1955 Gibson Consolette Doubleneck 8-String Lap Steel Guitar

Overview: How about them apples, huh? This is not only a rare doubleneck, 8-string Gibson lap steel but it's also clean as heck, all original and, apparently, features a korina body by the looks of it. The owner has it pegged to 1955 or 1956 and I concur -- let's call it a '55 and let that be close-enough. I couldn't date it more precisely from the pots or body cavities but this specific version was really only available for a few years.

Tone: These old P90 lap steel pickups are creamy and sweet to biting and snappy depending on where and how you pick. I love the fullness of the sound on this instrument -- it's super-engaging.

Feel: It has a split-level thing going on between the necks so it's got a comfortable feel compared to earlier console instruments that have the string paths all on the same level. The string spacing is comfortable and not cramped.

Interesting features: Aside from the killer sunburst and big old Gibson logo, the cream pickup covers and control plate give a slick look and the reverse-painted acrylic fingerboards with their gold luster are classy as well. It has its original aluminum legs, too, which make it a very useful stage instrument -- especially for players who double on something else.

Repairs included: I just gave it a quick cleaning and adjusted the setup a hair. It was pretty-much ready to go when it arrived.

• Scale length: 22 1/2"
• Nut string spacing: 2 3/8"
• Bridge string spacing: 2 3/4"
• String height off board: 7/16"
• Pickups: two original P90s

Condition notes: It's pretty clean overall but there's weather-check to the finish and mild handling/bumping-about wear and tear mostly along the edges and back. It's all-original throughout and the case is in good order, too.

It comes with: It has its original hard case and legs!

Consignor tag: LCL