SOLD - Gibson Ultratone 6-String Lapsteel, Case, Accessories

[Shari Fowler]

- SOLD -
Rare 1951-59 Gibson Ultratone 6-String Lapsteel in original Gibson case. Nice design with two "art-deco" -covers over headstock and bridge, bound ivory top on solid mahogany body. At the time it originally went to market, it was Gibson's most expensive, top of the line lapsteel, and less than 500 were produced. My grandpa played it for decades up until about a year ago, and he took very good care of it. Very good condition (per Guitar Blue Book guide definition); one small paint chip and a few scratches on the back (see photos). It has a beautiful sound. Comes in its original brown hard-shell case with pink lining. Several finger-picks, pick-up cord and vintage Stevens AP&M slide tone bar included.
• Mahagony body with bound ivory top
• Original nitro finish
• Plastic fingerboard with golden background
• Flower/art-deco design on pick-up and peg-head covers
• 3 golden speed knobs in working condition

Currently located in NE Wisconsin (near Appleton) but can be easily hand-transported to Chicago, Minneapolis or Seattle. Asking $900 OBO (+ shipping/mileage if applicable)

Read interesting history/research about the Ultratones:
http://www.guitarhq.com/gibson7.html#ultra

https://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/show ... nd-history

[Charlie Hansen]

Here's a link to one on Reverb. That's Canadian funds so I'm guessing $1100 USD.

https://reverb.com/ca/item/280635-gibso ... -lap-steel

[Adam Nero]

Shari - I live in St. Paul but work in Wisconsin. What part of the state are you in? I’m interested in this once you settle on a price. I’ll send an email/pm so we can connect. Thanks!

[T. C. Furlong]

I looked in Vintage Guitar price guide. An Ultratone Lap Steel (made from 1948-1959) in excellent condition books at $700 to $900 retail. Everything must be working perfectly and there cannot be any blemishes in the finish or on the plastic to rate as excellent condition. I live near southern Wisconsin and if you'd like to sell it, please let me know. I have a Gibson lap steel collection and I only have Ultratones is white with coral tuners. TC

[Chris Boyd]

I deleted the response as Erv was right...

[Erv Niehaus]

Not a good comparison.
The one on EBay has replacement tuners and no case.

[Jim Saunders]

Those prices on Reverb look way high to me. A 6 string lap should run about $500 to $600. That's just my opinion and I'm not bidding. Good luck with your sale.

[Jack Hanson]

Even if you're not interested in buying it, if you know what this is worth and could advise me, I'd appreciate your help!

Does it have the metal fretboard, painted and silkscreened on top? Or the plastic fretboard with the painting and silkscreening on the underside?

Was grandpa the original owner?

[Shari Fowler]

Jack Hanson, it is the latter (not metal). I don't know if grandpa was the original owner; I never asked him about it. He played lapsteel his whole life, so it is highly likely that he was, but I honestly don't know the answer.

[Jack Hanson]

Thanks, Shari.

The mahogany Ultratones are great sounding instruments. Good luck with your sale.

[Shari Fowler]

Sold on Reverb