1959 Gibson EM-200 Electric Mandolin

The Les Paul Standard was not the only carved top solidbody sunburst electric model that Gibson made in 1959.

Gibson built this EM-200 electric mandolin in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1959. The date is easy to confirm with serial number 9_1115 stamped on back of headstock, just like you see on a darkback 1950’s Les Paul. The mahogany solid body has a carved top, binding and sunburst finish. The gold hardware includes gold Kluson Deluxe tuning machines with original buttons and the Gibson logo engraved tailpiece cover. The EM-200 electric mandolin shares many classic period features with contemporary Gibson electric guitars: ABR-1 bridge, gold top hat knobs, bumblebee capacitor and P-90 pickup.

Some wear is evident from playing and handling, including wear through the finish along the back edge and treble side of the mandolin. Note the typical scroll repair and plenty of lacquer checking in the original nitro finish. Includes the original hard case with pink lining. The original owner personalized the case with a coat of red paint and his initials “WM” next to the handle with mailbox stickers. Recent professional setup and excellent electric tone through the original mandolin-sized P-90 pickup and electronics.