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Gibson ES-135 Electric Guitar

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$1,499.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (9)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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3 community setups

9 wishlisted

28 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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5.0 (36)

$1,499.99 17 available Used

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Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Gibson ES-135 Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Gibson ES-135 Electric Guitar stands as a testament to versatility and musical expression, merging the best elements of its semi-hollowbody siblings. Designed for musicians who crave both rich jazz tones and the bite of rockabilly, the ES-135 offers a dynamic sound palette that suits a wide range of genres. Its dual humbuckers deliver a warm resonance and clarity that can seamlessly transition from a soulful blues jam to a high-energy rock performance.

The guitar's construction, featuring a laminated maple body and a mahogany neck, provides a comfortable playability with a robust sound that resonates with depth and character. Its rosewood fretboard ensures smooth and rapid finger movements, allowing musicians to express their creativity effortlessly. With its classic Gibson craftsmanship, the ES-135 not only sounds exceptional but also boasts an aesthetic that embodies timeless elegance.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson ES-135 is an instrument that will inspire your playing and captivate your audience.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for a versatile sound
Dual humbucker pickups for warm and clear tones
Laminated maple body with a mahogany neck
Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
Suitable for a variety of music styles, from jazz to rockabilly

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-135
Finish	Blueburst, Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year	1991 - 2003
Made In	United States
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson ES-135
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson ES-135 best suited for?: The Gibson ES-135 is versatile, excelling in jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its semi-hollow body design, which provides a warm, resonant tone with reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars.
How does the pickup configuration on the Gibson ES-135 affect its sound?: The Gibson ES-135 features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, offering a rich, full-bodied sound with reduced noise, making it ideal for achieving classic rock and blues tones.
What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-135 like?: The Gibson ES-135 has a set-neck construction that typically provides a comfortable, rounded neck profile, offering smooth playability suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Is the Gibson ES-135 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Gibson ES-135's semi-hollow body design and robust construction make it well-suited for live performances, providing a balanced tone with minimal feedback.
Does the Gibson ES-135 come in different finishes?: The Gibson ES-135 is available in various finishes, including Blueburst, Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Vintage Sunburst, and Wine Red, allowing players to choose a style that matches their aesthetic preference.

Videos

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The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson ES-135 | 2001 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson 1996 ES-135 Sunburst Hollowbody Electric Guitar Preowed

DW Music

Gibson ES-135 Review & All The Guitars I Have For Sale Right Now!

Rich Severson

Is The Gibson ES 135 Any Good?

Cryptic Mask Guitar

2000 Gibson ES-135 LTD. Edition / w. PAF Pickups Part1

GregsGuitars

1994 Gibson ES 135 Wine Red - Aynsley Lister for Jordan Guitars

Jordan Guitars

Adjusting Gibson P100 and P90 Pickups on a ES-135

That Guitar Guy

1996 Gibson ES-135 P100 Guitar

That Guitar Guy

Today's Thunder Road Quick Riff: 1995 Gibson ES-135 P90 Cherry

Thunder Road Guitars

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile tones for blues, jazz, and oldies with P90 and mini humbucker pickups
Lighter and more resonant than a Gibson ES-335
Chunky neck offering room for complex jazz chords
Center block reduces feedback without compromising resonance
Solid, balanced feel with substantial weight, not overly heavy
Excellent craftsmanship with high-quality hardware
Unique balsa center block for lighter weight and distinct tone
P90 pickups provide a vibey, ghostly tone
Attractive design with sultry color options

CONS

Stock Gibson pickups may not meet all expectations
Factory frets can be high and thin, may require refretting
Less sustain than a Gibson ES-335 or Les Paul

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-135 Electric Guitar.

Use cases and applications

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The ES-135 is praised for its versatility, performing well in both rhythm and lead roles within country and blues-rock contexts.
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With flatwound strings, the ES-135 can achieve a desirable jazz tone, suitable for those aiming for a sound similar to Joe Pass or Grant Green.
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Value and pricing

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The ES-135 offers great value, often being priced lower than similar Gibson models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
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The ES-135 is described as a "sleeper" model, offering one of the best value-for-money options among Gibson's lineup according to seasoned owners.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the ES-135's tone, which is described as fuller than a Fender and less muddy than a Les Paul when playing blues and blues-rock.
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Owners who have used the ES-135 for many years, like a 1991 model with P90s, attest to its reliability and lasting appeal as a favorite instrument.
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Comparisons

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The ES-135's weight should be checked in-store, as some Gibson models can be heavy, potentially affecting comfort during long sessions.
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The ES-135's neck is more C-shaped, providing better ergonomics and comfort compared to the thicker U-shaped neck of the ES-175.
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The ES-135 is noted for being semi-hollow, offering a closer jazz sound compared to other semi-hollows like the ES-335.
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The ES-275 offers a fully hollow design with a 15” upper bout and 2.25” depth, potentially serving as an alternative for those seeking a thinner archtop.
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The ES-135 with P90s or P100s offers a unique tonal texture, distinct from the humbucker-equipped versions, appealing to players who love Gibson's P-90 sound.
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Features and functionality

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The ES-135 typically features '57 Classic pickups, appreciated for their ability to produce a hybrid tone between a full archtop and a Les Paul/335.
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The ES-135 is known for its loud acoustic volume despite being a semi-hollow guitar with a center block, enhancing its unplugged playability.
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Build quality

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Some users find the ES-135 heavy, which can affect comfort during extended play sessions.
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Guitars from the Memphis factory, like some ES-135s, are highlighted for exceptional craftsmanship and finish quality.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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marcos_orozco

222

over 10 years ago

Amazing.

My most recent acquisition. Picked it up at my local guitar store. I had been obsessing over owning one for quite some time and when I learned that it had just come in the day before, I just knew I had to take it home with me. I'm so glad I did. It rules so hard. Semi-hollow body + single-cut + P90's = perfect guitar tone for me. Prior to this, I had tried out a blueburst 137 Classic and it doesn't even compare to the 135. Mine is in black finish.