1947 Gibson BR-2 Century
The first BR-2 lap steels rolled off the line sometime in late 1947, replacing the retired BR-4. The new BR-2 was marketed as a more affordable alternative to the high-end Ultratone BR-1, and featured the same body, fretboard and pickup as that more expensive model. The new space-age design was a huge departure from the look of the Pre-War steels, and the BR-2 was well received as a result.
This example is a particularly early version, with two controls rather than the standard 3 (Thanks to A.R. Duchossoir for that bit of information -- his recent book, Gibson Electric Steel Guitars, is a work of art and a tome of knowledge), and it's in beautiful condition. Original Kluson tuners, AlNiCo pickup, gold silkscreened modernized block logo, clear barrel knobs, and back-painted plastic fingerboard and bridge cover. The tuner buttons and jack plate are replacements installed by us, otherwise completely original and in perfect working order.
With excellent tone and stylish appointments, this BR-2 Century is very cool find.
With original hardshell case, and ephemera.
This example is a particularly early version, with two controls rather than the standard 3 (Thanks to A.R. Duchossoir for that bit of information -- his recent book, Gibson Electric Steel Guitars, is a work of art and a tome of knowledge), and it's in beautiful condition. Original Kluson tuners, AlNiCo pickup, gold silkscreened modernized block logo, clear barrel knobs, and back-painted plastic fingerboard and bridge cover. The tuner buttons and jack plate are replacements installed by us, otherwise completely original and in perfect working order.
With excellent tone and stylish appointments, this BR-2 Century is very cool find.
With original hardshell case, and ephemera.