Gibson ES-250 Guitar

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Gibson Es-250 Electric Archtop (1939-1940) 

The Gibson Es-250 Guitar was actually introduced in late 1938, it was an upgrade of the Gibson ES-150 models in the late 30s which had the Charlie Christian pick ups. The ES-250 guitar was just a little bigger, the guitar was 17" wide unlike the ES-150 which 16 1/4" wide. 

In late 1938 the Gibson ES-250 had a carved maple back, special Charlie Christian pickups with 6 individual mini blades for every guitar string which gave a maximum tonal response. It had a double parallelogram fingerboard inlays or rectangular, multi bound and were made in sunburst finishes. 

In 1939 natural finishes were available and were labeled as ES-250N. In 1940 ES-250 guitars were discontinued. The ES-250 was one of the most advanced electric guitars of its time and list price was only $175. This guitar model was played by many Blues and jazz masters such as Charlie Christian, T-bone Walker and Oscar Moore amongst many others.. 

During 1939-40 (pre war era) on some ES-250 guitar models Gibson used parts from the ES-150 and vice versa to make these guitars for production. Some speculate that very few ES-250 guitars were made after world war II with P-90 pickups.

> View all used and vintage Gibson ES Guitars For Sale.

Gibson ES-250 Price Guide (Updated May-1-2021)
  • 1939 - 1939 > $28 000 to $36 000 (Natural)
  • 1939 - 1939 > $15 000 to $25 000 (Sunburst)
  • 1940 - 1940 > $25 000 to $35 000 (Natural)
  • 1940 - 1940 > $15 000 to $25 000 (Sunburst)
  • Note: These models are so rare they can sell for up to 50k in pristine condition.

Comments

  1. Anonymous9:08 AM

    I have an es250 that belonged to my son and one nite at afrat party someone busted the back in a straight line from top to bottom, the instrument sounde great even while broren. I sent it to nashville and had it repaired by suposedly the best in the business , now the break is only bearly detectable . im curious as to its value. this is a used guitar with a beautifully aged look. I also have the case I think is original.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous9:16 PM

    not worth much... I have a similar gibson broke the neck, professionally repaired... its worth about 20% of an original condition one.

    sorry

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8:25 PM

    I still have my original ES 250 (Z2436 4)that I played in our school dance band in 1955 to 1956. Seems that it is a rather rare item these days and hard to appraise.

    Dark finish with "starburst" top, trapezoidal neck inlays with black and white laminated finger guard.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5:47 AM

    I have one thats a 1940. Natural finish. Would you know how much this is worth nowadays?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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