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Average Price: $1,850
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Description
Embrace the heritage of Gibson with the ES-125T, a beacon in the realm of semi-hollowbody electric guitars. With its slender, thinline archtop design, this guitar not only offers a comfortable playing experience but also serves as a gateway to the rich, warm tones that have defined genres. At its heart lies the renowned Gibson P-90 pickup, delivering that unmistakable vintage sound that's as versatile as it is vibrant. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a rock enthusiast, the ES-125T provides a unique blend of playability and tonal quality that stands out in a crowded field of electric guitars.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design for a comfortable playing experience with less feedback
- Single Gibson P-90 pickup offers a range of classic tones
- Vintage-inspired look that pays homage to Gibson's rich history
- Ideal for a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to rock
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-125T |
| Finish | Cherry Sunburst, Sunburst |
| Year | 1956 - 1969 |
| 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 | Brown, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-125 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-125T |
| 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
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What kind of music is the Gibson ES-125T best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-125T is versatile but particularly excels in jazz and blues genres due to its warm, rich tone and hollow body design, which enhances resonance and sustain.
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How does the Gibson ES-125T handle feedback compared to other hollow body guitars?
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The ES-125T, with its thinline body design, offers improved feedback resistance compared to full-depth hollow body guitars, making it more suitable for higher volume settings.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-125T like?
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The Gibson ES-125T features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, making it easy to play for extended periods, which is ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Is the Gibson ES-125T suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson ES-125T is a high-quality instrument, its vintage nature and unique features may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its capabilities.
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What type of pickup does the Gibson ES-125T have, and what tones does it produce?
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The Gibson ES-125T is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, delivering a bright and punchy tone with a strong midrange presence, perfect for cutting through a mix in live or studio settings.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson ES-125T, and how does it affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-125T has a 24.75" scale length, offering a slightly looser string tension which facilitates easier bending and contributes to a warmer overall tone.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1957 Gibson ES-125T played by JD Simo
Reviews
PROS
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Vintage Gibson mystique at a reasonable price point
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P90 pickup offers versatile and rich tones
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Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions
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Inspires creativity with its unique sound characteristics
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Excellent craftsmanship and material quality
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Thin neck profile is comfortable for smaller hands
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Naturally warm, resonant acoustic tone
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Suitable for jazz, blues, and acoustic-style music
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Effective tone and volume controls offer adaptability
CONS
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Tuning stability issues, especially with the G-string
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Feels more fragile compared to heavier guitars
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Prone to feedback in high-gain settings due to full hollow body
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-125T.
Build quality
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The ES-125T from 1956-1961 remains structurally consistent, lacking dual pickups and cutaways, highlighting its minimalist, classic design during that period.
Source -
A small black paint splotch under the clear coat may indicate a factory second, but it doesn't affect structural integrity or sound quality.
Source
Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Determining fair pricing is challenging due to its condition and age; however, guitars from this era generally hold significant vintage value despite minor cosmetic flaws.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Thomastik Infeld JS111 flat wound strings are recommended by owners to enhance the ES-125T's acoustic tone, making it ideal for unplugged playing.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
From 1959, and acquired some time in 2000. Probably used in studio for There There, and used for every non-acoustic live performance of that song. Also used live with Radiohead for In Limbo in 2001 only, Spooks, and for Street Spirit since 2008.
Sold on Reverb.com in 2017.
This Gibson 1959 ES125T is part of the private collection of J Mascis.
The Gibson ES-125T was introduced in in 1956. It was presented as an alternate thinline version of the Gibson ES-125.
It was originally at the introductory Gibson price point. This guitar was largely considered a student or beginner guitar at the time. After 13 years of moderate success and popularity Gibson ultimately discontinued the ES-125T in 1969. With a 16 3/4" Laminated Maple Body topped with Gibson's classic Tobacco Sunburst this guitar bares a very familiar and vintage look. The classic vintage look of this instrument is only icing on the cake for this guitar. The Laminated Maple allows for an incredible tone before it is even plugged in. This body build creates a more accurate and controlled tone. It also allows the P90 pickup and vintage electronics and wiring to really shine.
Although considered a "Student" Model this guitar features fine appointments. These include a Brazilian Rosewood Fretboard, Pearl Dot Inlays, Mahogany Neck, Nickel Plated Tail Piece. It also had Kluson Deluxe tuners with white oval plastic buttons, height adjustable Brazilian Rosewood bridge. It's finished off with a Tortoise Pickguard, and a black plastic covered single coil, "dogear" P-90.
For a vintage instrument this 59 Gibson ES-125T is probably in the best condition of any guitar in J's shop. Excellent sound both plugged in and acoustic, this guitar will prove excellent on the stage, in the studio, on the couch or on the road. Some scuffing and rash on the top and bottom sides. There are several marks around the input jack. One small nick on the headstock. We have done our best to capture these in the photographs here on the listing. Pots are clean and date correct. Neck is straight as an arrow and a beautiful sunburst finish. Polish this badboy up and timewarp back to 1959.
Ships in an OHSC which (unfortunately) is missing the handle.
All items in J's Reverb Shop ship fully insured with a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity by J Mascis.
This was used on the studio version as well as live performances of Over The Falls in the 90's.
Looks to be a late '50s (based on the gold top hat knobs) ES-125T that Glen is using here.
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 Gibson ES-125T, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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