Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,850

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The 1965 Gibson ES 125-T is a remarkable piece of musical history that brings the world of archtop guitars to life with its distinctive thinline body. Crafted during a golden era of guitar manufacturing, this vintage semi-hollowbody is a true testament to Gibson's innovative spirit and craftsmanship. Designed with a single, yet powerful, P-90 pickup, the ES 125-T delivers a warm, articulate tone that has captivated musicians for decades. Its lightweight build makes it comfortable to play for extended periods, while maintaining the robust and resonant sound that archtops are celebrated for.

This guitar's understated elegance is complemented by its classic F-holes, which not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its unique acoustic qualities. Whether you're a collector seeking a piece of history or a musician looking for a reliable and character-filled instrument, the ES 125-T offers both in spades. Its legacy in shaping the sound of countless genres, from jazz to blues, makes it an invaluable addition to any guitarist's arsenal. Experience the timeless allure and sonic versatility of the Gibson ES 125-T, and let its rich heritage inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Thinline semi-hollowbody design
  • Single Gibson P-90 pickup
  • Classic F-holes for enhanced acoustic properties
  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing sessions
  • Vintage craftsmanship from Gibson's storied era

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 1965 Gibson ES 125-T best suited for?

The 1965 Gibson ES 125-T is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly due to its warm, resonant tones and hollow body design, which offer rich sound and excellent playability for these genres.

What is the neck profile like on the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T?

The 1965 Gibson ES 125-T features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience with a scale length of 24.75 inches, making it easy to navigate for various playing styles.

What type of pickups does the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T have?

The 1965 Gibson ES 125-T is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for its bright, clear tone and versatility, making it suitable for a range of musical styles from clean jazz to gritty blues.

How does the body material of the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T affect its sound?

The maple body of the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T contributes to its bright and articulate sound, enhancing the guitar's resonance and sustain, which is characteristic of its hollow body design.

Is the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T suitable for beginners?

While the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T offers excellent playability and sound quality, its vintage nature and specific tonal characteristics might be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with hollow body guitars.

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

1965 Gibson ES-125T hollowbody electric guitar

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-125T hollowbody electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1965 Gibson ES-125T hollowbody electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for Willie discusses the '65 ES-125T by williesguitars

Willie discusses the '65 ES-125T

williesguitars

williesguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality even for a vintage student model

  • P-90 pickup offers versatile, rich, and full-bodied tone

  • Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Inspires creativity with its unique tonal character

  • Vintage sunburst finish adds timeless aesthetic appeal

  • Warm, resonant acoustic tone without needing amplification

  • Thin 1960s neck profile is comfortable and easy to play

  • Ideal for jazz and blues with its woody, acoustic-like sound

  • Offers vintage Gibson charm at a reasonable price

CONS

  • More fragile than other, heavier models

  • Tuning stability issues, particularly with the G-string

  • Full hollow body can lead to feedback in live settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1965 Gibson ES 125-T.

Build quality

  • The ES-125 was made of plywood with veneer, which some owners feel doesn't appeal to hard-core vintage collectors.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for having an amazing neck and fast action, making it a standout among student-grade instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • ES-125 models are priced around $1,500 to $3,000, depending on condition, with exceptionally clean ones fetching higher prices.

    Source
  • An appraisal from 15 years ago valued a 1940s ES-125 at $2,000; current appraisals suggest values can reach $3,500, highlighting potential appreciation over time.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Often considered a great entry-level jazz guitar, popular among students for its vintage appeal.

    Source
  • Some owners actively gig with their vintage ES-125s, indicating reliability and performance even in modern live settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners with multiple guitars note that the ES-125's P-90 sound is exceptional, even compared to their other P-90 equipped guitars.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize the sentimental value of keeping the ES-125 as a family heirloom, with personal stories enhancing the emotional connection to this instrument.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's been noted that original electronics can still function well over time, as one owner continues gigging with their ES-125 without issues.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how William Reid uses 1965 Gibson ES 125-T

William Reid

Guitarist

The Jesus and Mary Chain

...
Verified via YouTube

William Used this guitar while playing head on At a 1989 uk TV show

See how Sir Richard Bishop uses 1965 Gibson ES 125-T

Sir Richard Bishop

Guitarist, Composer

Sun City Girls

...
Verified via Photo
See how Jacob Graham uses 1965 Gibson ES 125-T

Jacob Graham

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Drums

...
Verified via YouTube

Jacob has been using the guitar through out 2009-2011. He uses it most on The Drums debut album era. You can see him play songs like “Best Friend”,” Me And The Moon” and more

J

Jimi Hocking

Guitarist

Screaming Jets

...
Verified via Jimihocking

Jimi: This non-cutaway 125 is an absolute killer, and is one of my most important instruments. During the Give Jimi Some Love! period, I was playing in a lot of 'outside' keys for a guitar player (B, C, Ab), so I really didn't miss the cutaway.

I ended up playing her full on for some time, when a health problem had me searching for a light weight guitar with a big sound. She really challenged many of my construction preconceptions... I mean she is completely hollow but I can get everything from T Bone to Hendrix out of her! I always thought you needed solid wood for that. Somehow in my mind my the 175 and 125 are the Uncles of the Les Paul-shaped top, good balance (with a single cutaway), traditional Gibson neck and thick harmonic tone.

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 1965 Gibson ES 125-T, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Les Paul 1973
Gibson Les Paul 1973 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
1987 Gibson SG 'Standard' (aka 'Shuji')
1987 Gibson SG 'Standard' (aka 'Shuji') Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
1996 Grubisa Telecaster
1996 Grubisa Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973)
Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (1973) Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive
Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Overdrive Effects Pedals
1

More Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    aj_colman
    aj_colman

    Gear IQ 161