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Average Price: $2,533
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$500
$1201+
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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
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What type of music is the Gibson ES-120T best suited for?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-120T like?
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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.
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How does the single pickup configuration affect the sound of the Gibson ES-120T?
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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.
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Is the Gibson ES-120T suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-120T?
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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.
Videos
Elderly Instruments
Gibson ES-120T (1966) | Elderly Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Rich, mellow tone ideal for acoustic voicing and recording
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Melody Maker pickup offers clean, hi-fi sound through an amp
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High craftsmanship with vintage design elements
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Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions
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Slim neck profile enhances playability
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Vintage Bakelite electronics add historical charm
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Easy to mod, allowing for customization
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Entry-level vintage Gibson at a reasonable price
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Balanced acoustic tone suitable for singer/songwriters
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Robust enough for gigging despite its age
CONS
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Lower output pickup may struggle with over-driven tones
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Potential feedback due to hollow body construction
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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
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Check for a sunken top, a common issue with vintage Gibsons, which can be costly to repair.
Source
Features and functionality
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The pickup produces a sound similar to a fuller lipstick tube, not typically favored for jazz or blues.
Source
Value and pricing
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Priced at $850, these guitars generally sell for about $1400, making it a potential bargain.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
Ricardo Mollo usa una guitarra Gibson ES-120T para tocar Spaghetti del rock, en encuentro en el estudio y en algunas presentaciones en vivo.
Mirah was seen performing with a Gibson ES-120T at Baby’s All Right, as captured in a photo by orlybendavid on Instagram.
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.
In this article of Guitar Player, Jessie Mae Hemphill can be seen playing a Gibson ES-120T https://www.guitarplayer.com/players/girl-how-crazy-you-was-and-how-dangerous-it-was-blues-icon-jessie-mae-hemphill-looks-back-on-her-remarkable-life-in-music
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.
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