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 solid body electric mandolin introduced in 1954 during Gibson’s Golden Era of electric instruments. This is a pre-production example from 1953 made in a fabulous factory Gretsch Orange finish (just before Gretsch introduced their 6120 model) for the 1954 NAMM show. Having a bound carved top & solid mahogany body, the Florentine Electric Mandolin borrows heavily from the Les Paul Model. A smaller black P-90 pickup with 4 pole pieces is connected to a 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. Its original electronics include a Cornell-Dubilier Grey Tiger tone capacitor and Centralab pots with 1953 date codes. The Gold “no-line” Kluson Deluxe tuners, its tailpiece & cover & its bridge saddle are in fabulous shape. Lastly its early small pickgard & gold speed knobs complete this package of this crazy cool Custom Color Mandolin that would be welcome in any serious guitar collection. The EM-200 is an outstanding crossover instrument for guitarists looking to start mandolin, or for live performance and recording with its unique sound. Other than some slight weather checking & a chip here & there, its truly in near mint original condition & comes w/its matching Brown tolex/pink lined Lifton hard case.