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Average Price: $1,900
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Description
Step back in time with the Gibson ES-125, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that effortlessly blends vintage allure with modern versatility. Originally introduced in 1941, this classic instrument has been a staple for musicians who appreciate its rich tonal character and timeless design. The P-90 pickup, a hallmark of the ES-125, delivers a warm, dynamic sound that can sing sweetly or growl with authority, making it an ideal companion for a wide array of musical genres. Its aesthetically pleasing dot inlays and trapezoid fret markers add a touch of elegance to its already stunning visual appeal.
The ES-125 is celebrated for its exceptional playability and comfort, with a wider body that enhances resonance and sustain. Whether you're strumming soulful blues or rocking out on stage, this guitar's responsive tone controls offer a broad palette of sonic possibilities. Over the decades, it has been favored by iconic artists like George Thorogood and Sheryl Crow, who have harnessed its unique voice to craft unforgettable melodies.
Perfect for both vintage guitar enthusiasts and contemporary players looking for a distinctive sound, the Gibson ES-125 is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history reimagined for today's performers.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design
- Classic P-90 pickup for versatile tones
- Dot inlays and trapezoid fret markers
- Volume and tone knobs for precise sound control
- Favored by legendary musicians like George Thorogood and Sheryl Crow
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-125 |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1946 - 1949 |
| 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-125 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| 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 is the neck profile like on the Gibson ES-125?
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The Gibson ES-125 features a comfortable mahogany neck with a set-neck construction, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various styles, from jazz to blues.
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What type of music is the Gibson ES-125 best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-125 is ideal for jazz, blues, and rockabilly, offering warm, resonant tones typical of hollow body guitars, thanks to its single-coil pickup and maple body.
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How does the Gibson ES-125's single-coil pickup affect its sound?
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The single-coil pickup on the Gibson ES-125 delivers a bright, clear tone with excellent articulation, making it perfect for clean jazz chords and bluesy solos.
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Is the Gibson ES-125 suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson ES-125 is a classic instrument with great sound quality, its vintage design and specific tonal characteristics are often more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with hollow body guitars.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson ES-125, and how does it affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-125 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which offers a slightly shorter reach, making it easier for players to perform bends and complex chord shapes comfortably.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Sarah Rogo playing our 1957 Gibson ES-125 at Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-125.
Setup and maintenance
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Some guitars from the 50s may have high action and require setup adjustments, though this varies between individual instruments.
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Humidified bags, like the D'Addario Humidipak, are recommended to maintain the guitar's condition in changing climates.
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Factory Order Numbers inside the guitar, visible with a light and mirror, are crucial for dating pre-1961 ES-125s, which lack serial numbers on the headstock.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the ES-150, the ES-125 has a smaller sound, with some preferring the larger body and longer scale length of the ES-150.
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Features and functionality
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Variants include full depth, thinline, single or dual pickups, and cutaway or non-cutaway options, offering a range of tonal and physical configurations.
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The ES-125 features a floating bridge with adjustable knobs for altering resonance, not to be confused with the fretboard.
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The absence of a serial number on the back of the headstock is common for ES-125s from the early 60s, aiding in age identification.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for achieving the vintage 50s/60s jazz sound akin to Jim Hall or Kenny Burrell, with a warm and clear P-90 presence.
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Value and pricing
User experience
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Owners appreciate the P-90 pickup for its rich, clean low-end tone, especially when paired with flat wound strings.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton remarked that he loves this model of guitar. He bought this instrument in Atlanta and is featured playing it on the promotional video of Motherless Child 1994.
This twitter post from the smile shows Johnny Greenwood playing a Gibson Es-125.
Gary Clarkâs guitar tech, Dave Holman on the Gibson ES-125:
âItâs basically flat wound strings so that it has that antique sound but yet with a modern pickup with a Piezo (P90) put at the bottom of it. This oneâs my favorite. If I had a choice, this one is my favorite, absolutely. When he plays this he usually wonât play with the full band, heâll just play it by himself and you just get a sense of Gary.â
In this image, taken from Coldplayâs Christmas Lights video, we see Jonny performing with a single-pickup Gibson ES-125 in sunburst
In an interview with Premier Guitar, Bill Frisell discusses his use of the Gibson ES-125.
In the video of Dallas performing at the Juno awards, he is playing a Gibson ES-125
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-125 has been featured on the following albums:
Horror
Bartees Strange (2025)
Motherless Child (Live at the Fillmore, San Francisco, 1994)
Eric Clapton (2022)
THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
Pup (2022)
Waiting / Kill Something
Pup (2021)
Adore Life
Savages (2016)
A Special Life
John Mayall (2014)
Blue
Third Eye Blind (1999)
Double Nickels on the Dime
Minutemen (1984)
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 ES-125, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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