1940 Gibson EH-185 RARE 7 String Hawaiian Lap Steel Electric Guitar Lapsteel

This RARE Gibson EH-185 model 7 String Lap Steel Electric Guitar was handcrafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and features a sunburst lacquer finish, maple body and neck with a cast aluminum body insert, rosewood fingerboard, and the original tweed hard shell case. It is one of only 58 7 string EH-185s build during the model’s existence!

This Gibson EH-185 features the early 1940s model slanted plastic-covered pickup with adjustable poles which replaced the earlier 30s blade pickups. Gibson pickups of this era are widely regarded as being among the finest sounding in history, in addition to being some of the first means to successfully electrify musical instruments.

This lap steel guitar is stunning with its lovely flame maple sunburst. These aluminum core steels have a very rich and extra powerful tone. They also have a lot of definition and are much better sustaining than their EH-150 siblings due to the cast aluminum insert in their core, which reaches from its headstock to its bridge. It's a great-sounding and playing steel, as well as a stylish instrument with a classic Gibson look!

Overall length: 32 in. (81.3 cm.)
Lover Bout: 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm.)
Depth: 2 in. (5.08 cm.)
Scale length: 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.)
Nut Width: 2 1/16 in. (524 mm.)
Serial Number / FON: E1785-55

This rare steel is ready to be played and is a wonderful sounding and very rare instrument. Five original tuners are present, with two well working era replacements. The aluminum core has extra holes on the front near the heel and possibly had a repair done as shown. It is finished in a dramatic military green. The pots and control knobs have been replaced and work well. Tone, sustain, and playability are all excellent, just as one might expect from an EH-185. The seventh string makes this beauty a vanishingly rare guitar. Only one… Grab it now!

Very Good Plus (VG+) Condition