Gibson / EM-200 / 1956 / Sunburst / Guitar
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Gibson’s history is built on mandolin innovations, starting with Orville Gibson’s original designs through the teens when mandolin was their most popular product and Lloyd Loar’s legendary tenure. The final evolution of that heritage is the EM-200, a solidbody electric mandolin introduced in 1954 during Gibson’s Golden Era of electric instruments.
With a bound carved top, sunburst finish, and solid mahogany body, the Florentine Electric Mandolin borrows heavily from the Les Paul Model. A smaller P-90 pickup with 4 polepieces is connected to volume/tone controls. The pearl inlaid Gibson logo and crown peghead inlay signify a deluxe Gibson model.
Like most early EM-200’s, there is no serial number, but we can date it to about 1956. Original electronics include a Cornell-Dubilier Grey Tiger tone capacitor and Centralab pots with mid-1955 date codes. The single line Kluson Deluxe tuners were introduced in 1956.
This is a beautiful, original example with no changed parts that includes the original Lifton hardshell case, plus a vintage 1950’s leather strap and stringbox. The strap button is added, but essential! Recent fret dress and setup with electric mandolin strings make playing a joy. Some flaking lacquer on the front of the headstock was treated with amalgamator to keep it in place, that is the only repair. The EM-200 is an outstanding crossover instrument for guitarists looking to start mandolin, or for live performance and recording with its unique sound.
True Vintage Guitar, USA 
Thank you for visiting us on Vintage and Rare! At True Vintage Guitar, we are passionate about vintage instruments and the stories they carry. If you’re looking to sell a vintage guitar, True Vintage Guitar can help with accurate identification, evaluation, and may be the buyer you’re looking for. We specialize in appraising, buying, and selling Fender and Gibson guitars made during the golden era of guitars: the 1950s and 1960s anywhere and everywhere in the world. We empower private sellers with useful knowledge about the value of their guitar and help guitar players fulfill their lifelong dreams.
Founded by John Shults, a 16 year veteran guitar appraiser and buyer based in Birmingham, Alabama, True Vintage Guitar specializes in helping sellers bring forgotten old guitars out from the closet and into the hands of a guitarist who’s always dreamed of owning it. John's worldwide travel to buy vintage guitars has earned him the nickname “The Guitar Safari Champion” by Reverb.com and "The Indiana Jones of Vintage Guitars" by City Lifestyle.
We offer expert appraisal for vintage guitars, market based offers to buy vintage guitars, and a curated selection of the finest Fender and Gibson guitars available to musicians worldwide. Along the way, John sees it as part of his job to catalog all the fine details necessary for authenticating vintage guitar finishes, parts, and seldom seen rare features. Our 72 hour approval period is intended to show confidence that you’ll love the guitar you’re buying from TVG.
If you're looking to sell your vintage guitar or are in the market to buy one, True Vintage Guitar is here to help. Our commitment to preserving the legacy of these instruments and connecting them with new owners makes us a trusted destination for vintage guitar enthusiasts.
True Vintage Guitar | Buying Fender and Gibson Vintage Guitars
Website: https://truevintageguitar.com/
Showroom: 2301 1st Ave N, STE 104, Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone: 659-208-7343
Email: John@truevintageguitar.com
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Thank you for considering True Vintage Guitar. We look forward to helping you find or sell your next vintage treasure!
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