The post war period for Gibson was a particularly prosperous one, with the release of countless arch top and solid body electric guitars that defined the success of the Ted McCarty era. Among them, the Gibson CF100 & CF100E is somewhat of an outlier. Borrowing aspects from both arch tops like the ES-175 and L4-C, and the ever popular LG-2 flat top, the CF100E bridged the gap between acoustic and electric guitar in way that is still fairly unique to this day, but that was perhaps a bit too revolutionary for the time. This 1951 Gibson CF100E is a a wonderful example from the first year of production, with a history of its own.
The CF100E was produced between 1951 and 1959 with approximately 1300 made, and was the only flat top model to feature a Florentine cutaway during the 1950s. It was otherwise built to the same specifications as the LG-2 flat top of the same period. Constructed from a Sitka Spruce, X-braced top and mahogany back and sides, the CF100E is a resonant acoustic guitar in its own right, far more so than the ladder braced J-160E guitars of the same period. The CF100E is fitted with an uncovered P90 pickup just above the sound hole, offering the dynamic amplified response of an electric guitar, while retaining all the resonant qualities of a solid wood flat top. The neck profile has the same feel found on the Goldtop Les Pauls of the period, with a full yet effortlessly playable feel.
This particular guitar was owned and played by Jack Pruett, husband of renowned country singer Jeanne Pruett, and guitarist for outlaw country pioneer and Johnny Cash peer Marty Robbins. This provenance adds a truly unique back story to this wonderful guitar.
This guitar is in all original condition with the exception of the tuner buttons, which have been replaced. There has also been a centre seam top crack repair, which is perfectly stable. This guitar also includes its original green lined Gibson case.
This guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
