Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene"

This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

Manufactured by

Gibson Guitar Corp., American, founded 1894

Owned by

Chuck Berry, American, 1926 - 2017

Subject of

Chess Records, American, founded 1950

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.

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donation of Charles E. Berry

Date

1959

Object number

2011.137.2

Restrictions & Rights

1960 Gibson Guitar Corporation

Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Type

guitars

Medium

wood and metal

Dimensions

41 x 17 x 4 in. (104.1 x 43.2 x 10.2 cm)

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Musical Instruments

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic

African American

Musicians

Rock and roll (Music)

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53975556d-6561-498b-9629-eb66bfc68861

Record ID

nmaahc_2011.137.2