shape whilst incorporating an Art Deco flavour into the piece. I've built many copies of pre war guitars - all brands including Weissenborns and Harp Guitars. My job here is to advise on design matters and produce the prototype. My partner is developing his links with players in Hawaii who are giving him quite a bit of positive feedback.

As a successful British ukulele maker of over 26 years, a Fellow of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and internationally respected artisan mastercraftsman with over 1000 documented instruments of varying kinds under my belt I understand what it costs and takes to build a commercially successful instrument in a niche market. We are not looking to change the world but we do want to make a difference. Oh and I forgot, for a year and a half in the late 1990s I curated an American stringed instrument collection in Akron Ohio and have seen most of the instruments that are in coffee table publications like A R Duchossoir's authoritative book 1935 - 1967 Gibson his Electric Steel Guitars. Along with my personal recollections of handling the original vintage instruments, I am using this particularly lavishly photographed study for source material. I hope this helps y'all get where I am coming from and where I am heading so you can be better informed when replying to my comments.

Thanks for your encouragement and advice - one project at a time folks. I've got ukulele to build..

[Danny Mitchell]

That is a beautiful instrument, Pete. It definitely evokes that, 'Jazz Age', bygone era. Along with a steel bar, spats and a homburg would be essential accessories.
Good luck with the project.

[Pop123]

The E150 was basically a prototype. Gibsion followed on with the EH150, with its Charle Christian pickup, which is one of the best lap steel ever made. In my personal and honest opinion, I'm not that keen on guitars that have been decorated with veneers. That's not to say guitars should not be good looking, but using veneer decoration adds noting to the tone and is closer to being a demonstration of woodworking skills and furniture making than making great guitars.