Object of the Day

Chuck Berry's Electric Guitar, "Maybellene"

February 28

This Gibson ES-350T semi-acoustic guitar, nicknamed "Maybellene", belonged to American rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry.

Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene"

Description
A Gibson ES-350T semi-acoustic guitar named Maybellene. The wood is light, and the tuning keys are damaged. A black and orange label with the serial number (A33643) and where the guitar was made (Kalamazoo, MI) can be seen through one of the F-holes. The case is treated canvas on wood with velvet lining.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Manufactured by
Gibson Guitar Corp., American, founded 1894
Owned by
Chuck Berry, American, 1926 - 2017
Subject of
Chess Records, American, founded 1950
Date
1959
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donation of Charles E. Berry
Medium
wood and metal
Dimensions
41 x 17 x 4 in. (104.1 x 43.2 x 10.2 cm)
Type
guitars