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Average Price: $1,850

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$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

What kind of music is the Gibson ES-125T best suited for?

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.

How does the Gibson ES-125T handle feedback compared to other hollow body guitars?

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.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-125T like?

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.

Is the Gibson ES-125T suitable for beginners?

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.

What type of pickup does the Gibson ES-125T have, and what tones does it produce?

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.

What is the scale length of the Gibson ES-125T, and how does it affect playability?

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.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1957 Gibson ES-125T played by JD Simo

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson ES-125T played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1957 Gibson ES-125T played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-125T from 1958 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson ES-125T from 1958 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-125 T by GregsGuitars

1959 Gibson ES-125 T

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for A lovely 1959 Gibson ES-125T by williesguitars

A lovely 1959 Gibson ES-125T

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Demo of a 1959 Gibson ES-125T by The Local Pickup

Demo of a 1959 Gibson ES-125T

The Local Pickup

The Local Pickup

Reviews

PROS

  • Vintage Gibson mystique at a reasonable price point

  • P90 pickup offers versatile and rich tones

  • Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Inspires creativity with its unique sound characteristics

  • Excellent craftsmanship and material quality

  • Thin neck profile is comfortable for smaller hands

  • Naturally warm, resonant acoustic tone

  • Suitable for jazz, blues, and acoustic-style music

  • Effective tone and volume controls offer adaptability

CONS

  • Tuning stability issues, especially with the G-string

  • Feels more fragile compared to heavier guitars

  • 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

  • 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

  • The absence of a serial number and stickers in the f-holes is typical for some models, complicating exact dating but not impacting playability or sound.

    Source
  • The "C" in ES-125TC indicates a cutaway, distinguishing it from other similar Gibson electric archtops.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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

  • 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

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is noted for its ability to evoke George Thorogood vibes, suggesting a strong suitability for blues-rock styles.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
erik_oldman

My first archtop

Sweet, mellow archtop, gets a gorgeous acoustic tone

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Gibson ES-125T

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood can be seen playing Gibson ES-125T in this post. (May 2023)

See how Thom Yorke uses Gibson ES-125T

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how J Mascis uses Gibson ES-125T

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via reverb.com

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.

See how Larry "Ler" LaLonde uses Gibson ES-125T

Larry "Ler" LaLonde

Guitarist

Primus

...
Verified via YouTube

This was used on the studio version as well as live performances of Over The Falls in the 90's.

See how Glen Hansard uses Gibson ES-125T

Glen Hansard

Singer, Guitarist

The Frames

...
Verified via YouTube

Looks to be a late '50s (based on the gold top hat knobs) ES-125T that Glen is using here.

See how Miles Michaud uses Gibson ES-125T

Miles Michaud

Singer, Guitarist

Allah-Las

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in this video, Michaud plays a https:1959 Gibson ES-125T

See how Dave Lincoln uses Gibson ES-125T

Dave Lincoln

Guitarist

James Davis

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Dave Lincoln discusses his Gibson ES-125T, expressing his infatuation with its jazz tones and questioning the tonal differences of various guitar body sizes when amplified.

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.

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hector_j_ayala

Gear IQ 61

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