Gibson BR-6B

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

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Ron Victoria
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Gibson BR-6B

Post by Ron Victoria »

This is a black version of the BR-6 with a different looking pickup plate and no string cover. There were only 77 made yet two surfaced on Ebay last week. The first one didn't sell from Oliviamusic and the second one ends shortly and is in the $300s. You would think with so few made they would be very valuable.

Ron


It ended at $401 Auction on eBay. <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Brad Bechtel on 20 April 2006 at 03:42 PM.]</p></FONT>
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Brad Bechtel
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Post by Brad Bechtel »

Where did you get the information that only 77 were made? I have personally seen two others just like this, but in much worse condition. Just wondering...

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Ron Victoria
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Richard Shatz
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Post by Richard Shatz »

That lap steel is a very early BR6 (1946-48). It's fairly common. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/r_shatz/detail?.dir=5fd4&.dnm=d19d.jpg
The BR6-B has the same control plate/pickup cover as the sunburst BR6, http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/r_shatz/detail?.dir=5fd4&.dnm=7d4e.jpg
but has a black finish. They are very rare. I've only seen one in more than 15 years of collecting.

Michael Lee Allen
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Post by Michael Lee Allen »

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Gaylon Mathews
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Post by Gaylon Mathews »

I have a BR-6B that I love. It's beat all to heck but it sounds great! I've had it for about 15 years. I was on a session yesterday in Nashville with Brent Mason and others where I used my BR-6B. The engineer and producer loved it. As a matter of fact, the producer just called me this morning and thanked me again for bringing it out for the session.

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Ron Victoria
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Post by Ron Victoria »

I have a BR-4 and feel those P-90s really put out. I don't know what the professionals are using and can only offer my opinion.

Ron
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Tighe Falato
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Post by Tighe Falato »

I haven't posted in awhile but couldn't help to pause when reading this thread. The best one was the BR-6 that the seller claimed was a BR-3 per George Gruhn a few weeks back. Considering Gruhn lists only one example made in the VG Guide this must have been the holy grail (:
The comment about Gibson steels not being used by professional players is not quite accurate and I was glad to see a recording professional chime in. In terms of sheer collectability, Gibson and Rickenbacher rule in my book. They may not be as mainstream with players as the Fenders but they have their own tone and vibe that sets them apart. I agree with Ron that the P90 is a hot one and you'd be hard pressed to negate the lush tones produced by a prewar Charlie Christian or ES-300 pickup. It all boils down to personal preference anyway. I wouldn't buy an instrument or a brand just because that is what professionals use. Too many choices and flavors to be that limited and I bet even that player has a Gibson in his arsenal anyway (: