Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,299
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Description
Introducing the Gibson B-25, the perfect blend of classic design and tonal richness. Crafted with mahogany back and sides and crowned with a spruce top, this guitar offers a warm, resonant sound that will please the most discerning ear. It's designed to bridge the gap between student and mid-level players, offering a playing experience that is as rewarding as it is comfortable. With a look that pays homage to its vintage roots and a sound that resonates with modern appeal, the Gibson B-25 is a versatile performer that fits comfortably in any musical setting.
Key Features:
- Mahogany back and sides for a rich, warm tone
- Spruce top for added tonal clarity and dynamic response
- Designed for both student and mid-level players
- Classic design with modern appeal
- Versatile performer for various musical styles.
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Gibson B-25 |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1962 - 1977 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson B-25 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era, Gibson Norlin Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the Gibson B-25's body?
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The Gibson B-25 features a mahogany body with a solid spruce top, providing a warm and resonant tone ideal for a variety of musical styles.
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Is the Gibson B-25 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Gibson B-25's concert body shape and responsive spruce top make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and balance across the strings.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson B-25 like?
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The Gibson B-25 typically has a comfortable, narrow neck profile with a 1 5/8" nut width, especially in models produced after 1965, making it accessible for players with smaller hands.
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Does the Gibson B-25 have a pickup system?
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No, the Gibson B-25 is a traditional acoustic guitar without a built-in pickup system, focusing on pure acoustic sound.
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How does the Gibson B-25 compare to larger-bodied guitars in terms of sound?
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The Gibson B-25's concert-sized body offers a more focused and intimate sound compared to larger dreadnoughts, with less bass but greater midrange clarity.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
LEMMO DEMO: 1968 Gibson B-25 $1695 | "My Affordable Favorites"
Reviews
PROS
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Unique old story teller sound ideal for vintage or cowboy music
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Small body and thin neck enhance playability and comfort
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Excellent for both fingerpicking and strumming styles
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Affordable entry into vintage guitar ownership
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Rich, complex sound with chimey overtones
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Smooth neck and wonderful intonation for a smaller guitar
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Incredible mid-range clarity distinct from other acoustics
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Vintage appeal with matured wood adding depth to sound
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Durable with great intonation despite being a vintage model
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Rescuing and restoring potential for damaged guitars
CONS
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Potential for structural issues like cracks or broken components
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Heavier than some players might expect from a smaller guitar
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Risk of purchasing with undisclosed damage or wear
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson B-25.
Setup and maintenance
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John Pearse nickel strings and Martin monels are recommended for their bright, rich sound on vintage Gibson B-25s.
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Consider using silk and steel or silked phosphor bronze strings for reduced tension; they offer a subdued yet rich tone.
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Some owners consider replacing the plywood 1/4” bridge plate for improved tonal quality, though not all opt for this modification.
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Comparisons
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Owners find the B-25's sound quality surpasses that of the Gibson Hummingbird, even in mint condition.
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User experience
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Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum strings may sound too 'thuddy' on warm, gentle-sounding guitars like the B-25; Thomastik-Infeld Spectrums provide more vibrancy while retaining warmth.
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Build quality
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The plastic bridge on some B-25s may only serve to hold pins, potentially leading to buzzing if the sheet metal screws become loose.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this 2008 photo of Smith performing with Peter Stroud, he is visible playing the Gibson B-25.
In this YouTube Vidéo : - at 37:30, Jimmy Gnecco confirms that his [Gibson B-25] is from 1968. - at 41:45 he explains that he bought it at the Chicago Music Exchange, where the shop installed a pickup for him and replaced the saddle at the same time. - at 43:00 he explains that Zoe Bonham bought him ivory pegs as a gift in a guitar shop in LA to replace the previous ones. - at 44:00 he tells he went everywhere with this guitar for the last 20 years
In this The Songbook episode, Zella Day says:
Guitar is sort of my tool in order to do that thing, and I can take it with me anywhere. I have other guitars, newer guitars, but this B-25. I've become sort of superstitious with it, and that's probably a part of my process now too is this guitar and I'm like only the best songs are written on this guitar. So it kind of is, you know, my baby.
In this picture Merritt can be seen using her main acoustuc guitar, a1969 B-25, which she calls "Little Red". About her B-25 Merritt said: "I love old Gibsons from the 60s – they are great strumming guitars, warm and rich and just right for playing rhythm. The fretboards are also pretty thin and I have small hands so it just suits me." (Interview with Acoustic Magazine in 2013: http://www.acousticmagazine.com/interviews/tift-merritt-sweet-spot/)
Blues musician Johnny Shines is shown using a Gibson B-25 acoustic guitar in the image titled "maxresdefault.jpg," provided by Ytimg.
In this photo, Jaime Wyatt can be seen holding a Gibson B-25. This is also confirmed by an artist spotlight feature on the official Gibson website, where she says
My 1964 Gibson B-25 acoustic is my main guitar for performing and writing. I love its midrange punchiness yet warm brightness. It’s a great strummer, and fingerpicking on it sounds so lovely.
Album Usage
The Gibson B-25 has been featured on the following albums:
A New England
Green Day & Billie Joe Armstrong (2020)
Where Does The Devil Hide
Zella Day (2020)
As You Were (Deluxe Edition)
Liam Gallagher (2017)
Kill City (Restored Edition)
Iggy Pop & Iggy Pop & James Williamson (2010)
American Idiot (Deluxe)
Green Day (2004)
Raw Power (50th Anniversary Legacy Edition)
The Stooges (1973)
Led Zeppelin II (Remaster)
Led Zeppelin (1969)
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 B-25, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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