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Average Price: $1,850
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$1201+
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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
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What kind of music is the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T best suited for?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T?
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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.
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What type of pickups does the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T have?
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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.
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How does the body material of the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T affect its sound?
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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.
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Is the 1965 Gibson ES 125-T suitable for beginners?
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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.
Videos
Jake Wildwood & Co
1965 Gibson ES-125T hollowbody electric guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality even for a vintage student model
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P-90 pickup offers versatile, rich, and full-bodied tone
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Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions
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Inspires creativity with its unique tonal character
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Vintage sunburst finish adds timeless aesthetic appeal
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Warm, resonant acoustic tone without needing amplification
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Thin 1960s neck profile is comfortable and easy to play
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Ideal for jazz and blues with its woody, acoustic-like sound
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Offers vintage Gibson charm at a reasonable price
CONS
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More fragile than other, heavier models
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Tuning stability issues, particularly with the G-string
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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
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The ES-125 was made of plywood with veneer, which some owners feel doesn't appeal to hard-core vintage collectors.
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Features and functionality
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Known for having an amazing neck and fast action, making it a standout among student-grade instruments.
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Value and pricing
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ES-125 models are priced around $1,500 to $3,000, depending on condition, with exceptionally clean ones fetching higher prices.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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Owners with multiple guitars note that the ES-125's P-90 sound is exceptional, even compared to their other P-90 equipped guitars.
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Owners emphasize the sentimental value of keeping the ES-125 as a family heirloom, with personal stories enhancing the emotional connection to this instrument.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Mentioned in this Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1709225532485737&set=pcb.1709228395818784
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
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.
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