Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,750
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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High-end
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Description
Discover the timeless elegance and resonant charm of the Gibson ES-125 TDC, a masterpiece that harmonizes the vintage with the modern. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar, with its sharp Florentine cutaway and rich, warm tones, is a testament to Gibson's legacy of quality craftsmanship. Equipped with two P-90 pickups, it offers a versatile sound palette that can navigate through genres, from jazz to rock, with ease. Perfect for the musician who appreciates the nuances of a classic design blended with superior sound quality, the ES-125 TDC stands out as a distinguished choice in your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design for a rich, resonant tone
- Sharp Florentine cutaway for easy access to higher frets
- Equipped with two P-90 pickups for a versatile sound range
- Timeless design, reflecting Gibson's legacy of quality craftsmanship
- Perfect for a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to rock
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-125TDC |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1960 - 1970 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single 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 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-125TDC |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What does the "TDC" in Gibson ES-125 TDC stand for?
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The "TDC" in Gibson ES-125 TDC stands for Thinline, Dual pickups, and Cherry finish, indicating its design features and aesthetic.
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What type of pickups does the Gibson ES-125 TDC have?
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The Gibson ES-125 TDC features dual P-90 Pro single-coil pickups, known for their bright, punchy tone suitable for a variety of music genres.
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Is the Gibson ES-125 TDC suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-125 TDC is well-suited for jazz due to its hollow body design and warm, rich sound produced by its P-90 pickups.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson ES-125 TDC?
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The Gibson ES-125 TDC is constructed with a laminated maple top, back, and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its classic tone and durability.
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How does the Gibson ES-125 TDC differ from a solid body guitar?
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The Gibson ES-125 TDC, being a hollow body guitar, offers a warmer, more resonant tone with natural acoustic properties, unlike solid body guitars which tend to have a sharper, more focused sound.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson ES-125TDC
Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1961 Gibson ES-125TDC
Normans Rare Guitars
Ariel Posen playing our 1960 Gibson ES-125TDC at Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
David Hidalgo from Los Lobos playing a 1964 Gibson ES-125TDC at Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Gibson ES-125 TDC (1965) Maple at The Fellowship of Acoustics
The Fellowship of Acoustics
1963 Gibson ES-125 TDC
ATB Guitars
Gibson ES-125 TDC with Bigsby from 1962 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann
Vintage Guitar Oldenburg
1961 Gibson ES-125 TDC and 1961 Fender Tremolux
Emerald City Guitars
1965 Gibson ES 125 TDC P90's
Lawman Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone reminiscent of the classic Gibson sound
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Unique maestro and metal bridge enhance playability
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Rare vintage model adds collectible value
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P90 pickups deliver rich, dynamic sound
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Sounds impressive even unplugged, similar to a vintage acoustic guitar
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Offers excellent value for a 1960s Gibson guitar
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-125 TDC.
Build quality
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Serial numbers with a 5-digit color-dyed code starting with 42 are likely from 1961-1962, indicating production in the Kalamazoo factory.
Source -
The ES-125 is noted for its low-end design, featuring plywood with veneer, which some collectors avoid in favor of higher-end models like the ES-350.
Source
Setup and maintenance
User experience
Use cases and applications
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The Gibson ES-125 TDC is described as a "weapon" when plugged in, suggesting powerful performance suited for live play.
Source -
Often seen as an affordable entry into vintage guitars, the ES-125 is popular among jazz students, providing a sense of prestige over more common brands in educational settings.
Source
Value and pricing
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The ES-125 is considered a common model, with prices typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on condition and originality.
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Despite being out of production, the ES-125 is not considered rare due to its long production run and high sales volume, keeping prices relatively accessible compared to other vintage Gibsons.
Source
Features and functionality
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The ES-125 was originally a student-grade instrument but is praised for its exceptional neck and low, fast action, making it comparable to modern jazz guitars.
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The ES-125's P90 pickup is praised for delivering a soft, mellow tone reminiscent of the sound associated with high-end jazz guitars.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Izzy Stradlin likely used the Gibson ES-125 TDC, as seen in a user-uploaded photo, during the recording of "Appetite for Destruction." This connection is referenced in Guitar Magazine, September 1988.
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I found that Thorogood uses a Gibson ES-125 through the interview in the link. However, whenever I looked up "Gibson ES-125", majority of the results weren't what I'm used to seeing him play. I found a photo of a variant, which contained a single cutaway and 2 dogear P90's. This confirmed that it was a TDC variant of the ES-125.
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-125 TDC 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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