Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,533

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson ES-120T is a classic piece of musical craftsmanship, designed to blend vintage charm with modern functionality. As a semi-hollowbody electric guitar, it delivers a warm, resonant tone that has appealed to a diverse range of musicians since its introduction. Its unique design features a laminated maple body with a mahogany neck, providing a balanced sound that's perfect for both rhythm and lead playing. The single-coil pickup is a standout feature, offering clarity and articulation that suits jazz, blues, and rock genres alike.

The ES-120T's simplicity is its strength. With a straightforward control layout of a single volume and tone knob, it allows players to easily dial in their desired sound without unnecessary complexity. Its lightweight construction ensures comfort during long playing sessions, making it a favorite among gigging musicians. The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, while the adjustable bridge ensures precise intonation.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the Gibson ES-120T offers a versatile playing experience that captures the essence of classic electric guitar tones. Its reliable build and timeless aesthetic make it a valuable addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance and warmth
  • Laminated maple body with mahogany neck
  • Single-coil pickup for clear and articulate sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Simple control layout with single volume and tone knobs
  • Lightweight construction for comfortable playing sessions
  • Adjustable bridge for precise intonation

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-120T
Finish Sunburst
Year 1961 - 1972
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
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-120
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 type of music is the Gibson ES-120T best suited for?

The Gibson ES-120T is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design, which offers a rich, vintage sound.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-120T like?

The Gibson ES-120T features a comfortable, slim neck profile that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

How does the single pickup configuration affect the sound of the Gibson ES-120T?

The single pickup on the Gibson ES-120T provides a clear and focused tone, emphasizing midrange frequencies, which is perfect for clean and expressive playing.

Is the Gibson ES-120T suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson ES-120T is a classic model favored by collectors and experienced players, its straightforward design and comfortable playability can also make it accessible to dedicated beginners.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-120T?

The Gibson ES-120T is known for its warm, mellow tones with a pronounced midrange, making it excellent for smooth, expressive playing in various musical styles.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Gibson ES-120T (1966) | Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-120T (1966) | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Gibson ES-120T (1966) | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for ATB Guitars | 1964 Gibson ES-120T by ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars | 1964 Gibson ES-120T

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-120T by Lawman Guitars

1965 Gibson ES-120T

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-120T played by Peter Hertmans @ Mojo Guitar ! by Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

1965 Gibson ES-120T played by Peter Hertmans @ Mojo Guitar !

Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

Vintage Guitars Mojoguitar

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson ES 120T "Sunburst" by Rumble Seat Music Nashville

1964 Gibson ES 120T "Sunburst"

Rumble Seat Music Nashville

Rumble Seat Music Nashville

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte DEMO - 1966 Gibson ES-120T by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte DEMO - 1966 Gibson ES-120T

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, mellow tone ideal for acoustic voicing and recording

  • Melody Maker pickup offers clean, hi-fi sound through an amp

  • High craftsmanship with vintage design elements

  • Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions

  • Slim neck profile enhances playability

  • Vintage Bakelite electronics add historical charm

  • Easy to mod, allowing for customization

  • Entry-level vintage Gibson at a reasonable price

  • Balanced acoustic tone suitable for singer/songwriters

  • Robust enough for gigging despite its age

CONS

  • Lower output pickup may struggle with over-driven tones

  • Potential feedback due to hollow body construction

  • Non-original tuners might be a concern for purists

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-120T.

Setup and maintenance

  • Check for a sunken top, a common issue with vintage Gibsons, which can be costly to repair.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickup produces a sound similar to a fuller lipstick tube, not typically favored for jazz or blues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Priced at $850, these guitars generally sell for about $1400, making it a potential bargain.

    Source

User experience

  • The ES-120T is described as an underrated guitar, appreciated by those who own it despite its lower popularity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1962 Gibson ES-120T Hollowbody Electric Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dallas Green uses Gibson ES-120T

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

Dallas begins using this guitar at 14:57 into this video and continues using it for the remainder of the set. He has always been a vintage guitar fan, I'm not sure of the year of this guitar but I know he has a 70s ES 335, a 62 and 66 Jazzmaster, and a 40s Martin. This seems to be a new addition to his vintage collection for 2019 and sounds amazing with whatever pedal board / amp rig he's using now. This show was live at CBC Studio 211 performed late 2019, video was released November 20th.

See how Ricardo Mollo uses Gibson ES-120T

Ricardo Mollo

Guitarist

Sumo

...
Verified via YouTube

Ricardo Mollo usa una guitarra Gibson ES-120T para tocar Spaghetti del rock, en encuentro en el estudio y en algunas presentaciones en vivo.

See how Mirah uses Gibson ES-120T

Mirah

Singer, Guitarist

The Microphones

...
Verified via Photo

Mirah was seen performing with a Gibson ES-120T at Baby’s All Right, as captured in a photo by orlybendavid on Instagram.

See how Steve Bartek uses Gibson ES-120T

Steve Bartek

Guitarist, Composer

Oingo Boingo

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Steve Bartek is seen playing a Gibson ES-120T alongside a friend.

See how Dan Croll uses Gibson ES-120T

Dan Croll

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

You can clearly see he is playing a Gibson ES-120T.

See how Steve Burns uses Gibson ES-120T

Steve Burns

Singer, Guitarist

Steve Burns + The Struggle

...
Verified via Photo

In the music video for “I Hog The Ground” from the TV series Jack’s Big Music Show (screenshot provided), Steve is seen playing a Gibson ES-120T.

See how Jessie Mae Hemphill uses Gibson ES-120T

Jessie Mae Hemphill

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitar Player
See how H‐Burns uses Gibson ES-120T

H‐Burns

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video H-Burns can be seen playing his '60s Gibson ES-120T.

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-120T has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for Gibson ES-120T, curated by the Equipboard community.

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