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Average Price: $1,399
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$500
$1201+
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Description
Step back in time with the 1950's Gibson ES-125, a beloved semi-hollowbody electric guitar that marries vintage charm with timeless versatility. Emerging from the golden age of guitar craftsmanship, this instrument has captivated generations of musicians with its rich tonal quality and classic design. The ES-125 is distinguished by its adjustable P-90 pickup, which offers a warm, resonant sound that can seamlessly transition from smooth jazz chords to raw blues riffs. Its semi-hollowbody construction provides not only a full-bodied acoustic resonance but also reduces feedback, making it a favorite among live performers and studio musicians alike.
The guitar's sleek, curvaceous form is accentuated by its elegant dot inlays, ensuring that it holds its own as a piece of artistry. With a simple yet effective control layout of volume and tone knobs, the ES-125 allows players to easily shape their sound. Whether you're strumming in a smoky jazz club or laying down tracks in the studio, this guitar delivers a dynamic and expressive performance every time. It's no wonder it has been favored by iconic musicians such as George Thorogood and Sheryl Crow.
Key Features:
- Adjustable P-90 pickup for versatile tonal options
- Semi-hollowbody construction for rich acoustic resonance
- Dot inlays for a classic aesthetic
- Simple volume and tone control knobs for easy sound shaping
- Provenance from the storied era of 1950s guitar manufacturing
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-125 |
| Finish | Ebony, Sunburst |
| Year | 1950 - 1970 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Non Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-125 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of music is the 1950's Gibson ES-125 best suited for?
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The 1950's Gibson ES-125 is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly due to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design. Its single P-90 pickup offers a classic, clear sound that excels in these genres.
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Does the 1950's Gibson ES-125 have a cutaway design?
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No, the 1950's Gibson ES-125 features a non-cutaway hollow body design, which contributes to its rich, full-bodied sound but may limit access to higher frets.
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What materials are used in the construction of the 1950's Gibson ES-125?
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The 1950's Gibson ES-125 is constructed with a maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, offering a combination of durability and a warm, balanced tone.
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How many frets does the 1950's Gibson ES-125 have?
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The 1950's Gibson ES-125 is equipped with 19 frets, providing a range suitable for various playing styles, particularly in jazz and blues.
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What kind of pickup is installed in the 1950's Gibson ES-125?
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The 1950's Gibson ES-125 features a single P-90 pickup, known for its bright, punchy sound that complements the guitar's hollow body design.
Videos
Tim Wolf
Vintage Guitar Review| 1950's Gibson ES125
Vintage Guitar Review| 1950's Gibson ES125
Tim Wolf
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic vintage tone reminiscent of 50s and 60s Gibson archtops
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Original P90 pickup offers versatile sound, from mellow jazz to punchy rock
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Excellent playability with no fret buzz and perfect harmonics
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Solid build quality; stands the test of time with proper care
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Ideal for fingerstyle jazz, producing a rich and clean sound
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Well-maintained units can be found in excellent condition
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Great for home play, creating a cozy, intimate playing experience
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Maintains tuning stability even with frequent use
CONS
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Some units may have structural issues like sagging tops or broken braces
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May require specific strings (wound third) for proper intonation
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Lack of a cutaway can limit upper-fret access
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Not ideal for gigging or playing out in bars due to its vintage nature
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1950's Gibson ES-125.
Features and functionality
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The ES-125 is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for its rich, clean low-end tone, particularly effective for jazzy and folksy music styles.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Users recommend storing the guitar in humidified bags to prevent checking, a natural aging process that doesn't diminish value but may affect aesthetics.
Source
Build quality
User experience
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The guitar's pristine condition is a highlight for owners, with minimal checking and oxidation, making it a desirable piece for collectors and players alike.
Source -
Owners of multiple P-90 equipped guitars often find the ES-125's sound superior, noting its exceptional quality for a student-grade instrument.
Source
Value and pricing
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Purchasing from reputable shops like Rudy's in NYC may incur a premium, but offers assurance in authenticity and detailed historical context.
Source -
The original 1950s case can be more valuable than the guitar itself, with the guitar typically selling for $1,500-$3,000 depending on condition.
Source
Comparisons
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Compared to the ES-275, which was only in production for a few years, the ES-125 is more common and less expensive, making it a popular choice for jazz students.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
He uses this electric guitar for live performances of "Bellow my Feet". In the video of their Letterman performance he can be seen using one,
Jeff using his Gibson ES-125 during a Neutral Milk Hotel performance in 1998
"The most important guitar of my life. This was my fathers guitar that I learnt to play on."
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We can see this guitar in this Instagram photo of the official band's profile.
In an interview with True Vintage Guitar, Gregory Alan Isakov discusses his experience with a 1950s Gibson ES-125, describing it as the nicest guitar he has ever played. He appreciates its warm, buttery high end and unique tone, despite not purchasing it. Isakov mentions that the ES-125, available at Austin Vintage Guitars, has his favorite tone among electrics, which he generally prefers with a little bite.
In this video RHODES is seen playing a Gibson ES-125, which seems to be a 1958 model since it only holds one P90 pickup.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1950's Gibson ES-125, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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