Gibson Certified Vintage 1951 Gibson CF-100E, Sunburst

1951 Gibson CF-100E, Serial Number FON 8796 34

Introduced in 1950, the CF-100E was Gibson’s first attempt at electrifying a flat-top acoustic guitar. Built with a cutaway mahogany body, spruce top, and a P-90 pickup mounted directly to the top, it was decades ahead of its time, delivering a blend of acoustic resonance and electric clarity that still feels fresh today.

This Gibson Certified Vintage 1951 CF-100E is in great condition for its age, with playwear throughout and a ton of small-body charm. The original “no line” tuners were replaced with a later set of vintage “double line” tuners by the original owner, likely due to the deteriorating plastic buttons common on 1950s Kluson tuners. The guitar was recently serviced by Glaser Instruments, where the bridge and several braces were reglued, and the fretboard was re-fretted. It now plays cleanly with improved intonation and feel. The original tall, gold Speed knobs have cracked (as these early versions often do), but they remain intact and functional.

Resonant, responsive, and undeniably cool, this rare, early CF-100E is an exceptional player. Comes with a vintage gray and blue chipboard case, a Certificate of Authenticity, a Letter of Appraisal, and a new Limited Lifetime Warranty.