Gibson Florentine EM200, 1957. $3,100.
Fresh from an estate in Indiana, here's another Gibson Electric Florentine.
As I write this, I have two of them in stock, which is unprecedented, at least for me.
The EM200 Electric Florentine was built for only 18 years and doesn't seem to exist in large numbers, but certainly punches above its weight in looks, performance, and reputation. If you've thought about buying a vintage electric mandolin at all, you've thought about buying an EM200.
This one ia numbered 7 7112 on the back of the headstock, which dates it to 1957. EM200s were introduced in 1954 and the specs changed several times over the years, but being early in the run, this Florentine conforms to the original specs, incuding the Waverly cloud tailpiece and cutaway pickguard. It comes in the original pink-lined ’50s shaped F-style case. Gold Kluson tuners; original rosewood adjustable bridge with brass saddle; 4-pole P-90 pickup; tone and volume knobs. Solid mahogany 2-point body in sunburst finish; mahogany neck; ebony fretboard and headplate. Binding on top and fretboard.
EM200s from the 1950s are more desirable and harder to find than their ’60s descendants. This one is in good overall condition with no significant damage or repairs. Wear and finish crazing are typical of a mandolin of its age. It's very common for EM200 headstock scrolls to get broken off and reglued, but that hasn't happened here. Parts appear to be original, although strap buttons have been added at the neck and heel. $3,100 plus shipping. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval offered.
The EM200 Electric Florentine was built for only 18 years and doesn't seem to exist in large numbers, but certainly punches above its weight in looks, performance, and reputation. If you've thought about buying a vintage electric mandolin at all, you've thought about buying an EM200.
This one ia numbered 7 7112 on the back of the headstock, which dates it to 1957. EM200s were introduced in 1954 and the specs changed several times over the years, but being early in the run, this Florentine conforms to the original specs, incuding the Waverly cloud tailpiece and cutaway pickguard. It comes in the original pink-lined ’50s shaped F-style case. Gold Kluson tuners; original rosewood adjustable bridge with brass saddle; 4-pole P-90 pickup; tone and volume knobs. Solid mahogany 2-point body in sunburst finish; mahogany neck; ebony fretboard and headplate. Binding on top and fretboard.
EM200s from the 1950s are more desirable and harder to find than their ’60s descendants. This one is in good overall condition with no significant damage or repairs. Wear and finish crazing are typical of a mandolin of its age. It's very common for EM200 headstock scrolls to get broken off and reglued, but that hasn't happened here. Parts appear to be original, although strap buttons have been added at the neck and heel. $3,100 plus shipping. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval offered.