1958 Gibson ES-225

$2,500.00 Price Tier: High-end

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2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

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5.0 (7)

$2,500.00 42 available Used

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Average Price: $2,500

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, 1958 Gibson ES-225 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step back in time with the 1958 Gibson ES-225, a classic semi-hollowbody electric guitar that captures the essence of vintage rock and roll. Known for its innovative design, the ES-225 combines both elegance and functionality, making it a staple for musicians seeking a distinctive sound. This model features a single P-90 pickup, delivering that unmistakable, warm tone that has defined countless hit records. The ES-225 is celebrated for its versatile sound profile, allowing players to shift seamlessly from smooth jazz to gritty blues with ease.

The guitar's laminated maple body not only enhances its resonance but also contributes to its lightweight build, making it comfortable for extended performances. Its rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, and the unique trapeze tailpiece adds a touch of vintage flair while maintaining tuning stability. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a collector of iconic instruments, the 1958 Gibson ES-225 is a testament to Gibson's legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant sound
Single P-90 pickup for versatile tonal range
Laminated maple body for enhanced resonance
Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Trapeze tailpiece for vintage aesthetic and tuning stability
Vintage-inspired craftsmanship, ideal for collectors and performers alike

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-225T
Finish	Natural, Sunburst
Year	1955 - 1959
Made In	United States
Categories	Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material	Maple
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson ES-225
Model Sub-Family	Gibson ES-225T
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	S
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the 1958 Gibson ES-225 best suited for?: The 1958 Gibson ES-225 is well-suited for jazz, blues, and rockabilly due to its warm, resonant tone and P-90 pickup, which provides a rich, vintage sound.
What is the neck profile of the 1958 Gibson ES-225?: The 1958 Gibson ES-225 features a set mahogany neck with a comfortable rounded profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Does the 1958 Gibson ES-225 have a solid or laminated body?: The 1958 Gibson ES-225 has a laminated maple body, which contributes to its lightweight feel and distinctive tonal qualities.
How many pickups does the 1958 Gibson ES-225 have, and what type are they?: The 1958 Gibson ES-225 is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, which is known for its clear, punchy sound and versatility across different music genres.
Is the 1958 Gibson ES-225 a good choice for beginner guitarists?: While the 1958 Gibson ES-225 offers excellent playability and tone, its vintage nature and historical value make it more suitable for experienced players and collectors.

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional tone versatility with single P-90 pickup, ranging from bright to deep
Beautiful throaty response to finger sensitivity and dynamics
Lightweight design enhances comfort during long playing sessions
Silky smooth Bigsby tremolo offers unique playing experience
Easy fretboard access with a comfortable, perfectly crafted neck
Handles overdrive and pedal effects impressively well
Attractive vintage aesthetic, especially in Sunburst finish
Resonant harmonic feedback creates orchestral soundscapes
Commands attention as a vintage instrument with a distinguished presence

CONS

Bridge and tailpiece design may hinder palm muting
Pickup location might not suit all playing styles
Potential for feedback due to hollow body design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1958 Gibson ES-225.

Build quality

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The ES-225T from 1958 is known for its durable necks, appreciated by users for their comfortable playability.
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The late production models of the ES-225 were equipped with a different bridge setup, reflecting Gibson's experimentation before discontinuation.
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Features and functionality

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The ES-225T has a thinline design, which contributes to its distinctive single pickup configuration, notably less valuable than the dual P90 version in natural finish.
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The 1959 ES-225 has a single P-90 pickup positioned in the middle, contributing to its unique tonal characteristics.
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Later models of the ES-225 featured a normal bridge instead of the original one-piece wrap-around bridge tailpiece.
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Value and pricing

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These guitars, particularly the single pickup model from 1958, are valued around $3,000+, with higher demand for rarer color combinations.
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User experience

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Owners report that although the finish may crack over time, it doesn't affect the guitar's functionality or sound quality.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some guitars, like a 1959 ES-125T, may require neck resets despite looking visually appealing, indicating potential maintenance needs.
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Comparisons

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By the end of its production, the ES-225 was transitioning in design before being replaced by the ES-330.
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Use cases and applications

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The ES-225 is noted for producing a magical sound, particularly appreciated for jazz and blues styles.
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Critic Reviews

The Gibson ES-225 Remains One of the Most Overlooked Golden Era Guitars | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The 1958 Gibson ES-225 is a hidden gem in the vintage guitar world, combining thinline body design with P-90 pickups for a surprisingly fierce rock sound. Its laminated maple body and unique trapeze tailpiece contribute to its rich, sustaining tones. While it doesn’t reach the iconic status of the ES-335, it offers a compelling mix of traditional and innovative features at a more accessible price point. However, its scarcity and the need for potential refretting may pose challenges for collectors. Overall, it's a great vintage bargain for those who appreciate its unique qualities.

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The history of the ES-225 – the last affordable 1950s Gibson guitar? | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

A delightful throwback to Gibson's innovative 1950s era, the 1958 Gibson ES-225 is applauded for its blend of historic charm and affordability. This transitional model, often overshadowed by the likes of the ES-335, offers a compact, feedback-resistant design with its thinline body and maple block that enhances sustain and tonal balance. While the single-pickup version may be limiting for some, the dual-pickup variant shines with its versatility across jazz, blues, and rock genres. The original trapeze bridge is praised for its superior tone and sustain compared to later modifications. However, potential buyers should ensure the originality of components due to historical parts pilfering. Despite rising prices, the ES-225 remains a vintage gem worth considering for its distinctive character and playability.

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Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

As seen on his official website, Joe has a classic 1958 Gibson ES-225 in his collection.

Ritchie Valens

Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Ritchie Valens is seen playing a Gibson ES-225, specifically a 1957 sunburst model, in several photos, including one from his appearance on the Ted Randal show. While the guitar in the original submission is a 1958 sunburst model, it closely resembles the one he actually used.