Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Archtop, Electric, Guitars, SOLD
Built from 1941 to 1970 with a break during WW2, the Gibson ES-125 archtop was a popular, entry level electric guitar with a single P-90 pickup. It was a development from the ES-100, introduced in 1938 with a slightly smaller body, and carrying a ‘Charlie Christian’ pickup.
Like most other ES (Electric Spanish) models, the Gibson ES-125 archtop is based on a Maple/Poplar/Maple laminate body, as this resists feedback fairly well. In this case, the top and back are laminate, while the sides are Mahogany. The body is 16.25 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep. The neck is Mahogany with a Rosewood fingerboard, and the bridge is Rosewood. At this point the rosewood used was Brazilian. For hardware, there are Kluson Deluxe strip tuners with creme plastic buttons, a trapeze tailpiece, a single P-90 pickup with adjustable pole pieces, and volume and tone controls.
This example dates to 1954 and appears to be all original, though the pickguard is missing and the original case is long gone – it would have been faux-gator fibre (cardboard), and those often don’t age well. The hardware is typical of this period. For example, the Kluson Deluxe tuners have no lettering but do have the hole for the tuner post, and these were used from 1953 to mid 1956. Translucent Gold ‘Speed’ or ‘Hatbox’ type knobs are used.
Overall, this guitar is in good shape, with minimal finish wear but some dullness due to natural oxidization. It’s presently strung with flatwounds, and plays well. The P-90 has a great sound, and these work really well for jazz and blues.
A non-original hard shell case is included.
- Model: ES-125
- Year: Current
- Finish Sunburst
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: X7377 33
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 07/11/2018
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 5.28lbs 2.4kg
- Scale Length: 24.75in 628.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.7in 43mm
